Guess who, in one sitting, ate ‘a hundred Ostend oysters, twelve cutlets of salt-meadow mutton, a duck with turnips, two partridges and a Normandy sole,’ along with desserts, fruit and liqueurs? It was Honore de Balzac; he died on this date in 1850.

The Delcambre (a small town about 20 miles southwest of Lafayette, la.) hosts its annual shrimp festival on the third week of August. I went to their site (www.shrimpfestival.net) today to get the schedule and list of what shrimp delights will be served and I almost jumped out of my desk chair! The music was so great I did a little Cajun two-step around my office. Got me in the mood to visit the small town to enjoy good LIVE Cajun music while I chomp down on boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp sauce piquante and other shrimp dishes! Allons!

On this day, one year ago, Julia Child died - 2 days before her 92nd birthday. Julia was American cooking icon, cookbook author, TV Cooking show host, and beloved teacher.

According to foodreference.com the folowing folk all had one thing in common: Shakespeare, Louis XV, the ancient Roman poet Horace, King Alfonso XI of Castile, Thomas Nash, ancient Greek Priestesses, and Egyptian priests all hated garlic.

On this day in 1974 the world lost Mama Cass Elliot, though not to a ham sandwich as has been rumored. Mama Cass actually died from a heart attack. Also on this date in 1964 Buffalo, New York declared this date “Chicken Wing Day” in honor of the famous Buffalo Chicken Wings created by Teressa Bellissimo. Last, but far from least, today is National Lasagna Day. Go traditional or swing out with Emeril’s Asian Crispy Wonton Lasagna.

Jerry Thomas, inventor of the TV dinner popularized by the Swanson Company, died today at age 83. Mr. Thomas’ TV dinners were designed to resemble television screens although the name was interpreted by consumers and thought to instruct diners to feast in front of the TV set. These easy pre-made meals revolutionized quick cooking at home and are iconic cuisine and style.

It is with profound sadness that I report the death of the beautiful, wonderful, and talented Chef Michael Roussel of Brennan’s on Royal Street in New Orleans. The loss is so huge, I can hardly write…My heart, thoughts and more go out to Chef’s family and the Brennans, who I know are all deeply grieving.

For those who are interested, Chef Roussel’s funeral will be held at Noon on Friday, July 15, 2005, at St. Louis Cathedral. Adieu mon Chef Chanticleer; We all loved you and will miss you very much.

more on Chef Roussel…
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It did not go un-noticed be me that today is Chocolate Day and that on this date in 1550, the first chocolate is said to have arrived in Europe. Want to see a fun, girlie, and good-for-you chocolate site, go to www.chickchocolate.com

On this day in 1988, the longest trial in Spanish legal history ended after 15 months. The jury listened to the testimony of 1,500 witnesses, including the former Prime Minister and two cabinet members, to determine who was responsible for poisoning 25,000 Spaniards with “toxic olive oil.” The cheap oil caused more than 600 deaths and thousands more were left partially paralysed or suffering from other ailments. This case is considered one of the worst public health disasters in modern history.

June is the month to go bananas. Bananas were first popularized in the US in June, 1876 and since that time people have sliced them into cereal, turned them into pudding, dipped them in chocolate, and dished up decadent banana cream pies. Of course New Orleans is home to the famous Bananas Foster (bananas sauteed in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and rum, poured over vanilla ice cream) and the big banana of them all, Emeril’s ultimate Banana Cream Pie. Hands down, it’s the best!

FYI, there is an edible variety of banana that grows all over New Orleans. They’re a bit starchy, but good nonetheless.

Slip out and get some bananas, they’re an appealing food.