I am in love with the city of New Orleans to a nearly pathological degree. I was first exposed to the city (also known as NOLA) via Anne Rice's enthralling Vampire and Witch series of novels, which largely take place in this hypnotizing city. I initially began traveling there to sate the desire to provide visuals to accompany the words in my head. (I have a hard time with visualizing imagery in general.) As with any addict, the first hit was the strongest, and I have never been the same since. I will always be "chasing the dragon" that is my New Orleans.
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| Cemetery detail |
Also, killer coffee. Cafe du Monde is legendary to tourists and locals for its chickory coffee and beignets. Do not wear black clothing to this place: you have been warned.
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| Cafe du Monde coffee and beignets |
The food: Don't expect small portions. The muffaletta is a beast of a creation, near and dear to my Sicilian roots, but Heaven help you if you are only feeling "peckish":
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| Central Grocery Muffaletta |
I am continually homesick for the place, even though I am a born and bred "Yankee." During my Dietetic Internship (which on some days felt like traversing the ninth circle of Hell), I took some comfort in projects where I could incorporate the flavors of New Orleans. In relatively conservative Connecticut, you can imagine how some of that went over! No matter to me, as I thought there were some that would be "bitten" as I once was, and I was little more than the conduit of knowledge. I'm planning the next NOLA trip for June.
I will dig out some recipes I used during my Dietetic Internship to share here.
Comfort food, when it reminds you of a person or place so deeply, transcends the concept of physical nourishment and becomes soul sustenance. Loaded with fat, sugars, and not exactly what a dietitian should be promoting, but once in a while you have to:
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| Let the Good Times Roll |
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