Tag Archives: Food in South Louisiana

Getting back to Blogging…After Mickey and for Charlie!

19 Sunday Aug 2012

Posted by in Carolyn Wright Blog, Carolyn Wright Food Blogger, Charlie Shunick, Mickey Shunick

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I have been pretty absent from my Blog since the Kidnapping of Mickey Shunick. She, as well as her sister, Charlie, are close friends with my daughter, Meredith. Since May 19th, I just found myself unable to write about something as “trivial” as food…when a beautiful young woman had been taken by some horrible stranger as she was just riding home, where she lived with her parents.

This whole tragedy has shaken our family, as well as the entire Lafayette Community…to the core. Our Community came together in a spirit of unity, determination and with so much love – that I knew existed here, but had never seen it in action. From day one, family, friends and strangers from all over showed up to Help Find Mickey. Hundreds of thorough foot searches in heavy wooded fields, swamps, coulees and bayous were conducted all throughout Acadiana. Hundreds of volunteers came forward to make flyers, pass out flyers, tape up flyers, coordinated fund-raisers, candlelight vigils, making t-shirts, bracelets, yard signs and bumper stickers! Children would come to the Headquarters to color butterflies for Mickey. Anything that you could think to do…got done, quickly and usually through donations from our generous community. There was a calendar set up to bring food to the Shunick Family that was very well-coordinated, so that they would not have to worry or even think about meals…they simply showed up!

And the family…Nancy, Tom, Charlie and Zach…They have to be the most genuine, gentle and loving people who I have ever had to honor to meet. This is what “True Grit” is, my friends…”Courage is being scared to death – but saddling up anyway”. This family “saddled up” and rode through the saddest days of their lives with the courage of saints, with grace and dignity that I truly thought no longer existed. I will always look to them as my role model on how to cope with tragedies when they come along in my life.

And then there is “Mighty Mickey”…after waiting and searching for 3 months to Find Mickey, we finally know what happened on that tragic night. We know how hard she fought to stay alive. As her mother Nancy has said, “It took a truck, a knife and a gun to bring Mickey down”. “She fought for the life she loved, and she DID love everything about her life!” Mickey has been able to lock away a Rapist, a Kidnapper and a Murderer for the rest of his life. He will never be able to hurt anyone (or their families and friends) again. I believe that Mickey is now “walking through rainbows”, touching stars and looking out for all of those wonderful people in her life that loved her so dearly. There is not a doubt in my mind that she is in perpetual peace with her Lord where we will all meet up again!

So, as I am trying to close this chapter, I remember Charlie being so excited about some of my blogs…expecially the post on Sylvain’s in New Orleans…(She worked there and was with us when we went!!) So, Charlie…in your honor, I am committing to getting back to business with this Blog, “When Food Works”.

I really want to encourage everyone to have fun with food – make your kitchen a warm gathering place for family and friends. Try new foods, go to new restaurants, go to your old faithful places too….but mostly make memories! Life is short and then there are memories…

This post is being written with a heavy heart, but a heart that knows that we need to continue doing those things that make ourselves and others happy. We all need to love our lives, at least a fraction of how much Mickey loved hers!

Food Works when people are in pain, Food Works when people are happy….my best guess is that Food Just Works!

God Bless Mickey and God Bless her family and friends. She will never be forgotten.

Easter Tradition – Grillades and Grits!

09 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by in Carolyn Wright Food Blogger, Easter Menu, Grillades and Grits

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Over the years, I have tried many different holiday menus on my “patient” family (you name it – I’ve cooked it!)…always ending with Mama’s Coconut Cake!  But, that Coconut Cake…most of the time, the poor thing just leaned in one direction and some years, I just told the kids that the Easter Bunny knocked it over when he was filling their baskets!  So, when it doesn’t “lean” or “fall”…I am thrilled

About 5 years ago, as we sat down for an Easter Brunch of  Grillades and Grits, Baked Tomatoes, Cheese Biscuits and Fruit Salad…everyone was sooo happy – that it was agreed (loudly) that it should be a tradition!  And, my children know that they don’t have to ask twice…it was a done deal!  Now that I am really thinking about it…maybe it is the “Brunch” idea that they really like – meaning that I feed them earlier than normal – sort of!

My Grillades recipe has been worked out through the years and is now set in stone…in my house….(You can use beef, veal or pork, but I always choose beef sirloin – sliced about 1/2 thick.)

Seasoning mix:

1 Tbsp salt

1 1/2 tsp onion powder

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp white pepper

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dry mustard

1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves

Mix all seasonings together in a small bowl.

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4 lbs top sirloin or round steak (no thicker than 1/2 inch) – cut into pieces (about 4 inches X 4 inches)

8-10 cups beef consomme’ or beef broth (canned in fine!)

3 medium onions – chopped finely

4 stalks celery – chopped finely

1 bell pepper – chopped finely

4 cloves of garlic – minced

1 large can of tomato paste

1/2 cup of canola oil

All purpose flour – enough to coat meat

1/2 cup green onions – chopped

2 bay leaves

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Season meat with 1/2 of the seasoning mix and coat with flour

Heat oil in a large heavy pot

Brown meat well, on all sides, scraping the bottom of the pot often (cook in 2 batches if necessary…only brown one layer of meat at a time)

Remove meat from pot and set aside in a platter or half sheet pan

Scrape bottom of pot to loosen the drippings or “debris”

Add onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic to pot and cook until soft – continue to scrape bottom of pot to make sure that all of the drippings consolidate with the onion mix;

Add tomato paste and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes – stir constantly

Slowly add beef consomme’ or broth to pot, blending well in between the additions

Return browned meat to pot

Add the other 1/2 of the seasoning mix and bay leaves

Cook on a medium heat, stirring often, until the meat is “falling apart” tender – about 3 hours.

Sprinkle with green onions and serve over creamy grits…

Pair with baked yellow and red tomatoes…

Savory Cheese Biscuits…

And, a bright fresh fruit salad…

Now, this is a meal that works!

Getting back to that Coconut Cake…not a “slider” and not a “Leaning Tower of Pisa” – It became a combination Easter/Birthday cake for my son-in-law!

It’s my mama’s filling that really wins you over!

Just for lagniappe  –  It would be considered a venial sin if any holiday would come around and I would not go by Keller’s Bakery, in Downtown Lafayette, for a box of our favorite cookies!  Everyone, in my family, expects to see them…but more importantly – it gives me “the warm fuzzies” to just look at them on a pretty platter…

Who could resist?!!!

A note about Keller’s Bakery and these cookies…When I was growing up, every Sunday night (after 6:00 pm mass) our parents would take my brother and I Downtown to get some Folse’s Hot Tamales and Keller’s cookies.  These Sand Tarts with Chocolate Centers and the White Iced Brownies were the ones that we always picked out…Many a Sunday night – as we watched the Ed Sullivan Show, my brother and I would wipe out an ungodly amount of these delicious little things (Almost to the point where we thought that we would get sick!).  We never grew tired of them and still today, they are our favorites…If that isn’t something that “works” then I don’t know what else would!!!

I love days like today – good ole “new” days that bring back old memories and traditions helping us to create some of the best memories that we can imagine for the kids and that wonderful “next generation”…If you think that they aren’t paying attention – you’re not watching ….they don’t miss a thing, always watching!.  I guess if you are making good food and bringing your family together – the good new memories just happen – I promise…

Grillades and Grits for an Easter Sunday Brunch or any special occasion…Wonderful!!

 

Coq au Vin – “Rooster with Wine”!

12 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by in Carolyn Wright Blog, Coq au Vin, Rooster with Wine

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Can’t quite nail down the reason that I went on a crazy tangent – in search of everything that has been written about Coq au Vin – translated as “Rooster with Wine”…but it happened!  I came across some article “somewhere” that talked about classic French dishes…some of which I have conquered; But, there it was – “Coq au Vin”, a dish I had not yet given much thought to (until now!).  That is where it all started…

Most people, today, use a hen or several small chickens to make this dish.  But, not here – I had to find the real deal…nothing but a rooster was going to make me happy.   Of course, most markets are not selling roosters (I’ll bet that it has been a while since you saw a nice rooster nestled between the chicken breasts and pork chops at Albertsons!) – but, just as I was in the middle of mad googling to see where I could buy one (not a whole case!),  I stumbled back on Gotreaux’s Family Farm’s website…they are selling, not only the most wonderful organic chickens and lamb, but – yes – roosters and guinea hens! 

I could hardly wait until Saturday morning, to get to the Hub City Farmer’s Market…”early”, to make sure that I would get my rooster!  Then, it dawned on me…I haven’t had a Guinea Gumbo in years, get a guinea too!  Walking back to my car, with my bag containing a big fat rooster, a guinea hen and a huge roasting chicken, I felt like the luckiest person in the world…hard to imagine that it takes so little to make me feel so good! 

Of course,  while the search was on, I had been collecting and printing every recipe that I could find on how to make a very traditional Coq au Vin…but, as always, I consolidated ideas from several and came up with what I thought would work.

There is a little tidbit that you should know, if you ever want to cook this fabulous dish – you have to marinade “the bird” for at least 24 hours, in a whole bottle of red wine, to really get the flavors to come through.  Just think ahead!  So worth it…

“My version”:

Ingredients:

Marinade:

1 bottle red wine

1 bag of pearl onions – peeled – or 2 medium onions, roughly chopped

2 carrots – chopped roughly

1 stalk of celery – chopped roughly

4 cloves of garlic – chopped

2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tbsp chopped fresh sage

1 bay leaf

Cut rooster or hen into 8 pieces (the breasts need to be cut into 4 pieces instead of 2)

Mix marinade together in large container. Put all pieces of rooster or hen into marinade and toss to make sure that all pieces are coated well. Cover and place in refrigerator for 24 -72 hours.  (All of the pieces should be covered by the marinade)

To cook the Coq au Vin:

Ingredients:

1 large rooster or hen, cut into 8 pieces (marinated as above)

1/2 lb. bacon

1 small bag of pearl onions, peeled

2 carrots, chopped

1 stalk of celery, chopped finely

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 cups button mushrooms

2 Tbsp flour

2 Tbsp tomato paste

1 can rotel tomatoes

1 tsp sugar

2 quarts chicken broth

1 bouquet garni (5 sprigs of parsley, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 leaves of fresh sage)

1 bay leaf

Salt

Fresh ground black pepper

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Remove rooster or hen from marinade and dry with paper towels. Set aside;

Place marinade (with all veggies) in a sauce pot and cook on medium heat until it has reduced by about 1/2.  As it cooks down, skim off the foam that rises to the top.  Take off of heat and strain into a bowl.  Reserve the sauce;

In large dutch oven – brown the bacon over a medium heat.  Remove when crisp. (You won’t be using the actual bacon, only the drippings – go ahead and make someone a bacon sandwich!)

Brown the rooster or hen pieces in the bacon drippings.  When they are well browned on all sides, remove and place on a platter or tray;

Add and saute’ pearl onions, carrots, celery and garlic in drippings.  Cook until  tender;

Stir in the tomato paste, blending well.  Add sugar and continue stirring the paste with the veggies – cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes;

Add the rotel tomatoes, chicken stock, mushrooms, reserved marinade sauce, bay leaf and bouquet garni.  Stir and blend all well;

Place all pieces of the browned rooster or hen pieces back into pot;

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium heat.  Cover and cook for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat begins to fall off of the bones or is very tender.

At this point, I like to remove all of the meat and bones – returning only meat back into the pot;

Taste for seasonings and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Serve over medium egg noodles, fresh rice or potatoes;

Finally, after all of the anticipation of cooking my first Coq au Vin – as I finally sat down and tasted this beautiful traditional French dish, I sat back in amazement… this is the best thing that I have ever cooked!  Who would ever imagine that a rooster could turn into my favorite dish?  But, the deep rich flavors of this “very proud” bird captured my heart and pleased my palate… Gotreaux’s Farm – keep the roosters coming!

January Wine Dinner at Charley G’s – 1st Time’s a Charm!

29 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by in Carolyn Wright Blog, La., Louisiana, restaurants in lafayette, louisiana

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I have heard and read a lot, over the past couple of years, about the Wine Dinners at Charley G’s…and for some unknown reason, Robert and I have never attended (how and why, I’ll never know!).  But, when we received an e-mail from 2 new friends of ours – about the January Wine Dinner – we immediately said “Yes”…and we were so glad that we did! A five course dinner…with wine pairings and getting to visit with friends and new acquaintances – on “hump day“?!  It was just great…

Just walking into Charley G’s has always been a calming experience – there is almost always great music being played, on the piano, by some of Lafayette’s favorite musicians and… honestly, I have never once been dissapointed by the solid creative menu, quality of food or service (not to mention the ambiance!).  Chef Holly Goetting, who has been executive chef at Charley’s G’s, is just remarkable!  Always knowing that your Lunch or Dinner will be perfect means sooo much… Just imagine a Wine Dinner at Charley G’s!

This is it…

1st course:

Marinated Shrimp, Celery & Chives tossed in a Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette, Tobikkoi Creme Fraiche;  Paired with a Simonnet-Febvre  Cremant de Bourgogne, Brut Blanc

The wonderful and fresh flavors of the Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, bright vinaigrette, tiny bits of caviar in the creme fraiche was perfect – with what I would call a great  “champagne”…but really a Brut Blanc!

2nd course:

Lyonnaise Salad, Quail Egg, Apple Slices Frisee, Bacon Vinaigrette, Roasted Fingering Potatoes;  Paired with a 2008 Domaine Vincent Girardin  Rully Blanc, Vielles Vignes;

I just love fresh salads with a poached egg sitting alongside or on top…just waiting for you to pierce it and let the wonderful richness of the yolk run and “pull together” all of the flavors… And, of course, paired with a fabulous white wine – well, it just made me smile!

3rd course:

Snail Ravioli in Tender Garlic Sauce with Melted Leeks;  Paired with a 2008 Domaine Vincent Girardin  Bourgogne Rouge, Cuvee Saint-Vincent;

Since I have had a few “tough” experiences with snails (escargot)…I was very hesitant about the “snail” ravioli – But, our friends (Mark and Linda) convinced me that they should be tender and have the texture of morel mushrooms…well, they were right!  It was my favorite dish of the night – perfectly cooked house-made ravioli with very tender snails (in a wonderful rich garlic sauce), that melted in your mouth…sitting alongside tender sautéed leeks!  As if that was not enough to make me sing – it was paired with a beautiful red wine!

4th course:

Confit Duck Leg, Fire Roasted Sweet Corn Cake, Blackberry Ginger Glaze; paired with a 2009 Chateaux Saint Martinde la Garrigue  Brozinelle, Coteau de Languedoc;

Everyone at the table was looking forward to the Duck Confit…and they certainly were not disappointed!  It was just fabulous…beautifully roasted duck leg (confit – cooked in its own fat) sitting on the slightly sweet wedge of corn cake sauced with  fresh blackberry glaze  – If we could have, very politely, gnawed and chewed on those duck legs…everyone would have!!!  Along with the boldness of the red wine, that it was paired with….this was the favorite for everyone sitting around me!!

5th course:

Chocolate, Macadamia Nut Shortbread, Orange Liqueur Mouse, Fresh Berries;  Paired with Mathilde Liqueur d’ Oranges au Cognac XO;

“Show stopping” presentation of a mild orange mousse sitting on top of a delicate and slightly savory shortbread – then topped with a thin “sheet” of chocolate… Paired with a great cognac that contained just hints of orange.  Great way to end a fabulous meal!

Can I tell you – at the end of the dinner… there was a room full of happy people!  (I know that it wasn’t just the generous pouring of the wonderful wines!) It sure seemed like everyone enjoyed the food, wine and company of each other…I know that we did! And, I know that we will be back for more…

Wine Dinner at Charley G’s – 1st Time’s a Charm!  Thank you, Chef Holly Goetting and all of the staff, for making it a night to remember.

Creole Onion Soup Hits the Spot!

22 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by in cajun food, Carolyn Wright Blog, creole food, Creole Onion Soup

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Soup again? 

Guess, it’s just the time of the year that screams…”SOUP”!  Even though the weather has been mild, in South Louisiana, so far – I just love making soup in January…and I love French Onion Soup.  But, when I see “Creole Onion Soup” on a menu…well, my heart stops!  Maybe, it’s because you just don’t see it that often or  maybe –  it’s just that good… Whatever the reason, if a restaurant has it on their menu, try it!  It is similar to French Onion Soup, except it is creamier (but without cream) and there isn’t a thick crust of cheese on top.

Don’t be mistaken into thinking or reading that it is “a short cut” to making a great onion soup…because, if you do it right – it’s not!  Yea, you still need to peel and slice a small mountain of fresh onions and cook them down slowly..but so worth the effort! 

Ingredients:

3 lbs medium Vidalia or other “sweet” onions – sliced very thinly using either a mandolin, food processor or by hand (have your goggles ready!)

1 stick unsalted butter

1/4 cup olive oil

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup dry white wine (Justin Wilson was right on this one…never cook with a wine you wouldn’t drink!)  Looks like a little more than a cup – just noticed! Guess, it worked…

1/2 gallon beef stock – homemade or using concentrated beef stock

1 can beef consomme’

1 cup of water

3 springs fresh thyme – if you can’t get fresh, just omit

1 bay leaf

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

1 clove garlic – chopped

1 loaf of baguette bread or small french bread – cut into small rounds, buttered lightly and toasted in oven

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Melt butter and olive oil in medium size dutch oven or soup pot;

Add onions (it will look like they won’t fit…but they will cook down quite a bit!)

Stir onions well – to make sure that they are all coated with the butter and olive oil;

Cook on high heat – stirring frequently – just until onions begin to saute’, then lower  to a medium heat;

Add salt and sugar – continue to cook and stir often until onions begin to carmelize (about 1 hour).  If onions begin to brown or cook too quickly, turn heat down;

Add chopped garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes;

Very slowly, add flour to onions (about 1/4 cup at a time) stirring and blending well in between additions, until all flour has been added;

Stir flour and onion mixture, stirring constantly (being careful not to break up the onions), for another 10 minutes;

Slowly, add wine – stirring and blending into mixture as you pour;

Cook over medium heat, stirring and scraping bottoms and sides of pot to delgaze, for about 10 minutes;

Add beef broth, consomme’ and water – stir to blend and combine into soup;

Add fresh thyme, bay leaf, cayenne and black pepper;

Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer – cook for 30 minutes;

Turn off heat, cover and let sit for at least 15 minutes before serving;

Place a piece of toasted bread round (or two!) in the bottom of a bowl and pour soup on top…

I promise…it’s good! 

So good, that when my husband, Robert, started eating his bowl of soup (In front of the TV…on his lap!)  I could hear him moaning…”That is sooo good – no, delicious!”  then a little louder…”what kind of cheese did you use?”  To my, “No cheese!”; then…”is that sherry in the soup?”  “No, white wine!” …Finally, “man, I need another bowl of that stuff!” And my final warning…”remember, onions and your heart burn!”  Surprise…he ignored me and had the second bowl! 

That good….

Cabbage Rolls – Bring in the New Year….Every Year!

12 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by in Cabbage Rolls, cajun food, Carolyn Wright Blog

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Cabbage Rolls have been a traditional New Year’s Day meal in our family, for as long as I can remember…can I say – a long time!!! My mother learned to make these delicious little bundles from my grandmother (her mother-in-law) in the 1960’s and they have been a family tradition ever since! At some point in time, I sat by my mother and made her measure everything so that we would not lose this great treasure….The recipe comes out perfect every time – Just as it was written!!!

So what happens when my husband and I decide (for the first time ever!) to go out-of-town for the whole New Year holiday? Meaning that I won’t be home to make the “Annual Cabbage Roll Feast”… (This always consists of cabbage rolls, black-eyed peas, potato salad and a Honey Ham.)

Well, after my children all decide that I need to either stay home or make the cabbage rolls ahead of time (which I didn’t have the time to do)….. My oldest daughter, Kimberly, painfully pulls out the recipe that I had given to her years ago and decides that maybe it is time for her to give it a try… Many phone calls later, I am thrilled to report that she was successful with her very first attempt! She just didn’t know what to do with all of the rolls….the recipe makes about 100! She ran out of cabbage and saved the leftover meat mixture for me…I was sooo happy, because I just had to make – even the smallest of batches for my year to get off to the right start! Not just ready to pass the torch on making the “family cabbage rolls”, just yet….but it sure feels good to have a “back up”!

Ingredients:

4 lbs. ground beef
4 large onions chopped finely
1 1/2 cans whole tomatoes – cut up with juice
2 cans tomato soup
3 cups raw rice
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
2 cups shredded par-boiled cabbage (use the center portions of the whole head of cabbage after removing the leaves that you will use for the rolls)
5 heads of cabbage

In a large pot, fill with water and bring to a boil;
Have a large cookie sheet or some other shallow pan near the stove to put the leaves of cabbage on;

Remove a few of the tough outer leaves off of each head of cabbage and lin the bottom and sides of a large pot that you will be cooking the rolls in;

Remove center core of cabbage, and drop the whole head into boiling water;

After a few minutes start to remove the outer leaves with tongs and place leaves on pan;


Continue removing until the leaves begin to get too small to use;
Remove the par-boiled center and use for shredding into meat mixture;

Mix all ingredients in a very large bowl;

Place an ice cream scoop full on each leaf and roll ends in, then roll from the sides;
Start  layering your Dutch oven or large pan with cabbage rolls until it is full or you run out of the mixture or cabbage leaves;

Once the pot is full of rolls, add water to cover about 1/2 way up to the top of the rolls;


Place in 350 degree oven for about 1 1/2 hours. Take one out to test for doneness (rice should be done). If rice is still a little crunchy, let cook for another 30 minutes.

Remove pot from oven, take lid off so that they will stop cooking and drain any of the liquid remaining in pot. Or, once they have cooled enough to be handled, you could carefully remove cabbage rolls from pot and place in another large container or in containers to be given to a few close friends and family….I can assure you they will be thrilled!

The last time I made cabbage rolls with my grandmother, she was 95…Still living in her home, doing quite well for herself – but wanted “her” cabbage rolls – and it is quite an undertaking, needless to say!  She knew that I made them just like she did, so she called me and asked me to come over to help her….I prepared all of the cabbage and mixture – as she looked on,  telling me..”yea, that’s how you do it”!  Then, finally came her favorite part…the rolling.  Now, she was a tiny woman and wanted to do this part of the process at her kitchen bar area…To get up, I had to give her a little “boost” up so that she could sit on one of her bar stools to roll with me.  We sat at that counter in her kitchen, laughing and telling stories as we rolled 96 of these precious cabbage rolls (and yes, she counted!).  When they were done, she ate a few, put some in the refrigerator for later, let me take home about a dozen…then carefully wrapped the rest separately in saran wrap, to put in zip locks, in her freezer for God only knows how long!  All I know, is that she wasn’t sharing with anyone…she was stashing them away for when she had that “envie” for one of “her” cabbage rolls.

I cherish the memories of that particular day with her – always will…

Cabbage Rolls have been working in my family for a long time – New Year’s Day or any old day!!!

New and “Haunting” Places – Sylvain in New Orleans

08 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by in Carolyn Wright Blog, New Orleans Restaurants, Sylvain New Orleans Restaurant

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Every time Robert and I plan a trip to New Orleans, I almost “lose my mind” over planning our meals…I want to make sure that I get in as many different restaurants as possible~! It doesn’t matter what the occasion might be – for me, the main event will be the food. But, the most difficult part is trying to balance wanting to return to our old favorites and wanting to try all of the new and some “not so new” that we haven’t been to yet. What a problem to have, right?!!!

So, starts the mad googling…reading what Tom Fitzmorris has to say about where he has been lately, looking at menus, reading online reviews (which I don’t put too much stock in, since a lot look like angry people who had a bad night!)… then talking to people who have the same expectations as you do – that is the real clincher! Then, I just go with what feels right….

This particular weekend, we had the good fortune of being in New Orleans for 2 nights! This is what it came down to:

Friday, late lunch: Sylvain – Opened in 2010 – New one for us…but, one of our daughter’s friends (Charlie) had been a waitress there before moving to Dallas and they all loved it – a bonus: she would be with us for lunch!

Friday night dinner: We had already planned to attend Tom Fitzmorris’s Fabulous Eat Club Annual Gala at Le Foret! How could we go wrong? This would be wonderful…

Saturday lunch: We love the Saturday “Light Lunch” at Bayona – so that was a must!

Saturday night dinner: The Pelican Club – new to us, but have been hearing nothing but rave reviews! and…..

Sunday before going west down I-10: The Royal House – our old favorite for raw oysters and very casual dining – This is the place where we spent 10 hours for Super Bowl Sunday (to watch the Saints) in 2010!  Maybe, a repeat in 2012???? (We can hope!)

5 different restaurants! Perfect combination – if only we could sneak in a little John Besh or Galatoires!!! Next time… We had a great fun time and sooo enjoyed all of places that we went….Sounds like 5 different posts to me!

Starting with Friday late lunch at Sylvain wwwsylvainnola.com:  Called a “Gastropub” by new foodie groups, but I am really not sure what that means!  To me, it is a really cool, somewhat informal little restaurant that has kept that old feel of New Orleans, while updating their menu to include current trends of unique and really delicious food and isn’t a tourist trap yet…that is what I like!

The building was built in 1796, where Jean-Francois-Marmontel and Andre Getry’s one-act comic opera Sylvain was performed in New Orleans.

Since then, the building has been owned by numerous New Orleans dignitaries and characters, including notorious French Quarter Madame Aunt Rose Arnold who presided over her own Storyville brothel and lived at 625 Chartres during the 1920s. Standing over six feet tall, Aunt Rose was an imposing figure and friend of many of the neighborhood’s bohemians as well as friend of famous authors; Sherwood Anderson who wrote of her in “A Meeting South” and Faulkner is also believed to have used her as his muse, patterning his character “Miss Reba” after her in “Sanctuary” and “The Reivers.”

In fall of 2010, Sylvain opened at the very site of Mr. Almonaster’s Chartres Street carriage house. (They even leave a cocktail out every night for Miss Reba, who supposedly still wanders her old home and creates havoc at times!)

As soon as we walked in – through the long old bricked walkway leading to the open courtyard and were seated in the intimate historic dining room – that has doors opened onto Chartres Street…we knew that this place was special – and, of course with our daughter and 3 of her old friends in tow…it was!!!

Our wonderful, bright and knowledgable waitress told us all about their very unique and delicious Bloody Marys (served with a shot of Schlitz Beer, in honor of Chef Alex Harrell’s father’s favorite beer!)…we were sold!  We are always game to try anything with a story – and we love Bloody Mary’s….

Then, I just had to meet this Chef that I was hearing so much about…that’s where Charlie (our daughter’s friend) took control!  She was showing me around and told me a few “choice” stories, then introduced me to the man behind all of this wonderful creative food…

Not only is he one talented chef…but gracious (and good-looking) to boot!!! So, we wandered back to our table to start our tasting or “grazing”…

For starters we had to try several:

Roasted Beet Bruschetta with Goat’s Milk Cheese, and Sherry-Walnut Vinaigrette:

If you like beets, and even if you don’t…you will love this combination of the smooth mild goat cheese spread on the wonderful thin toasted slices of bread topped with the roasted beets and sweetened nutty vinaigrette – Even my daughter (who doesn’t eat much in the way of veggies, loves this!!)

Chicken Liver Crostini with Martas Farm’s Sprouts and Dandelion Vinegar:

Perfect smooth Chicken Liver Pate slathered on a crisp crotini….topped with fresh bright sprouts and “dandelion” vinegar…who could have ever imagined such a blast of flavor on a plate?  Chef Harrell – fantastic!

Then on to a salad…that the girls said we had to try…

Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Apples, Pecorino Romano and Hazelnuts:

Get the idea of what you know about brussels sprouts out of your head!  This salad really can change anyone’s opinion of this veggie that is usually roasted or boiled…It is prepared by shaving the fresh brussels sprouts very, very finely – then tossing them with chopped apples and hazelnuts…then topping all of this wonderful mixture with a finely grated, delicious pecorino romano cheese!  A salad that was a table pleaser….everyone enjoyed it!

On to Entrees…

Slow Cooked Pork Sandwich with Pickled Collards, roasted Garlic and Chili, Served on Wildflour Bread:

If you worked at Sylvain and this is your choice…(yes, Charlie’s lunch!) then you know it has to be good…It was delicious – she insisted that we all taste and that slow cooked pork, was so tender!!!

Grilled Italian Sausage with Louisiana Polenta, Stewed Eggplant and Balsamic Syrup:

Our daughter’s roommate’s favorite…and I know why now!  The subtle flavor  of the fennel in the sausage was incredible..and the tender eggplant blended with the sweet sauce was to die for!  Sitting on a bed of local polenta…well, fantastic!

“Chick-Syl-vain” Sandwich – Buttermilk Fried Chicken breast with House-Made Pickles:

Any chicken fried in buttermilk would steal my heart…but this was exceptional – yes, we all had a bite of this “Grand Sandwich”. Another crowd pleaser!

Braised Beef Cheeks with Potato Puree, Sweet Onions, Field Peas and Natural Jus:

I couldn’t believe it…this is my daughter’s favorite!  New Orleans has definitely opened up her palate for a broader variety of foods and flavors…it is sooo much fun to watch her grow and bloom!   After sharing this beautiful dish with us…I know why it is her favorite.  The beef cheeks were so tender (melt in your mouth tender!) and full of rich deep flavor in its natural jus…and the plating with the potato puree, sweet onions and field peas was just beautiful – and fabulous!  Maybe, my favorite too!

Gulf Shrimp and Littleneck Clams with Spanish Chorizo, Tomato-Fennel Broth and Smoked Paprika:

This is what Robert decided on….Just look at this bowl of deliciousness!   I would call it Sylvain’s version of a bouillabaisse. The freshness of those gorgeous Jumbo Gulf Shrimp and wonderful Littleneck Clams…with the mild smokiness of the chorizo and faint hint of fennel and smoked paprika bathing in the rich tomato based broth – Oh my gosh!!! It was wonderful…and yes, I tasted this too – I just had to!

Now, we just couldn’t pass up a “tasting” of dessert…we decided to order 2 desserts for the table…and ended up with a little “lagniappe” from wonderful Chef Harrell!

Chocolate Pot au Creme:

Rich, silky deep chocolate creme topped with fresh whipped cream and rasberries…”according to Charlie” – this was one of the local favorites when she worked here!  It was the last one that they had that day…she was just so happy to have it!

Local Honey Panna Cotta with Almond Brittle:

Fresh, smooth and fantastic Panna Cotta…and that wonderful Almond Brittle was just a perfect partner for this dessert – needless to say, we all loved it!

And the Lagniappe…

Bete Noire with Toasted Hazelnuts and Double Cream:

A fabulous version of the classic flourless chocolate cake…”The Black Beast” – Dense rich chocolate with a great side of crunchy hazelnuts, cream and a little slice of sweet local grapefruit…just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite!  It was devoured – quickly!

Needless to say, we are sold on Sylvain!  A unique and fun place to have a great meal in New Orleans…you know that it has to be good (and consistent) if it has become a “local” favorite! (Throw in a little story about the haunting of Mrs. Reba’s ghost and her nightly cocktail) And to top it all off… my daughter is now enjoying beets, beef cheeks and brussels sprouts!?  Now, that is what I call Food that Works…

Tasting Menus in Lafayette? The French Press!

22 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by in Carolyn Wright Blog, The French Press Lafayette

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Three times a charm!  Each of the three evenings that my husband and I have been downtown, to The French Press, www.thefrenchpresslafayette.com we have absolutely loved Chef Justin Girouard’s fresh and original “Tasting Menu”…Always different, creative and delicious!!!  Throw in the great atmosphere, that takes you back in time – as you look around and realize that you are dining in the old Tribune Printing Building (yes, where they printed all of our old yearbooks and much more!)  You look around and notice that they kept remnants of the building intack…just love it!

Atmosphere…yes!  Then you are greeted by wait staff that is absolutely wonderful – and, it does matter… I always say that they can make or break your evening.  These guys and gals really make a difference – well spoken, tastefully available and knowledgable about the menu and wines.  I don’t think that they ever receive enough acknowledgment for the service that they provide…can you tell that I love good servers?  I do!  From the hostess to the bus boy…if they are doing a good job – let them know (and leave a generous tip)!  If not, give them a break (and whisper in their ear – they just might pay attention) everyone has a bad day!

On to the food…

1st Course

Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon, Scallions and Pumpkin Seed Oil –  Sooo delicious and the perfect balance of sweet and savory!  The toppings of the fresh crisp bacon and scallions with the swirl of the light fresh pumpkin seed oil sitting on top of this deep rich winter soup was just perfect…left you wanting more!

2nd Course

Potato and Parmesan Gnocchi with Truffle Oil and Louisiana Crab – I can really appreciate good gnocchi, now that I have conquered my fear of making these wonderful little fluffy nuggets…and these were fantastic!  There is just something  about these special little potato “dumplings/pasta” dreams that I can’t get enough of.  Then combine them with a sauce of rich cream, parmesan, crabmeat and just a hint of truffle oil – to die for!  Or maybe the top of my list for “last suppers”!

3rd Course

Louisiana Blue Crab Salad with Basil Israeli Couscous, Louisiana Satsuma Vinaigrette and Radish – The perfect bright and refreshing taste that you need after the delicious richness of the first 2 courses…Plated as a beautiful round mold of fresh crabmeat, tiny bits of locally grown sweet satsumas and little pearls of couscous sitting in the center of a spiral of finely sliced fresh radishes and additional bits of satsuma – all lightly topped with a fresh satsuma vinaigrette – wonderful!

4th Course

Prime Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese, Carmelized Purple Onion, Crisp Potato Cakes, and Cognac Demi – Oh my goodness!  Just when you think it can’t get any better than the first 3 courses, out comes the “grand-daddy” of the night!  A perfectly prepared beautiful filet with a tiny bit of blue cheese – just enough to get the flavor but not overpowering…nestled on top of sweet carmelized onions and the best thinly grated crispy potato cake that I have ever eaten!  Then top it all off with a rich cognac demi-glace sauce – Like I said, “Oh my goodness”!

5th Course

Szechuan Shortbread with Ice Cream and Berry-Champagne Compote – Thinking that you really can’t do that last course, you see this beautiful fresh plate sitting in front of you…ok, maybe one more “bite”!  I just love shortbread because of its salty/sweet flavor, then topped with the sweet house made vanilla ice cream and . of the berry-champagne compote – it was the perfect end to a wonderful meal!

As we were eating our 4th Course,  Manager (and wife of Chef Justin Girouard) Margaret Girouard came by our table to introduce herself and make sure that we were enjoying everything (which, of course, we were!!!) Margaret seems to make it a point to visit all of the tables for a short time during the evening to introduce herself and check on the quality of your experience…great touch, Margaret!  We loved visiting with you…Chef Justin is lucky to have you in front, taking care of the dining guests!!!

The French Press is also open Wednesday – Friday for breakfast and lunch 7 am – 2 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am – 2 pm. It is a “happening” place for both services…and breakfast really slides right into lunch, so it is one continuous serve. Fine Dining along with their Tasting Menu is available on Friday and Saturday Nights from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm (It’s always best to make a reservation, so you won’t be disappointed!)

The only thing that I am sorry about is that I had left my camera at home and only had my iPhone to take pictures…they came out terrible!  Actually, too dark to use in this post…would have been an injustice to these beautifully plated courses.  But, trust me – it is all fabulous!

As we were walking out of this old and very well renovated building (stuffed to the gill!) and getting into our car, my husband said…”This is food to write about…talk about food that works!”  So, here you are, Robert!

The French Press – if you haven’t tried it yet…please do….

I just love tasting menus, and always order them (when available) because you get to taste so many of the chef’s specialties in small portions ….literally a “taste” or a small plate of each item.  Works perfectly for Robert and I!  Looking for a Tasting Menu in Lafayette?  Try The French Press…you won’t be disappointed!  Congratulations and thank you to Chef Justin Girouard and your gracious wife Margaret for creating such a warm inviting environment that serves “cutting” edge dishes, but still manages to maintain the integrity of our South Louisiana Culture in every single dish that you serve – that is what I call success in my book!

 

Pecan Picking, Peeling and Pralines!

10 Saturday Dec 2011

Posted by in Carolyn Wright Blog, Pecan Peeling, Pecan Picking, Pecan Pralines

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If you are lucky enough to have pecan trees in your yard, you know what a thrill it is when, early in November, the pecans start hitting the ground!  Ever since I was a little girl, I have been a “Pecan Picker”!  We lived next door to my grandparents, who planted and nurtured many pecan trees…thus we picked and picked!  It always seemed like so much fun to me, sort of like a continuous Easter Egg Hunt.  I just loved walking with my grandfather (Paw-Paw) through the yard, behind houses, under houses, in the streets – picking every last pecan that fell.   Oh, how I loved Paw-Paw and all of the times that we spent together.  I would have followed him anywhere…

It is from Paw-Paw that I learned all the skills needed to be a vigilant “Pecan Picker”…

Be territorial!  This is very important…you better watch your turf or someone else will be picking your pecans!  And you can’t be shy about it…you have to be direct and almost rude if another picker is trying to pick your pecans – and they will, believe me! It is an unwritten rule that you never, ever go near another person’s yard to pick pecans, unless they tell you to…even in the street alongside their yard is questionable!  It makes me crazy when I see someone picking the pecans in “my” street…

That leads to the next strategy – you have to get up really early during pecan season to pick before the other pecan pickers come by…or when you wake up and look outside, the streets are bare – they beat you to it!!  But, if your yard is bare – you know that it wasn’t your neighbor or anyone else that plays by “the rules”…it was “outsiders” – those people who come from other areas of town to pick everyone’s pecans.  I can’t even give them the credit of being called a “pecan picker” because they really are thieves!  Sounds harsh and crazy, but true…I have found them all over my yard, sticking their arms through my gates, moving my trash cans and in my bushes looking for pecans.  You can run them off, but they will be back…

“Pecan Pickers” are a very particular (peculiar too!) group of people…and as years go by, it seems like this unique little group is slowly either dying out or tiring out – maybe a little of both.   But, not in my little world!  My children did not pick up this “skill”, but I am trying my best to “train” my grandchildren…seems to be working, because they love to walk with me and pick those wonderful golden nuggets!

After all of the pecans have been picked, you need to get to work – cracking and shelling or “peeling” them…that’s what Paw-Paw always called it – “Peeling Pecans”!  I always have my husband bring our pecans to Chastant Brother’s Feed Store to have them cracked (for a very small fee) them we shell them…makes things sooo much easier!

Then, you can put them in Zip Lock bags and store in the freezer until next pecan season…

Even though I picked and have enough pecans for a while, it wasn’t really a very good season…Not nearly the amount of pecans that we usually have.  But, not to worry!  I have plenty for the holidays – starting with Pecan Pralines….

This recipe is from my grandmother or “Maw-Maw”…The traditional “Cajun” or South Louisiana Praline seems to be more of a sugary – crunchy praline, different from the chewy – creamy pralines of the New Orleans area.  Now, I like and make both versions – but today, since I was thinking of Paw-Paw and his pecan picking, I also was thinking of Maw-Maw’s great pralines…

Ingredients:

1 cup of brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

5 tbsp water

1 tbsp butter

1 1/2 cup whole pecans

1 tsp vanilla

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In a heavy sauce pot, heat brown and white sugar and water over medium fire; Stir constantly until it comes to a boil.

Attach candy thermometer to side of pot and cook until temp reaches soft boil, stirring often.  (Whatever you do – DO NOT taste, like I did today!  I now have a giant blister on my upper lip from the boiling sugar…Lord!)

Add pecans and mix well.

Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla.

Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool.

Pralines just say, “Merry Christmas” in our house!!

What a great way to end the 2011 Pecan Season…From Picking, Peeling to Pralines – Worked years ago for Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw – works for me today!  So much more to do…

Old Favorite – Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn

30 Wednesday Nov 2011

Posted by in Carolyn Wright Blog, Louisiana, restaurants in lafayette, louisiana

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The week before Thanksgiving… before the marathon of turkey, dressings and “the works” started to take over our home – we decided to have a final regular lunch at one of our old favorite restaurants, Poor Boys Riverside Inn.  www.poorboysriversideinn.com.  I love returning to restaurants that hold sweet memories of our past – nothing is better than walking through a door and immediately having those old familiar scenes and aromas flood your head and heart. 

Maybe it even gets more pronounced with age, but I almost melt like “butter” when I walk up the old ramp, through the door and see the same sights and sounds that have been there since 1977 (when they moved to their “new location!”)  Before that, they were located on the Vermilion River where the Hilton is now located.  That is where it all started for me! 

A little bit of history…“Poor Boy’s”  (the nick name of the founder, Hulo “Poor Boy” Landry) first moved to the the original location on the banks of the Vermilion River in 1939.  The restaurant was completely destroyed by the Flood of 1940, but reopened just 3 months later! In 1946, Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn became the first completely air-conditioned restaurant in Lafayette.  From 1946 until 1977, when they moved to their current location on Tubing Road, memories and traditions were created for most families in Lafayette…

In the early 1970’s (college days) my favorite dish was the Lobster Thermador – especially on a Friday evening, after a long afternoon “social”!  About 20 of my “closest friends” and I would descend upon Riverside Inn for a big meal!  (What a sight we must have been!) I always ordered the same thing…Lobster Thermador and a loaded baked potato.  It has been a long, long time since this has been on their menu, but I still remember this wonderfully rich deeply flavored dish every single time I return.

A few of my other favorites include their fabulous creamy Crabmeat Imperial, and all of their complete dinners – Shrimp Dinner, Crawfish Dinner, Crab Dinner and on this particular day…The Oyster Dinner was what I had an “envie” for.

Since it is “oyster season” in Louisiana, I just had to have this feast of oysters!

You are first served with a cup of oyster gumbo –  plump juicy oysters, swimming in their famous dark roux gumbo is just to die for! 

Then, you are served an oyster shooter – several salty/sweet freshly shucked oysters sitting in a small cup covered with a delicious spicy horseradish based cocktail sauce…sets you up to want a couple of dozen!!! (But you know that you need to save room for the “main event”!)

You are then brought a wonderfully fresh green salad with your favorite house made salad dressing…a perfect refreshing little break before “the feast”!

The Main Event!  Now this is what I call a Feast…Oyster Rockefeller, Oyster Bienville, Oyster Pie, Fried Oysters, Oyster Jambalaya and Oyster en Brochette !  The best of the best…I have to tell you, that it is sooo delicious – just writing about it and seeing the pictures again, makes me want a re-run!

Now, what would a visit to Riverside be without their famous, melt-in-your-mouth homemade dinner rolls?! Just look at these things!  In love…

The view from our table…beautiful!

Besides the fantastic food and atmosphere, the waitresses and waiters (that really know the menu and all about the food!) are warm, friendly,  and just plain ole “down home” kind of wonderful!  These are the people that make or break your dining experience…and we have always had great servers at Riverside.

I wonder how many birthdays, anniversaries, business meetings, pre-holiday celebrations and just plain old “happy” lunches and dinners we have enjoyed at this landmark…(or maybe the number would be scary!?)  All I know, is that we will be back for plenty more – one of our old favorites that always works!!!