One Thing That Hasn't Changed

Last weekend when I came into the city with my friend from NYC, I decided to take him to a restaurant in the French Quarters. Now he and I have had conversations in the past about New Orleans cooking. He was of the opinion that no matter where you go, the food is the same so long as the person cooking it knows how to cook. Well I had to show my good friend from NYC just what it is we call creole and cajun dishes. The waitress came to the table and I ordered for starters a bowl of gumbo and shrimp roumalade since he likes shrimp. He devoured that in a matter of minutes. He asked what dish should he try and I suggested the crawfish etoufee. He said he was going to order a po-boy to which I replied and when I visit New York, I will shop at the local Wal-Mart. He wasn't familiar with that dish but before I knew it, I looked up and saw that he was scraping the plate clean with the french bread they placed at our table. He enjoyed the food so much that he now sees there is a difference between just using salt, pepper, and hot sauce as opposed to spices that gives food so much flavor. In that moment, I realized that this is what I love about our city. New Orleans is so unique that its beyond words. There is so much history and tradition in this city that whenever I talk about it to people who aren't from here, they can hear in my voice the passion I have for this city. I have been to several big cities each with their own uniqueness, but the food does not compare. Katrina may have taken homes, personal possessions and for many people, loved ones. But what it didn't take is our spirit and our ability to appreciate what we are known for. Our world famous cook'n.