i have only been to new orleans twice but i have some memories -especially food memories that i can’t shake. the first time, i was lucky enough to be given the grand tour with a native. my friend’s mother was the quintessential n.o woman. she could cuss like the blue blazes and then turn around and serve you tea and scones with the best of ‘em. so she took me to all the must-sees and then the ones that they keep for themselves. mandinas was the most memorable. smoky old bar,grouchy old men in black bistro aprons,probably 10 tables with no apparent system of who got to sit at one. except us. when we walked in, the waters parted and we were ushered to a seat and i could have sworn i saw one of the old men smile at tommie’s mom. our starter was asparagus with parmesan and lemon. we were all excited. damn! when they set down the dish the asparagus was canned!!!! we all looked at each other smugly. canned asparagus! one bite, though and i forgot. every bite got better. good parmesan, good olive oil, fresh lemon juice and good canned asparagus. i’ve been a fan ever since.

tonight

• uncanned asparagus,grilled and served with lemon parmesan and olive oil
• and oh yeah garlic chicken etoufee or eggplant etoufee 
• mocha cake