Translate

Monday, August 29, 2011

Follow the man searching for a Hubig's Pie...

Hubig's pies are a local favorite: for more history on the pie, click here.


Update from New Orleans:  We've had a busy schedule of exploring the city, so I haven't had much time to blog.  I'll leave you with this anecdote for now.  We stopped by the corner pharmacy to buy some streetcar passes and I noticed a man asking the cashier where to find some Hubig's pies.  "Aisle 4," she replied.  I followed the man to aisle 4 out of curiosity-- and there he stood with a disappointed look on his face.  The display was totally empty.  "You know," I mentioned, "there are a few Hubig's apple pies in the display up by the cash register."  "I know," he said.  "But I'm looking for a different flavor."  I couldn't help but insert myself into this situation by asking him his favorite (missing) flavor.  As it turns out, it's coconut.  Even though I was sympathetic to his misfortune, all I could think was: JACKPOT.  This man was looking for a particular pie craving, and I knew that where pie-cravings exist, so too might exist kindred spirits who could guide me towards the best bakery in town.  I quickly asked the searcher of coconut Hubig's pie where I should go for a delicious baked good.  And even with an unsatisfied craving on his hands, this man patiently and kindly told me that his favorite bakery is Haydel's.  Clutching a liter of soda that undoubtedly would have been his dream pairing to the elusive coconut Hubig's, he seemed to acknowledge with his kind eyes that he understood my quest-- plus, with further conversation, I discovered his wife happens to be a pastry chef.  The lesson in all of this?  Let your instincts guide you towards hunting great bakeries, and you too will cross paths with pastry chef spouses, or maybe even chefs themselves.  Never stop hunting!  

Friday, August 26, 2011

Visiting New Orleans for the International Food Blogger Conference

This is a trip I've been dreaming of for a long time now.  My grandparents were born in Louisiana before their families moved to California, one of the results of the move being me, a California-born granddaughter whose culinary upbringing included red beans and rice and Cajun food in equal proportions to avocados, guacamole, and local Mexican food.  Growing up with so many gastronomic options have left my taste buds and stomach grateful, but with a certain sense of identity confusion.  While my great-grandmother was known for whipping up a mean batch of okra, my mom's best known dish is her signature guacamole.  With the International Food Blogging Conference in town, I have found the perfect excuse to explore the city that is so near and dear to my heart, despite the fact that I am visiting for the first time.  My mom has made the trip along with me, and we're planning to eat as many meals as reasonably possible to re-connect with our food memories. 

I have known for awhile now that a trip to New Orleans would help me to make more sense of my family's food culture, and I have to say that I already feel at home in this city-- like I am meant to eat many more meals here if only geography, time, and finances will allow.  After all, a city that features recipes on a large percentage of its souvenir items is a city after my heart-- they are everywhere: on postcards, magnets, and keychains with recipes for gumbo, jambalaya, okra, red snapper, and the list goes on.  This is a city for cooks, for eaters, for music lovers, and for anyone who has enjoyed good food as a result of someone vigilantly stirring a roux with love and elbow grease. Luckily, I am a proud member of all of the aforementioned categories, so this city and I are going to get along.

The schedule of the conference will surely keep me busy this weekend, so instead of trying to complete a mega-recap at the end of this trip, I'm going to do my best at posting pictures & observations as we go along.  Here are a few highlights:

Arrival to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport: the statue of Louis Armstrong stands strong against the backdrop of a vibrant mural.



Our first dinner in New Orleans was at Galatoire's, an institution here in the city, known for maintaining traditions in their food preparations and service.  After reading Sara Roahen's description of her ideal meal at Galatoire's in her book Gumbo Tales, I knew we had to eat here.  Upon entering Galatoire's they ask you if you have a waiter preference in mind, as the standing tradition for locals is to request their favorite waiter.  Since this was our first time, we requested the server who "most loves food" and left it up to the host's good judgement.  We were rewarded with a friendly, entertaining, and most importantly, food-loving waiter named Peter.  We ordered Sazeracs immediately.

 



A big crusty loaf of french bread (perfect for dipping into sauces) and two butter patties came to our table, leading me to conclude: This is where I belong-- a city seemingly free from low-carb diets.

Lovely mom with a lovely dish


The Galatoire's Dining Room: we lingered for a long time here, and most tables had cleared out by the time we had finished.  We like to linger over good food-- each dish is a special event!

Here's the damage we did: Crabmeat maison and shrimp rémoulade to start.  For entries, we ordered the fried soft shell crab with meunière amandine and shrimp etouffée.  This was a great introduction to the city, my favorite part being the meunière amandine sauce.  As far as sauces go, this is one I would return to again and again, try to replicate, and probably crave until my next visit to Galatoire's.  For the record, if possible to design a piece of carry-on luggage to safely transport small supplies of this to California from New Orleans, this might also be something I would consider. 

A special thanks goes out to our waiter Peter, who was very kind in answering our many menu questions and walking us through the impossible decision of choosing among so many decadent dishes. 

Monday, August 01, 2011

The Yeti: dessert in a bottle

If I had to pick a beer that reminded me of dessert, it would definitely be the Yeti by the Great Divide Brewing Company.  The chocolate oak aged stout and the espresso oak aged stout need no dessert pairing to accompany them-- either of these beers are sip-worthy desserts-- a dessert in itself, barrel-aged with love and care.  Get your hands (and your lips) on these if you can!