Stephanie Grace laments the pitiful lack of Democratic candidates in this year’s statewide elections. It is a shame that the party just folded and didn’t even try. The party is on life support, just waiting for someone to pull the plug. However they must stand up and crank out opposition candidates for the next election; its truly needed to offset the radical right message currently seeping into the psyche of Louisiana, and the rest of America. Constantly demonizing the Democrats gets the state nowhere, and the art of compromise must be resurrected.

The first speaker was Richard Campanella, who spoke eloquently on the historical geography of New Orleans, and those implications on the current state of New Orleans’ neighborhoods. He has spent countless hours as a researcher gleaning information from local archives to write many books on the city. He presented a thorough picture of the city and surrounding regions and established a foundation of the relevance of New Orleans as a truly unique part of the country. The next presentation, the panel on social media and social justice promoted using social media to mobilize grassroots opposition to unjust legislation in state and federal politics. Moderated by Dr. Kimberly Chandler of Xavier University, it was a dynamic panel with good information on how to participate in social justice. Jimmy Huck who writes The Huck Upchuck blog, and follows Latino and immigrant issues in and around New Orleans presented issues concerning Latinos in New Orleans and stated that this demographic is much more plugged in than many people think and are able to participate in social media activism. One panel member noted that social media can also be used against the activists, with the case in point concerning the recent London Riots: pictures of rioters were posted on a website with a number assigned and people were asked to notify the authorities if they knew the individual in the picture. Scary thought indeed…

The lunchtime panel spoke on the Macondo/BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill that began April 20, 2010 killing 11 people. The panel reviewed the spill timeline, and Bob Marshall discussed the fact that the Minerals Management Service was “in bed” with Louisiana politicians and the oil companies and how it is virtually impossible to change any oil company policy to benefit the citizens of Louisiana and the environment where we all live. Anne Rolfes reported that the oil industry has an exponential number of accidents that are not reported. Drake Toulouse of Disenfranchised Citizen commented on the post-oil spill financial claims distribution mess that Ken Fineberg inherited, and how his promises of distributing checks within 7 days went unfulfilled. The delays wound up wearing people down so they just gave up and took a check, but unfortunately are still living with the disaster effects on their health and finances. All agreed that the American Petroleum Institute controls congress, therefore citizens have little control over this mess and we are all screwed because of that. It was also reported that any remaining monies from the 20 billion BP put into the GCCF fund would be returned to the company, instead of distributing it to people suffering from the spill. Bob Marshall said that he recently watched again the 1948 Louisiana Story movie and how so long ago there was no value on the swamps and wetlands, but now that we realize the wetlands destruction equates a loss of a way of life in Louisiana, it might be too little too late to save the wetlands.

After a delicious lunch by J’Anitas, David Simon the second featured speaker explored the conceptual background of his series Treme’. He presented the fallacies of logic, speaking specifically about “standing” and ad hominem arguments, the second in which a person uses an argument against the other person as opposed to the subject being argued between them. He noted that politicians frequently use the ad hominem fallacy of logic, such as in health care debates and other political discourse. He also posited that “standing” is the lamest way politicians diminish political discourse, using as an example the controversy over the demolition of a row of houses on S. Derbigny street that were featured in the poster of the first season of Treme’. Simon also noted that because he is not a New Orleans local, he got Treme’ right because he bluntly inserted himself into New Orleans situations that perhaps a local would not have ventured, caring nothing about “standing” for or against anyone or anything. Simon also cautioned the audience about the biotech development proposal slated for construction alongside the new LSU medical center, and how Johns Hopkins in Baltimore promised the same. Unfortunately a decade later, the empty dirt filled lots which were to be filled with new businesses and research buildings are still that, empty…

After Simon, a delightful and lively panel discussion on New Orleans Food was moderated by Jeffrey of the Library Chronicles. The panel talked about the miraculous post-Katrina recovery of the restaurant industry and the ensuing burst of food creativity as described by Todd Price. Rene Louapre who writes Blackened Out pointed out how there have been no New Orleans chefs participating on Bravo’s Top Chef series, and the reason probably is that New Orleans chefs in their 30′s have abundant opportunity to open restaurants in the city than anywhere else because of the storm and the abandoned food establishments just waiting to be put back into commerce. Chef Adolfo Garcia recalled how many chefs worked together after Katrina to help each other and mobilize restaurant re-openings because there were so many people in town that needed places to eat: first responders, contractors, insurance people and others who had money to spend and nowhere to dine. A lively discussion ensued about assigning the nomenclature of Creole to the current cuisine being served in town and the question arose: is New Orleans losing its food identity? Alex del Castillo talked about mobile food vendors, “taco trucks”, setting roots into brick and mortar restaurants that contribute to the eclectic mix of New Orleans creole cuisine. Chris deBarr of Green Goddess Restaurant had the most optimistic take on it all: in merging the varied cuisines of the different cultures of New Orleans (Italian, French, Caribbean, African, Vietnamese, etc.) the true identity of Creole cuisine is discovered by marrying local cuisines and cultures into great food.

We drove across the Crescent City Connection to the westbank and took the Lafayette Street exit. Once you get off, you take a right on Lafayette street and drive down to 5th street. There you take a left and go to Huey P. Long Avenue. We stopped at Common Grounds Coffee for a strong cafe au lait, then proceeded to the market.

At the beginning of the outdoor market is a visitor center with a statue of baseball legend Mel Ott.

The market is covered held under the old train depot – a nice place in case a stray shower approaches then vendors have shelter from the rain.

At the entrance to the market, Schexnayder’s Acadian Foods is prominent – the business is located in Kenner, LA. and provides catering services as well as selling at both the German Coast and Gretna farmers markets. Their claim to fame is the Hurricane Sauce which can be used in many dishes. I’ve had their catered barbeque and I can attest it is some of the best to be had in the city! Their smoked chicken salad is to die for!!!

If you are looking for bromeliads, this gentleman had a lovely assortment.

Fleur de Bees, a local honey producer was selling honey, lip balm and bee pollen.

The next vendor was Sailey’s Restaurant and Catering. He described his artichokes and informed us they were available at local grocers like Dorignac’s.

The next vendor was Maria Plaisance Catering from Gretna, who gave me permission to post her phone number – 228-9557 – her jambalaya looked mouthwatering!

Next to Maria was Lori with Hungry Hounds Dog Cookies – My friend bought a few for my dog and I can testify that my pup ate every last crumb! She was also selling dried okra pods which were sweet and fresh.

There were a couple of vegetable vendors…

…and a gentleman on the end selling plants and citrus trees. I told him that I’d purchased my satsuma tree from him at the Gretna Market about 4 years ago, and how this winter will be the first that I let it set the fruit. I’d been pinching off the orange blossoms the last few seasons to allow the growth energy to go into the growth of the tree like he recommended and this winter I’ll have well over 3 dozen satsumas ripen – he was happy to hear the report back on his product!

There was some music being played…

…and next to the musicians was the lady from Portera’s Panetteria (Bakery), located in Destrehan 985-764-0291. She makes Italian cookies and takes custom cake orders too!

There was an enterprising young lady helping her mother sell delicious canned goods – the zesty pickles were awesome!

Next to her was Candle Nature, selling all soy candles – they are stocked in the local Rouses Markets.

Chef Ernie of Fame Confectionary – 367-4775 – gave me a few wonderful samples of his delicious and creamy pralines. He and his family also makes heavenly hash, sugared and spiced nuts, all beautifully boxed and ready to give as lovely gifts.

And finally, the couple from Amato’s Winery in Independence, LA. was selling an assortment of their wines.

So afterwards, we walked another block to the riverfront amphitheater to share some hot tamale balls and pulled pork meat pies…

…and to look at all the bounty we’d purchased…

…while enjoying the nice breezes off the Mississippi River.

Another farmer’s market will be profiled in the coming weeks…

Hope you enjoy browsing and reminiscing

So head west on I-10 and right after the Loyola exit in Kenner, take the I-310 exit and drive south

Take the St. Rose exit, don’t go across the river!

At the end of the exit off I-310 take a right towards Ormond Plantation

The sign for the market

Pull into the gravel parking lot to the right of the plantation

The nice lady of Schexnayder Farm helped me pick out some tender white patty-pan squash

Papa George was cooking up some shrimp and red potato etouffee, and he gave me a sample

I bought some of his homemade hot hogshead cheese mmmmm!

I bought some yard eggs and blueberries from this lady

Got some carrots from this vendor and more blueberries from the next

and purchased some local honey

Got some white flesh nectarines – my favorite! Grown in Chilton county, AL.

Got some red beans and rice from Campbell Farms in Gueydan, LA.

The gentleman was telling me about Campbell’s popcorn rice, and I didn’t know that brown rice spoiled more quickly than white rice

I was talking to the nice lady, paid for my green hot sauce, and forgot it!

The obligatory plant, herb and flower vendor was present…

…and so was the candle vendor

Cox’s Meat Market from Reserve, LA was selling fresh pork sausage, andouille and beef

The welcome tent was selling river parishes cookbooks

There was a good crowd at the market, and also vendors selling jellies, jams, pickled items and fresh baked goods

After shopping, I strolled around the plantation grounds

This sign was up at the market exit – don’t ask, I haven’t a clue lol!

So lets get you back safe and sound to the city – take a left out of the Ormond Plantation parking lot, then take another left towards I-310 – then make sure you take a right here!!!

And take another right onto I-10 eastbound

Back home, and $40.00 later, I have a nice little assortment of lovely edibles that will get me through the week and then some. I sure wish I remembered to get that jalapeno green hot sauce though…

Since okra and creole tomatoes are in season right now, its the perfect time to make this dish. It can also be made year round, since most grocers carry frozen okra all the time. You can make it vegetarian, serve it as a side dish, or add sausage, shrimp, andouille, ham, tasso or any protein you like to make it a complete dish. It can also be served over rice. Here are the ingredients I used for this version:

Okra and tomatoes

2 pounds okra
6 creole tomatoes, washed, seeded and diced
1 1/2 onions, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped (save the green tops to add at the end)
2 jalapenos minced
1 poblano pepper, chopped
1 pound cooked ham seasoning
1/2 pound tasso, diced
2 teaspoons creole mustard
salt, pepper, parsley, red pepper flakes to taste

Here are some of the ingredients

Wash off the okra

Cut off the tops

Then cut the okra into rounds

Cut the tomatoes and remove the seeds and “jelly”

Chop the ham and the tasso

Saute the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes

then add the okra to the onions – notice the ropes in the okra, so continue to cook it until the ropes are cooked off, about 15 minutes

Add the peppers and garlic and stir, cooking for 10 minutes

then add the tomatoes and mix well, cooking for about 5 minutes

Add the ham and tasso

and mix well

Add the secret ingredient, creole mustard

Cover, then cook for 30 minutes, adding the green onion tops the last 5 minutes

then enjoy

add some pecorino romano if you like!

I just got a new SLR, so I stretched its legs for the first time – I didn’t use a flash, I didn’t want to annoy folks…

The crowd gathers

Wine glasses are ready

The setting was starry

Delgado Culinary School had one of the best offerings – yellowtail tartar

Sokol Blosser from Oregon, one of my faves

Lotsa tables to drink and dine

Besh Steakhouse had an Asian steak and glass noodles dish – they had one of the longest lines and were one of the first stations closed too

Crawfish boil popcorn!

Drago’s had a seafood risotto

Reginelli’s had a grilled portobello bruschetta mmmm!

Pontchartrain Vineyards had a lovely sauvignon blanc that tasted like green apples

By this time the lines were forming, look at the line for the Rib Room!

Lotsa, lotsa wines, from everywhere! Australia, South Africa, California, Europe, the Northshore…

Rouse’s had a wasabi shrimp cocktail whew!

The nice man from Octavia Books was there – I brought him food tastings during the evening and he was still smiling after I spilled some cornbread and bisque over his books eek!

Antoine’s had a yummy crab pasta

The chefs from the Ritz Carlton were hard at work

They prepared a crabmeat eggroll and a cotton candy – peach schnapps – berry custard thingy that was quite sweet and good as this random dude demonstrated!

The stations had water to rinse your glass between tastings

Restaurant Galvez served a lovely gazpacho

Fleurty Girl produced the event T-shirts

The best dessert all night, made with Old New Orleans Rum and produced by Bee Sweet Cupcakes on Magazine OMG delish and they ran out!

Colorful displays were abundant

A marching band roared through the hall around 8:30

and as the end of the night drew near, debris began collecting everywhere

Then at about 8:50 the Voice of the Wetlands Allstars (Anders Osborne, George Porter, Jr., Johnny Vidacovich, Cyril Neville and Chief Monk Boudreaux) came on and played until around 9:30

Lil’ Eliza Jane

Hope their voices were loud enough to get this little guy back home

The cookbook can be purchased at any Rouse’s grocery and costs $9.95. It is a softcover book, however it contains excellent seafood recipes from most of the famous chef’s cooking in the New Orleans area. I purchased one this morning and already have a dozen pages marked to try out recipes. These would make great Christmas gifts too, for the cooks on your list. One thing I noticed as I read the local chef’s biographies is that many of them are graduates of New Orleans’ own Delgado Culinary School!

Here’s hoping that the river spares us and the levees hold up in southeast Louisiana. We don’t need a 3rd catastrophe to happen…

(Picture recently taken at Tom Lee riverside park in Memphis, Tennessee, photographer unknown)

The website endorses lowering the drinking age to allow 18, 19 and 20 year olds to purchase and consume alcohol.

I don’t know if this is a good thing or not – and I don’t know if it will ever come to fruition since so many federal transportation and roads infrastructure to states is tied to the drinking age being 21 years old.

And the movie looks like it might not be all that – although it claims to be a comedy which is always welcome. I don’t know if I particularly want to see it myself since I spent some time in these bars, in addition to bars all over New Orleans proper, during the early 80′s (((puts bag over head))). The Last Stop, Kenny’s Key West, Kaleb’s, South Side, The Showboat, Ski Lodge all revisited! The release of this is timely what with Jefferson parish rezoning this district recently to close all the bars by Midnight during the week and 1am on weekends.

Maybe it will play at Canal Place if it makes it that far.

I told everyone I was leaving town for Mardi Gras and people were incredulous – why leave this is the best time of the year? Aren’t you going to miss all the fun? How are you going to blow off the proverbial steam? Well, I did get to blow off steam, but not by being raucous and inebriated like many do during carnival season. This trip did a world of good, and from the pulse of many here in New Orleans, I’m not the only one that left town for quieter destinations. Many people leave, maybe for warmer sandy climates, others to sink their feet and skis into powder, and still more head out to camp and commune with nature.