NOLAFemmes » maringouin

New Orleans City Park Annual Spring Garden Show

maringouin — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:47:07 +0000

My latest “holy grail” has me looking for French mulberry shrubs, also known as beauty berry, specifically the Callicarpa americana var. lactea or French mulberry white cultivar. For some bizarre reason which I cannot explain, all of the shrubs in my landscape have white blooms – I didn’t intentionally start out that way, but that’s the direction its headed. Plus french mulberry attracts birds and is very easily propagated despite their relatively short lifespan (8-10 years). I’ve been calling nurseries and searching websites, but this shrub described by Dan Gill in his Louisiana Gardener’s Guide has proven elusive. So I thought perhaps I could get more information or even find a vendor selling this plant at the City Park Garden Show this morning, and brought my camera along for the ride.

The parking lot across from the Botanical Garden has been paved!

One of the beautiful entry gates, by Enrique Alférez

More sculptures by Mr. Alférez

At the entrance to the botanical garden was a table where volunteers were offering Friends of City Park memberships

To the right of the entrance were sections where vendors were selling flowers, garden supplies and garden decorations

Boudreaux’s Woodworking Shop was there – I own one of his comfy porch rockers

Bonsai!!!

A pretty shadow box of flowers

There were children’s activity tents, and a section where volunteers with the Botanical Gardens were selling plants

Bromeliads and orchids were available for sale

LSU Ag Center was holding gardening discussions – this mornings presentation was on bee keeping, and there was a table where attendees could ask gardening questions and obtain a soil sample mailing for $10.00.

I then strolled around the gardens to take in the beauty…

The Rose Garden

Century plant

The cactus greenhouse

Tropical rain forest greenhouse

The butterfly garden

Still no luck on finding the white Callicarpa, but now I have a few more leads…wish me luck on my quest!

Filed under: Art, Community Events & Forums, Culture, Gardening, History, New Orleans History, New Orleans Women, Photography, Shop New Orleans

Gumbo Z’Herbes

maringouin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:32:14 +0000

In keeping with the food theme this week, and to echo the tribute to Ashley Morris one of the consummate New Orleans foodies, a time honored New Orleans Easter tradition is to have gumbo z’herbes on Holy Thursday at Dooky Chase’s, or prepare a meatless version to serve for Good Friday’s Catholic day of fast. Here is a recipe for a gumbo z’herbes version with meat, but one could easily omit the meat and use a vegetable stock for the preparation. This is a reproduction of the original post published in January 2009.

…We went to Destrehan yesterday to check out the farmer’s market. There was a wonderful abundance of winter produce available. I remember reading somewhere recently, perhaps it was in Judy Walker’s Thursday column that now is the time for cooking greens. I started counting all the available greens at the market and decided to cook a Gumbo Z’Herbes over the 3 day weekend. I struck up conversations with the women from whom I was buying produce, and learned how to wash the greens (in a large bowl, submerged, rinsed, repeat until the water runs clear). In return, I shared with them how it is cooked in New Orleans and how Leah Chase directs cooks to use an odd number of greens with at least 5 to start (I used eleven types of greens) – symbolic for the number of friends one has or something to that effect. I was also able to get fresh andouille sausage and tasso for the gumbo.

I broke out the cookbooks and began comparing recipes. Not all of my cookbooks had the recipe, but the ones that did called it various names: Gumbo aux Herbes, Gumbo des Herbes, Gumbo Zab, Gumbo Vert, Green Gumbo, and the widely recognized New Orleans name Gumbo Z’Herbes. After comparing recipes, I decided to mix several versions of ingredients listed, but decided to use the cooking process found in Mercedes Vidrine’s cookbook, Louisiana Lagniappe. This cookbook is a compilation of Mrs. Vidrine’s 4 Quelque Chose cookbooks, and it includes all the recipes found in the four volumes. Something interesting I noticed, none of the recipes called for okra, but a few included an addition of file’ after ladling into the bowl.

I did not grow up eating greens – so cooking them intimidated me for a long time. Hearing women describe how it was near impossible to get them really clean (wash all the sand out) kept me from attempting them in the kitchen, but last fall I tried my hand at mustard greens that C grew. It was soooo easy, I wanted to do it again, and Gumbo Z’Herbes seemed like the best way to really tackle cooking greens. I just finished the process and now the stock pot is simmering, a total of 5 hours effort, 2 1/2 spent preparing and washing all the greens. This is the gumbo that Leah Chase serves on Holy Thursday – if you want to make it a Good Friday dish, use butter to make your roux, and add any combination of oysters, crab, shrimp, etc. to make it meatless. Here is the recipe, with pictures…

11 types greens

1 small bunch arugula
1 small bunch kale
1 bunch kohlrabi
1 bunch beet greens
1 bag spinach
1 bunch mustard greens
1 bunch collard greens
1 bunch swiss chard
1 bunch bok choi
1/2 head cabbage
1/2 head iceberg lettuce

(other types greens one can use: carrot greens, chicory, watercress, pepper grass, turnip greens, radish greens, nasturtiums, etc.)

meats

1 1/2 pounds andouille
1 pound cooked beef brisket
1/2 pound tasso
(can also use ham, stew meat, pickle pork)
1 pound bacon, cooked and drippings saved to make roux
1 cup flour for roux

seasonings

1 chopped onion
1 chopped bell pepper
4 stalks chopped celery
garlic
1 large bunch chopped shallots
1 bunch chopped parsley
1 bunch fennel
4 minced jalapenos
3 tablespoons vinegar
salt, pepper, hot sauce

How to make it

Strip the leaves off all the greens, removing the woody stems. Soak in large bowl in cold water, drain, soak again until the water runs clear. Stuff all the greens (omit the shallots) in a large stock pot and add 2 quarts water. Cover and steam until wilted, about 30 minutes. Drain greens and reserve the liquid (pot likker!) and chop greens fine or use a blender (blender is the preferred method). Fry off the bacon, remove then add about a cup of flour to the bacon drippings and make a roux. Once roux is ready add the chopped seasonings (celery, bell pepper, onion, shallots, jalapenos, garlic). Cut the meats (andouille, bacon, tasso, brisket) into small pieces and place in stock pot. After the seasonings are translucent, add to the stock pot with pot likker, and meats, and bring to a boil. Add the greens, parsley, fennel, salt pepper, vinegar and hot sauce, bring to a boil then simmer until thick. Serve over rice or grits, with some cornbread on the side.

Here is the pictorial

The steamed greens and the earthy pot likker

The greens pureed in the blender

Andouille and tasso

all the chopped seasonings

1/2 inch bacon drippings and about a cup of flour for the roux

Roux part 1 (keep stirring)…

Roux part 2 (keep stirring)…

Roux part 3 (keep stirring – I now begin to smell that nutty aroma, so not much longer)…

The finished roux – over high heat it took 10 minutes to get to this stage

To stop the cooking process of the roux, immediately add the seasonings

The veggies beginning to cook down and merge with the roux

Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan!

So now add the seasonings, pot likker and pureed greens to the stock pot

bring this to a boil, then simmer uncovered

and 90 minutes later…

Gumbo Z’Herbes!

epilogue – this effort made about 10 quarts of gumbo – next time, I will use either andouille or tasso – the gumbo came out with a very smoky flavor, delicious, but perhaps ham in place of one of these will balance it a tiny bit better. Can’t wait to eat this again tomorrow after all the flavors come together!

Filed under: Culture, Food, Foodies, Holiday, New Orleans History, New Orleans Women, The NoLA Life

an abominable ruling

maringouin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:48:00 +0000

So the NFL drops the gauntlet – but its more like a guillotine

WWL-TV reported at noon today that the ruling on the pay-for-performance hits on opposing team members – one year suspension for Sean Payton, beginning April 1, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams suspended immediately for an indeterminate length of time, and GM Mickey Loomis suspended for 8 regular season games. Not to mention the Saints have to pony up $500,000 fine and will also lose 2 second round draft picks in 2012 and 2013, and 22 or more players have yet to be sanctioned.

All this despite Payton and Loomis admitting culpability, and the franchise gets slammed with huge, mind blowing punishments. Some may say that the responsible parties deserved it: many will think its grossly unfair that the Saints appear to be the victim in the twisted practice of scapegoating. All this coming down while Drew Brees remains unsigned and New Orleans is hosting the Super Bowl in 2013. And to add insult to injury, the NFL delayed their announcement until right after Saints season ticket holders plunked down their deposit on 2012 tickets this past Friday…

The ones who will ultimately suffer are the fans. But wouldn’t it be oh so sweet if the Saints rally, make it to and win Super Bowl XLVII and everybody outside the Who Dat Nation gets to eat a big ole bowl of crow gumbo…

UPDATE: Doug Mouton on the 6pm WWL-TV news just reported that the alleged whistleblower in this pay-for-performance was Jeremy Shockey. I’ll bet there will be many a #88 jersey put out with the trash tonight…

Filed under: New Orleans Saints Tagged: football, New Orleans Saints, NFL, sports

Guest postess Janet Hays – Zion City Neighborhood Improvement Association Event Saturday March 10 at 9:00 am

maringouin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:19 +0000

In response to this recent post on NOLAFemmes, we were contacted by Janet Hays of the Zion City Neighborhood Improvement Association.

I am fully aware – [and horrified] – of the fact that the gang rape that happened last month was at a property in Zion City owned by the president of the BioDistrict.

In light of that rape, we – in conjunction with Councilmember Stacy Head’s office – are arranging a clean up for the Zion City Neighborhood.

As part of the clean up, we are involving women’s groups that may be interested in helping us educate people on mechanisms and resources they can employ to protect themselves from violent criminals. We would also like to amplify the idea that real estate owners should not be allowed to scoop up properties in neighborhoods for the purposes of letting them stay in blighted conditions while waiting for a State buyout or property values to increase. Buyers should be made to do something with the real estate they own within 6 months of purchase in order to contribute something to the communities they ate investing in – or resell to buyers that are truly invested.

We will have informational tables set up for health care and awareness organizations promoting self defense and real community development.

If you or any groups you are affiliated with would like to participate and get you message out, please contact me!

Here is the flyer – if anyone or any groups are interested in participating, please contact the Zion City Neighborhood Improvement Association via e-mail: JusticeZionCityNO@att.net or by telephone: 504-274-6091

This event would be a great opportunity for service learning or community service. Thank you to the Zion City Neighborhood Improvement Association for choosing NOLAFemmes to help spread the word on this event.

Filed under: Community Events & Forums, Guest Bloggers, Rape, The NoLA Life

gang rape redux 2012

maringouin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:06:41 +0000

So its 2012, yet there are still instances of horrific crimes against people, against nurses who are on a mission to simply tend to the sick. It happened practically a week ago – a 53 year old home health nurse was brutally gang raped in Zion City, in an abandoned house in the 1300 block of South Gayoso during the afternoon of January 26, 2012. The first appearance in the Times Picayune of this incident occurred on Monday evening, and a follow up report indicates there still is no police report on the crime.

Could that be because the owner of the abandoned 4-plex where the gang rape occurred is owned by (ironically) a CEO of a biomedical company who is developing the planned Tulane medical corridor? I find this interesting…

The location where the woman said she was raped is a rundown fourplex owned by Jim McNamara, president and CEO of BioDistrict New Orleans, the state agency charged with redeveloping portions of the Central Business District and Mid-City into a medical corridor. McNamara said police had not contacted him. In fact, he was unaware of the attack on his property until contacted by a reporter. His brother lives in the only occupied unit on the property and also was not aware that anything untoward had happened there, he said. The attack probably happened while his brother was at work, he said. “I’m sure if he would’ve been there he would’ve stopped it,” McNamara said.

The thing that strikes me is, how in the heck is one man going to intervene in a gang rape of a lone female by six adrenaline fueled men?

I think this echoes the pathetic state of the city of New Orleans, the utter breakdown of the moral fiber that can fuel such an incredibly heinous act, in 2012. And we are relegated to wringing our hands, expressing outrage and praying for the victim to recover both physically, mentally and spiritually.

The first thing that came to mind when I read this story, buried in the back pages mind you, was JoEllen Smith. Miss Smith was a student nurse who was making a house call in Algiers sometime in 1973, and was brutally raped and murdered while on a “mission of mercy”.

JoEllen Smith has been memorialized, having a hospital named in her honor and a memorial scholarship still actively bestowing funds to eligible people 39 years later. But it was quite unfortunate that she was killed while caring for the health of others. I am not comparing the two crimes, but instead I ask when will the lurid segment of mankind recognize the actions of those who serve a selfless mission to ease the suffering of others, without feeding their own deplorable, twisted need to commit vicious crimes against nature?

Come on NOPD…

UPDATE: NOPD has made some arrests in this case – read about it here – and the Times Picayune published an editorial piece on how the NOPD handled the incident in today’s paper.

Filed under: Crime, Healthcare, New Orleans Women, Rape, Society, Women Tagged: Healthcare Workers, New Orleans, NOPD, Rape, Violence, Women

feels like spring

maringouin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:40:59 +0000

Its unusually warm right now in New Orleans, warm for winter standards. But don’t forget the season we’re in – its still winter according to the calendar, and until March 20th passes us by.

So for those of you who dream of cold, of glistening snow, of bare trees that filter the low lying sun, of flowing water suspended in motion and of purple and white mountains, here are a few pictures to transport you away from this current “heat wave”

Click to view slideshow.
Filed under: New Orleans Women, Photography

less than a month to go…

maringouin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:00:24 +0000

…and this woman is running for the Democratic Party in the Governor’s race

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.

You don’t HAVE to vote for Jindal – there are other candidates out there, and it seems like Tara Hollis might just be an option. She probably doesn’t stand a snowballs chance, but wouldn’t it send quite a statement if she did win?

Filed under: New Orleans Women

Rising Tide VI

maringouin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:40:15 +0000

This year’s Rising Tide blogger conference was held at Xavier University in New Orleans. If you would like to read the events of the day, you can look on Twitter, hashtag #rt6 or @risingtide. New this year was an adjacent room hosting a tech school featuring several sessions on how to get the most out of your blogging and social media experience. Another great addition this year, the conference was webcast! The space at Xavier is one of the best yet, with plenty room to spread out, a myriad of vendors, and cool environs to participate in the event. The opening address by Sr. Monica Loughlin was a very warm welcome by the conference hosts, and Sr. Monica gave the audience a history of St. Katharine Drexel, the founder of Xavier, noting that she lived her life going against convention in order to achieve her vision, and that she would have been proud that a grassroots blogger assembly was being held on the grounds of her dream made reality, Xavier.

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.

Next was the presentation of the Ashley Morris Award, and this year’s recipient was Dedra Johnson of the G_Bitch spot blog. An extremely well deserved recipient, she tirelessly writes about the state of the New Orleans public school system. And finally, the exuberant Brass Band panel, hosted by Big Red Cotton discussing the history of and return after Katrina of New Orleans brass bands, closing out another wonderful Rising Tide conference. The TBC Brass band trumpeted another successful year and heralds the continuation and success of an inspiring event. Thanks to all the Rising Tide VI organizers, vendors and participants for making this year another memorable conference!

Filed under: Advocacy, Culture, Environment, Food, Gulf Coast, Katrina, Louisiana Politics, Media, New Orleans History, NOLA Bloggers, Social Networking, Treme

Gretna farmer’s market

maringouin — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:29:38 +0000

This is the second post in a series that promotes locals to buy local, supporting New Orleans metropolitan farmer’s market vendors and merchants. I went to the Gretna farmer’s market with a friend yesterday, had lunch and came home with some nice goodies. If you go, on the second Saturday of each month, beginning again in September, the Gretna Art Market accompanies the farmer’s market.

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…

Filed under: Food, Photography, Shop New Orleans

The Warehouse 1970-1982

maringouin — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 03:41:42 +0000

This link is a compilation of every concert played at The Warehouse between 1970 and 1982. Inside the link one can find mp3′s, pictures and other memorabilia from the 12 years of concert heaven on the river.

Hope you enjoy browsing and reminiscing

Happy 4th of July!

Filed under: Culture, Music