The Three Main Food Groups of New Orleans

The USDA has no doubt spent millions of dollars in development of the Food Pyramid to help guide Americans into healthy eating habits. It encourages a broad diet full of fruits and vegetables, and moderation in other areas such as flavor.

It doesn't appear this Food Pyramid concept has yet made it to the Big Easy, similarly with public nudity laws.

I share with you today the Three Food Groups of New Orleans.

Crawfish

 

South Louisiana is much in love with these little crustaceans. In season from spring though mid summer, it is as if God wanted you to sit outside and drink cold beer while sucking heads.

And suck heads you must. The head cavity of the crawfish holds a fatty nectar of the gods, it also soaks in some of the spicy liquid that they are boiled in. And as you would expect, there is a specific technique to proper head sucking. The head is pointed down while the tail is twisted off lest you want the liquid to escape. The head can then be tipped up into your mouth, the head is pinched and the delicious juices firmly sucked from their hiding place. While this may sound a complex process, after a pound of hot mud bugs and a 6 pack of cold beer you will be an expert. 

Muffuletta

While at first glance it may appear an unassuming sandwich, partaking of a proper Muffuletta is an experience impossible to describe. A wide flat Italian loaf topped with sesame seeds, filled with mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone.  But what makes the Muffuletta is the olive salad. diced giardiniera and olives, it is that special combination of salty and vinegary that makes this a sandwich above all other sandwich.

Beer

The Third Food group of New Orleans is perhaps the most universal of foods. 

A dark stout, perfect for breakfast with Cocoa Pebbles.

A cold Amber, a well balanced drink under the hot summer sun washing down meat on a stick..

 

 

And equally well with crawfish nachos.

 And who could forget about an Amber with deep fried meat on a stick?

So while New Orleans may lack in areas such as; public education, drainage or having a non-corrupt government,  there is no lack for delicious and well balanced meals.