Happy Halloween!

Celebrating National Gumbo Day!

October 12th is National Gumbo Day! Originating in southern Louisiana during the 18th century, Gumbo typically consists of strongly-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a thickener, and seasoned vegetables. The seasoned vegetables may include celery, bell peppers, and onions. In the Cajun cuisine, the trio is known as the “holy trinity. Most people serve Gumbo over rice. Gumbo is also usually categorized by one of the following types of thickener used: the African vegetable okra, the Choctaw spice filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves), or roux (the French base made of flour and fat). The word “Gumbo” arose from a West African word for okra, forever linking the name of the dish with the ingredient. Whatever recipe you use, enjoy some delicious gumbo today … and tomorrow …. and the day after that … and the day after that …

Photo: Amadscientist

Arrrr! It's International Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Ahoy! Avast me hearties and landlubbers alike, ‘tis a day to hoist yer Jolly Roger, and celebrate with yer favorite grog ‘til ye are three sheets to the wind! Or, at least to talk like you would do all those things! Since 2002, International Talk Like A Pirate Day has been enjoyed by Seadogs and Scurvy Dogs around the world!

Celebrating National Scotch Day!

On July 27th, we celebrate National Scotch Day! Scotch whisky dates back to the 15th century, and there are five distinct categories: single malt Scotch, single grain Scotch, blended malt Scotch, blended grain Scotch, and blended Scotch. Protected by law in 1933, and further in 1988 with the Scotch Whisky Act, specific guidelines must be followed when making Scotch. First, it must be made in Scotland, and only malted barley may be used, along with water and yeast. Other grains can be included, but no fermentation additives, per law. Scotch must also be aged in oak barrels for at least three years and have an ABV of less than 94.8%. Got it? Good! Now sit back and enjoy some Scotch to celebrate this very special day!

Celebrating Juneteenth!

Juneteenth is the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19, 1865, that Union troops overcame the resistance in Galveston, Texas, and announced the Civil War was over and enslaved people were free. While the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t until this day, two and a half years later, over two months after General Lee surrendered, that federal forces that were able to influence and overcome the resistance in Galveston, and enforce President Lincoln’s Executive Order.

Today Juneteenth is a national day of pride that celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. On Juneteenth we acknowledge the African American spirit and pay tribute to the roles and contributions which have enriched our society. And for New Orleans, we have a lot to celebrate!

Celebrating National Bourbon Day!

Celebrate America’s “Native Spirit” on National Bourbon Day, June 14th! Did you know that all bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbon? For a whiskey to classify as bourbon it must be made in the U.S., and it must be between 51 and 79 per cent corn. The other grains used in bourbon include malted barley and either rye or wheat. Bourbon must be aged at least two years in a new, charred American White Oak barrel that may only be used once for bourbon. You are not required to know all this in order to celebrate National Bourbon Day, but now that you do, aren’t you thirsty? Enjoy!