There’s seafood on my mind. Crawfish. Oysters. Crab. Scallops. Shrimp. Hopefully lobster. All seasoned with Southern spices and lure. I’m thinking of creole dirty rice. French cooking techniques mixed Southern flavors. Spicy red beans and rice. Gumbo seasoned with filé. Jazz music inspired from my Motherland. Warm weather on the gulf coast. Why? I’m going to New Orleans. It’s my first time. The trip is sponsored by The Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition. Besides enjoying my favorite cuisine (on location), I’m learning how the seafood industry is moving on after a disastrous oil spill. Read more
clams
Spicy Saffron Heirloom Tomato Sauce with Clams and Shrimp
There was a “to do” list written for a productive, busy day. There’s a design proposal that needs to be delivered to a client. The food blog needs a new post. Pictures need to be downloaded. Work beckons my creative-thinking skills. All I want to do is lie down and sleep. I admire all my coworkers and friends who were able to leave out of town for at least a week this summer for a real vacation. New York City has been my vacation hot spot for years.
Despite being stressed from all of life’s beauties and fiascoes, the boyfriend casually announced he was going to the beach. He coyly smiled, “You can come, too.” He knew there was a slight chance, a break or a second option of me saying yes. Beating the odds, I said, “I’m getting my swimsuit.” I needed a break. Some rest. Splashy fun. This was my only chance of escaping from this summer’s excessive heat for a few salty airs of change. Read more