First of all, I actually got to see the town. It's absolutely adorable. Small shops. Friendly people. An excellent farmers' market that reminded me more of a smaller scale Granville Island market in Vancouver. Delicious French pastries. And boiled peanuts. The latter because my friends are fellow southerners, and Chris just happened to be boiling some up.
Kaile came to fetch me from Seattle, and on our leisurely drive south, we caught up on a lot of the happenings during the past ten years. Our first stop in her now hometown would be a Halloween children/parents party complete with boiled peanuts, pumpkin carving, and chats with fellow adults while costumed little ones ran around laughing, pretending, and getting their faces painted. I felt a bit in a fog, not only because I sensed I was coming down with something, but also because it was such a different world from the one I'm used to. I started to wonder why adults don't get flowers painted on their faces more often and run around yards jumping in mud puddles. Maybe because we're the ones to have to clean it up? Still, could be fun.
Back to Kaile & Frank's house, they put their little ones to bed, I watched Ramen Girl, and then nestled myself under the cozy covers to get rested for the next day. Sunday morning, we woke up, got showered, and drove to a bright, open artisanal bakery with the most delightful French pastries, The Bread Peddler. Then it was on to the farmers' market for a coffee fix and bacon shopping. Cool air, a bluegrass band, yet more kids running around, and stalls with pumpkins, apples and oysters beckoning to be purchased. Unfortunately, I was caught up in the wonder of small town deliciousness and left my bag of French pastries in the car with the dog. When we returned, I could have sworn he was wearing a beret and smoking a cigarette. I felt like a ditz, but Kaile and Frank turned the car around and headed back to replace my pastries. And when I got back to Seattle, instead of les délices transporting me to Olympia with each bite, I flew right back to days spent with beautiful friends in France wondering how in the world they get food to taste so good without gaining an ounce. I took another bite. And then another. Croissant. Pain au Chocolat. Gateau Basque. Pumpkin Pie. Apple Tarte. Apple Fritter. Butter, butter and more butter. Happiness. Even if the top button on my jeans seems a little nervous just writing it down.
The morning ended with taking our pastries over to Chris and Amanda's for breakfast, then it was back to the metropolis of Seattle. Thanks, Kaile, Frank, Chris, Amanda, and kidlets for a delicious jaunt back in time.
The following Monday, Aimee, Ashlyn and I joined Sanaa at her place for a Mediterranean feast: Mussels Bienville, raw Geoduck with ginger and wasabi soy sauce, and seafood bisteeya (squid, shrimp, fish, and geoduck). Hanging with the ladies is always delicious because it's inevitable that there will be cocktails, wine, good food, loud danceable/sing-alongable music (usually from the 80s), and soulful conversations. That's just how it works. Not only was all of this present, but I also got to break down my first geoduck and squid. Cooooool.
I love hangin' with the ladies whether in Seattle, Lafayette, LA, NYC or Paris. I have to say that I know some pretty amazing women, and am truly blessed. Thanks, gals, for being so beautiful.
Almost two weeks ago, I hopped on a plane and headed south to Lafayette, Louisiana. Incredible food, one of the coolest music festivals EVER, Blackpot Festival, beautiful, loving friends, and my sweetheart of a grandmother were in dire need of some vis'tin. After unloading and changing at Kristi & Mike's house, the first stop was Pamplona Tapas Bar & Restaurant. Some changes have been made, but it was super grand to dig into some chargrilled oysters, duck fat fries, bacon-wrapped dates with valdeon bleu cheese, duck confit flatbread, and other fine dishes. And, yes, I did have a little help from my friends. Unfortunately, Orlando, Brendan, and Luke were out that evening. :-( But Lafayette is never short of surprises. Nearing the end of our meal, Portland's MarchFourth Marching Band came parading down the street just in front on their way to play at the Blue Moon. We couldn't pass that up, thus we finished up at Pamplona and headed off to the Blue Moon Saloon, a hostel and one of the coolest venues you'll ever see. The bands play outside on the back porch, the crowd dances up a storm right in front, and for cooling off, everyone grabs an exceptionally potent drink or 20 at the bar downstairs in the backyard.
Taco Sisters was also on my list of places to go as I've been hearing about it ever since I left Lafayette back in February. While it doesn't exactly measure up to say Agua Verde in Seattle, they are pretty darn tasty. And I like how they combine flavors like their own smoked yellowfin tuna with 'normal' ingredients you might find in a tuna sandwich like iceberg lettuce and diced apples. And the sisters, Molly and Katy Richard, will welcome you with open arms, not because they only want your business (lines are down the block), but because they are just super duper nice ladies.
Friday marked the beginning of Blackpot, but not before grabbing some boudin and cracklins at Early's in Scott, LA. Sooooo good, and definitely missed. Robert who came down from Seattle to check out the festival was also impressed. I must learn to make it at home. I could live anywhere in world, but I gotsta have me some boudin every once in a while. What is it? A mix of rice, meat parts, and spices in a casing. Like the best sausage you'll EVER eat. Don't take my word for it though. Jump on dat plane & getchoo sum!
Blackpot was sensational. SO MANY incredibly beautiful friends, TONS of dancing, a winning cast iron cook-off, and talented kick-ass musicians. Plus, this year it was held on Halloween, which brought out some pretty incredible costumes. It ended on Sunday with a trip out to the Whirlybird with more good peeps, dancing and a swig of whiskey or two for good measure. Gooooood times.
The rest of my stay was spent with Nana, my grandmother. I just can't figure out how she makes those biscuits so darn delicious. And her fig preserves??? Oh my goodness. Not to mention the stuffed bell peppers and shrimp & okra gumbo. Man oh man. Grandmothers sure are swell!
Guess it was time for me to leave the 78-degree sunny days of Louisiana and head back up to the grey, rainy PacNW days where due to the time change, it apparently gets dark at 5pm. Kinda gross. But we will make it through the year to know the best days that summer has to offer. At least it's a good excuse to stay indoors, make big pots of gumbo, invite friends over, and pass a good time! Bon appétit!





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