Images of Home

When I got back to the city from my all-too-short trip to visit my family, my neighbor and I had a long discussion about what we missed most about our respective homes. He said he missed the hustle and bustle of New York City and the ability to be just about anywhere in the city in a jiffy via the subway system. Our subway system only runs in two straight lines, so I completely understand his frustration with it. He also said that he missed pizza at 2 am and he even went so far as to suggest that he may even miss his long-gone dorm days at Columbia.

He is enamored with all things southern and has called me his Scarlett O'Hara since we met shortly after I moved here three years ago. As I started my list, I noticed him taking some notes. When I asked what he was doing, he laughed and said he wanted to sample southern culture so he planned to order some of the things I had suggested. Together, we compiled a list of easily accessible Louisiana goodies and I thought I should share some of it with y'all! Click on the links to go directly to the websites.

Perlis crawfish polo:
Note: I wear a small to medium in women's clothing but I can fit into an XL in the youth polo. Save yourself a few bucks!


Zapp's potato chips:
All of the flavors are tasty, but the Voodoo Gumbo is simply to die for!


Pat O'Brien's hurricanes:
You'll have to mix them yourself, but they're still just as tasty!


Anything by Henry Gray:
The solo works of Henry Gray are not to be missed. He's also been playing piano on recordings since 1953 with legends such as Junior Wells, Bo Diddley and Howlin' Wolf. Mr. Gray is as sweet and humble as he is talented. He still plays regularly around Baton Rouge and if you ask nicely, he'll play your favorite song.


Gambino's King Cake:
Every year, Gambino's ships their legendary Mardi Gras king cakes all over the world. I recommend you get one next year!


And the things you can't buy online, but you should definitely experience if you visit Louisiana: Acme Oyster House, Saturday night in Tiger Stadium, Louisiana Art and Science Museum (I worked there in graduate school and it is a great place to visit), Red Stick Farmers Market and Main Street Market, The Chimes, and Circa 1957, just to name a few.

If you happen to be headed to (or through) Baton Rouge, here's 225 Magazine's list of 225 things to do in Baton Rouge. Check it out!