Sara Roahen's book is a food lover's delight. Or a book-lover's, or a traveler's...
Sara Roahen approaches the world through food and drink, learning about a place and its people over a shared meal. In my experience, this is one of the truest ways to connect with people and learn about a place. I'm always very grateful when I'm able to share a meal with a new friend or a total stranger, as other people call them.
Roahen's book, Gumbo Tales, is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with a city that is perhaps more important than any other to understanding the US, our people, and our culture. Jazz was born in New Orleans and the food rocked before "bam!" was invented. Emeril is just one of the many chefs who have donated generously and worked tirelessly to keep their beloved, if adopted, city's food on the map. There are culinary and hospitality training programs, an edible school yard and even a library branch in development to celebrate New Orleans food and food culture.
To learn more about Southern Food check out the Southern Foodways Alliance and it's wonderful oral history project, as well as the rebuilding of a New Orleans icon, Willie Mae's Scotch House.
