This story begins in Hardin County, Kentucky near Fort Knox and it ends eating delicious Turtle Soup. I was taught to fish by my grandparents. Many a time we loaded up the Buick with our cane poles, bobbers and bait to head to fishing ponds on my Aunt’s farm property. For an eight year old these trips were marvelous adventures.
Lobster Thermidor
Antoine’s in new Orleans has many classic dishes on the menu, but the most memorable to me was their Lobster Thermidor. Roy F. Guste, Jr. the proprietor, broke ground by publishing a cookbook and sharing his recipes. Most restaurants guard them zealously, especially when they were in the family for generations.
Lasagna Bolognese
Lasagna Bolognese has flavors unlike any lasagna I have ever tasted. Beef, pork and veal plus a “mystery meat” and bechamel sauce make it unique.
Carne Asada Street Tacos
Carne asada street tacos are just one of my favorite culinary gifts from Mexico. We have several local restaurants and tacquerias here that I label authentic based upon my trip to Mexico City last summer. I call myself lucky.
Vichyssoise
Vichyssoise is a classic French soup. Or is it? The true origin, French or American is a legitimate question. In 1917 Creme Vichyssoise Glacee made its debut on the menu of Chef Louis Diat at the New York Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Escargot
Escargot – Snails. You love ’em or hate ’em. I find that most haters have never tried them. That’s their mistake because who doesn’t like butter, garlic, cheese and fresh bread?
Coq Au Vin
My first taste of Coq Au Vin was at a restaurant called, what else, Le Coq. They closed a few years ago and I wept because it was a favorite dish.
Cacio e Pepe
The late Anthony Bourdain had a huge influence on my appreciation for food. How to cook it, how to enjoy it, how to share it, learn from it, and to be thankful for that.
Crawfish Cardinal
Spell it Cardinal or Cardinale. Either way, this dish gets it’s name from the beautiful bird and it’s color from tomato in the sauce.
Bullion – Dallas
November 22nd, 1963, 1:30 PM. I was in Mr. Purvis’ core class when the announcement was made over the loudspeaker system that President John F. Kennedy had been shot and killed.