Where's the soul food?

Recently, I was talking to a couple older gentlemen (on different occasions) here in Corpus Christi about an area here called Hillcrest. We got to talking about an old BBQ place--Greenwood BBQ, or something similar. Both men are of the impression that this place had the best BBQ around, and maybe even in Texas.

Do you guys have similar instances of the bombest foods falling off the face of the earth? I hate to think about focusing on food as a way of retaining culture. This is just a way of monitoring how people's cultures are falling off.

I encourage people to support the businesses that you enjoy. It doesn't take much for the business to go under or close its doors. A number of unexpected internal influences could occur. Then there's the rising cost of keeping your doors open to include escalating taxes based on zoning changes, insurance costs because of people looking for stuff in their food, utility costs, etc.

I remember when I first left New Orleans in '93 and went to school in Alabama. I was pretty much used to going to almost any store resembling a corner store and getting a meal. Much to my surprise, everybody went to the fast food or the chain restaurants. I just wanted to get a decent sandwich or plate meal for five bucks or less.

Fast forward to post-Katrina and I tried a new spot this past MLK day at home. I was very disappointed. But the spots I used to go to are still closed. Probably can't afford to pay rent, fix the place, etc. I'm not saying that it's all over, because it's far from over. There are other places that are opening--some never closed in the first place. I was just mad that my cousin had the nerve to say that the place was good.

There are probably a number of places that you guys might know of serving food with that distinguished taste. Please have pride in what is inherently yours as the owners have opened up their business to you. For the family cooks (as I know there are scores of you with them in the family tree), reach out to those family members and compile your own lil recipe books. Why re-invent the wheel entirely?

Happy New Year Michoud

This Christmas passed kinda funny for me. It was my first time sleeping in my room since August 2005, before Katrina came thru New Orleans. My mom's been working on the house (with the 'assistance' of contracted help) very diligently for the past year, restoring it to the original.

I wanted to send out words of inspiration to any that have the will to make the effort to return home. Make it happen. With the power and grace of God, you will accomplish your goal.

Note to self: just believe.