First, hello there, Manolophiles. I’m Katie. I love the food. I love the drink. I like to write about it.
And so we’re off.
A recent New York Times article reminded me of a reporting trip I took to New Orleans several years ago. While I was ostensibly in the Big Easy to investigate issues in education, all trips to N’awlins are really at their heart about food. So I ate, and ate, and when I had the weekend off, I rented a car, traveled further into Cajun country and ate some more.
Then, I stumbled across this…
Why, it was the 72nd Annual Shrimp and Petroleum Festival!
As a lover of shrimp and a user of petrol, there was no question that I had to stop and partake.
And so, I watched the crowning of the Shrimp and Petroleum Queen.
I ate some shrimp.
I ate some more shrimp. Fried and skewered, this dish featured a more traditional pairing of oil and crustacean.
At the time, the combined celebration of two key Louisiana industries amused and perplexed. Now the troubled feeling in my belly that emerges as I think about the festival is not merely from too much deep fried fun.
But the people of Morgan City, LA, home of the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary this September, are not letting the recent spill stop them. And who am I to judge? Unless, of course, said judging is of the festival’s beauty pageant, in which case, I’m partial to Miss Louisiana Crawfish Queen, who I believe has the experience necessary to wear the Miss Shrimp and Petroleum crown with style.
Welcome to the Manolosphere, Katie!
Comment by Glinda — June 1, 2010 @ 6:04 pm
I am both impressed by and jealous of your proximity to that mountain of shrimp.
Oh, and welcome to the Manolosphere, Katie. Looking forward to seeing more.
Comment by LaLarson — June 1, 2010 @ 9:02 pm
Welcome, Miss Katie!
Comment by Victor — June 2, 2010 @ 6:43 am