Some Like It Hot Video & Blog

It's funny to me how the delicious, yet un-fanciest of foods sometimes become such delicacies. Lobster, steak tartare, sushi, etc. were all once considered food for your everyday Joe, but today, they're menu specialties. Cajun food is another good example.

Inspired by French Canadian, Spanish, Indian and English influences, Cajun Country grub began as a poor-man's cuisine — a mixture of this, that and just whatever was available. Early settlers prepared food from what they found organically on the land and in the waters out of necessity to survive: grain, rice, vegetables, fruits, seafood and basically any kind of meat.

These "Acadians" also learned the techniques of using spices. Like tomato, basil and garlic to Italians, onions, celery and bell peppers soon became the holy trinity of Cajun food. Boudin, jambalaya and gumbo are good representatives of the early "throw everything in together, and spice it up" Southern Louisiana style of cooking.

But today, the zing and zang of the often spicy Louisiana dishes is benevolently revered from the West Coast to the East Coast, and around the world.

Crawfish etouffée. Gumbo. Po' boys. Jambalaya. Boiled crawfish. Red beans and rice — it's all in a day's meal in Louisiana. And restaurants like Restaurant August in New Orleans, Mansurs On the Boulevard in Baton Rouge and Café Vermilionville in Lafayette are just a few of the famous Southern Louisiana dining hotspots.

And it's not just the Cajun flavor that get people fired up about Louisiana cuisine; it's the seemingly inevitable celebrations that surround every meal.

Are you ready to kick it Cajun style?

Nashville Country. Kentucky Bluegrass. Memphis and Delta Mississippi Blues. New Orleans Jazz.

There's no doubt about it: the South is recognized world-wide for its wide array of music. It's not uncommon for visitors to take a road trip through the South simply for the abundance of musical sanctuaries along the way.

In fact, I'm one of them.

I keep a constant eye out for music festivals, events, concerts and newly opened music halls and venues. When I begin planning my next trip South, whether venturing to Kentucky, Louisiana or any other southern state, I make sure to add the musical hot spots I've discovered to my "must-visit" list.

I'll admit, I've been keeping a sharp eye on New Orleans lately. I'm regularly checking for new and fun things to do there. After the wrath of hurricane Katrina a few years ago, New Orleans is even more compelling as it undergoes efforts to physical rebuild and progress on citywide cultural rejuvenation.

One particular grand opening caught my interest recently down in Cajun country.

Michaul's Live Cajun Music Venue and Les Bon Temps Party Hall offers the "total Cajun experience." Located in the French Quarter on St. Charles Avenue, Michaul's offers a taste and feel of authentic New Orleans with genuine Cajun cuisine, live music and even dance lessons in the Les Bon Temps Party Hall.

Reviews on Michaul's have done nothing to discourage my positive first impression either:

"We've eaten and danced at many great places in many great cities, but this is the first time I've been compelled to write. That's how good I feel about our visit to MICHAUL's."
Andy Curran, Cincinnati Board of Realtors

"We took a vote at Cathers and voted our visit to MICHAUL's the most enjoyable night we've ever spent in New Orleans! MICHAUL'S lived up to and exceeded our wildest dreams for the evening."
Cathy McGill, Cathers Publishing House, NY

Anybody ready for a southern music road trip?

So by now you’ve figured out that I love lists almost as much as traveling around the South and that I’ve totally been intrigued by Forbes magazine’s recent listings.  The Grilled Octopus and Braised Lamb at Kyma in Atlanta, Georgia was recently selected by one of the world’s top 10 chefs as a “meal worth traveling for.”   Here are some snippets:

Some eat to live. Others live to eat. They're called foodies, and they're so dedicated to their quest for the next great meal that many are willing to travel to the other end of the country and, in many cases, to the other end of the world just to experience it. Here are a look at travel-worthy meals selected by 10 top chefs.

Who Picked: Rick Moonen, executive chef of Restaurant RM and R Bar Café at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

The Meal: Grilled Octopus and Braised Lamb at Kyma in Atlanta

Why: "This Greek restaurant serves up innovative food in a hip environment. The grilled octopus and the braised lamb are a celebration of authentic Greek food presented in a clean way. I would walk to Atlanta just to eat here again."

For more information, visit www.buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma.html.

I’m not a bar hopper (far from it), but I do think it is cool that the Nikki Beach Bar in Miami, Florida was selected by Forbes as one of the World’s Ultimate Beach Bars.  If only I were 20 years younger and still in college I would take a road trip. 

However, If you are an avid reader of this blog, and a growing number of you are (thank you), you already know what a beach bum I am.  I’d take a day at the beach over just about anything, anytime or anywhere.  And the South is known for its fantastic beaches.  Off the top of my head I can think of a handful I personally love…Dauphin Island, Myrtle Beach, Seaside, Destin…but I really couldn’t tell you much about the bar scenes there.  Here’s a link to Travel South USA’s database of Southern Living magazine articles on Beach Vacations.  Perhaps one of our loyal readers will write in with some suggestions.  In the meantime, here’s what Forbes said about the Nikki Beach Bar:

The door policy here might be strict--they adhere to the guest list and weed out hangers-on--but once you get through, the service and atmosphere is above par, with a private beach surrounded by natural wood- and white fabric-covered furnishings. In the evening, this beach bar turns into a full-blown club, serving up house beats from international DJs.

Ok, ok…I watch my fair share of CNN.  It’s true.  So….the other day I was watching CNN and one of the anchors started talking about these women he met in New Hampshire for the primaries earlier this month (or was it last month).  He referred to them as “political tourists.”  Apparently, they don’t live in New Hampshire but flew in so that they could be a part of the excitement that is the political primary season in New Hampshire.   

What an interesting new trend, I thought.  With that, I did what all Internet-addicted Americans do…I “Googled” it, I “Asked Jeeves” about it and I was captivated.  As one writer put it, “it’s like when people fly into New Orleans for a jazz festival…except that these are political junkies” who fly from Quebec, New York, Massachusetts, Cleveland and even overseas to check it out. 

So, with that, for all you “political tourists” out there I have one tip…www.TravelSouthUSA.com.   In that one site, you will find all you need to plan your political tour of the gorgeous, beautiful and politically active Southern states as well as articles from the pages of Southern Living magazine.  From dining to shopping to festivals and attractions, it is all there.  And for those of you who can’t make it in person, you can take the South home with you by downloading some great Southern Recipes.  Here are two of my personal faves…

First of all, how often does one get to use the word “fortuitous?”   But it IS fortuitous that this month TravelSouth USA is offering Canadians a chance to win a trip to my second favorite Southern state-South Carolina.  Psst…it is only second to my home state of Arkansas where I was born and have lived my entire life.   But back to the giveaway…it is  HUGE.  The VIP pass must include entry in to 30 different venues in Charleston including the Carles Towne Landing State Park, a round of golf at one of my favorite places, Kiawah Island Golf Resort and a chance to learn about lowcountry cuisine from some of the top chefs in the country at Charleston Cooks!.  To learn more about the trip to Charleston, SC visit the TravelSouth USA website.  In fact, you can check out this video from Southern Living magazine there.

Last, but certainly not least for the media, it is further “fortuitous” that this is also the month of the South Carolina primaries where names like Clinton, Obama, Edwards, McCain, Romney and Huckabee are fighting it out for  political leadership.  I sure hope Candy Crowley, Tim Russert and all the political news analysts in town to cover the Presidential primaries know about TravelSouth USA’s Dining site so that they can visit places like Bowen’s Island (which is back in business after a fire in 2006) and Louis’s at Pawleys when they are in town and share the great experience that is the lowcountry.

In fact here’s one of the recipes I found at Louis’s at Pawleys website:

Enjoy!  Until next time…

I just heard that four Kentucky poets, Lynnell Edwards, Erin Keane and Ben Lesousky of Louisville, and David Harrity of Nicholasville, will read from their work at the first Tapas Tuesday of 2008 at Holly Hill Inn in Midway, Kentucky.  The reading will be on January 29^th.  As an English major, I’ll go anywhere to hear poetry but, unfortunately, I had to ask, “What is a Tapas Tuesday?”  Here’s what I learned from Genie Graf: the tradition of serving food on small plates, or tapas, originated in Spain. These small plates of food can be shared among friends, or several can be ordered as a meal. The dishes, such as gambas al pilpil (shrimp in garlic sauce) or a Spanish tortilla, can range from spicy to light, soups to meats, chilled or hot. 

Sounds awesome.  Gene also told me that vegetarian options are always available at the Holly Hill Inn. Cost for each plate will range from $5-$10.

Holly Hill Inn is at 426 North Winter Street in historic Midway, Exit 65 off I-64, minutes from Lexington, Frankfort and Versailles. Hours are: dinner, 5:30-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; weekday lunch by group reservation only in winter. Reservations suggested for dinner and brunch at (859) 846-4732. For menus and more information, visit www.hollyhillinn.com.

We've also got articles from Southern Living magazine about Kentucky as well as other locations throughout the south at http://www.travelsouthusa.com/travel-talk/Default.aspx?id=25.  Check it out!

One of my blog friends asked me the other day “What is Lowcountry Cuisine Anyway?”  Well, I’m no expert, but my definition is cooking that features ingredients predominantly found in South Carolina’s Low Country (as in geography) including Charleston and Savannah.  It’s the stuff Pat Conroy must have been eating when he wrote Prince of Tides (one of my favorite books, but not my favorite movie…in my opinion, the book is almost always better.  For favorite movie, see: Steel Magnolias.)  I digress…Lowcountry cooking has a strong French influence, is full of seafood and reminds you a whole lot of its kissin’ cousin, Cajun cooking.  As someone once told me, “it is the food of the water”

Wikipedia also educated me on some foods that, while some are new to me, are traditionally part of Lowcountry cuisine include She-crab Soup, Sweet Potato & Crab Soup, Charleston Red Rice, Hoppin’ John, Frogmore Stew, Perlau, Oyster Roast, Crab Cakes or Shrimp & Grits. 

With that, here’s a recipe for Frogmore Stew which, according to the South Carolina Encyclopedia, originated in the Frogmore community on St. Helena Island near Beaufort. 

Until next time, enjoy!

Yes, you can learn to cook the Southern way. All across the South cooking schools and Executive Chefs teach the magical tricks of their trade. This month, Travel South USA is offering a Charleston getaway package that features a class at Charleston Cooks where Lowcountry and visiting celebrity chefs entertain and inspire. Check out other Southern cooking schools and interactive cuisine experiences on the TSUSA Flavours site.

In fact, here is a great Crab Cakes recipe that I can’t wait to try.  Please send me some of your favorites as well or your thoughts on great cooking schools of the south.

Lowcountry Crab Cakes

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

Lightly toss lump crab meat, onion, parsley, mayonnaise, mustard, pepper, salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, eggs and 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Form to make eight (8) crab cakes. Heat the unsalted butter at medium heat in a large iron skillet. Roll crab cakes in remaining bread crumbs. Place in heated butter and cook until golden brown, turning once to cook the other side. Careful not to burn! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with tartar or remoulade sauce and lemon wedge. Enjoy your lowcountry feast!

View More Southern Recipes

In its December issue, Southern Living magazine spotlights two North Carolina eateries for their talent in making one of my favorite indulgences - banana pudding.  Gary’s Bar-B-Q in China Grove and Clara Marie’s Authentic Southern Bakery, located at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, are both featured for their mastery of this Southern specialty. 

I’ve been meaning to plan a trip to Greensboro.  Did you know that Greensboro is the home of Replacements Ltd.?  For those of you unfamiliar with them, they are the largest selection of old & new dinnerware, china and crystal.  Replacements Ltd is a great place to visit online if you are looking for collectibles or if your china or crystal pattern has been retired, and you need a replacement piece.

Greensboro is also  a furniture shopper’s dream come true.  You can visit Boyles Furniture, Thomasville and Drexel Heritage all in one day.

If history is your thing, you could tour the city’s historic sites including Guilford College, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, the Greensboro Historical Museum, the Blandwood Mansion and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

Last but certainly not least, NASCAR fans can visit the museum that honors the seven-time Winston Cup Champion Richard Petty at the Richard Petty Museum. 

But back to where I started, banana pudding…send me your favorite recipes while I do some web surfing on its history.  I’m pretty darn sure, like all things wonderful in my life, it started in the South.

Until Next Time…

One of the activities I love most when I travel is visiting toy stores, especially this time of year.  No, I’m not talking about the big box stores, although they certainly serve a good purpose.  I’m talking about those great hole-in-the-wall, mom and pop stores where customer service is everything and where one-of-a-kind gifts for kids of all ages can be found.  Places like Once Upon a Time in Biltmore Village.  I love this place!  They have toys, they have books, they have gift items and, if you go upstairs to William and Grace you can find “timeless fashions for girls and boys ages newborn to 12.”    In fact, I recommend you have someone take the kids over to Claying Around while you are shopping for all those Christmas goodies.  At Claying Around the kids and adults can try their hand at the potter's wheel, paint their own pottery and even paint their own glassware.  Good, dirty fun – everyone will love it!  After all that shopping and creating, everyone will enjoy some food.  Pick one of the handful of restaurants in the Village and you are sure to find something good.  Restaurants include, The Corner Kitchen, Hot Shot Café, Kismet Café, La Paz, Chelsea’s and The Village Tea Room. 

But don’t take my word for it, I’m hoping you will send me your thoughts on some of the best Toy Stores in the South. 

Until next time…

OK travelers from near and far…Now that I’ve given you the scoop on where I think it is hot to shop in Atlanta, it is play time. 

First stop, the Georgia Aquarium.  The new Georgia Aquarium is one of the world's largest with over 55,000 animals from 500 different species! It is located across from the CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta.  The Georgia Aquarium has timed ticketing (meaning they assign you a time to enter), so I recommend buying tickets in advance. This can be done on their Web site or by phone (404-581-4444).

Next, have a “coke and a smile” at the World of Coke.  Can you imagine?  A 7 foot polar bear, 62,000 square feet and 1,200 artifacts all about the world’s best-known soft drink!   Not to mention all the free coke you can drink.  Very cool.

Now it’s time for my other favorite cool beverage at the Atlanta Brewing Company.  Founded in 1993, the Atlanta Brewing Company (ABC) is the oldest operational brewery in the state of Georgia. Atlanta Brewing Company hosts a tour and tasting every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 5pm to 7pm with live, local music on Wednesday and Friday. Usually, four to six beers, including seasonals, are offered on tap at the tasting. The brewery tour is highly informative and educational.

Finally, how about some food?  Atlanta is full of fabulous eateries.  You name it, they’ve got it.   My personal favorites?  Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Alexander’s and The Varsity Downtown.  But this is just the tip of the iceberg.  As hot as shopping is in Atlanta, the cuisine is even hotter.  Start by checking out Travel South’s list.  Than get out there, try everything and then tell me about it.

Until next time…