I love reading about people falling in love. Reading about the moment when they realize that they have found that one true being that completes their soul, fills them with butterflies and complete satisfaction. These experiences are exactly what Sara Roahen describes in "Gumbo Tales," a book about a Midwest girl who finds her soul mate in a Southern city. No, not a story of girl meets boy. A story of how Sara Roahen actually fell in love with a the city of New Orleans: it's history, neighborhoods, celebrations, people, colors and most of all, it's food.
"Gumbo Tales" is an impressive piece of literature that will lure you in with the offer of whisking you away to New Orleans, each time you open the book. Her ability to animate simple situations, such as her first attempt at boiling crawfish or her many expeditions to the city's Vietnamese neighborhood, will leave you feeling as though you've lived each moment along side her. Through her time in New Orleans, Sara discovers an array of experiences and meals, equivalent to any foodie heaven, and captures each culinary adventure with true delight. After reading this book, you'll be left with the need to find a steaming bowl of Gumbo Z'Herbes to take the edge off of a long work week or start a lazy Sunday morning with a piping hot cup of coffee with chicory.
This book is the reason why New Orleans is on my top 5 cities to see, in the world. Why I cook Red Beans 'n' Rice at least once every two weeks. And why I'm on a mission to find an old fashioned bar that actually knows how to make a Sazerac. A must-read for anyone who has ever dreamt of lingering around the French Quarter, on a hot, sticky, summers night.
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