When I was down there for that 3 months, I ate like a horse. The whole seafood thing was a killer. I used to fly back home on weekends (Nashville) and in general because I flew a lot in the job, my routine was to show up in time to get on the plane and leave. But in New Orleans for those months, I'd arrive and hour early an pig-out at the Raw Bar before the flight. Unlike Rick, I never packed a load of shellfish in a case to take home, although I did think about it a few times.

Another thing I got hooked on was a traditional New Orleans sandwich, the Muffuletta, often referred to as a "Muffy". Man, I can't see how anyone can eat one of these without being completely hooked! I always considered it to be the "perfect" sandwich.   

One thing though about New Orleans food.........You can find any number of great and expensive places to eat but damn few generic joints to just get a bite to eat. I found a few places but Jim and I were constantly asking the locals where they ate and man alive, was that some AWFUL eating. A lot of people told us to go to a place called "Ralph and Cockoo's" and we eventually tried it, hoping for the best. I don't remember now what either of us ordered but whatever it was, my main memory is that it was awash in grease. I don't mean it was just greasy folks, I'm talking liquid lard flowing deep all over the platter......just disgusting! We tried to eat but neither of us could get through much of it.

We never really did find a good cheap place to eat and I ate a lot of Muffys instead. I haven't had one in years now although I used to make them at home. Maybe when I'm off this low residue diet we'll have a Muffuletta Night............

Spaw