June 11th, 2010 — 10:50am
Last week I went to a benefit for New Orleans musicians and got to hear some great music. A couple of days ago, I went to another benefit for the New Orleans area, and there was great food to take me back. I realize its the small things, the accents of Paul Sanchez and Congressman Melancon (pictured here), seeing a chef from Galatoire’s, and Bloody Mary oyster shooters being passed that will take me to New Orleans. Last week I wrote about how music is a conduit to take us to other places, but it’s definitely not the only way to communicate with another place or another time.
I have long believed in how the arts can move you to feel a certain way or bring up memories, but the same goes for food. When trying to decide where to go eat, the discussions are often about the atmosphere and type of food desired, and past experiences at various restaurants–all because a certain experience or memory is hoped to be created. Food is definitely a conduit or way to communicate a feeling or experience. From re-creating past memories with a similar restaurant or menu to creating new ones, restaurants and their chefs have a great power to do this for their patrons.
Congressman Melancon discussing New Orleans
The Patrón Tequila Epicurean Express is rolling through America with Louisiana chefs to raise funds for St. Bernard Project (SBP). In March 2006, Liz McCartney and Zach Rosenburg founded this organization to provide financial resources to rebuild the homes of residents of New Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes lost to Katrina. Now another focus has become helping people in the wake of the recent oil spill. With Patrón Tequila cocktails along with New Orleans inspired cuisine, the project’s goal is to raise $75,000 to help rebuild the houses of three local fishermen and to provide 375 additional hours of mental health services to fishermen and their families.
To donate, please go to the St. Bernard Project’s website.
For more information on this event, check out the Examiner’s article
Comment » | communication, food
June 7th, 2010 — 11:55am
Obama’s campaign is one for the social media and marketing history books. His grassroots experience in Chicago, only added to the momentum that gained him popularity through online and email methods. His efforts included a large mailing list for which I am still subscribed to. Below is an excerpt from his most recent letter, which describes his latest trip to the coast. I only hope that his promise will be fulfilled.
- These are hard times in Louisiana and across the Gulf Coast, an area that has already seen more than its fair share of troubles. The people of this region have met this terrible catastrophe with seemingly boundless strength and character in defense of their way of life. What we owe them is a commitment by our nation to match the resilience they have shown. That is our mission. And it is one we will fulfill.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
Note: I am proud of my bro for helping put on the New Orleans Oyster Festival this weekend!
http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2010/06/new_orleans_oyster_festival_ce.html
Posted via email from rachindc’s posterous
Comment » | communication, food
June 4th, 2010 — 11:46am
Music. I don’t know that much, but I know what I like and what I don’t like. Last night, I went to a synagogue of all places (which is also used as a venue) to hear Paul Sanchez and The Rolling Roadshow with Big Sam’s Funky Nation (featured on HBO’s Treme). They were performing for a post-Katrinia benefit for New Orleans musicians. I told my family what I was up to, at first they thought I was going for an oil slick benefit. Although I’m not a native, I consider New Orleans home. My father is fourth-generation New Orleanian and a good portion of my family is still there.
As I watched a mix of DC dancing half-haphazardly to this music, I had to laugh to myself. A friend of mine, who also lived in New Orleans was with me, and the two of us were just feeling the music moving back and forth–the music was like a conduit to New Orleans. Of course I wish they’d played some typical New Orleans music, but we still danced and second lined with energy.
I haven’t lived there in almost 6 years, but I still know what it means to miss New Orleans music, food, family, and all.
Support Gulf Coast Fishermen in DC June 8-9 with Food & Wine Mag & The Patrón Tequila Epicurean Express
http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/mouthing-off/2010/6/3/How-to-Support-Gulf-Coast-Fishermen
Comment » | communication
