Tuesday December 7th

Long and interesting day today.  Yesterday, while at the visitor center, we struck up a conversation with a woman who identified herself as Ann Leonhard, an instructor at the New Orleans School of Cooking.  She mentioned that they had cooking classes for tourists that teach local dishes and their history.  Sounded like a good idea, so we made a reservation for today.

This morning we took the class with Chef Kevin Belton.  He was very knowledgeable regarding Louisiana culinary history and really entertaining.  He demonstrated how to make Bread Pudding, Jambalaya, Gumbo and Pralines.  I'm pretty sure it won't be long until I'm trying to make pralines myself.  The best part was getting to eat everything for lunch.  Afterward we purchased some of Chef Kevin's seasoning blend and his latest book, which he autographed.

Later, we took a city tour.  Beside the expected French Quarter, the four hour tour took us to the Garden District, City Park, Treme, one of the city's famous "City of the Dead" cemeteries, the still evident destruction in the 7th and 9th Wards, and the slow, but promising recovery efforts.  One of the most disturbing sights was the spray painted markings on the damaged homes.  These marks indicated when, and by whom the first recovery effort was made at that location, the number of pets or human bodies found inside. 

Dinner tonight was at the Oceana Grill on Conti and Bourbon Streets.  We shared Alligator Sausage, Fried Oysters and Crab Cakes.  All excellent selections.

Tomorrow may begin a little later.  We need to have a little do nothing time.

Oh! And by the way, no stink bugs today