Throwing That Net
Re: “Salt On a Melon, “Inside column
by Errol Laborde. October 2015 issue.
Wow, did your editorial on “Salt On a Melon” hit home with me. I was born and raised in New Orleans in the late 1930s and do remember riding on the lakefront, visiting that stand and eating those delicious slices of watermelon. Pontchartrain Beach was always a must to see, and as a teenager I rode a long bus ride from my home near Audubon Park to go on the rides. What an exciting time.
You mention about the crabbers, of which I was one. My dad and I took our hamper, crab nets, bait and lunch on the city bus that went out to the lakefront. I am not sure whether it was on Marconi Drive or Canal Boulevard, but we always received the “high eyebrows “look, especially when we were going home with a hamper of crabs. And when I got into my teens I can remember riding on Elysian Fields; we would buy a bucket of clams and proceed to the lakefront seawall, start throwing that cast net and catching real nice shrimp. Those were the good old days and fun times that our young people miss out on today. It is a shame that they missed all of the above. I have been living in Lafayette for the past 38 years, but still love my old city where I was born.
Stan Hymel
Lafayette
Ed. Response: The lake is a great recovery success story, having reclaimed itself so that its water is safe for recreation. The lakefront has enormous resources and is nowhere near its potential.
Witch Location
Re: New Orleans Magazine December 2015 issue.
I enjoyed so much of this restaurant issue. As a New Orleanian, writer, waitress and culinary book shop co-owner, I must say this particular issue really touched me. Chris Rose’s article meant so much to me for the above reasons. Although he’s not a career waiter (as I’ve been) he totally respected the profession and yet spoke so truthfully about the elements of embarrassment that folks at-large can make you feel when serving them … and still he wrote with understanding and humor about our customers. He was my “voice” after Katrina and I’m honored to have had him serving in our ranks (toting that tray). Kudos to him.
Your Allen Toussaint piece meant a lot to me and as always I enjoy your writing very much. When Toussaint passed, our city lost a bit of elegance that’s sorely needed these days.
This issue also has been very helpful to Philipe and me so that we can stay on top of the food scene. As you may know, Kitchen Witch Cook Book Shop has had to relocate, and this is the same as starting all over. … We are now more locals-friendly due to location and free parking! So thanks for a very informative magazine.
Also, glad to see Cheryl Gerber’s photo book, Life and Death In the Big Easy, featured – this book out sold all our cook books during November and December at our shop.
Wonderful photo essay.
Debbie Lindsey
Kitchen Witch Cook Book Shop
New Orleans
Ed. Response: Thank you for your comments and best wishes for Kitchen Witch at its new location.
