Earlier this month, on the way to Point Clear, Alabama, we dropped in on two of our Baton Rouge friends. Great fun...good conversation...and lots of terrific Greek/Lebanese food at Albasha! Surprised that was our fare of choice, not Cajun or Creole? Truth be told, we miss the area's Greek/Lebanese and Italian food almost as much as the fresh shrimp and catfish...which is interesting because it was the Louisiana's fishing industry through which many folks from the Mediterranean were lured stateside. (Notice I skipped mention of mudbugs...sorry, but am not a huge fan. Of course, no slight is intended to the state's marvelous Creole and Cajun chefs...but definite props to the pro-sustainable shrimpin' White Boot Brigade!)
Back to our trip...
Hoping to help Tater Tot burn off some steam prior to the ride from Red Stick to Point Clear, I took him out for a walk through the Garden District neighborhood. Together he and I admired our friends' goldfish, gardenias and magnolias. Then we ventured down an alleyway. I anticipated lots of vegetation...one can grow practically anything in that climate. I did not, however, anticipate discovering little roadside veggie beds. There were just a few peppers and tomatoes, but there they were...right along the alleyway.
Gardens...I cannot seem to escape them this summer, even on vacation.
No, no, no...they were there all along...like they are every year...I just wasn't paying enough attention.
While in B.R., we also made a point to check out the newly overhauled City Park, which features a new playground and dog run. Also, I confess to giving a little cheer when I saw a sign advertising the community's forthcoming new children's museum, Knock Knock (donations still welcome, I'm sure)!
As you might expect, on the drive from Baton Rouge to Alabama, there were signs of Hurricane Katrina recovery in evidence all along the Interstate...kudzu starting to coil 'round once stately trees having snapped like twigs in the wind and rain, both occupied and vacated trailers designated for evacuees...they've come a long way in those parts, but there's such a long way to go.
That said, I felt a thrill when I ran across an article--unable to find the exact link to share, alas--in the New Orleans Times-Picayune about a recent grant to ensure as the Crescent City rebuilds, farmers markets will figure prominently to help ensure access to good nutrition and create a sustainable local food base. (N.B. I also experienced a little shiver back in Baton Rouge as a friend said that one of her overwhelming memories of life post-Katrina was the constant sound of helicopters overhead. This stuck in my mind the whole trip...a clear reminder that the rest of us who safely watched the rooftop rescues on our television sets simply cannot imagine what people in Ala.-Miss.-Lou. have been through.)
Almost immediately upon arriving at Alabama's historic and aptly named Grand Hotel, I accidentally discovered a chef's herb garden on the beautiful grounds. Naturally, I wanted to know more about it. So, after enjoying the pool and grounds for a couple of days, Tater and I took a morning garden tour (offered daily!) with guide Sharon White, a member of the hotel's horticulture team.
Although it was a steamy day, the short tour was worthwhile. Sharon explained that Hurricane Katrina's six-foot storm surge wiped out the garden (and did extensive damage to the hotel as well...it was closed for a year and underwent a $50 million renovation). She also told us the newly expanded herb garden, situated just a few yards from the bay, has a few veggies but is used primarily for culinary inspiration. Sharon added that Executive Chef Mike Wallace likes to "buy local" as much as possible. She remarked, too, that the kitchen and grounds folks collaborate to select appropriate plants for the tiny garden, which is framed by red brick.
In addition, the formal herb and veg bed serves as a visual focal point for a nearby gazebo. According to the hotel's information binder, this area of the property is aptly termed "The Secret Garden". Here's the description:
Overlooking our chef's herb garden and the beautiful Mobile Bay Sunset, the Secret Garden will be the perfect "secret"....Fresh herbs and vegetables straight from the garden will be used in the preparation of your remarkable menu.Not surprisingly, wedding proposals are common under the gazebo, in full view of the plants and bay. Wallace's team will even prepare a chocolate box for the ring, and there's a designated swing near the bay for the (presumably) happy couple to savor their new bliss. (Would that every hotel change would set about to capitalize on a small herb or vegetable garden...what might that spark? Hint, hint...I'm looking at you Hyatt, Marriott, et al.)
From Point Clear, we made our way to visit more friends and family in the Deep South. Along the way, we ventured off-the-beaten path, hoping to encounter the area more directly, more intimately than the Interstate allows. Since folks in the area are suffering a drought just like us, it was great to see early summer roadside markets popping up along the way. More than a few small towns now feature newly constructed covered areas for farmers to pull up under, enjoy some shade, and sell their goods to locals and tourists alike. The site of the farmers brought back childhood memories of the tiny market along the railroad tracks not too far from where I grew up.
"Everything old is new again," yes?
On the way home, we buzzed back through Baton Rouge...checked out the Saturday morning market...and then returned home, content and as well-rested as one would expect from a long drive with a lively toddler. All and all, the trip was great...and a good reminder that there is nothing quite like a summer road trip to help you appreciate all the history and wonders that abound in this diverse, beautiful land.
For Further Exploration:
• "Crescent City Farmers Market to Benefit from $450,000 Grant," (New Orleans CityBusiness, 10 April 2007)
• "Fairhope, Point Clear Provide Serene Vacation Days," (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 18 June 2008)
• "Bringing Disney Magic to Point Clear Grounds," (Press-Register, 4 May 2007)
• On a light-hearted tangent...I guess we should consider adding "chef's garden" to the name game?
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