I'M WALKING IN NEW ORLEANS
(Editor's Note: Well, actually I'm not, but I wish I was. Yes, New Orleans is not Cajun Country, but many of our members do party there, so I thought I'd give you some alternative things to do when you aren't dancing. This information comes from the Audubon Institute Web Page.)
AUDUBON PARK
A stroll through Audubon Park is a stroll through time. Generations of New Orleanians have come here to picnic in the shade of ancient oak trees, to feed the ducks in the lagoon, to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise, or merely to amble across a tranquil paradise that replenishes the soul with its quiet beauty. The park boasts the Mississippi River at its back, and an inviting entrance on historic St. Charles Avenue, in the heart of one of New Orleans' most beautiful neighborhoods. The site has hosted recreational pursuits for more than a century, now offering amenities for such enjoyable pastimes as biking, jogging, golf, tennis, horseback riding, and picnicking - as well as treks into the wilds of Audubon Zoo, a popular stretch of the park's 400-acre span.
WOLDENBERG RIVERFRONT PARK
Woldenberg Riverfront Park invites the people of New Orleans and their many visitors to meander through history, along the very site where the city was founded by the French explorer Bienville in 1718. This breathtaking riverside promenade, home to the Aquarium of the Americas, evolved from the razing of abandoned warehouses that once serviced the city's maritime industry. The resulting green space today harbors hundreds of colorful plantings and indigenous trees, from weeping willows to crape myrtles that flower crimson in summer. Brick pathways beckon visitors to enjoy an impressive collection of public art by such renowned local talents as John Scott and Ida Kohlmeyer, as ships from foreign ports make their way up and down the legendary Mississippi River. It's an awesome focal point for visitors to this 14-acre park, which honors the late philanthropist Malcolm Woldenberg.
AUDUBON ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
A worldwide safari awaits visitors to Audubon Zoological Gardens, where adventures take shape in such realistic environments as the Asian Domain, the African Savanna, the Australian Outback and the Louisiana Swamp. Exotic landscapes and cultural details enhance up-close encounters with creatures whose native habitats span the globe. The animal list exceeds 1,500 specimens from amphibians to zebras, and educational presentations include the chance to interact with animals on Discovery Walk; narrated feedings; and entertaining shows starring sea lions, elephants, and an engaging collection of local creatures such as nutria and alligators. Counted among the nation's top zoos, Audubon continues to grow with new exhibits and activities; 1997 marked the debut of the Komodo dragon, 1998 marked the debut of the Jaguar Jungle.Audubon Zoological Garden Admission Prices: $8.75 adults, $4.75 seniors (65+), $4.50 children under 12.
Audubon Zoological Garden Summer Hours: For the Summer (March thru October) Audubon Zoo is open on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4:00 p.m.). Summer weekends we will be open 9:30 a.m. and will close at 6:00 p.m. (Last ticket sold at 5:00 p.m.).
Audubon Zoological Garden Winter Hours: During the Winter (October thru March) the Zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m.(last ticket sold at 4:00 p.m.). Audubon Zoo is located at 6500 Magazine Street in New Orleans. Prices and times subject to change. For single attraction and combo ticket prices for the Zoo and Aquarium, Zoo/Aquarium Cruise information on the John James Audubon riverboat, and Zoo shuttle information, call (504) 581-4629 or 1-800-774-7394.
THE OTHER CHEEK
Clotile's face was burned terribly in an accident. Unfortunately, doctors could not graft skin from her body because she was too thin. So her husband Boudreau volunteered to donate skin for the operation.Upon examining Boudreau, the doctors concluded the only skin suitable for the procedure needed to come from his buttocks.
Boudreau and Clotile agreed to tell no one where the skin came from, and requested the doctors honor their secret. The doctors agreed.
After the surgery, everyone was astounded at the Clotile's new beauty.
One day, Clotile was overcome with emotion at Boudreau's sacrifice. "Merci, Sha, I just want to tank you again, me," she said.
"Mais non, Clotile," he said, "Me, I just enjoy it when your mother kiss you on the cheek."
WATERMELON/STRAWBERRY/MINT SALSA
This recipe came from that renowned Cajun publication, THE TAMPA TRIBUNE. Food Editor Mary D. Scourtes published an article about recipes featuring watermelon as an ingredient. Lynn and I tried it and it was so good we practically lived on it for an entire weekend. The creator, a guy named Marty Blitz who is the owner and chef at a Mise en Place (442 W. Kennedy Boulevard), deserves the Nobel Prize for snacks.
One cup of red watermelon, diced with seeds removed
3/4 cup of diced strawberries
1/4 cup of diced red onion
One jalapeno, diced with seeds removed
Two tablespoons of fresh chopped mint leaves
Two tablespoons of olive oil
One tablespoon of lime juice
One teaspoon of sugar
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, cover, and chill for at least one hour. I can personally vouch that this salsa is great
on jerk chicken, ground turkey tacos, and tortilla chips. Beware, it is habit forming.
PORK CHOP JAMBALAYA
This is a very simple way to fix jambalaya. It is a delicious dish that any vegetable can accompany.
2 pounds pork chops
salt and pepper
1/4 inch oil in bottom of pot
1 cup chopped onions
3/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 cup water
4 cups cooked rice
1 1/2 cup chopped green onion tops
Brown pork chops that have been seasoned to taste. Remove chops from pot. Sautè onions, bell pepper, and celery in oil that chops were browned in. Remove all oil from the pot that you can and add a small amount of water to form a gravy. Put chops back into the pot. Cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Add cooked rice and onion tops and stir well. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Serves 4.
COME TO THE SERVICE OF YOUR CLUB
The newsletter is usually light reading with many attempts (some futile) to be humorous. But this is intended to be a serious appeal to those of you that have enjoyed being a member of The Cajun Connection and might want to volunteer your time and efforts to keep the good times rolling.Cajun Connection Board members are elected to two year terms. Five of the current Board member's terms are expiring at the end of this year. Those members are Dave and Lynn Borisenko, Jerry Decou, Peggy Hildebrand, and Eliska Clodfelter.
I (Dave) and Lynn Borisenko will not be running for another term. We have both enjoyed serving the members of The Cajun Connection, but are ready to step back and just be regular members. We'll still volunteer our help once in a while, but nowhere near as much as we do now. We don't know the intentions of the other members, and that includes the four whose terms are still unexpired, but there could be more members who do not intend to serve past 1999.
Don't take this the wrong way. No one is quitting in disgust, we all still love each other and think The Cajun Connection is one of the best things that has ever happened to us. We just feel it is time for someone else to get in the yoke.
And maybe that's you. To find out, ask yourself a few questions.
"Can I make a time commitment of 10 to 12 hours per month devoted to club activities?"
"Do I have ideas for improving the club and better serving the members, and am I prepared to be the Project Manager that takes responsibility for their implementation?"
"Am I capable of soliciting resources needed to maintain and enhance the Club's viability, like new members, money, sponsors, donatations, volunteers, etc.? "
"Do I have special skills that can enhance the club, like cooking, writing, dance instruction, and other abilities?"
"Am I willing to work with and promote outside organizations that complement our mission, a broad and diverse group that includes Skipper's, the Cajun Cafe, community radio staton WMNF, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Sons of Italy Hall, and many local and Louisiana-based bands like the Porch Dogs, Gris Gris, Gumbo Limbo, Geno Delafose, File' and others?"
"Do I understand that the club's top priority is providing the best member services that also promote the music, dancing, food, and culture of Southwest Louisiana, and that profit is merely a means toward that end? "
"Can I work toward consensus with a diverse Board of Directors who have varying interests and opinions?"
"Am I willing to do all this work, not for my own benefit, but for the benefit of the Club?"
If you can answer yes to any of these tough questions, you would probably make a great board member. The final and most important question is, "Do you want to make the commitment?" Luckily, you don't have to answer right away, you have several months to think it over. Please do.
GENO UPDATE
Last month we teased you with the information that we were negotiating with Geno Delafose's management to bring him and his band, the French Rockin' Boogie, here in December to play at our Christmas Party. We don't have an answer yet, but we are still talking and the tone is positive. Look for a confirmation in next month's issue.
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