A Battle of Epic Proportions

L.A. vs L.A.


By all accounts this unique gumbo cook-off between Louisiana and Alabama was a success last year. Some of the accomplishments are obvious, some not so much.

First, under the tutelage of Chef John Folse of New Orleans, we set out to break the world's record for the largest single pot of gumbo and we are confident that we at least got close. It was a huge cauldron of the region's signature dish and it was fun to watch. But it also served a much larger, more important purpose; with the assistance of the folks at the Christian Service Center, we were able to feed a lot of hungry people in Baldwin County.

Second, we shined a light on one of the shimmering gems in our part of the world, Orange Beach, Ala., and The Wharf. Visitors flocked in for the gumbo love fest, many of them for the first time.

Finally, we had fun.

Both Louisiana and Alabama can lay rightful claim to the region's best gumbo and either of these two proud, competitive states do love a disagreement. But when the last dish was served, we all could agree on one thing, while we may not agree on who has the best gumbo, we can all agree that gumbo is a universal metaphor for how we do things down here.

In other words, a lot of different elements go into making it and a lot of disparate elements go into making it a success.

They (whoever they is) say that one sure sign of insanity is doing the same thing over and over the same way and expecting a different result. Our elective government is a good case in point, but that's neither here nor there.

The 2014 L.A. Gumbo Festival is under way and I can only promise you this: It's going to be fun. Just one thing, come hungry.

Look forward to seeing you there October 4th 2014.

Aloha!