(Photo by Cheryl Gerber/Getty Images)
Bonjou, Everyone!
Circumstances beyond my control made it difficult to post recently, and you have all been extremely patient. I am forever grateful, and am back from a (too) long hiatus.
As I am sure you knew, and were disappointed to hear, J.T. La Beau's in Martinez, California closed. Their alligator was off the hook, their lobster bisque was very flavorful, and their margaritas - and my server's explaination of what the difference was between a house on and a "top shelf" ("Better booze!") - were capital! They sure did have a good run, a loyal clientele, and great entertainment true to the Cajun and Creole theme. When you think about it, being described as a "home away from home" by your patrons is something every proprietor dreams of, so the parting must be bittersweet.
When I took my son there many years ago, I ordered for him (seven year olds hate trying new or "weird" foods, so I had to be sly), and he was eating what I ordered by the shovel-ful because it was "good chicken." I tried to come clean and tell him, but he refused to believe me, so I flagged the same server down (I'd been there a few times), and asked her to please tell him what he was eating. She told him in the most delightfully saucy voice I had ever heard from a server, "That's 'gator!" He didn't miss a beat before asking if we could go back for more for lunch the next day, and a 'gator addict was born.
Ah, well - here I go, waxing nostalgic because I am also sorry they've closed. There is good news I would like to share with you all, though, and here it is! On the heels of the closing at La Beau's came a wonderful suprise straight from The Big Easy itself. Chef LeRoy Crump, a Hurricane Katrina survivor has teamed up with the owner Bobby Duncan at Bobby D's in Antioch.
I can't wait to try their seafood gumbo, blackened catfish and collard greens, and top it off with some sweet potato pie. If there is anything anyone needs to know about me, it is I am always on the hunt for good greens cooked just right. If the food is half as good as it sounds, it will be just the place to pass a good time. I'll see y'all there!
Adyeu, all!
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