Indianapolis seemed in control early, on the field as well as the buffet.  Corn dogs, ribs and hush puppies: familiar, stable and reliable, lived up to their reputation early on, receiving finger-licking rave reviews.  So it was with Peyton Manning and his Colts.  As the gumbo sat undisturbed on the front burner and the po-boys were being looked at and questioned, the Indiana foods, including the Austin Collie-flower salad were marching through the first half just like the Colts.

But the football gods as well as the dining crowd, not to mention the Super Bowl advertisers, seemed to want a more interesting contest.  As Sean Payton was contemplating starting the 2nd half with an onside kick, our guests were contemplating stepping into unfamiliar food territory as well.  Perhaps related to the “loosening up” provided by Comfort Daughter Anna’s Hurricane Punch, the diners’ strategy changed from “What’s this?,” and “What’s that?,” into “I’ll try this,” and “Oh, let me get some of that.”  Whatever the reason, the Gumbo pot was undisturbed no longer and the muffaletta and po-boys began to move as quickly as the Saints offense.

Just as Tracy Porter’s pick-six interception ended the run for the Colts and took the game over for the Saints, the ribs and hush puppies gave way completely to the spicier and more interesting N’awlins fare.  As a good deal of America was proud of the Saints and their accomplishment, I was proud of our Richmond, Virginia guests–not normally noted for embracing new and different–for diving into spicy Italian coldcuts laced with olive salad (What?), and chunks of andouille sausage mixed in with their beloved crabmeat in the gumbo.

In the final analysis, though the Saints and their food were the winners of the day, still there was nary a corn dog or rib left to be had, symbolic of the staying power of Manning and the Colts who will certainly rise again.  The game and the menu were both big hits and as they were eating theirs, all declared it was indeed a Super Sundae. New Orleans, and its food, found a home with many new fans and, thankfully for me, now has something other than Katrina to talk about.

Comments (2)

1. 

   Jenet D.

   Got any leftovers? I could use some of that gumbo! Nice essay. Thanks. [Reply]

2. 

   Tony Szymendera

   The Hush Puppies were like “butta.” Best ever. The shrimp po-boys . . . so simple, so delicious. Let’s go EAGLES! I have to taste what these boys can do with cheesesteaks, pork sandwiches (insiders know this is the real Philadelphia treat), and any range of great seafood and Italian dishes. Soft pretzels and water ice anyone?! [Reply]

Add New Comment

Click here to cancel reply.