Eleven Dames found their place at New Orlean’s Table over Hurricanes and Sazeracs while listening to Jimmy Bannos relate his adventures in the Crescent City which inspired him to create Heaven on Seven.

Sara Roahen’s “Gumbo Tales: Finding My Place at New Orlean’s Table” was the perfect foil for bringing the tight knit Book Club Dames even closer together. Each meeting reveals more and more about our members’ backgrounds and passions. The food that feeds us also binds us. Who knew that Diane Sokolofski was proposed to in New Orleans and that Catherine Deevy spent two years working for the Brennans?

Each member shared a special moment whether at the renown Antoine’s in its heyday, at Galatoire’s on a Friday afternoon or brushing off the powdered sugar at Café du Monde or The Morning Call. K-Pauls served up some fond memories for other members.

Jimmy feted us to his special rendition of Parmesano-Reggiano grits with shrimp and debris, sweet potato polenta, andouille and his fabulous chicken and sausage gumbo. No New Orleans meal could be complete without some signature desserts and this one was no exception–Peanut Butter Pie, Pecan Pie, Key Lime Pie, Warm Chocolate Pie and and Bread Pudding delighted the Dames.

Once again, thank you Judith Hines for matching the perfect restaurant for Nina Barrett’s perfect book selection. Laissez les bons temps roulez at the next book club set for Late April or early May.

Judith you are the best!