GOOD MORNING, GENTLE READERS, and please forgive the tardy post, but once again I find myself in the great state of Louisiana, driving across the Atchafalaya Basin on my way to New Orleans.  (Actually, I arrived Sunday morning, but the above sounds more dramatic.)  In any case, we made it across the swamp without incident, except for one odd inquiry that came from our navigator.  (Miss Patty)  My wife asked me if I could explain the difference between a swamp and a bayou.  I told her that a swamp has no current, but in the second instance, the water will run “by-you.”  (Believe it or not, she accepted that explanation!)

This week’s book tour has brought us to the Adolescent City in fine style.  (Wait a minute, I think that was supposed to be the “Crescent City.”)  Then again, maybe not.  In any case we are staying at the Windsor Court Hotel, a lovely establishment near the French Quarter.  Being the consomme marketer, I mean, consummate marketer, I immediately made friends with some of my fellow tourists and spread the word about my newest masterpiece, THE SECOND MOURNING.  On that note, I would like to welcome some new fans and blog followers, namely, Crystal & Madison and Amy & William, each from the wild and wonderful state of Louisiana.

Our culinary adventures began at the Carousel Lounge in the French Quarter and then to Commander’s Palace for dinner.  As you can imagine, it was quite a feast….  After a round of Sazerac Cocktails and some champagne, we dined on Bourbon & Coffee coated quail, white shrimp and grits, turtle soup, fried oysters, and the piece of resistance…..  bread pudding souffle!  (I know, life is tough for a famous mystery author!)

After dinner we managed to stroll into Harrah’s Casino, where gambling history was made not by the Mighty Cobra (Me) but by the Princess of Portugal, a/k/a Helena Bomblatus, the queen of Creole Poker!  I will not bore you with the gory details, but let’s just say that our dear friend was dealt a straight, a flush, and  four of a kind, in succession!  Needless to say, the dear woman won a small fortune, and she is definitely paying for dinner tonight.

This morning began with another culinary feast at Mother’s Restaurant, where Baron (Lee) Bomblatus and I consumed a hefty portion of eggs, grits, maple ham, and home made biscuits.  (Washed down with some mighty fine chicory coffee.)  The ladies in our group (escorted by Dr. Max Talbott) just set off for cooking school.  Thus, I find myself faced with a dilemma….  shall I write another chapter of my new mystery novel….. or play some Texas Hold ‘Em at the casino?  What would Elmore Leonard do?  What would Dashiell Hammett do?  What would Raymond Chandler do?

DEAL ME IN, BOYS!  I’M ON MY WAY!

So much for practicing one’s craft.  Hey, maybe my craft is playing poker.  (I am a crafty guy.)  Well, I guess you know where I’m heading.  Fortunately, the casino is right across the street from our hotel.  Assuming I win big, which is usually the case, I am going to take my friends to Cafe Du Monde for some beignets and coffee au lait!  (What a sport)  Personally, I would rather consume a bowl of bananas foster, which incidentally, was NOT named after the great Southern composer, Stephen Foster, the “Father of American Music.”  The dish, created in 1951 at Brennan’s Restaurant, was actually named for Richard Foster, a friend of Owen Brennan.  (By the way, you are welcome to use me as a “life line!”)

Well, my friends, I must bid you adieu.  And believe me, “I do” hope I win some money!  Bonjour until next Sunday…..   love to all…..   les bon temps roule!

Doc Yanoff