June 18, 2015 | Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

June 18, 2015

Last week I urged you to go ahead and sign up for a subscription to the magazine if you don't already get it, and many of you did. Thank you! I hope you'll drop me a note when you get your first issue, and let me know what you think. There's still time to get on the mailing list for the next issue, but you need to hurry. Click here for details.

Next week is National Ceviche Week and Mizado Cocina, one of our New Orleans restaurants featuring a Peruvian-influenced menu, is going all out with a special menu. They invited me in earlier this week (lucky me!) for a sneak peek and taste and I have to tell you, it was like nothing I've ever tasted. I have never been a big fan of the texture of raw fish, thus not a sushi fan -- although I've always enjoyed ceviche -- so I was more than a little nervous about the platter of Salmon Tiradito Chef Hans put down in front of me; sashimi-grade salmon, with him urging me to get the whole experience with a big bite. White balsamic vinegar and chile oil were in the dressing, and each slice of salmon was topped with avocado, cucumber, seaweed, a little caviar, and a slice of jalapeño. Astoundingly good!

They're offering a tasting of all three specials, or order a full dish of one of the trio of specials. There's a red snapper dish with blood orange leche de tigre (various citrus juices, cilantro, serrano pepper, plus a little seafood stock; I actually drank it was so good,) and a third dish, also featuring salmon. If you're in the New Orleans area you should check it out. If not, check the Latin American-themed restaurants in your area for ceviche specials; just make sure they're serving Louisiana seafood!

Next weekend my culinary adventure goes in the opposite direction; I've been asked to judge the 23rd annual Smoked Meat Festival in Ville Platte, the Smoked Meat Capital of the World. There, I'm likely to get ponce and other Cajun delicacies. I am looking forward to catching up with Mayor Jennifer Vidrine. She declared me an honorary Ville Platte-ian last year.

See our list of what's happening around Louisiana below and find something to do this weekend. Whatever it is, enjoy this week's recipes, share them with family and friends, and, as always, let me know what's on your mind.

Susan Ford

Susan Ford, Publisher

Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

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PS- I wrote about my great-niece Jenna last week - she needs a new heart. She had yet another surgery this week and the right side of her heart is working on its own, so some progress, but she's still gravely ill. Good thoughts and prayers for her and her parents would be greatly appreciated. They're in PICU up in Jackson and have been there for almost 6 weeks. If you're on Facebook, look for the page Praying for Jenna and befriend it.

May/June 2015 On Sale Now:

Subscribe Today: Get your copy next week!

Resources:

Louisiana Farmers Markets - buy local

Louisiana Visitors' Centers

Tip of the Week:

Blanching vegetables for crudités

Miss last week's recipes?

• Slow-Smoked Brisket (#1 last week)

• Corn Puffs

• Pickled Shrimp and Vegetables

Looking for a specific recipe? We have over 1200 searchable here!


	Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers with Macque Choux From LK&C contributor George Graham's award-winning blog Acadiana Table, this recipe takes advantage of the fresh vegetables coming into season right now. Click to forward this email and recipes.

	John Folse's Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya I made this pot full of jambalaya for a family reunion last summer; it was a big hit. From Chef John Folse. Click to forward this email and recipes.

	Southern Fried Shrimp This quick, easy recipe is perfect for a summer supper. Serve with some spicy cocktail sauce or remoulade, or use them to suff a po' boy. Click to forward this email and recipes.