Red Beans and Rice on Monday

Traditionally, around here, Monday meant wash day and red beans and rice. You could use your leftovers and leave the beans to cook all day while you washed. Now many restaurants serve red beans and rice on Monday.


Monday we drove along River Road, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge to see a few Anti-bellum plantation homes. We found a seafood market/cafe that had red beans on its special. I got it with fried catfish and Boo got it with sausage. Yummy and about the price of a drink at the fancy places. Of course we had bread pudding for dessert.

We visited 2 homes.

San Francisco Planation. The structures on either side are cisterns.

The rooms were well-preserved with beautiful painting on the walls and ceilings and faux bois (wood grain) or faux marble on the fireplace mantels. I love to hear the stories about the families who lived there.

The other place we went to was Oak Alley.

It was absolutely gorgeous-prettier than than photo.

Had we driven further, on the other side of the river, we would have come upon Houmas House who had as the first owner, Alexandre Latil, of whom my most noble husband is a direct descendent.  Latil  "bought" the land from the Houmas indians.

On other visits,we have enjoyed going to Latil's Landing ,the wonderful restaurant there,  with Claude's mother, nee Jan Latil. Does this mean that had things worked out differently, I could have been in Louisiana, fanning myself on the veranda with a Mint Julet in my hand,  instead of in Montana freezing my..............? oh well   :(

Latil's Lhttp://www.houmashouse.com/history.htmanding