Gulf Coast Gala and JuJu's Crawfish Shak

Gulf Coast Gala

                      Frontmen of Country gave a professional, intimate perfume at Gulf Coast Gala with enough Texas and southern references to get the crowd engaged. I spied Carl Parker himself at the Carl A. Parker Multipourpose Center and tables full of the people who back Port Arthur. Ann Boutte elaborated on atmospheric decor that had already caught my attention. Glass centerpieces were filled with locally-sourced sea shells and colored class bits from the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. Red ginger blooms and yellow carnation toppers emerged from the centerpieces making this a very "gulf coast" vision. Boutte said she herself had taken a hammer to recycle the discarded windows into workable pieces. What we do for art!

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                  JuJu’s Cajun Crawfish Shak

                             JuJu’s was as fun as I’d imagined it would be all these years. I’ve been hearing JuJu’s offers especially good boiled crawfish and I finally got to experience it for myself. Don’t tell the rest of my family. They’re still waiting.

                             The original “shak” became too small, so I got the “new” shak on FM 365 in what you’d want to call the Fannette area. The menu is boiled crawfish and what comes with that, so that’s not hard. But there are plenty of  hand-lettered signs fashioned from cardboard boxes to help speed the ordering process.

                             You need to know how many pounds you want and there’s a two-pound minimum. That’s the hardest think you’ll be asked, unless it’s deciding your dipping sauce. I tried melted butter and imagined I was dunking tiny, spicy lobsters. They were actually very large and succulent crawfish. I loved that you get to order as many potatoes, corn cobbs and Zummo sausages as you see fit for yourself. I’ll be back.

               

              darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Spices, smoothies and the right tools

                     

              Pho Vien Dong

                      There was just one other table at this “Far East Restaurant Vietnamese Cuisine” stop at 2523 Jefferson Drive, but as soon as I got seated the to-go crowd grew.

                      I enjoyed my vermicelli with grilled pork, shrimp and egg roll in a leisurely way. I loved hearing a woman order “those kind of chicken wings that you have that are so good.” There were a few chicken choices, but the order taker knew exactly what the woman was requesting.

                      The Activator

                      Nederland’s Smoothie King was hopping the other morning and I wonder if everybody had worked out, grabbed The Activator and headed off to a productive day at the office.

         I make banana smoothies all the time at home but they don’t have ingredients that Smoothie King reports are “specifically blended with optimal protein and key electrolytes.” This “re-launch” is geared to those looking to activate their tone. It’s blended as a post-workout smoothie to help repair and promote lean muscle, help guests stay hydrated, and keep them feeling fuller longer. They are blended with at least 23g of new, high-performance Gladiator^® Complete Protein and will come in four different flavors: 

Strawberry Banana

Coconut Water, Strawberries, Bananas, Vanilla Gladiator® Protein

Blueberry Strawberry

Coconut Water, Strawberries, Blueberry Juice Blend, Strawberry Gladiator® Protein

Pineapple

Coconut Water, Bananas, Apple Juice, Pineapple, Vanilla Gladiator® Protein

Chocolate

Coconut Water, Bananas, Chocolate Gladiator® Protein, Protein Blend, 100 percent Cocoa

         My chocolate version was $7.69. I suppose that if a cool, creamy treat is what activates you, the promise of a post-workout treat will get you where you need to be.

         www.SmoothieKing.com. 

            All the right tools

                      I don’t gravitate to the self-checkout, but with only three items, I headed to the touch screen late on a Friday night. My first item drew the summons for assistance. A can of spray paint got me “carded.” Actually, I confirmed verbally that I was over 18 and there were no further probes. I asked the woman to stick around because the machine my question my other purchases: a super-strong glue and a box cutter.

                      I felt like I was gathering equipment for a West Side Story rumble. Some tough chick. The spray paint was not for grafitti, but to freshen up garden planters. The glue was to mend my herb pot and the blade was to better get into kitchen pantry stock.

          darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Amber Sunrise and an onion habit

 

         Amber Sunrise 

Make your own forecast for an Amber Sunrise by getting Community Coffee Company’s newest coffee item—the Amber Sunrise™ Blend, into your cup.

            In Southeast Texas, coffee lovers get excited when they see this red label from our Baton Rouge neighbors. It truly is a “community” thing. Since April in our area, we’ve had access to this “rich and vibrant blend” with a “lighter roast with a smooth finish.” I’ve tried it and liked it. Here’s another bonus: For every dollar redeemed on specially-marked coupons, Community Coffee Co. will donate a matching dollar to land preservation efforts along the gulf coast. Isn’t that enough to put some amber in your sunrise?

            Just the aroma of opening up a package of this family-owned product transports me back to family gatherings. The company is keeping up with modern trends of development and giving-back. I’m sharing Private Reserve Exclusive Coffee, marked “exclusive coffee availale through our long-standing relationships with the communities of Toledo and Labateca, for when my mom visits. We sat for coffee with the open package between us, just to inhale some more. Then it’s bak to another of the red labels, Café Special, a medium-dark roast marked smooth & full flavored. C’est bon!

Vid

              My onion habit

                      Onions and peppers are both a food group to me. I’d have them at every meal if possible. Vidalia Chop Wizard makes this more possible. It’s the tool that chops vegetables and fruits into salsas and salads. The hinged case with has two sizes of stainless steel grids of blades for chopping and dicing. Place your cut produce on top of them and snap the lid to collect cubes of onion, zucchini, tomato carrots, apples, mushrooms, boiled egg and other delights. It’s easy and by your third or fourth “closing” you’ll be chopping like a pro, or As Seen on TV, people, who bring us this Wizard. The case is well made – not flimsy at all – and I love how your produce collects in the bottom for to me measured or stored. So if you crave fresh salsa for a breakfast taco, you can have some extra later.

                      If you have a garden with an abundance of zucchini, get one of these to make easy cutting for side dishes. Also, call me to take some zucchini off your hands.

                      All about Disney?

                      Know any Disney fanatics? Quiz them from “The Disneyland Encyclopedia: The Unofficial, Authorized, and Precedented History of Every Land, Attraction, Restaurant, Shop and Major Event in the Original Magic Kingdom.” Christ Strodder’s book hits something of interest for every fan. I’d have loved to see the James Bond double jet packing his way over Tomorrowland or young Steve Martin selling programs in period costume. The book reports a Disney co-worker inspired his trademark “Excuuuuuuuse me!!!” line.

                      So foodies may go for the restaurant notes. Strodder mentions the  Troubadour Tavern, aka Yumz; aka Louie’s, aka Meeko’s; aka Fantasyland Theatre Snacks; aka Troubadour Treats; aka Enchanted Cottage Sweets & Treats. Through good marketing, the restaurant themes and menu items have changed based on nearby attractions and recent releases.

              darraghcastillo@icloud.com

A quickie with jasmine rice

             

I seasoned some jasmine rice cooking water with seafood “juice” leftover from a boil. When it was done I folded in some greens from the garden, including kale, green onions, grape leaves and sweet potato leaves. Then I opened a can of octopus and poured the “meat” and oil over two servings. This meal was conceived, executed, appreciated and devoured in no time at all.

             

                      Harvest Natural Market

                      My aunt was driving us around the Katy area and I spied the Harvest Natural Market sign. We love visiting new grocery stores and this little shop was bunches of fun. Stevia and lemon balm plants were in the produce section, natural weave blankets and crafts were scattered about and a cafeteria with lamb and seating called our name. We didn’t answer as we had other plans, but thankfully enjoyed the bread and olive oil samples.

                      Hay Max

         Lavender and aloe are two "edibles" that go into Hay Max, little pots of "allergen barrier balms" that will make my spring more pleasant. This soft balm traps allegens before they get into you body. Rub some around the rim of both nostrils and the "bones of the eyes" and reapply after blowing your nose. It's very soft and soothing. I love the method, because I'm the type who figures if a llittle is good then a is better. For years I've been rubbing mentholatum much mroe near the nostrils than recommended, so this balm is a welcome change. Apparently those in the UK who suffer from allegies to grass, trees, ragweed, pollen, dust and pets have been trusting Hay Max for a decade and it's new to us here. It's a drug-free, non-drowsy option.

Whipped honey: Do you already enjoy the handiness of mixing peanutbutter and honey? Try your whipped honey with another nut's butter, say almond or cashew. It will go straight to gourmet. Add something crunchy like walnut crumbles or sunflower seeds, or maybe chocolote nibs and you've hit the top. I accidentally got some red pepper flakes mixed in with my walnuts and that worked, too.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Where to eat this weekend

                    We've already discussed Cajun Heritage Festival, April 8, at the Carl A. Parker Center in Port Arthur. Besides all the music, check out the crawfish eating contest which will include a prize of a Sea Rim State Park kayak package. What a way to work off the calories.

                       It’s fair time and the Young Men’s Business League will present the South Texas State Fair through Sunday, April 9 at Fair Park in Beaumont. What makes people lose their minds over corn dogs? This is the place to hit the carnival rides in hopes of working off your funnel cake calories.

               

Moroccan Magic
Argan oil has been a thing in cosmetics. I’m just hearing you can drizzle it on your couscous and the traditional harvesting method has focused on tree-climbing goats and their dietary habits. Moroccan Magic USDA Organic Argan & Essential Oil Lip Balm has listed benefits of “repairing, protective, anti-aging, cooling and deep moisturizing.” I don’t know how they can possibly measure this, but “sophisticated” is listed. I will tell you this, both coconut almond and peppermint eucalyptus are $3.99 and they’re the most luxurious lip balms I’ve ever tried. The brown tubes actually do look sophisticated and the product feel is light, silky and fresh. So of course you don’t actually eat this stuff, but it’s a fine example of how “culinary” products are used for the greater good of the earth, and soft lips. Organic sunflower oil, rosemary extract, beeswax, calendula blend and argan oils are used in these little babies, which makers say can be found at CVS stores.

                    Stylin’

          Stick out your tongue for beauty. Look at your tongue, stuck out between your teeth and match that shade in a lipstick with your clarity and brightness. What could look more natural? I assume Janna Beatty means the shade, not the act, in “Quintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate your Signature Look. Look your holiday best with tips from this book written with Sharon White, like “creams set powder,” so appy eyeliner before shadow.

          Your closet should be like a river that flows, not like the dead sea, Beatty wrights. That’s how this style book got into my culinary column. I love this advice that goes for most everything. I love to clean out “move” things out of the house with the new year. It makes rooms for more blessings. Clean out that clothing closet, hall closet and pantry. Weed out clothes that you have “just because” but never wear, donate rarely used items to charity and round up “tired” seasonings and make a chili. Then you’ll have more space, or what I like to call, more room for more blessings. Thanks, Janna Beatty, for preaching it.

         Atlas of Mini Adventures

         As you travel the world with your young foodies, pack “Atlas of Miniature Adventures: A Pocket-Sized Collection of Small-Scale Wonders.” Follow the boy and girl characters to Vienna to the snow globe museum to learn how Perzy Snow put a model of the Mariazell Bascilica in a globe after playing with water globes and white grains of powder to increase the brightness of a lightbulb. They’ll find wee Desert Goby fish in Austrailia and bee hummingbirds who lay pea-sized eggs in Cuba.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com