10 Years After Katrina, Part 1 – Tragedy To Triumph – Louisiana Eats – It’s New Orleans

As the 10th anniversary of the storm approaches, the echoes of Hurricane Katrina and resulting levee failures continue to affect individuals and businesses within the food industry. On this week s Louisiana Eats , we begin our two part series on the storm with stories about the aftermath of Katrina on local bars, restaurants, and facilities; and learn how the community has come back in a big way. We begin with Pauline and Steven Patterson of Finn McCool s Irish Pub, who opened their popular Mid City haunt in 2002. When Finn’s was hit particularly hard by the storm, the Pattersons decision to reopen played an essential role in the the revitalization of the neighborhood. We also visit Dooky Chase, where Leah Chase talks about the two year restoration of the culinary landmark. Then, Anne Babin and John Lalla of Natco Food Service share their shocking tale of what happened to their family business, located in Uptown New Orleans when Katrina hit. Vandalism, martial law and mounds of spoiled meat are just a few of the obstacles they had to deal with before successfully regaining their footing a month later. Similarly, storm damage to the Domino Sugar Refinery in Arabi, Louisiana was so extensive that insurance companies insisted that the plant would never recover. Fred Goodrow, head of environmental and quality control at the refinery, explains how the facility was up and running weeks later, doing more than just refining sugar. Finally, we sit down with food writer Judy Walker to hear the story behind the cookbook that rescued precious recipes saved by generations and lost in the flood waters. Written with fellow Times Picayune columnist Marcelle Bienvenu, the James Beard Award nominated book, Cooking up a Storm Recipes Lost and Found from The Times Picayune of New Orleans, is currently being reissued in hardback. Judy reflects on this undertaking and the book s impact across Louisiana. For more information about the upcoming Louisiana Eats and Cooks Club featuring Judy Walker and Marcelle Bienvenu, visit the Southern Food and Beverage Museum s website. Leah Chase’s Gumbo Z’HerbesServes 8 1 bunch mustard greens 1 bunch collard greens 1 bunch turnips 1 bunch watercress 1 bunch beet tops 1 bunch carrot tops