A Savage Wisdom theme ideas

We are having our first Kindle, I-phone, and hard copy book club meeting. We chose Norman German's "A Savage Wisdom" (because you get the first chapter free, we all got hooked!)and would like some ideas. The story is about Toni Jo Henry and is set in 1940's New Orleans, and we'd love to have a big pot of gumbo or something like that. What else would be fun?

Queenie D's Response:

Ooooo, what fun! 1940s New Orleans was really the place to be. Think jazz music, street cars, Canal Street, and Mardi Gras. These are all iconic New Orleans items that prospered during this time.

I would focus on the flavorful, unique cuisine. Here are some thoughts:

Beignets, square-shaped fried pastries that could be called "French doughnuts" (served with coffee and chicory, known as café au lait)

Po'boy and Italian Muffaletta sandwiches

Gulf oysters on the half-shell, boiled crawfish, and other seafood

étouffée, jambalaya, gumbo, and other Creole dishes

The Monday favorite of red beans and rice (Louis Armstrong often signed his letters, "Red beans and ricely yours")

This should give you plenty of inspiration for your menu.

I would definitely decorate your table in the Mardi Gras theme. Colorful and fun!

Please come back and tell us all about it.

Good luck!