Monday, Monday

"Every other day, every other day,

Every other day of the week is fine, yeah

But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes

You can find me cryin' all of the time."

I always find this song playing in my head on a Monday after a Saints loss.  I have a strong belief in the truth of the rumor that productivity in New Orleans on the Monday after a Saints loss is markedly decreased.  Some people might say that we have misplaced priorities.  We call it passion for our city and for our team.

But thankfully, Monday always calls for one of my favorite meals (no matter if the Saints win or lose): red beans and rice.  It's a dish so delicious yet so simple to make that it seems ludicrous to order them when dining out.  Still, some places cook them better than others, and it's usually the neighborhood joints that do them best.  Here are a few of my favorite spots to get a plate of these delicious legumes:

1. Dunbar's - Now comes complete with a JD from Loyola.
2. Mandina's - The only day that they serve them is Monday.
3. Acme Oyster House - Sure, they don't make them in house (I am pretty sure they get them from this guy), but that doesn't make them any less savory.
   
4. Ignatius Grocery - I just wish that they would put ice in their drinks.
5. Liuzza's - And a Fat Kid Special?

Note: I hear that EAT also has great red beans; but they ain't open on Mondays, and I refuse to order red beans at a restaurant on any other day except Monday.

Lunch Today....

Today feels like a good day to play hookie. I would hop on the Street Car towards Uptown and stop at the first place that looks appealing. First on that list for me would be Zea. The Zea restaurants are owned and operated by the same crew that started Semolina's. I was never a big fan of Semolina's as to me it always reeked of some girl's birthday party that you did not really want to go to, but your high school girlfriend dragged you to. Zea on the other hand offers an exceptional variety of choices for an amazing value. Everyday they have a different rotisserie special served with two sides. Forget choosing the sides get a double order of corn grits. Those morsels smother you with creaminess and pop with crunch.

Or stay on the streetcar ride it to Napoleon, walk down to Casamento's, get the fried oyster sandwich, and then go into Ms. Mae's. If Casamento's is slammed, head into Ignatius Grocery. I recommend the Gumbo and an Abita Strawberry Ale.

Either way you are guaranteed a great lunch.