Southern Hospitality

Come walk with me, not to follow though, because I’m not leading the way. The screen door on the backside of this brick building is our passage into the reenactment of the Goodfellas scene where Henry escorts Karen through the kitchen of the Copacabana night club, except we are in Kenner, LA walking into La Bella’s Catering. Ray Liotta’s character in this scenario is embodied by both Austin Raye and Juliane Daigre, who introduce us to a white haired, crew cut gentlemen that fills the air, verbally, with the collection of motorcycles he’s owned all before I finish shaking his hand. Joey is the owner of this establishment and we are having the pleasure of being in his company today due to Austin being his nephew. 

  
We’re invited to a table for some Po’ Boys, a type of sandwich that can only be done right here in the area. Joey proceeds to explain that since we are sitting below sea level, bread will bake differently due to the amount of oxygen in comparison to anywhere else. The end result is a baguette that is lighter than what you might be used to, allowing you to consume more of a sandwich than you thought you could. How could we say no.

 
In the meantime, the unique scent of alligator sasauge and duck bacon Rangoon with roasted corn fill our nostrils. There was no need to be jealous of another table who might have been basking in taste of this dish as the plate had appeared at our table. 

 
Joey, or Pappy, as Austin calls him, blesses us with his presence and tells us stories that have transpired not only in his life but also in regards to Austin’s childhood. Before we knew it our cheeks were sore from laughter and our bellies full of some of the best food we’ve had on this trip to date.

  
You don’t realize it while it’s happening but after leaving the restaurant I noticed what was so great about the last hour. It wasn’t the food on its own, or just the conversation, or the location in particular but all those things together. After 27 days on the road I’ve finally tasted home. Just to sit in the presence of family was a god send. I didn’t grow up with Austin, I didn’t know his uncle just this morning, but they sat us down and invited us into their world simply by sharing stories decorated with smiles.   

It was incredible to feel a level of hospitality that for once was not attached to us helplessly surrounding a motorcycle coupled with the fact that it wasn’t planned. Myself and Gomes knew we were coming down to New Orleans to meet with Austin and Juliane but to be treated as family was something else. I can’t thank them enough and I’ll be yearning for the next chance to come down to Louisiana for another Po’ Boy.