New Orleanians Share Reflections and Food.

It’s safe to say 2020 will go down in the history books for its epochal challenges that included a global pandemic, a barrage of natural disasters, human rights protests in many American cities, and a lack of civil discourse in our national politics. Worldwide, people are battling coronavirus, out of work, or simply struggling.

We believe now, more than ever, in the power of sharing a meal where, even at a virtual table, people find friendship, a common purpose, and energy—not to mention, good times. As Virginia Woolf wrote, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

With 2020 as a backdrop and with food being a common denominator that brings people together, this year Corporate Realty features both recipes and essays by New Orleanians who have thoughts to share about 2020 events and, of course, about food. Their personal recipes range from a mouthwatering one-ingredient caramel sauce to sweet potato pie to a lamb with fresh herbs. These treasured dishes provided comfort and memories for our contributors, and we hope they will do the same for you.

Our current featured recipe and essay are L. Kasimu. Harris’ Blackened Shrimp and Okra and “A Humble Student of New Orleans Cooking”.  © Photo by Kenny Morrison