It’s a Mecca for hungry lunchtime diners who flock to this Italian sandwich deli landmark, that’s been serving lovers of authentic Italian sandwiches since 1980.

The small Italian market and sandwich shop does a booming lunchtime business, thanks to its dozen-plus Philly-style sub sandwiches ($ 6.19-$ 7.69).  The sandwiches come in two sizes and are served on soft or hard Italian style rolls, along with sweet or hot peppers, lettuce, onions, oregano, and their own special dressing.

Grab a number at the door as you review the list of sandwiches, which is a virtual tour through Italy, with each sandwich representing a major Italian city.  The Capri sandwich combines Prosciutto, genoa salami, provolone cheese and capacola. The shop’s most popular sandwich, the Roma, comes with prosciutto ham, mortadella, genoa salami and provolone cheese.   My favorite is the spicy Napoli sandwich, a combination of  spicy pepperoni and  capacola, topped with a creamy mozzarella cheese.

A New Orleans classic Muffuletta sandwich is also on the menu, served on round Sicilian bread with piles of prosciutto, genoa salami, mortadella, provolone, and the classic pickled olive spread.

For something different, try the pate and brie sandwich on a crusty roll.  As one person mentioned, “it makes my eyes roll into the back of my head”. 

READ MORE  –>

Don’t feel like cooking dinner? Take home one of their 20 Italian dinners which only take 20 minutes to heat in your home oven. Dinners-to-go cost $6.99 – $8.99 per pound. Try their veggie or meat lasagna, chicken parmigiana or roasted rosemary chicken with pasta.

Want some fresh pasta? Add one of their dozen home-made sauces on hand to take home to complete your easy to make meal.  From the classic meat, tomato, Alfredo, and red or white clam sauces, to a few less traditional sauces, such as wild mushroom, pink vodka, arrabbiata, veal bolognese, gorgonzola and a unique eggplant sauce, there’s something for any pasta lover. Sauces are also sold by the pound, from $5.49 to $7.49, except pesto at $14.99 per lb.

The Italian Store also bakes rustic thin-crusted or Siciliana (thicker crust) pizzas, by the slice or the whole pie.  If you are a bit adventurous, pick up a bag of their pre-made pizza dough and toss your own pizza at home.  Or do as I often do, use the dough to make a homemade focaccia bread any night of the week. 

Here’s a pic of one of my home tossed pizzas. This one I combined caramelized onion, goat cheese, plum tomatoes, roasted garlic, hot peppers and fresh peaches (yes, peaches). It was delicious and looks pretty close to one of The Italian Store’s pizzas.

If the line is long (after grabbing a number), spend some time checking out The Italian Store’s selection of Italian foods, Italian wines and other yummy delicacies.  Or call ahead to have your to-go order ready when you arrive. 

The staff at times may seem a bit disorganized or slow in preparing your sandwich, but most customers feel it’s worth the wait.

And don’t forget to grab an extra cannolli, chocolaty famous Berger’s cookie or other sweet treat for the ride.

The Italian Store
3123 Lee Highway, in the Lyon Village Shopping Center, just a couple blocks off I-66 at Route 29
Arlington, Virginia 22201 (map it)
703-528-6266

Hours – Monday – Friday 10- 9, Saturday 10-8, Sunday 11-6.  The weekend lunch hour can be mobbed, with standing room only. There is no indoor seating, only outdoor seats.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Clarendon – Orange line, then a ¾-mile walk or Rosslyn – Orange line then take the 3A Metrobus towards Annandale.

Parking – Free parking is available in the shopping mall.

Images – Flickr – pizza with olives, truck, storefront, pizza from Jon’s kitchen – personal collection- © 2008 – Jon Rochetti 

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Then head on over to Jimmy T’s Place, just five blocks from The Capitol Building, for a classic diner,  no-frills breakfast. It’s been called the last of a dying breed- the classic greasy spoon and is a weekend ritual for people who live on The Hill.

Down home breakfasts ($5.00 – $8.00) consist of traditional eggs, bacon and grits, waffles, omelettes, French toast, blueberry pancakes and hash browns and yes, scrapple!   If you’re feeling high brow, order the surprisingly good Eggs Benedict.

In the mood for lunch? Then try a non-gourmet burger or sandwich with fries.

The atmosphere is friendly and communal.  Lots of the patrons seem to be regulars, many reading their Sunday Washington Post over coffee or breakfast.  Service can be either great or downright crappy, so avoid the place if you’re looking for a fast in-and-out breakfast or your coffee within 5 second of ordering.  And you won’t find a gourmet vanilla café latte with low-fat foam, just regular coffee.

The place is usually pretty crowded for breakfast on weekends, but tables turn over quickly.  If there’s a wait, try for a counter seat. The few window seats are good for people watching outside.

On Sundays, to avoid a wait, try to arrive before 10:00 a.m. to beat the the church crowd and 20-somethings who are just starting their day.

The coffee mugs and silverware don’t match, the cramped Formica tables haven’t been updated in decades, but the breakfasts might remind you of what your Mom or Grandmother used to serve you as a kid. And of all else fails, try a homemade milkshakes (very good) with breakfast.  And no one will tell your Mom.

The accept cash only. There’s a cash station across the street and another at 4th and E. Capitol St.

Jimmy T’s Place
501 E Capitol Street, SE, at 5th Street
Washington, DC  (map it)

Dates and Times – Wednesday-Friday,  6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Weekends, 8:00 -3:00, closed Monday and Tuesday.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Eastern Market – Blue and Yellow lines, then a 4-block walk.

Parking – Metered and free street parking is available.

Images – Exterior personal collection – © 2008 – Jon Rochetti, menu board,   

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Lunches cost $20.08 and dinners just $35.08.

Some participating restaurants only offer a limited Restaurant Week menu for the price, some either lunch or dinner, while others might offer both, so make sure to ask. 

Additionally, some establishments may run specials just for the week, or for the week or two preceding or after Restaurant Week.

DC’s Restaurant Week is one of the two area-wide discounted dining events offered each year, the other week occurs in January.  It  gives Washingtonian foodies a great opportunity to try a new place you’ve never dined at or visit a favorite place to try their new menu. 

Some of the more notable restaurants participating a with both a  lunch and dinner offering include a few notable steak houses, including Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, Sam & Harry’s and Smith & Wollensky, as well as:

• Cafe Promenade
• Taberna del Alabardero
• The Caucus Room
• The Prime Rib
• 701 Restaurant
• Acadiana
• B. Smith’s
• Bastille
• Cafe Atlantico
• D’Acqua
• Mie N Yu
• 15 Squares American Bistro (Renaissance Hotel)

Here’s a full list of participating restaurants for Washington DC’s Restaurant Week.

Dates – August 11 – 17, 2008,  at 170 participating restaurants throughout DC.

Prices – 3-Course Dinner – $30.07, 3-Course Lunch – $20.07, prices do not include beverage, tax or gratuity.

Reservations – Recommended and available for most through OpenTable.

Images – dessert, steak

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Post from: The DC Traveler

But the largest and most popular is the annual America’s National Independence Day Parade that runs down Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC.

DC’s Monuments make up the backdrop for the parade that’s packed with military units, classic fife and drum corps, marching bands, floats, giant tethered balloons, equestrian and drill teams, and more.

And while on the Mall, check out the National Folklife Festival.

Here’s a Washington Post link to other area July 4th parades.

America’s National Independence Day Parade 
Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street, NW 
Washington, DC  (map it)

Dates and Times – Thursday, July 4, 2008 11:45 a.m. but arrive to grab a good viewing location along the curb.

Admission – Free

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Smithsonian (Mall exit) or Federal Triangle – Blue or Orange lines or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Parking will be very tough, with lots of streets having restricted parking, so take Metro.

Images – Revolutionary Color Guard, balloons, Fife and Drum, 

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Post from: The DC Traveler

One of my favorite places to do just that in Washington, DC is Cantina Marina.

Okay, the above photo was taken in early April, on a Sunday morning, so the place looks dead, but it really does get a big crowd most evenings in warmer weather.

Situated in the Southwest Waterfront District, at the Gangplank Marina, the ultra casual and laid-back Cantina Marina offers 2,400 square feet of outdoor patio overlooking the Potomac, along with a small stage that has live music for happy hour and into the evening on some nights.

It’s perfect for an after work drink or to watch a sunset, but the crowd, usually younger professionals, make finding a seat challenging if you get there later in the evening.

Bayou inspired seafood sandwiches, po’ boys and a muffuletta, along with fried oysters, BBQ shrimp, fish tacos and a personal favorite, the blackened crab cake sandwich, make Cantina Marina a place where you can grab a bite if you’re hungry, but most people head there for a couple after work cocktails or a cold beer or two on a nice summer night. 

If DC’s heat and humidity get to you, you can dine in indoors as well.  But’s it’s usually more fun do enjoy the view from the patio.

Try one of their five varieties of margaritas or their tasty blueberry lemonade. But don’t expect fancy glasses on the patio — beers, wines and cocktails are usually served in plastic cups.

Cantina Marina
600 Water Street, SW at Water Street.
Washington, DC (map it)
202-554-8396

Hours – Open daily at 11:30 a.m., closes at 10:00 p.m. Sundays–Thursdays and 11:00 on Fridays & Saturdays.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Waterfront/SEU – Green line then long 3-block walk. (about 10-minutes) or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Paid garage is available at various lots and garages, but look for metered street parking on Maine Ave., Water or 6th Streets.

Images – singer, sandwich, exterior – personal collection – © 2008 – Jon Rochetti

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Besides thousands of pounds of Carolina chicken, Texas brisket (my favorite), Memphis ribs, pulled pork and that great barbeque smell, there’s also:

• Over 30 live bands on 3 stages, including headliners Roy Ayers, Leon Russell and Chuck Brown
• Cooking demos and celebrity chefs
• Lots of food sampling
• National Pork BBQ Championship contest
• BBQ marketplace for all types of sauces, rubs, marinades and more.
• Children’s play area

So what’s my favorite place in the U.S. for barbeque? I love the brisket at Rudy’s Bar-B-Que in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss it.  Locally, I still haven’t found the perfect BBQ in DC…but I’m still looking.

National Capital Barbecue Battle
Pennsylvania Ave, NW between 9th and 14th
Washington, DC (map it)

Dates and Times – Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22, 2008, Saturday - 11:00 – 9:00,  Sunday – 11:00 – 7:30.

Tickets – Adults – $10.00, children 6-12 – $5.00, kids under 6 FREE. Tickets are available online or at the gate.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Farragut West or Federal Triangle, – Blue and Orange lines, then a 2-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Metered street or garage parking is available, but will be very limited.

Images – ribs and corn, ribs on the grill, pig, event photo – courtesy of National Capital Barbecue Battle

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The building houses mostly commercial and governmental offices, along with a large atrium with shops, an entertainment stage, and a food court.

But the highlight of the building is just an elevator ride to the 270 foot-high observation deck. Being the third tallest building in Washington, DC, it offers fantastic panoramas of the National Mall.

Opened in 1899, the Post Office Building was located between the Capitol Building and the White House, an area which later became called Federal Triangle. Around the turn-of-the-century, the neighborhood was considered very seedy and opening the new Post Office was hoped to bring revitalization to the area.

When the building was opened it boasted a few “firsts” at the time:

• largest office building in DC,
• first building in the capital to use a steel frame construction,
• first Federal building on Pennsylvania Avenue,
• DC’s largest atrium.

Unlike most iron or steel framed buildings, the five-feet-thick granite exterior walls are self-supporting, using the steel girders to support the interior floor beams.

Sadly, during the building’s opening ceremonies, the Postmaster of Washington, DC fell to his death down an open elevator shaft.

Within fifteen years, the main DC post office moved to a larger facility and the building earned the “old” status. 

The building was also not very popular with the public, due to its Romanesque revival architecture, massive arches and towers. Numerous efforts were made to have the old Post Office building torn down.  Fueled by media comments, such as the one by the The New York Times who called it “a cross between a cathedral and a cotton mill”, didn’t help the buildings reputation. The building’s style, which incorporated 11th and 12th century French, Spanish and Italian styles, was a style that fell out of public favor quickly.

The Old Post Office building was then used by numerous government agencies and was considered a prime target for demolition.  Luckily, funding was not available to tear the building down in the late 1920-and early 1930s due to the Great Depression.

After the Pennsylvania Avenue Commission was appointed by President Kennedy in 1962, the Old Post Office was once again slated to be demolished. By 1971 congressional funding had been approved and demolition permits had been issued.

READ MORE –>

Luckily, after 70 years of being one of DC’s landmarks, the building was saved when the chairwoman of the National Endowments for the Arts (NEA), joined with a citizen’s preservationist group called “Don’t Tear It Down” to convince Congress to save the building.  In 1973, the building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places and extensively renovated in 1976.

The building is now officially called the Nancy Hanks Center, named after the NEA’s first female Chairwoman, but everyone still calls it the Old Post Office Building.

To honor America’s bicentennial in 1976, Great Britain presented a set of ten English bells to Congress, replicas of the bells in London’s Westminster Abbey. Ranging in weight from 581 to 2,953 pounds, the bells were installed in the old Post Office clock tower.  The bells are rung in honor of the opening and closing of Congress and on state occasions, including all national holidays.

The building hosts a weekly practice session of the Congressional Bells by the tower’s bell stewards, most Thursday evenings, from 7-9 p.m.

Also, free live music lunch hour performances are open top the public, ranging from local school choirs and bands to professional jazz and cultural music groups.

Try to visit on days when the sky is clear and blue for the best views and photo ops. Sunset views can also be fantastic.

The Old Post Office and Clock Tower
1100 Pennsylvania Ave. at 12th St., NW
Washington, DC 20004  (map it)
202-606-8691

Dates and Times – Monday – Saturday – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.,  Sunday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. 

Admission – FREE, take the elevator at the left of the stage. look for the sign stating “Take the Tower Tour”. 

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Federal Triangle – Orange and Blue lines, then a 2-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – limited metered street and paid garage parking is available.

Images – Thanks to the many Flickr photographers used in this post – exterior,  building at night, view toward Washington Monument, view toward the Capitol Building, atrium, night view of Washington Monument, Ben Franklin, front arch, tower, 
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Post from: The DC Traveler

The 2-week festival begins Saturday, March 29th and runs until Sunday, April 13th, with peak viewing some time during that two weeks.  But I recommend that, if possible, you get  down to the National Mall early (the first weekend) to view the blossoms.  Historically, DC’s spring rains and wind can often put an abrupt and early end to the show.

Historically, the average blooming date is April 4th, but nature doesn’t always cooperate.  The earliest blooms have started was March 15th and as late as April 18 back in 1958.  The National Park Service reports one of the earliest “green buds” on the trees, suggesting blooming may occur early this year.

The Yoshino cherry tree blossoms (Prunus x yedoensis) range in progressive colors from bright whites to then soft then brilliant pink. So visiting a couple time over the two weeks usually results in seeing a different range of nature’s colors.

The original cherry trees along the Tidal Basin were first planted in 1912.  The trees were a gift of friendship from the government of the Empire of Japanese.

The blooming season of the cherry tree blossoms is probably the most picturesque time of year in the nation’s capital.

My favorite locations for enjoying the colors and for photo ops is:

• Anywhere around the Tidal Basin, notably across from the Jefferson Memorial. 
• Along Independence Avenue along the Tidal Basin, at the southern and eastern ends of the Washington Monument grounds.
• Near the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial.
• At the garden at the Smithsonian Castle (Smithsonian Information Center) at 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW.

Tours

• You can attend a free 20-60 minute National Park Service Ranger talk daily at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. at either the The Tidal Basin near the of entrance of the FDR Memorial or at the visitor’s welcome tent at the Jefferson Memorial.
• There’s also a self-guided mobile phone tour, starting Friday, March 28th. Call  202-727-3465 to hear Park Rangers present information about the historic cherry trees. (Phone charges may apply.)
• There are also 1½ mile Ranger led night time Lantern Walking Tours of the Tidal Basin on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, during the festival, starting at 8:00 p.m.  Reservations are required. Register at the National Park Service Welcome Tent, but reservations are accepted only on the same day, and they go fast.

To avoid the big weekend afternoon crowds, try to schedule your cherry blossom visit before 9:00 a.m. on weekends or after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays.  Parking is easier and there are less people that might end up in the background of your photos.

Want to see a few more photos?  Check out my photos from last year’s cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Nearest Metro subway station – Federal Triangle or Smithsonian – Blue and Orange lines.

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Post from: The DC Traveler

And every city across America has it’s own list of classic and notable taverns, frequented by locals and eagerly visited by tourists.  New York has the legendary McSorleys (1854), Chicago has it’s share of classics, The Lodge, PJ Clark’s, and River Shannon. And Philadelphia has McGillin’s Old Ale House, dating back to 1860.

Likewise, Washington, DC has it’s share of classic bars, taverns and pubs as well.  And to celebrate National Tavern Day, here’s a few places in town worth visiting.

The Tombs – 1226 36th Street,  NW, Washington, DC

This place is a rite of passage for Georgetown students, and a hangout for faculty, alumni and area locals.  This subterranean Georgetown institution since 1962, is a friendly, casual place that serves decent food.  It’s housed in an old Federal-style house built around the mid-1800s that just before the Tombs was opened, held a Chinese laundry and small cafe.  The owners gutted the buildings, dug a basement, which became the current day Tombs.

On Sundays after church, it gets crowded for brunch so expect a wait or grab the first seat at the bar you see. A DJ spins music Wed. – Sat. nights, but there’s not much room for dancing.

Check out their 99 Days Club, a ritual where you get your name on a plaque if you stop by The Tombs once a day for 99 consecutive days between February 10th and May 19th.  Surprisingly, last year over 120 people joined this unique club.  Several have probably subsequently joined the club hosted at the Betty Ford Clinic as well.

Third Edition – 1218 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

The Third Edition is another very popular place for DC college students and 20-somethings and even a few locals of all ages (but not on weekend nights).  Since 1969, Third Edition in the heart of Georgetown, has offered dancing upstairs and during the summer, there’s an outdoor Tikki bar that gets mobbed on weekends.

The main floor is a more traditional bar/restaurant. Check it out for happy hour. 

Billy Martin’s Tavern – 1264 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Billy Martin’s Tavern (no relationship to baseball’s Billy Martin) is the oldest family-owned restaurant in DC.  It opened in 1933, and is located just a couple blocks from Third Edition.  

The menu is simple – steaks, chicken, pot roast and other hearty foods draws that lobbyists, politicos and locals.  For something a bit different, try a buffalo rib-eye or burger. The dark ambience make this crowded place feel even more crowded at times. And service can be frustratingly slow. If dining alone, ask for the unique one-seat booth.  

Every U.S. President since Truman have dined there. And in 1953, Sen. John Kennedy, who lived just a couple blocks away, proposed to girlfriend, Jackie Bouvier, in booth #3.

FOR A COUPLE MORE RECOMMENDATIONS —>   

Hawk & Dove - 329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC

In the heart of “The Hill” is the Hawk & Dove, a popular place for residents that live within walking distance, congressional interns and young professionals looking to blow off some steam after a day of working on the Hill. 

You can sit at the long bar, grab a booth or pick a table in one of the six small rooms that make up the place.

I like to stop at the H&D after a museum visit, as they have great sandwiches and serve a late weekend brunch (until 3:30 p.m.). They also serve breakfast nightly from 9 pm until closing. During the summer, snag an outside table and watch the world go by on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Old Ebbit Grill – 675 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC -

Opened in 1856, the Old Ebbit Grill is the oldest operating bar in DC.  It’s a very popular place with tourists, as well as with politicians, FBI and Secret Service agents (so don’t get drunk and obnoxious), White House staffers and the press. 

Old Ebbit serves great upscale bistro food. I love their roast duck.  Most weekend evenings though, the service at the main bar can range from a bit slow to “is there a bartender working tonight?” (unless you are a single woman and smile at the bartenders, in which case you’ll get lots of very attentive service).

The bar is one of the prettiest in town and the relaxed atmosphere invites patrons to meet and greet.  On most Saturday nights, you’ll see a group or two dressed in tuxes and gowns, either before or after attending a wedding, formal party or the theater.

The main “old” bar near the entrance is where all the action is, but don’t miss the Grant Bar in back or the “corner” bar for a slightly more quiet experience.

They also have free valet parking.

Want to check out some of the taverns and bars in other cities? Then check out some of the other Travel & Leisure Channel blogs and read about their favorites, most notorious, oldest, or most unique taverns in their city. Just click on the links at the right to visit each Travel & Leisure Channel blog. 

Images – Third Edition and Hawk & Dove – from personal collection – © 2008 – Jon Rochetti, Old Ebbit Grill 1 & 2

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Post from: The DC Traveler

I fell in love with gumbo on my first trip to New Orleans, close to 20 years ago.

Since then, I’ve been working on the perfect gumbo recipe. 

And to celebrate Mardi Gras, twenty area professional chefs will show off their idea of a perfect gumbo.  They’ll compete in the 9th annual Chesapeake Chefs Association’s Signature Gumbo Competition on Sunday in suburban Annapolis, Maryland.  

Besides tastings of 20 different versions of New Orleans’ favorite dish, enjoy music, Mardi Gras beads, and more.

While I won’t be submitting my recipe to the competition, I will put my version up against any of the pro’s gumbos.  And while there is no “perfect” gumbo recipe, I think mine is ready for prime time.  My recipe follows.

Chesapeake Chef’s Signature Gumbo Competition
Doubletree Hotel – Annapolis
210 Holiday Court
Annapolis, MD 21401 (map it)
410-224-3150

Date and Time – Sunday, Feb.10, 2008 1:00 p.m., until 4:00

Tickets – $10.00 and are available at the door

Parking – free parking is available.

Click More for the recipe of Jon’s Big Easy Gumbo —>

Images – Flickr 

Jon’s Chicken, Shrimp and Sausage File’ Gumbo

Ingredients

• 4 boneless-skinless chicken breasts diced into 2’ by 2’ pieces or one whole chicken – cut up in to 12-14 small pieces, with most of the skin removed.
• 4 links Andouille sausage (the real stuff), sliced in thin (½ inch) rounds
• 1 lb. peeled and deveined large shrimp (tails removed)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (canola, corn, etc.)
• ½ cup flour – all purpose
• ½ cup diced red pepper
• ¼ cup diced green pepper
• ¾ cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion (about one large onion)
• 1 cup frozen okra
• 5 cups chicken broth – low sodium is best
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 cloves of garlic – smashed and diced
• 2 Tablespoons Tabasco brand hot sauce (2 Tablespoons will make it rather spicy)

Gumbo Seasoning Mix

• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (less if you like our gumbo mild, 2 if you like it very spicy, 3 or more if you love pain)
• 1½ teaspoons file’ powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Put the half of the chicken in a plastic zipper bag with ¼ of the seasoning mix and ¼ cup flour. Shake to coat well. Remove the chicken and place on a plate. Add the remaining chicken and another ¼ of the seasoning mix and another ¼ cup of flour. Again, shake to coat and remove.

Heat the chicken broth in a pot or in the microwave until boiling.

In a second pot (Dutch over or large stockpot), heat the oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s hot, but not quite at the smoking point. Carefully add half of the chicken pieces and cook on each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove chicken to a plate with a paper towel and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Into the second pot, add the remaining seasoning mix and flour, plus any left over from the plastic bag. Add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of oil if the pot is dry.

Reduce the heat to low.  Using a whisk, stir the flour and seasoning mixture slowly, making a roux. Stir constantly until it turns medium brown in color, (about the color of a peanut’s skin). This should take 7-10 minutes. If the roux mixture starts to burn, reduce the heat.

Add all of the vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat.

Add ½ cup of the hot chicken broth to the pot and stir until mixed well. Add another ½ cup of the broth and stir again. Add the remaining broth and stir well.

Add the sliced Andouille sausage and bay leaves. Cook over medium heat (simmering, but not a full boil) for 15 minutes.

Add the chicken, garlic, okra and Tabasco hot sauce and cook over low-medium heat for another 30 minutes. The pot should be lightly simmering.

After 30 minutes, add the shrimp and cook another 4-5 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked.

Before serving, skim off any excess oil or grease from the top of the pot, using a skimmer or paper towels.

Serve with a big spoonful of cooked white rice in the center of the bowl and enjoy!!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!! (Let the Good Times Roll!!)_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler