Boudin?

Commander’s Palace in New Orleans = A++ Boudin Item

The Commander’s Palace’s “Pig and a Peach” Appetizer.

Pig and a Peach – Abita root beer braised pork belly over Cajun boudin with a put-up peach, local honey, and smoky trotter au jus.

—- Let’s begin by saying that this appetizer dish ($12) was phenomenal. After the meal was over, the consensus was that this was the best thing we ate (and that is high praise). Individually the different components were delicious, but a bite with a little of everything took you to a very wonderful place. The peach, in particular, rounded everything out. Fantastic!!!

When it comes to the BOUDIN, and the role the boudin plays in the dish, you have to see it as contributor to a really successful item. As you can tell from the picture, the boudin is not in the casing. In fact, the pork belly sits on top of what is best described as a “puddle” of boudin. I say puddle because it is quite a bit looser than what you’d typically find in a link. It also has a slight rosemary flavor to it. It works here (boy does it ever), though I think one would find the flavor “odd” if the boudin were served in a traditional manner.

No criticisms. If you’re interested in what a place like Commander’s Palace is doing with boudin I’d suggest you give this a try. Their menu changes rather frequently so you might want to inquire as to whether it is going to be available.

Commander's Palace

Emeril Lagasse, CEO of the Emeril Empire, got his start at Commander's Palace.  He was noticed by New Orleans matriarch Ella Brennan of Commander’s Palace, who convinced Emeril to come to the Big Easy. At the age of 26, Emeril became the executive chef of the historic Commander’s Palace, which he oversaw for the next eight years.

Over the course of the next 2 months, we will be highlighting the many wonderful sights we will visit during our trip to New Orleans.

Commanders Palace (lunch)

Since 1880, Commander's Palace has been a New Orleans landmark known for the award-winning quality of its food and many commodious dining rooms. The history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans' antebellum past. In the early 1880's, when Louisiana officially joined the nation, eager young Anglo-Saxons flocked to this promising territory to make their fortunes. Since the Vieux Carré was the stronghold of the proud Creoles, these "Americans" (as they were defined by the Creoles) sought a residential section of their own. Thus was born the Garden District, with its stately Greek Revival homes and quiet, tree lined streets.

Here in the Garden District George W. Cable entertained Mark Twain; here Jefferson Davis spent his last days. And here, in 1880, Emile Commander established the only restaurant patronized by the distinguished neighborhood families.

The restaurant suffered extensive damage due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After a full renovation, the restaurant re-opened on October 1, 2006.

Can't wait!  Seventy days and counting . . . .

Spring Concert

2013-2014 Auditions - 5/20 @ Sky View Middle School from 4:00-8:00p.m.

Dear YCCO Debut Choir parents,

Tuesday was a special day for YCCO’s Debut singers. We attended the Oregon Children’s Choral Festival in Eugene. Some of our choristers were unable to attend due to illness or other commitments. We understand. Those who attended the festival had a wonderful day with 1000 other singers from around the state of Oregon. We had the chance to hear other choirs perform for each other, sing under the direction of a guest conductor who led us in rehearsing and recording three mass choir numbers, hear a special guest choir perform, as well as have time for pizza, some fun on a carousel and participate in mini golf! In addition, YCCO was proud to have Debut Choir member, Alana Lukens perform her winning Featured Youth Composer contest song "Angel in the Clouds" on the Hult Center stage!  

I wanted the parents of the festival participants to know how much I appreciate your children. Their behavior was amazing. They were polite, grateful, well behaved, focused and professional. You have raised them well. Our chaperones were wonderful as well, always there to do anything we needed, being there for the staff at all times. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to YCCO.

The two judges at the festival were very supportive of our singing, making comments like, “Beautiful vowels, tall and open. Tone is lovely. Intonation is awesome. Nice sound effects. Good diction. Good consonants. Excellent energy on your high notes. Bravo! Spot on! I can understand all the words. I wanted more! You look sharp. Thank you for your awesomeness! You look fabulous. WOW! You look like you are having fun!" The two judges gave us scores of 98 and 99 out of 100!!! Remarkable scores, to be sure!

I am so proud of this season’s singers. They sing very well, behave responsibly, and have energy and enthusiasm to match. I look forward to their May 18 concert as well as a continued relationship with each singer in the coming years. Please encourage your child to continue to sing. It makes their " insides come out", as a former student told me once. If you know of another family with children who love to sing, please encourage them to call the choir office for an audition or come to a rehearsal (we have three left) so they can see what happens every Monday at YCCO! Parents-BRAVO to you for your support of music education in your children's lives. You are creating whole people by encouraging their love and talents in singing.

 

Sincerely,  

Beth Basham

Welcome to the
Youth Choir of Central Oregon's (YCCO)
Blog Page!  

The YCCO is a  music performance and education program that emphasizes the development of musical skills and understanding in children between the ages of seven and eighteen (grades 1-12).

YCCO is a non-profit organization with a current enrollment of more than 150 singers in two choirs and one early training program. 

YCCO has a reputation for artistic excellence, with a Premiere Choir experienced in international touring, and with a Debut Choir that boasts an established state presence.