Sunday Bloody Sunday

I have now become one of those annoying people who post pictures of the food they are about to eat. But this morning's breakfast at Lucile's in Fort Collins is worthy of a picture. This is my third visit to Lucile's, and I don't think it will be my last.

I rarely indulge in a mixed drink, but a Bloody Mary is a great way to enjoy a Sunday morning. And perhaps my choice of a title for this post was unfortunate, since the subject of that U2 song from 1983's War is about as far from enjoyable as one can get. On January 30, 1972, thirteen unarmed civil rights demonstrators were shot dead by British paratroopers in Northern Ireland. The city in which this occurred is as divided as the island of Ireland is. While the southern part of the city is called Derry, the northern part is known as Londonderry. Several years ago, on a bus tour of Ireland, we crossed from Derry into Londonderry, and it most certainly felt like we were entering another country, which we were.

But back to this morning's breakfast. Lucile's, an unassuming house on Meldrum Street in Fort Collins, serves up New Orleans style food generously and efficiently. While Andrea enjoyed a grapefruit mimosa and Sam sipped on a "beermosa" (who knew?), I went with the traditional Bloody Mary, although it was listed as a Cajun Mary on the menu. Something to do with the shrimp and the pickled okra on the cocktail toothpick, I guess.

We started off with beignets, those deep-fried choux pastries smothered in confectioner's sugar. And I was already full! Then came biscuits. (I could feed a family of five on one of those babies.) But my main dish was "Eggs New Orleans," a layered delight of fried eggplant slices, poached eggs, Creole spice, and hollandaise. Potatoes and grits on the side. Would it surprise you to know that half of my meal came home with me?

I have been to Ireland, but I have never been to New Orleans. I need to remedy that. In the meantime, my twice-yearly visits to see my son in Colorado will give me the opportunity to pretend I am in New Orleans by eating breakfast at Lucile's.

And now you, too, can vicariously dine Creole-style by staring at the picture of my breakfast.

You're welcome.

Biscuit, Cajun Mary, and Eggs New Orleans