Wade Boggs and the Field of Dreams – My Youth Lives Again

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Today I surrendered to sweet nostalgia. My childhood was resurrected as I read a story that brought together three influential icons of my youth. For virtually every other human on the planet, this story was relatively meaningless, but for me it created the perfect storm of reflection.

(Quit blathering and get on with it, right?)

The story was about how the baseball complex used in the movie Field of Dreams was recently purchased by a group that included baseball HOFer Wade Boggs, with the goal of developing it into a multimillion dollar baseball and softball complex. It would also keep the complex from fading into obscurity.

So why is this story such a big deal for me? Three things: Wade Boggs, Field of Dreams and W.P. Kinsella.

A Little Personal History

I grew up in Northwest Ohio (Toledo), moved to Chicago and now currently reside in Cincinnati. As a kid I grew up listening to Ernie Harwell do Tiger games every night. So why am I a diehard Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins and New England Patriots fan?

Wade Boggs. For some reason, when I was eight years old, I took a liking to Wade Boggs, the baseball player. As an adult, I’m a little incredulous that my parents would let me idolize a proven womanizer and ridiculously heavy drinker – it’s been noted that Boggs would actually drink a case of beer after games. Then there’s the old joke that says he hit .800 with women in scoring position. But I digress…

Wade Boggs single-handedly turned me into a Red Sox fan, which then translated into me following the Bruins and Patriots. I learned heartbreak and pessimism quickly as immediately the Patriots got crushed in Superbowl XX, the Red Sox suffered through the Buckner World Series loss and the Bruins fell to the Edmonton Oilers in ’88 and again in ’90. Thank God for the new millennium.

1986 Topps Wade Boggs baseball card
1986 Topps Wade Boggs baseball card

I forced myself to bat left-handed just because Boggs batted lefty. I wanted to play third base. I even ended up playing for the Red Sox in Little League. I had Boggs posters all over my bedroom and to this day I still have a Wade Boggs binder displaying over 250 Boggs baseball cards (including 20 of the one pictured to the left). Yeah, I might’ve been a little obsessed.

So when I see a story about Boggs these days, I am always reminded of his influence on my childhood and my personal fandom. But this story! It has Boggs and Field of Dreams.

Not Costner’s Best Baseball Movie – But Still Good

Field of Dreams is a good baseball movie – though it’s no Bull Durham. However, it does a great job of unlocking the magic and mystery that has surrounded baseball through the years. It depicts players of old whose thirst for the game is quenched when an Iowan farmer builds a baseball diamond in the middle of his corn fields. Shoeless Joe Jackson, banned from baseball in 1920, and a host of old ballplayers find “heaven” playing ball again on this field of dreams, while farmer Ray Kinsella and family get to watch them play. As a kid, this movie brought to life the history of baseball and the reverence that should be paid to the game. It confirmed my love for baseball.

Field of Dreams Father and Son Story
Ray Kinsella (l) makes peace with his father John (r) in the closing scene of Field of Dreams

Today it’s the only movie I regularly cry while watching. Being older, I now recognize that the story is about a son reconnecting with his father. Baseball is just the vehicle that brings them together. As it turned out, the catchphrase “if you build it, he will come” was not about Shoeless Joe, but about John Kinsella, Ray’s father. Ray said some regretful things to his father and then his father died before Ray had a chance to make things right. By building the field of dreams, he was able to restore the relationship. It’s the last scene that always gets me.

The game is finished for the day and the players are all heading off into the corn (this makes sense if you see the movie) and one player is left standing on the field. Ray realizes it’s his father John and you can see the emotion on Ray’s face as he understands he can finally make peace with his dad. Ray walks over and introduces himself to John and they have a conversation about the field and whether or not it’s heaven and then Ray finally says, “Hey…Dad? You wanna have a catch?” And John says, “Yes, I’d like that.” And then they begin to throw the ball back and forth. And just like that, a simple game of catch brings a father and son together.

I’m tearing up even writing about this because my father and I spent a million hours playing catch together when I was a kid. Looking back, that time he spent with me meant everything. Playing ball was just a vehicle for him to show his love for me and I treasure those memories dearly now.
Okay, I have to move on or I’m going to short out the keyboard.

So Where Does W.P. Kinsella Fit Into All This?

The Iowa Baseball Confederacy by W.P. Kinsella
My favorite book by W.P. Kinsella

Field of Dreams was based loosely on the book “Shoeless Joe” by W.P. Kinsella. Kinsella was an avid baseball fan and had more than a passing interest in Canadian Indian mysticism. He was a master at weaving the mystical and magical into baseball tales in a way that was quite believable – to the young reader. As a kid I read every book, short story and essay Kinsella wrote. He made me believe that baseball was magic…and enduring. My copy of his book “The Iowa Baseball Confederacy” is more worn than Billy Graham’s Bible. It was Kinsella who made me want to write.

The Perfect Storm

If you’ve made it this far (and I say thank you), you can now see how an insignificant, back page news story created the perfect storm of nostalgia for me. I played baseball (still do actually) and studied writing in school because the three influential factors found in this story. It was a remarkable trip down memory lane and I’m glad for the opportunity to have shared it with you. Sometimes it’s good to look back and remember how you got here.

Archibold “Moonlight” Graham (in Field of Dreams) said, “We just don’t recognize life’s most significant moments while they’re happening.”

I’m glad I can now.

—Ryan Varney

New Car Could Fight Drunk-Driving Accidents

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New car fights drunk-driving accidentsI just finished reading an article about the new Lincoln MKZ. Apparently the 2013 MKZ uses a system called Lane Keeper that automatically keeps your car from drifting out of your current lane – even around curves in the road. It also features adaptive cruise control that can allow your car to exactly match the speed of the car in front of you.

Think about that for a minute.

We’re talking about an autonomous car—or at least the start of one—with huge implications for today’s drivers. In fact, the author of the article I read, Ezra Dyer, points out that the new Lincoln MKZ will keep you safe if you’ve ever: fallen asleep at the wheel, been distracted by your cell phone or stereo system, or dropped a McNugget between the seats and went fishing for it.

Sadly, my immediate thought was, “Wow, this would really help drunk drivers.” It seems to me that speeding and weaving are the two biggest factors in drunk-driving accidents – that and not paying attention. So the 2013 Lincoln MKZ would do wonders for most inebriated drivers. If you’re not black-out drunk, the 2013 MKZ should provide you enough time to hit the brakes and keep you from side-swiping or rear-ending another vehicle.

Accident averted.

Plus, not speeding and weaving will lessen the chances of you catching the eye of that lurking state trooper and getting a DUI.

You bet I’ll drink to that.

—Ryan Varney

Food and Sports in Pittsburgh

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I’ve spent much of my life around AFC/NFC North cities: Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and to a degree Pittsburgh. Size-wise, Chicago and Detroit are much bigger than the other three, and Chicago is a cut above all of them in just about every way. Naturally, then, I’ve always lumped Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh together as basically the same city just in different locations.

View of Pittsburgh from above Point State Park
View of Pittsburgh from above Point State Park

Well, no diss to my current home city Cincinnati – which I do love and appreciate – but after a recent trip to Pittsburgh, I have to say I’m quite impressed. The architecture downtown is unique and diverse, especially the PPG campus which looks like a modern day castle or fortress. Sharp angles, black glass and steel framework cut into the skyline in a way that’s both beautiful and ominous. Market Square nestles cozily between high-rises, resting on olden days brick roads, giving it the feel of a small town square. Then, a few blocks away is Point State Park, where the skyscrapers give way to a stunning view of the famous three rivers converging. The view from the point is a perfect blend of nature and industry – rushing rivers, rising hills and plenty of trees set a scenic backdrop for a myriad of stately bridges, colorful houses and unique commercial buildings.

One poorly shot video of downtown Pittsburgh on a gloomy day…

But enough romanticizing downtown Pittsburgh…let’s get to the point of the blog: food and sports, food first.

Places to Eat in Pittsburgh

I was only in Pittsburgh for a day and a half, but I did manage to find two great restaurants and an amazing bar.

Seviche

Seviche in Pittsburgh
Seviche in downtown Pittsburgh

Seviche is a Latin-influenced restaurant specializing in tapas and smaller, shareable entrees. I’d highly recommend the Avocado and Corn Seviche with jumbo lump crab meat – a refreshing and zesty seviche perfect for whetting the appetite. Also, for a heartier starter, try the Bistec with filet mignon. Served with natural cut fries, these little quesadillas are rich and savory, buoyed by sweet carmelized onions. Follow up with a Cuban-influenced sushi roll or the Asian Tartare with Ahi Tuna and wash it all down with a pitcher of homemade sangria.

NOLA on the Square

If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you’ll know I’m a nut for Cajun cookin’. NOLA on the Square does a great job of capturing some Cajun flavor while maintaining its own unique style. Of course, I had to try the gumbo (chicken and sausage) and it was above average. Low on spiciness but quite rich and hearty, NOLA’s gumbo was enhanced by adding a few drops from one of the many hot sauces native to Louisiana they keep on hand. One surprise was the unique drink selections available at NOLA. I give 5 stars to the 1937 Sazerac.

Sharp Edge

By far my favorite stop in downtown Pittsburgh, Sharp Edge, despite its yuppie undertones, has one of the most amazing beer selections (on tap) of anyplace I’ve ever been. Whether you like complex Belgian beers, hoppy IPAs, rich stouts or smooth dunkels, Sharp Edge has the beer to slake your thirst. Plus they have a choice selection of local craft beers and for out-of-towners, you can take them with you. Simply buy a Sharp Edge growler and have it filled with the draft of your choice. Take a little bit of Pittsburgh home with you.

Heinz Field and the Steelers

Heinz Field in PittsburghHeinz Field Steelers Hall of Fame Lockers
Left: At Heinz Field; Right: Steelers HOF at Heinz Field

So the point of my trip to Pittsburgh was to take in a Steelers game at Heinz Field. I was definitely impressed with the openness of Heinz Field and the sea of black and gold it immerses you in. I was not impressed with the concession stands because they are still in the 70s heydays with their cash only policy. Steeler nation is huge and profitable; it’s about time to invest in credit card machines.

I was also not impressed with the lackluster play of the Steelers. With all the dropped passes, I am of the mind to rename the team Hands-of-Steelers. Seriously, an absolutely pathetic display of football.Couple that with your molasses-fast QB as your leading rusher and it’s no wonder the Chargers stole the show. Still, Steeler nation was a site to behold, even on such a gloomy day. Bengals nation should visit and take notes. Just sayin’.

—Ryan Varney

Earl Phillips of Richmond, KY Shoots a Hole-in-One

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Earl Phillips of Richmond, KY Shoots Hole-in-One
Earl Phillips [right] with the author

Shooting a hole-in-one is probably not national news, I know, but I still want to congratulate my new friend, Earl Phillips for doing just that on Monday, November 20, 2012.

When my dad, Al Varney, and I went to shoot a round of golf at Gibson Bay Golf Course last Monday, I had no idea what I was about to witness.

As we were getting set to start our round, local Richmond, KY golfer Earl Phillips offered to join our party and give us the inside scoop on the course. We couldn’t decline such a generous offer (Lord knows I need all the help I can get when it comes to golfing—even duffers are embarrassed by me) and it turned out to be a wise decision. Besides being part of a great round of golf, I also witnessed my first ever hole-in-one, which isn’t bad considering I can count the number of rounds I’ve golfed on both hands.

At 70, Earl Phillips Hits 3rd Career Ace

After the round I asked Phillips if he woke up with any premonitions about his golf game that day and he said no, but on the front nine he did bring up the subject of acing a hole. He admitted he’d had two previous holes-in-one, the last being in 2008, and that he wouldn’t mind bagging another.

So there we were on the 12th hole, my dad and I having teed off and hit the green. Phillips steps up, takes a practice swing and proceeds to drop a beautiful shot that hits the front of the green. We watch it roll and then it seems to disappear out of our sight line. We figured it just rolled into a drop in the green.

Earl Phillips' Hole-in-One Scorecard
Hole-in-One Scorecard

As we pull up to the hole, the greenskeeper happens to be standing near the next tee box working on the sprinkler system and he says he heard a ball hit the pin on our hole. We immediately jump out of our carts and run to the hole. Sure enough, there’s Phillips’ ball nestled between the pin and the cup. As I stand slack-jawed, Phillips—ever the pragmatist—simply bends over, picks up the ball and says, “Guess I’ll need you to sign the scorecard so they can put it in the paper.” Trying to be as cool as Phillips, I restrained myself from putting my putter between my legs and riding the bull like a crazed Happy Gilmore.

I suppose if you’ve done it before, it doesn’t seem like quite the big deal that it is, but I was sure excited to witness such an amazing feat. Phillips, on the other hand, seemed more excited about the eagle than the ace. And as it turned out, rightly so.

The Upshot

Phillips’ hole-in-one turned out to be paramount to the score of his round. As we tallied our totals after the 18th hole, Phillips noted that he shot a 72 (at 70 years old, mind you). It was the best score he’s ever had.

I immediately offered for Phillips to pay for us to come down and golf with him any time. Turns out, that was an offer he could refuse. Still, I had to share his amazing round with you all and especially his hole-in-one. Congrats Earl—as my old boss Paul Harvey used to say, “I’m happy to bask in your reflected glow.” Any duffer would be.

—Ryan Varney

NL Gold Glove Snub

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I was stunned to learn that Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds did not win the Gold Glove for National League secondbasemen. Instead, the award was given to Darwin Barney of the last place Chicago Cubs. (I know, I know, the team’s standings shouldn’t factor in, but just look at the MVP award and you’ll see that MVPs often play for winners.) Mind you, I’ve been slow to come around on Phillips. I’m not some Reds nut who’s rah-rah for his guys. Phillips’ on-field flakiness has often caused me to cringe and I’ve questioned his on-field demeanor and awareness many times—especially on the bases. However, watching him on TV and in person for the past three years has proven to me that he is, without a doubt, the best secondbaseman in baseball. He simply makes plays nobody else can make and his range is mind-boggling. Apparently, though, only stats matter to the managers and coaches who voted for the Gold Glove this year.

The Stats

Looking purely at the stats (below), Barney does seem like the better choice. With nearly 100 more chances, he made 3 fewer errors. Barney’s fielding percentage was .997 while Phillips’ was .992. However, statistics don’t always tell the whole story.

Defensive statistics for Brandon Phillips and Darwin Barney
Statistical comparison between Brandon Phillips and Darwin Barney

Going Beyond Statistics

Brandon Phillips has a knack for making unbelievable plays in great spots. He has saved the Reds from big innings countless times, often stretching the limits of physics to make the out that ends the inning. While you can never say for certain that runs would’ve been scored, it’s no stretch to surmise that Phillips easily saved the Reds 15 to 20 runs in 2012, which probably led to at least seven extra victories. Seven games can be the difference between a division title and especially a wild card slot.

Even when he wasn’t coming up with plays in big spots, he was still making ridiculous plays. Bare-handing double play feeds, ranging to his right beyond second, diving back-turned-to-the-infield to make over-the-shoulder catches and even throwing between his legs to make outs, Phillips has done everything a secondbaseman can do. To get a better idea of what I’m lamely trying to describe, just watch the video below.

Your Eyes Do Not Deceive

After watching this video, it should be obvious why Phillips is the best secondbaseman in baseball. And while Darwin Barney is still relatively young (and will certainly continue to evolve defensively), he is not even in the same class as Phillips. Of course, there’s nothing to be done now that the award has officially been mis-given, but at least you now know who the best secondbaseman is in baseball. Please feel free to pass this along so the rest of America can be duly educated.

—Ryan Varney

Why You Should Pay Me to Visit Your MLB Stadium

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In a word: playoffs. Unlike Jim Mora, you should talk to me about playoffs. I visited only four major league baseball stadiums this season and guess how many of those teams made the playoffs…wait for it…that’s right, ALL four. What’s more is that only one of the teams was in first place when I attended a game. My hometown team, the Cincinnati Reds, was the only divisional leader at the time when I attended a game. San Francisco, Oakland and Detroit all moved into first place AFTER I watched them play. Sure, you could chalk it up to coincidence, but why take the chance? As a major league franchise, it’s no skin off your back to comp me a couple tickets, and the payoff could be huge. I was four for four this year in getting teams into the playoffs. I’d say that’s right up there with Miguel Cabrera winning the Triple Crown. So next year, guarantee your playoff spot and send me a couple tickets to a game. I’m not asking for travel fare or a food stipend—just two tickets to your paradise. Let’s make some October magic together in 2013.

Cincinnati Reds and Great American Ball Park

Great American Ball ParkRosie Red at GABP

Pictured Left: Behind homeplate at GABP; Pictured Right: Rosie Red puts on a show

Living in Cincinnati, OH, I often attend games at Great American Ball Park (GABP). If you’ve never been to GABP before, I highly recommend getting to a game. There’s no more enjoyable an evening than sitting in the upper deck behind home plate on a warm summer night watching the sun set over the Ohio River. And if you happen to go on a Fireworks Friday, stick around for the show. Some cities have 4th of July fireworks that can’t match this display. Even if it’s not Fireworks Friday, the Reds generally put on a fireworks display of hitting in this homer-friendly ballpark. Plus you might even get your picture with baseball’s best pin-up girl mascot, Rosie Red (see author profile pic top right).

Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park

Comerica Park
Comerica Park Tiger StatuesComerica Park Ernie Harwell Statue

Pictured Top: Comerica Park; Pictured Bottom Left: Tiger Statues at Comerica Park; Pictured Bottom Right: Me basking in the glow of the Ernie Harwell Statue (seriously—his head his glowing)

Growing up near Detroit, I’ve been highly skeptical to return home for a Tiger game. I dearly loved old Tiger Stadium, and when Comerica Park replaced this legendary venue, I had a hard time moving on. Well, this year I finally made the trek up to see Comerica Park, and I’m glad I did. Comerica Park has its own charms: the myriad of tiger statues outside the stadium, the baseball Ferris wheel, the tiger-themed merry-go-round, and a whole host of great food options. My favorite thing about Comerica Park was the Ernie Harwell statue, a nice tribute to a great broadcaster and overall wonderful person. I’ve been lucky enough to meet Harwell on several occasions when he would visit with all of us at Paul Harvey’s office in Chicago. As a baseball-loving kid, I used to fall asleep to Harwell doing Tiger games every summer, and meeting him was quite a thrill. The Tigers were lucky to have such a gem of a human being bringing their team to life on the radio every night. RIP Mr. Harwell.

Oakland A’s and O.co Coliseum

O.co ColiseumRyan at O.co Coliseum

Pictured Left: O.co Coliseum; Pictured Left: My wife and I at O.co Coliseum

My initial thought upon entering O.co Coliseum was, “Wow, this is the most boring stadium I’ve ever seen.” (Which is pretty much how I viewed the A’s – don’t hate me A’s fans.) However, one lap around the stadium gave me a whole new perspective. If you fancy yourself a beer connoisseur, and you like baseball, be sure to get yourself to a game at the O.co Coliseum. Boasting over 15 different microbrews (plus the old stand-bys), if you can’t find a beer you like at O.co Coliseum, you’d better check your palette. My only complaint? The souvenir shops don’t sell an A’s hat with the old elephant-balancing-on-a-baseball logo. For shame.

San Francisco Giants and AT&T Park

AT&T ParkLeftfield at AT&T Park

Pictured Left: AT&T Park; Pictured Right: Left field at AT&T park

AT&T Park is Great American Ball Park on steroids. Both stadiums have a great water view, only instead of the muddy Ohio River, Giant’s fans get to look out over the bay. Instead of barges passing, AT&T Park features giant ocean liners and freighters. From an outfield seat, both stadiums showcase their city’s skyline, (and no offense Cincinnati) but San Francisco’s skyline might be just a tad more inspiring. At&T Park also offers great food options like “giant” brats and Italian sausage and their world-famous garlic fries. Watching the sun set over the bay made AT&T Park the idyllic place to see a ballgame.

—Ryan Varney

Bacon on the Hoof

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Wild Pigs Feeding on Marshmallows


While I was in New Orleans recently I took a swamp tour courtesy of Cajun Encounters. Most people take the swamp tour hoping to get a glimpse of man-eating alligators—though the only alligators I saw would’ve had trouble eating a gnome. However, I was fortunate enough to stumble across two wild pigs who dove right into the swamp water after the tour guide pelted them with a few large marshmallows. They just couldn’t wait to gobble the gooey goodness. Who knew pigs loved marshmallows? No wonder bacon is so darn fatty (and so tasty)!

Wild pigs eating marshmallowsWild pigs in a swamp near NOLA

NOLA Gumbo Challenge 2012

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The Challenge

For my latest trip to New Orleans I was challenged to eat gumbo at every restaurant I visited. I took the bait. Given how much I love gumbo, it was truly an offer I could not refuse. So for those of you who also love this tasty little dish, here’s the lowdown. (Please excuse some of the blurry photography—in my excitement to get to eating, I may have lost a little control over my motor skills.)

Legend’s at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Gumbo at Legends in Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Legend’s at MSY

I arrived in NOLA at 10:30 am and immediately started in on my mission. Legend’s was the only sit down restaurant serving food at that hour, so I began my challenge with a bowl of their sausage and chicken gumbo. I wasn’t expecting much, so I was pleasantly surprised by the tender and plentiful chunks of chicken and sausage, as well as the spicy kick. The sauce consistency was thicker than most gumbo I’ve eaten which made it more stew than soup. If you’re ever at MSY, and craving some gumbo, I’d recommend a bowl at Legend’s.

Pat O’Brien’s

Gumbo at Pat O'Briens in New Orleans
Pat O’Brien’s
624 Bourbon St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Pat O’Brien’s is famous for their hurricanes, a very tasty adult beverage, which makes them a very touristy place to go in NOLA. However, despite being a tourist mecca, the gumbo at Pat O’Brien’s was probably the best I had on my trip. Rich and smoky, the sauce oozed the essence of Cajun cooking. Add in spicy andouille sausage and shredded chicken and this was a gumbo to offset any effects from too many hurricanes.

Pier 424 Seafood Market

Gumbo at Pier 424 Seafood Market in New Orleans
Pier 424 Seafood Market
424 Bourbon St.
New Orleans, LA 70112

Pier 424 Seafood Market sits amid the chaos that is Bourbon Street. Sitting outside on the second level deck, it was a great place to watch the drunken revelers stagger down Bourbon Street—while enjoying a nice cup o’ gumbo. Pier 424’s gumbo was eerily similar to Pat O’Brien’s gumbo in sauce flavor and texture, but theirs had the added bonus of baby shrimp thrown into the mix. (Well, duh, it’s called Pier 424 Seafood Market.) Still, given the choice, if you find yourself on Bourbon Street, I’d stagger a little further on down to Pat O’Brien’s.

The Original French Market Restaurant & Bar

Gumbo at he Original French Market Restaurant in New Orleans
The Original French Market Restaurant & Bar
1001 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70116

The Original French Market Restaurant & Bar prides itself on its long history in New Orleans. My experience there has certainly proven its stability. I was last in NOLA two years ago, and stumbled across this historical bar. I thought it would be fun to revisit old memories, so I made it a point to stop in this trip. It was like I never left. Upon entering, I found myself being served by the same waitress I had two years ago, while my drinks were poured by the same bartender. Deja vu. The food was the same, too—a good thing. Last trip, I did not have the gumbo, but obviously I had to try it this time. It did not disappoint. A little soupier than my previous bowls, the Original French Market Restaurant & Bar gumbo was still loaded with sausage, shrimp and crawfish. To enhance the flavor, every bowl is served with a full bay leaf, lending it an authentic Cajun flair.

Huck Finn’s

Gumbo at Huck Finn's in New Orleans
Huck Finn’s
135 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Huck Finn’s is a fun little sports joint on the edge of the French Quarter. Tons of big screen TVs and sports memorabilia, yet somehow not your run-of-the-mill sports bar. The gumbo was good, but not great (though most of the food at Huck Finn’s is pretty darn good, generally speaking). Perhaps it was too much green onion or maybe a lack of rice, but the overall feel on the palette just seemed a little off. Still, the flavor was zesty from the nice chunks of hot peppers and the sausage was sliced extra thick. One other note: if you’re in the mood for a Bloody Mary while in New Orleans, definitely go to Huck Finn’s.

Fiorella’s Cafe

Gumbo at Fiorella's Cafe in New Orleans
Fiorella’s Cafe
45 French Market Pl.
New Orleans, LA 70116

Fiorella’s Cafe is known as a great place to get fried chicken in NOLA (and indeed it was outstanding), but the gumbo was a nice bonus. Served in a huge bowl and with a side of thick-sliced French bread, Fiorella’s gumbo was laden with chicken and sausage. The French bread was perfect for sopping up the excess sauce and tempering the spice. For me it was certainly a great way to cap off the gumbo challenge.

Conquering the Challenge

Sadly, my gumbo-fest had to come to an end. However, I am quite pleased to have eaten six bowls on my trip. I would’ve eaten more, but several restaurants I ate at did not serve gumbo. (To those restaurants I say, “C’mon man. You’re in NOLA for Saints sake.”) Perhaps my only regret was not tampering with the gumbo by adding some of the many hot sauces provided. As a guy who enjoys spicy food, I do wonder if adding some extra kick would’ve enhanced some of the gumbos. As a side note, I did try some of the more uniquely-named hot sauces offered, and they were quite hot. And if you’re ever in the mood for spicy goodness, you can always try some of these hot sauces.

If you ever find yourself in New Orleans, maybe my gumbo challenge will give you some options if you’re in the mood for gumbo. I know I can’t wait to get back to NOLA and hunt down more of this Cajun fave I so often crave.

—Ryan Varney