Last night, we went to Jacque-Imos for dinner with friend Sheri Fink (pictured with Will at Thoth below). We’ve been talking about going to Jacque’s for dinner since we met back in October; when Sheri (who lives in New York) was running back and forth teaching the Complex Emergencies course last fall. Now, she’s running back and forth finishing up a variety of journalism projects. By lucky circumstance, she ended up in town for Mardi Gras and we managed to schedule in a dinner on the town.
While we were at the bar waiting for a table, Sheri causally mentions this story she’s working on for the BBC — on the international influences in New Orleans cuisine. This completely makes sense, since Sheri has a PhD in neuroscience, is a Medical Doctor, respected author, humanitarian, journalist, and as she clearly has way too much free time, is also a reporter for BBC’s “The World” series on Public Radio International. We figure that, yes, the place qualifies and she pulls out her big official microphone. Jacque roams down to the bar, completely lit, having a great time, and starts handing out drinks from a bottle that Paul notes has come down from the top shelf. It’s bright green; he tells us it’s illegal in every state except Louisiana (he thinks) and fills our cups. I hear him call it “shark juice” (really, it’s chartreuse) and manage to repeat the mis-heard name enough times to be recognized as one who has already felt the drink’s psychotropic effects. Sheri impressively gets him talking about the French and Creole influences in his menu, which is very interesting. At one point we ask him what his favorite items are on the menu today and he tells us to stick with the alcohol, “cause the food here is terrible,” before we are finally sent to our table.
The mic popped up a few more times as Sheri took some sound bites during dinner (amidst our laughter) and outside with narrative of the famous truck. She had interviews lined up with Susan Spicer today; the final report should be fun to hear. We are still giddy from the incredibly good dinner and company… and are secretly hoping that she keeps getting hired to teach down here so that we can do these things regularly!
Poists | 08-Feb-08 at 9:56 pm | Permalink
I totally miss Jaque-Imos. It was, is and will always be my favorite joint in NOLA!
So glad you made it your neighborhood favorite.
-eli