NEW ORLEANS — Thursday is National Gumbo Day!
In Louisiana, everyone has an opinion on gumbo.
Including, Chef Darian Williams at Nice Guys NOLA on Earhart Blvd.
"We real particular about our gumbo here in New Orleans. We know it was created, originated in Africa, heard those stories but then we took it and we made it our own," Williams said.
Williams dished up a plate of traditional with chicken, shrimp, sausage and crab. Then, he showed off his own creation with potato salad and fried fish.
“My grandmother used to love to eat gumbo with potato salad. So, you know, I kind of did this in honor of my grandmother," Williams said.
At Lil Dizzy's Cafe on Esplanade Avenue, folks were lined up ready to order on Thursday at lunch time.
“We have the best gumbo in the city," Chef John Cannon IV said, “Well Lil Dizzy’s gumbo has been around for a very long time. The family has taken great steps to make sure that it’s always consistent. We sell a ton of it. It’s about 18-20 gallons a week.”
Cannon said they stick to a traditional recipe made from the same base every time.
“Never potato salad," Cannon said.
Customer Kenneth Davis said he calls it, "Fire gumbo."
No matter how you make your roux, or whether you like potato salad or rice, we can all agree it's a great day for gumbo.