The Sicilian-New Orleans connection is a strong one. Names like Taormina and Messina and Trapani originated as places in Sicily. By the 1880’s there were so many Italian immigrants in New Orleans the lower French Quarter was often called “Little Palermo”, or the Italian Quarter.
These immigrants were so grateful for their new more prosperous (by comparison to their homeland) lives in the new country that they gave thanks on the feast of St. Joseph’s Day, erecting elaborate altars across town. In churches of course, but also in homes, and in restaurants.
Under the circumstances, all these altars have been canceled this year, but here are two restaurants still serving some Sicilian food specials in honor of this special day. To-go, of course.
Fausto’s in Metairie usually has a twenty-item menu to celebrate, but today there is only one choice, until it runs out:
Pasta Milanese with a stuffed artichoke and Sicilian salad (pictured) for $24. The stuffed artichoke alone is $13 and the Pasta and salad combo without the artichoke is $14.
And at Andrea’s, Chef Andrea had a big dinner planned for tonight. It is still available for pick-up.
Past A La Norma
Homemade rigatoni with ricotta, tomatoes, eggplant, fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan
Pasta with Sardines
Stuffed Artichoke
Flounder
Red Snapper
Capretto Messina-baby goat with red wine, potatoes, rosemary, garlic, and tomato.
Rabbit Taormina-celery, olives, white wine, tomato sauce, pecorino cheese
Gendusa’s in Kenner has Italian cookies.
And of course, there is always Brocato’s.
