Nur's Kitchen

During the past week I have been a bit remiss in delivering, straight to your screen, delicious options in take -out . So let us take a moment and flash back to Nur's Kitchen. Now that I can relax in the passengers seat and describe for you the delight that came with each bite of this meal I will. Nur's Kitchen is in Covington ,Louisiana.

In an old house ,set right off w. 21st street, culinary magic occurs at the finger tips of a delightful husband and wife team. Billed as Old World Mediterranean dishes, it is all that is fine in food. Healthy ingredients such as Spinach, artichoke hearts ,basil, olive oil, onions, black pepper and feta are stuffed generously into whole wheat or white tortillas ,wrapped and baked to create a perfect hand held pie. After tasting one of these glorious creations, one will have to display intense will power, as you may be tempted to consume thirteen of these a day. However, one will make a perfect and heart healthy lunch. At four dollars a piece these are a steal.

The navy bean salad and humus are perfect for dressing any self respecting whole grain pita. At four and six dollars each your pita can brag it's attire is a bargain.

Now ,to address the Pesto. I make this freesh sauce myself in large quantities when the garden 'runneth' over with basil and frankly , I thought I had the corner on the market as far as superior taste goes, but once again Nur's pulls through with a perfect pesto, good enough to make any one return repeatedly to supply their addiction for basil. ( yes I am a basil junkie! Six children later it could be worse, so don't judge.) Basil is known for it's healing properties and particularly for it's role as an anti-depressant. In other words Nur's pesto is bound to make you break out into song.

There is a variety of dishes to choose from, whether you crave an organic salad or Lamb sish Sandwich. You will not be disappointed. Side dishes are consistent with the health conscience theme and are as follows, A baked sweet potato, small house salad or Brown rice. daily specials are served with brown rice and a salad or whole wheat pita with a salad for $8.00. The only downside here is that you can only go in a pick-up these items Tuesday through Friday from 11:00-6:00. If you can't bear the thought of being three days with-out...They are at the Covington Farmers Market on Saturday morning. However, a word to the wise, get there early as by ten o'clock last Saturday they where sold out of pies and there were a number of people asking for them. Thank you to Nur's for being so friendly and I highly recommend that you find a boat ( totally possible in my neck of the woods), a car or any other mode of transportation and find your way to Nur's kitchen you will definitely thank me for this find!

The Great escape

No sooner had we hit the vague area between Alexandria, Louisiana and Shreveport than we observed an most interesting scenario. Miles of flat land with rectangular and square ponds etched in them. Being insatiably curious we pulled over under the guise of 'getting gas'. After questioning the bewildered attendant we got a rye answer of ,"We farm Craw fish". Some of you who have read previous blogs, will attest the craw fish has nothing to fear from me and as a matter of fact needs only to ask and I would be more than happy to help them escape their future spicing Jacuzzi.

However, since our job is to fully inform you, the reader, off we went to take pictures. Along a barren road we walked chattering excitedly and stopping to take pictures of both "Craw fish farming" and pretty spring flowers, when low and behold we stumbled upon the daring escape.

At this point, dear reader, I must tell you that my heart was filled with admiration for the brave little soul which had planned and executed such a monumental task. Hidden amongst the weeds maybe two hundred feet from the 'Craw fish pond" and across a two lane road was a small hill with a breathing hole. This hill resembled a very tiny volcano and we all bent to get a closer look. Very carefully with the tip of my Nike running shoe, ( in an adorable pink and silver, mind you.) I lifted the hill and turned it over. Much like an escape hatch in a submarine, it's well constructed self fell to the side to reveal an under ground current. We all stood staring in shock. Somewhere, a crustacean has hit the road in search of a better life. I hope you will all join me in wishing for his future happiness and dream fulfillment. Perhaps he will open a restaurant somewhere and serve only chicken or maybe he will become a lobbyist for the plight of the poor Craw fish on capital hill. Hopefully he is steering clear of anything resembling a steaming bath or drawn butter.

We carefully put down the ' hatch' on this little tunnel and walked back to our van. If we see him or her on our journey , I would like to believe we would offer him assistance but in reality we won't, After all he does smell a bit fishy.

A wandering wind...

Well, It finally happened. A mysterious wind blowing from the east and a distinct restlessness. No, it isn't what you are thinking. Mary Poppins did not arrive on the doorstep umbrella in hand, though she would have been welcome. It is that time of year when we get an itch to wander...so off we go. Though, wandering has clearly become more difficult as our family has expanded, we still manage. A twelve passenger van and a dozen well packed bags and off we go. Our four tortoise shell cats waved us out of the driveway and I assume did a bit of a happy dance to be left with our brilliant Neighbor Sasha. She has fifteen cats and our cats always seem a bit disappointed upon our return that they are no longer in her care. A drip system on a timer keep the beautiful vegetable garden alive and thriving and make a great boon for Sasha and Bob her husband. ( and the slugs, who are really happy to see the backside of us.)
How long will this wanderlust continue, you ask? I don't know, but if you continue to check back in on us you will know when we do. As for now, the sun has just come up over the Atchafalaya bayou and the promise of adventure lies ahead.