Back to the Bayou

I thought my days of crawfish boils were gone forever. I was wrong. Who'd have thought anyone in Husum, Washington would know about crawfish boils?

Last summer there was a wedding at the winery. The happy couple live in southern California, but had a thing for Wind River Cellars and wanted to celebrate their nuptials there. The groom, being a Louisiana native, was thinking crawfish boil for the reception. A tradition was launched. Everyone had such a good time at this reception, apparently, that Joel felt it was worth having 250 pounds of mudbugs FedEx'd in from Cajun Country and inviting all the friends of Wind River Cellars to what promises to be an annual par-tay.

The crawfish were so excited to be dumped from those confining blue mesh bags, and they did provide entertainment to the younger kids in the crowd. There was at least one crawfish race witnessed. But they were all on the fast track to the 'hot tub', where they joined potatoes, corn, onions, andouille and lots of Zatarains spice pouches.

Alina was VERY excited that her visit coincided with the crawfish boil. Spending her formative years (8-12) in Louisiana gave her an appreciation of such fine cuisine. She hadn't lost her technique, and instructed Andrea and Elise in the fine art of crawfish consumption. Andrea impressed everyone with her stamina at the table.

Mr and Mrs Ragin Cajun came up from CA to officiate, and make sure everything was prepared and presented properly. It was, though the spice level was definitely geared to introductory level participants. The last batch was more 'normal', ie so hot your lips hurt!

A fine time was had by all and we will look forward to the second anniversary party. I'm willing to bet that Andrea will be back, now that she's moving to Portland. And just maybe it will entice Alina to make a return trip when she's done with finals next spring.