Gumbo Tales?

This book did nothing for me. Before reading the book I had high expectations, which I guess isn't very good to begin with. I thought the book would be of the same caliber as Confederacy of Dunces, but sadly it wasn't. Sara Roahen is a good story teller, however I think she is way overexcited about food culture here in New Orleans. I literally found myself rolling my eyes at every page. Don't get me wrong, I love my city and I believe that we have the best food in the whole world, but I'd rather let the food talk for itself. The problem that I found with Roahen's book is that it felt like she was putting on a show. It's hard for me to describe, but if I was a tourist I would find it hard to believe some of the reactions she had for some the situations she described in her book. For example, when she describes how she drove around to her friend Pableaux's house to see if he was being truthful in not making red beans. She acted as if it was the end of the world. There are numerous instances in this book that made me want to throw out the world, but I would be here all day listing them. Even though I did not like the book, I cannot say that it was boring. I think what would have made it better for me, was if the author grew up in New Orleans. I really think I would appreciate it more.