Got plans? It's a spectacular Labor Day weekend here at CrabAppleLane. I offer one from the back deck.
CrabAppleLane Blue Skies - September 5, 2010
Got a city fix yesterday. Lunch at Liuzza's with Mom. It was her first time there. Have always, always loved their Shrimp Remoulade. When I first got it many years ago, it wasn't on their regular menu. It was a periodic special and I would get it automatically if I saw it on their daily specials chalkboard. They serve it on a po-boy now and I had been dying for one since Patsy told me how great hers was last December. That's also what the Great White Shank had when we hooked up for lunch there. Still love their Shrimp Remoulade but it's a bit messy on a po-boy. I think I'll stick to having it served on a plate when I go there. :) We had some fabulous onion rings. One order was enough for all three of us.
My friend, Marie, is famous now. :) It's a delightful turn of events. Congrats, Marie.
It's Fathers Day down under. Happy Day to all of them.
My good Samaritan from yesterday. I expect a few more from him in the next few days. According to him: "Should you be interested in this name - I'd be glad to consider your offer.". It's not his to sell but I suppose that's a minor detail. He included a link this time. Wouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole.
With a new NFL season on the near horizon, it looks to me like the Saints will enter 2010 much like they did 2009: They have an excellent offense but they have questions on defense. On the bright side, no team is without questions.
The offensive line is big, talented, and deep. Best in the NFL. The tight ends are versatile and dramatically different from each other. They all bring something different to the table. The wide receiver corp is deep, talented, and physical. Best in the NFL. The running backs feature Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. Both can make plays. In the quarterback league that the NFL has become, the Saints have the very best of the best. I would take Drew Brees over anyone else.
I still just don't know what to make of the defense, though. I expect the defensive line will have good games and bad. They stepped up in the playoffs last season but they had some pretty bad games during the regular season. They're inconsistent and only have one decent pass rusher in Will Smith. They usually don't generate much of a pass rush on their own and they get moved around and sealed off way too much in the running game. The linebackers are a mixed bunch. Jonathan Vilma is a terrific linebacker and signal caller for the D but Scott Shanle is ordinary and we don't even know what other linebackers are going to play yet. The secondary is strong even without Darren Sharper. They're not particularly durable, though. All of them missed time last season.
On special teams, the Saints have a money placekicker and a great punter but I expect them to be a feast-or-famine bunch this year. They'll make a handful of big returns and give up a handful of big returns. They got better during the playoffs last season because Sean Payton sprinkled some starters into those return teams. That was one of the many great calls he made last season.
Finally, the Saints have a great coaching staff. Sean Payton is bright and aggressive. Not a conservative bone in his body. He attacks. How do you not love a guy who has the stones to call an onside kick in a Super Bowl? Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams does not own a conservative bone, either. He also attacks. The defense is going to give up plays but they will make plays, too. I think Curtis Johnson will be a fine head coach some day. Most of the Saints staff is young. Love everything about what they're doing.
The season opener with the Vikings looms large. No excuses. No quarter.
4 days until football season ...
5 song iTune shuffle from the CrabAppleLane Mark Knopfler playlist:
- On Every Street - Dire Straits - On Every Street
- Lions - Dire Straits - Dire Straits
- Back To Tupelo - Mark Knopfler - One Take Radio Sessions
- The Fish And The Bird - Mark Knopfler - Kill To Get Crimson
- Tunnel Of Love - Dire Straits - Making Movies
Quote of the Day
It's Sunday morning, but it's the start of the work week for the Vikings, who return to practice to begin preparations for their season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night.
Chip Scoggins, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Blog of the day is here.
Quote from said blog: "Minnesota @ New Orleans - Sept 9 (Thursday Night), 8:30PM on NBC
Minnesota Vikings at the New Orleans Saints is a rematch of the thrilling 2009 NFC Championship Game. This is the first game of Vikings quarterback Bret Favre's 20th season. Meanwhile, the Saints start the defense of their Super Bowl championship. Prior to last season, I never thought I would ever have to write, "the New Orleans Saints are the defending Super Bowl champions.""
I had to look up Shrimp Remoulade, just like a bunch of other food you've mentioned over the years. It sounds awesome. When I do get down there I'm pretty sure now that the visit will end with Goodyear purchasing me and flying me over major sporting events.
Ever tell you about the time I rode in the Goodyear blimp? Actually, got to ride twice because there were fewer people than expected. Hard to imagine, isn't it? It wasn't like riding at night over a lit-up city and stadium because there really is nothing else like that but it was still a great experience.
http://www.crabapplelane.net/ftb_blog/2004/04/from-the-box-part-two.html#more
If you ever do make it, I'll take you to Liuzza'a for lunch and Charlie's Steakhouse for dinner. Then, we'll go look at housing because you won't want to leave. :)
That's pretty cool. I would jump on a chance like that too.
Yeah, when I get down there I'm definitely going to do my part for the local restaurant economy.
Thanks, Rob.
I had to look up Shrimp Remoulade, too. It sounds fabulous.
About that restaurant economy bit: We'll see to that, Dave.
My dad introduced my brother, sisters, and I to Shrimp Remoulade when we were kids, Marie. He had worked at Ye Olde College Inn when he was in college and they had the best in town. They not only served it on a plate, they also served it in a half avocado. That dish is pretty spectacular. Their remoulade was the standard by which I judged all others. Liuzza's is that for me now.
Yum. Ice-cold beer and a shrimp remoulade po-boy at Liuzza's. That's a pair that will beat any full house.
Love Liuzza's, GWS. Has been a fave forever.