What vision does the word “gumbo” conjure up in your mind? A thick Cajun stew of chicken or seafood with greens and Okra. The word is derived from the West African word meaning Okra.
When I think of gumbo I reflect on my first spoonful when I anxiously dipped my spoon into the delicious smelling stew and pulled out a length of okra slime that extended from my mouth to the bowl. I neglected to mention my first spoonful was also my last. Anytime mucous is on the menu count me out. I am a person who enjoys about 99% of all food in existence but gumbo and Barbecued Alligator Ribs top the list of disgusting vittles that Granny might cook out back near the cee-ment pond.
We were on a free vacation in Florida in 1994. Linda won it in a hotel sales contest and we stayed at their property The Don Ceasar among others. While there we visited Gatorland. My son Alan and I ordered the Alligator ribs and were treated to a rack of soft cartilage surrounded by ersatz rotting tuna, swimming in a sickeningly sweet tomato sauce. Gag me with a spoon, it was vile! (If I was too subtle, I did not like it).
I relate this story in the event you have me over and I wake up screaming. You will know what I was dreaming about.