Early this month, I finalized my leave plans with the decision to take a few days in “The Big Easy”  — New Orleans, Louisiana. Of course the days will be spent taking in historical tours & swamp rides & nights will be remembered on Bourbon Street, but my stomach will more than likely be the highlight of the whole trip.

I’m going home to Mississippi first to get some of my mom’s egg pie and ox tails & potatoes, then my dad’s chitterlings, turnip greens & spaghetti. I’ll take a few days in Tuscaloosa wrapping up some of Dreamland’s ribs, Wright’s bologna breakfast, & Melton’s EVERYTHING (especially mac-n-cheese & collard greens [neck bones on the side].)

Now I’ve been making sure I take on extra ab workouts to help my stomach prepare for my “Sip/Bama” tour, & still have plenty room for the creole capital of the world! Of course I’ll take in plenty of gumbo, jambalaya, & all things that can be seasoned by whiskey. However, all I really want right now is a hot dog…

In Columbus, MS there is Skeet’s hot dogs whenever you get the craving & I’m sure most people are familiar with Pete’s in Birmingham. You may argue, but the best hot dog I’ve ever had was the $.75 dog from Gray’s Papaya in Manhattan, NY. WOW!!!!

Ya know, throw on a little mustard & sauerkraut & you’ve got a frank! Well I thought I’d be able to at least get one of the chow hall’s beef/pork dogs with kraut when SPC Gardner & I headed out for midnight chow last night. I had tortured myself the whole way there because I just knew they’d have a dog; they serve them everyday at almost every meal. I know you’ve probably guessed by now & no, they didn’t have my hot dog! Of course my heart was broken & my stomach disappointed because I had to settle for a mere ham & turkey sandwich instead.

Oh, if only I could order online!!!