36. The Little Kitchen

My brother and nephew picked me up at the airport Friday morning. I hadn’t been back for almost a year and a half. The pandemic, a winter storm that paralyzed the state of Texas for a week and then a catastrophic hurricane kept us from each other’s company. It had been to long. As I walked out of the terminal my brother walked up and gave me a big ole bear hug…we just stood there as the time since we’d seen each other last just melted away. The extra added surprise of my incredible Nephew, Landon, with him made my welcome complete.

On our way out of the airport Michael brought up food and the possiblity of going to the little family diner I had stumbled upon on my first visit almost 4 years ago. I had stayed in a Airbnb and found this small establishment nearby for breakfest. Its my favorite type of dinner. Small, nothing to look at and many would pass it by simply because of the aged exterior. The interior was the same. Clean and a bit worn, much like myself, but oh so familar, warm and comfortable. Its a family owned and run business. It was obvious that all the other patrons were familar with each other as conversation bounced back and forth between tables. These places always remind of the small community cafes I grew up with.

Jessica broght my menu, coffee and the sweetest dispostion you can imagine. As it was obvious that I wasnt a local with my Texas twang accent she inquired as to the reason for my visit to New Orleans. I gave a short version of my ancestor journey and that I was actually meeting this new family, in person, for the very first time. Everybody loves this story and its happy ending…which this visit would turn out to be the very happy beggining of the next chapters of my life. I inquired about her life, which she shared openly, and found out about the dinner and some personal family strugles in her own life. I love that people feel that I am a safe and open person to share with. Possibly because I am so open to sharing my own life experince with others. Oh, and the food was spectacular! I had eaten there twice on my first vist and although had planned to each time I returned, had never made it back as I would stay at my brothers house with his family.

Michael, Landon and myself walked in. Michael recognised the place from many years before when it had a differnt name. There at the front counter stood Jessica. “Have a seat anywhere”. I didnt expect her to remember this brief encounter from yeras ago but when I approcahed her a few moments later and said, “You probably dont remember me but I was in here a few yars ago, about to meet my family I had found thru Ancestry”. Her eyes lit up and she pointed, “Oh my gosh, you sat right there. Is this the brother?” She came arond from the counter and we hugged and shed a lite tear

She came over and met Michael and Landon. I was so proud to introduce these two men as my family. It was a beautiful moment, full circle. Michael would mention this later. It had started here and now we, our family, were here together. Everyone in the dinner was celebrating this reuinon as well.

And then the food came…… Chicken fried steak, 2 eggs, hashbrowns, 2 homeade biscuits and the entire thing smoothed in gravy. Landon had eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, etc. Eveything is made from scratch.

If you are ever in New Orleans and have the time and inclination take a trip to the west bank across the river to Westwego, 1360 4th Street and drop in for a bite at The Little Kitchen. Breakfest, lunch and dinner. The food is great, the prices unbelievebly afforable and the staff … priceless.

https://thelittlekitchen.business.site/

As we were finishing up our meal, I went back to the counter to talk to Jessica and inquire about her life since our last meeting. She had stepped out to run an errand and her mom was at the front counter. A huge smile on her face, she asked if she could give me a hug. Jessica had shared my, our, story years ago with her and the rest of the family and she was overjoyed to see me and the family I had found in her establishment together. Full circle. Her other daughter was running the grill, obviously a great cook! She insisted I take one of there diner t-shits and when Micheal and Landon came up, made sure they took one home as well. As we were walking to the truck and making plans to bring the entire family back over the weekend, Jessica puilled up. We found out they are only open Monday – Friday. We’ll make plans accordingly next tme. I’m sure my family will be back at The Little Kitchen many times in the years to come. Another long and genuine embrace and we were on our way.

This is how my brother began our visit. A trip to see “a family”, with”our family”, the family I have come to cherish and love, because when it comes right down to it, there is nothing more more important than family and time spent together.