Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Robert St. John: Feline

For the past couple of months, we have hosted a special guest in our home. Feline Been is the daughter of our good friend Marina Mengleberg. Marina, Feline, and her brother Alec all live in the small Tuscan village of Barberino-Tavarnelle. In addition to being friends with Marina we work together hosting tours in Tuscany and other Italian locales. I have gotten to know her children over the years and— even though I didn’t go through the official ceremony— I consider them both my godchildren.

Marina, Feline, and Alec are Dutch but have lived in Tuscany for two decades. For the past several years I have told Feline and Alec that they need to come to America for an extended visit when they graduate from high school. Feline, an excellent student, just finished her final year— second in her class— and is taking a gap year before attending college in the Netherlands. Her first gap-year stint was spent in Amsterdam. The final leg of her gap year will be spent in Bali. In between she is in my hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

A cynic would say, “How does Mississippi belong in a grouping of Amsterdam and Bali?” We’ll cover that later.

The Dutch-Italians had a blast during their initial visit to Mississippi in the summer of 2019, and we are glad to have Feline back with us. In 2019 we covered New Orleans, Mississippi, and the Panhandle of Florida. This trip has mainly been in Mississippi with a few jaunts into New Orleans. 



There is something deep inside of me that enjoys hosting people. I think that is why leading tours in Europe has been so rewarding and in demand. For Feline’s visit I wanted to cover all the bases in my hometown, and the surrounding area— food, art, culture, events, and entertainment.

The food area has been an interesting challenge. In my mind, our local cuisine holds up to the cuisine of Holland, but it’s tough when we’re up against Italy— specifically Tuscany. I’ve forced a lot of gumbo into her diet. One doesn’t realize the shortcomings of their own diet until hosting someone from another country. Cream-based dressings and sauces are virtually non-existent in Tuscany. American teenagers live on Ranch dressing.

Her favorite meals have been the times we have sat around the table as a family. Though I have never realized that chicken pot pie looks like it’s already been eaten and come back up until I served it for dinner the first night. I don’t think she noticed, and she ate it all, so we passed that test.

We haven’t had as many at-home dinners because I am in the middle of recipe testing for the new breakfast cookbook that will be released this fall. Three nights a week we have been in The Midtowner after closing eating all manner of breakfast foods. She loves muffins, acai bowls and adores French toast.

Feline has joined me for breakfast most mornings at table 19 in The Midtowner. That’s where she fell in love with the acai bowl and French toast, but her main go-tos were avocado toast and the Skinny Elvis (wheat toast, peanut butter, granola, bananas, honey, and fresh berries).

She was able to attend several Mardi Gras parties with us and has recently in love with crawfish. The local cuisine seems to be what she loves most— etouffee, jambalaya, and pecans. She really likes pecans, and she fell in love with chicken and dumplings. She has been a joy to be around and has been a perfect house guest.

It appears that we’re on some strange exchange program over here these days. Marina’s daughter is over here, and our son, Harrison, is in Florence and working for a friend of mine who owns a restaurant in Marina and Feline’s little Tuscan town.

Harrison wants to go into the restaurant business, and I set out an eight-year plan that he needs to accomplish if he’s going to come back and work in our restaurants. After this stint cooking in Tuscany, he’ll go to culinary school to become a chef, and then he’ll get out and go to work for other people for two years. That will include another stint cooking in Italy, and then down to New Orleans for three six-month stints (stages in chef talk). Then, and only then, will he be able to come back and work in one of our restaurants. But I have told him, “No matter what your degree says and no matter where you have worked and what your titles were, you are going to start at the bottom. But you’ll have the opportunity to work your way up.” He seems to be down with the plan.

In the meantime, Feline’s days in Mississippi are numbered. But so are ours. She’ll fly back home to Tuscany Saturday where she’ll spend a little time before heading to the South Pacific. My wife and I are headed to Spain to host one of my travel groups, and to film a season of my new television show, “Yonderlust” in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Majorca, Seville, and Malaga. It’s a trip that was supposed to happen in March of 2020, and then rescheduled to March of 2021. We are finally going. From there we will head to Tuscany to host three groups before having some friends join us for a week. The bonus is we’ll get to see our son often, as he works in the Tuscan town where our villas are located and we get into Florence often, where the apartment he’s renting is located.

Back to the cynical thought that many Mississippians might be thinking, “How does Mississippi belong in a grouping of Amsterdam and Bali?” Mississippi is an exotic land to most of the Europeans I have met through the years. We get down on ourselves and sometimes can’t see the forest for the pine trees, but we are truly the state that birthed America’s music. We’ll give New Orleans credit for jazz. But the blues grew straight out of the Mississippi Delta, and if you believe Muddy Waters— and I do— that “The blues had a baby and they named the baby rock and roll,” you don’t have to go too far east of the Delta to arrive at Elvis Presley— the king of said rock and roll’s— birthplace. A short trek down Highway 45 from Tupelo will land you in Meridian, home of Jimmie Rogers, the father of country music.

The Europeans know that we gave that music to the world, and according to Feline Been the food is pretty good, too.

Onward.

Chicken and Dumplings

2 quarts               Water

2 quarts               Chicken broth

1 large                          Carrot, peeled and cut into large pieces

1 large                          Onion, peeled and cut into large pieces

1 stalk                           Celery, peeled and cut into large pieces

1                          Bay leaf

1 Tbl.                            Salt

2 -3 lb                          Chicken, whole

Place all ingredients in a large stockpot and simmer for two hours. Gently remove chicken, cool and pick the meat from the carcass. Cut into bite-size pieces and set aside. Strain the chicken broth and return to a large saucepot.

Dumplings

3 cups                  Flour

1 Tbl.                  Poultry seasoning

3 /4 cup      Crisco

3 /4 cup      Cold milk

Combine flour and seasoning. Use a fork to cut the shortening into the seasoned flour. Add cold milk and mix until a ball forms. Place dough on a floured surface and knead it for five minutes. Divide dough into two parts. On a generously floured surface, roll dough to 1 /8-inch thickness. Cut dumplings into one-inch squares and sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking while you roll out remaining dough. Place dumplings in refrigerator and repeat the process with the other half of the dough.

Reheat chicken broth on high, to a rapid boil. Quickly drop dumplings in broth (make sure they are separated to prevent them from clumping). Once broth returns to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add cooked chicken into pot and simmer for 10 more minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to rest for 15 minutes before serving. 

Yield:       8-10 servings

 

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is really good to read.

Thanks for posting KF and thanks to Robert for writing and posting.

Anonymous said...

This will not make the cut but here it goes. Gap years in Bali and Amsterdam. I am trying to get the appeal here.......does RSJ pay you to post these "better than you" marathons ?

Sweet and Sour said...

I've heard it all now. A chef writing about cats. I've always suspected the obvious, but typically about Chinese chefs.

Anonymous said...

I don't understand why there is an inevitable jealous comment every RSJ post. He's a friendly guy, very generous, and great at what he does. Let the man live.

Anonymous said...

Gonna tell a little story and it won't take long. Right John...right. :)

Anonymous said...

1:35 : Pure jealousy. Speaking for myself.

Anonymous said...

Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden crew reppin for their food!

Anonymous said...


I find RSJ's literary musings uplifting and entertaining. Thank you for posting.

It is sad that small, jealous, unsuccessful people (like @1:14PM) trash others because they have accomplished good something in life.

Anonymous said...

I just turned 40 and I have two US passports full of visa stamps spanning 20 years of travel. The USA is an absolute shithole compared to the nicest places of Europe and Japan. Europeans consider a visit to the USA, and Mississippi specifically, like an African Safari. That’s it, period. It gives them social credibility in Europe for visiting impoverished places. They don’t see anything that awes them here. The vast biodiversity is the only thing that really makes an impact on them. They have cities older than ours and technology more advanced than ours. They take better care of their poor and hold their rich more accountable.

You can be a poor Detroit hood-rat and get invited to spend a year with a rich North Korean family and later write puff pieces about how great life is in Pyongyang. Doesn’t make life in Pyongyang really that great though.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, somebody needs to say it:

Nobody gives a shit about your very good friends from Tuscany and Amsterdam. If it were remotely interesting that would be one thing. But it's not.

It's just you finding ways to shoehorn in the fact that you're kinda marginally affluent, and hang around affluent people whose kids take gap years in Bali before attending college in other countries.

You're a boring writer and you need to stop.

Anonymous said...

What he needs to focus on is the “crowd” at his new Fondren project. He may not understand how quickly it WILL go from charming to a place to be avoided. See Metrocenter, Northpark Mall, North Gate, Capitol Street, Ridgewood Road right by the old Sam’s Club. I think you get the point…

Anonymous said...

I love seeing all of the nut-huggers come out of the woodwork to defend this humble-bragging dude. One doesn't have to be jealous of someone else to not give a shit about all of the "amazing" things this person wants to brag about.

Anonymous said...

3:16 : Wow. He's talking....always talking about fugging Tuscany ! I've traveled the globe three times big boy and seen it all and have even been to Tuscany(it's very nice). I am trolling simply because these articles seem way out of place here. Having a bit of fun. Have a day to like.

Anonymous said...

In this article, RSJ promotes his cookbook, his restaurant, his Italian tour, his Spanish tour, and his TV show. His articles are an endless parade of bragging about all of his stuff. How in the world he missed the opportunity to mention the Capri is beyond me. This is an advertisement, every week. It's tacky.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.