It's Day 2 in New Orleans and I’m really excited,
because, luckily for us – today is the annual Red Dress Run! What great timing!
We’re told it’s a run for charity…with a twist! Cool. But
first, I gotta fill my belly!
Before we hit the run, we head to uptown New Orleans to a
local favorite, Franky and johnny’s. Franky and Johnny’s are known for their
fresh seafood, Gumbo, and another New Orleans classic , Po’ Boys!
While on the road to Franky and johnny’s we pass several
groups in red - obviously walking toward the Red Dress Run. But, I’m a little confused because it’s mostly
big beefy men in dresses and I think I see them drinking beer. Hmmm. Can’t wait
to see what that’s all about.
We pull up to Franky and Johnny’s and head into the cozy,
family owned joint.
I’m starved, and I’m ready to try my first Po’ Boy! But, once again the team thinks it’s best if
I help to cook it. (guess they haven’t realized, I’m not the best in the kitchen
yet.) Oh well, I don’t mind and I actually like to see what goes into making
such sought-after fare.
So I meet Dante, the chef (and co-owner along with his
brother) and we head straight to the kitchen. We’re going to make a po’ boy – a
sandwich made with deep-fried seafood such as soft shell crab, shrimp, catfish
and crawfish. The seafood is fresh – everything
is brought in daily from local fisherman.
The po’ boy is always on a French baguette – like a sub –
but crispy. They’re coated with butter and toasted to crispy perfection before
they are “fully dressed.” Fully dressed is a term regarding po’ boys known in
New Orleans, meaning lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise. – Sounds good to
me.
We make crab and shrimp po’ boys for Dante and me and the
crew put in their special orders, which I make.
Hey! It’s starting to feel like I was brought along on this trip just to
make lunch for everyone. Hmmm.
Anyway, how’s it taste?! With crispy shrimp, buttery bread
and fully dressed – my mouth is on a Cajun holiday and I wouldn’t want to be
anywhere else!
If you’re in New Orleans, try it – you’ll love it!
Franky and Johnny’s is moving, so check their website for
their new location – coming soon!
www.frankyandjohnnys.com
SEEING RED:
All right, time to hit the red dress run! I’m told I need to wear a red dress, and that I’ll be running. Got my dress, tennis shoes on, let’s go!
All right, time to hit the red dress run! I’m told I need to wear a red dress, and that I’ll be running. Got my dress, tennis shoes on, let’s go!
We arrive at Bourbon Street and it is a sea of Red!
The Red Dress Run is organized by the Hash House
Harriers - a self-proclaimed drinking club, with a little bit of a
running problem. Ha!
Every year, runners dressed in red take off for a cause. and naturally, they gotta stay hydrated. So, what do they do? Stop at bars to get a drink of course!
Every year, runners dressed in red take off for a cause. and naturally, they gotta stay hydrated. So, what do they do? Stop at bars to get a drink of course!
Thousands of people are here all decked out in Red. I’m
surprised to see all the men that turned out for the event. I love a man in a
dress! Right away I spot big beefy hunks in tight red dresses and even bikini
tops, and no one is without a drink in hand. Yes, I think I found my home - this
is where I belong!
We set up right in the middle of the action, and I’m ready to
shoot my intro. Jena and I have gone over everything I need to cover and I feel
confident this will be a great intro.
I finish my first take and I feel confident that I covered
everything we wanted to say. As soon as Matt yells “Cut” the entire crew start cracking
up laughing! What happened?! I thought I
was good! Turns out the whole time, drunk runners were coming behind me making
“humping motions” and flashing their red panties for the camera – great! Take two – same thing. What a rowdy bunch! Ok,
enough trying to be professional let’s join them!
We spent the rest of the day hanging out and interviewing
the red-dressers. Although it was rowdy, everyone was in great spirits and the
crowd was diverse. There were couples, groups who traveled far just to come,
and others who had no idea they were supporting charity, but just came for the
party.
Check out our vid of the event to see all the craziness!
