Can Food Bring Happy Memories?

A couple of weeks ago we had family over at our house for a few days.  The truth is that we’ve had people in and out of our house since Thanksgiving.  Our house has -Inn at the end of the name, what can I say?

One of the things that every stay has in common is that we always take our guests to eat at this old, local, big whole in the wall place called R&Os.  I don’t know how long it’s been there, but the food is amazing. From its gumbo, po-boys, shrimp, soft shell crabs, to wood fired pizza.  The menu has something for everybody.

You may be wondering why we take all our guests there.  Well, back in the day (about 10yrs ago) when my husband and I were really poor and happy grad school students, dinning at R&Os for under $20 was a luxury!  I have to repeat that the food is amazing; and to have a date night for under $20 and be happy… was a steal.

I eat pretty healthy and those who know me have to see it to believe that I would eat cheese fries and gravy (only when I go to R&Os – and it’s over an hr away from where I live now).  I remember looking at Eric like he was crazy the first time he ordered them.  WHAT? Who eats that? It’s loaded with grease and beef gravy and roast beef pieces.  If you want to imagine what french fries in heaven may taste and look like… this is it.

One of the reasons that locals go to this place is for the authenticity of the food. The po-boy bread is big, airy, and fluffy.  Whenever we go here and I look at the menu, I can’t help it but smile and hear my husband’s voice in my head that says: “just order what I ordered, because you know that mine is always better.”  I hate to admit it… but it is true. I used to order my Po-boy sandwich dressed (lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, pickles) and it was delicious.  However, after many many times of trying Eric’s things… HIS were always better. So now, I order mayo only on the all time favorite roast beef po-boy.  He is right, the cold lettuce and tomatoes don’t do it justice; and besides, when you are eating one of these, what is the point of staying on the healthy side?

New Orleans is known for its oysters and lots of fried seafood.  Bread + fried oysters = Oyster Po-boy (I’m not an oyster fan, but if you are, it is apparently amazing).

Oh, the amazing roast beef po-boy (yes, I forgot to tell the waitress mayo only).  They make everything in house.  You better bring wet wipes in your purse…. that’s all I am going to say.

Regardless of when we go or who we go to R&Os with, the experience is always great.  I don’t think it’s just about the food, I think it brings back memories of when life was simpler and we were poor and happy.  We are by no means rich now… but I still rather go to R&Os to eat a roast beef po-boy with cheese fries and gravy than go eat at Emeril’s (sorry Emeril!).  It’s the happy memories that are triggered by something so simple that make it worth it every time.

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R&Os did not sponsor this post or provide me with any compensation. I thoroughly enjoy eating at their establishment; so, if you know the person that owns it, feel free to let them how that I’d take a po-boy any day!