New Year’s Tradition
The marriage of Black-eyed Peas [ok- not the music group] and Mustard or Collard Greens has us “Hoppin” like “John” around the New Year’s Day table. As the tale goes – children reared in the South hopped once around the table before eating the dish.
Whatever the tradition, this southern delicacy has been a staple for many folks since the early days of southern culture and remains a significant dish today. One bite of each is said to bring both luck and prosperity in great abundance…and two bites even more.
For those looking to make good and do well in 2012, four restaurants whose chefs are deeply immersed in the culture of their upbringing have got it all packed up and ready to go.
For those making New Year’s Eve reservations at Acadiana, chef Jeff Tunks offers pre-ordered quarts of Black-eyed Peas and Collard Greens for just $10 a pair. These healthy-sized portions are also available for pick-up on December 31 throughout the afternoon and evening at 901 New York Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. (Do order in advance, though.)
Chef Lee Richardson of Ashley’s has one last holiday gift to give – a four-ounce custom bag of Fried Black-eyed Peas seasoned with Smoked Paprika and a dusting of Cayenne and Salt. Guests who dine at Ashley’s, at The Capital Hotel, 111 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, on December 31, 2011, receive this perfect homemade bag of luck just in time for when the clock strikes 12:01 AM.
At Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, 1515 N Courthouse Road, Arlington, Virginia, Chef David Guas is kicking off 2012 with a Chew Dat “Slow-Cooked” Special of 18 Hour Black-eyed Peas with Benton’s Country Ham, 8 Hour Collard Greens with Benton’s Bacon, Cider Vinegar, and Red Chili Flakes, and Sweet Corn Bread for $12 on January 1, 2012, from 10 a.m. to the 4 p.m. closing time. Guas’ Gumbo and Muff-a-Lottas are available all weekend long plus Pickup—Peas ($7) and Collards ($5) by the quart for $12/pair. Add a quart of Long Grain Rice for $3.
Down near New Orleans, chef Chris Montero at Ralph Brennan’s café b, 2700 Metairie Road, Metairie, Louisiana, has serendipity on a plate: a sophisticated interpretation of the classic home-style dish with a Chicken & Black-eyed Pea Salad for $13. Featuring Roasted Beets, Cucumbers, Toasted Pistachios, and Goat Cheese, it’s a “rustic” version of the household tradition, using local ingredients and root vegetables.
(Photo courtesy of simoneink, llc)