Jan-Feb-2016_Final-1-4-16-attempt2

FAMILY LETTER

From Around the Corner & Around the World

While we support and sell more local than anyone on the Gulf Coast, we also bring in more foodstuff from around the world. When you want to add a global twist to your cooking, look no further than Rouses — we keep our shelves stocked with essential international ingredients, from oils and vinegars to sauces, spices and herbs. Buying the best of the Gulf Coast and bringing the best to the Gulf Coast has always been a tenet of our business. My grandfather, our founder, used to love to meet with our growers in Chile to see our winter grapes, stone fruit, blueberries and Haas avocados before they were harvested. My dad takes a few research and buying trips a year. He came back from Italy in October with Parma hams, olive oil, huge wheels of Parmesan cheese, and recipes for everything he ate. When I travel, or meet international visitors on the Gulf Coast, I’m always struck by how similar people are when it comes to food, no matter what country they’re from. Everyone seems to love French fries with their sandwiches — and in some countries, on their sandwiches. And while Café du Monde is a bucket list item for anyone who visits New Orleans, beignets and donuts and fritters are made and eaten all over the world, especially during Mardi Gras.

On the Cover Boeuf Gras on page 8. cover photo by Romney Caruso • • •   PURPLE | GREEN | GOLD PURPLE I like to cook with beer (and drink beer) when I’m doing meat or poultry. I have a freezer full of deer. Abita’s Purple Haze adds a sweet flavor to venison roast or stew. It’s also makes great beer-can chicken and duck. We sell parade-friendly (and chicken friendly) cans of Purple Haze by the case. GREEN I love seeing all of those Rouses green bags filled with beads along the parade routes. Throw me something, Mister. GOLD My dad always says, it’s not what’s in our stores, rather who is in our stores, that makes Rouses special. Providing job opportunities to people with disabilities has always been our way. In November, we were recognized as Employer of the Year at the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards ceremony in Baton Rouge. We’re proud of that honor.

Speaking of Mardi Gras ... January 6 th , King’s Day, is the official start of Carnival season. (They may celebrate Mardi Gras in other countries, but I’d argue that no one does Mardi Gras as well as we do here on the Gulf Coast.) I have a sweet tooth and can’t resist a piece of Rouses king cake. We bake more than 350,000 of them each season. You can smell the gourmet cinnamon dough baking throughout our stores — it’s one of my favorite scents, right up there with bacon. Rouses is local first, but we’re always looking to other countries for great ingredients to add to our already great Gulf Coast food. And with so many international visitors here for Mardi Gras, now’s our chance to share what we grow, catch and cook with the rest of the world.

Donny Rouse — photo by Juliana Pennison

Donny Rouse 3 rd Generation

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