Not long after my store manager got back from helping out for 6 weeks at one of the stores affected by Helene, he let us know that about 3 weeks from then he would be moving to a different store. Coming to know a bit more that day about his background and why he wanted to help out so much really deepened my appreciation for him as a person. He and his family had lived through Katrina before moving to NC. He would even bring some of his cajun home cooking for us during the year as well! So, I wanted to make something as a surprise for that he would appreciate as a thank you from me personally.
I figured that him being a Saints fan, what better way could I bring a little Louisiana and be right up my alley, than to draw Gumbo. I found some photos of large kettles full of jambalaya for festivals and cook offs, and that jived with what I've come to know about him! C'est bon! I hope that they pass a good time over there!