We couldn’t have asked for a better overview from CHOW or a more heartfelt post from Jessica of SuGoodSweets.  Both pieces have been wonderful ways to spread the word about CulinaryCorps (in fact, Jessica’s post was picked up by Serious Eats), and more importantly, the work that is left to be done in NOLA.

We found these funky bottles of CoolBrew at the local NOLA Whole Foods off of Magazine Street during our June trip.  After some in-store deliberation about how the thing actually worked, we swept it into our cart and christened it as the morning caffeine of choice throughout the week.

One bottle contains 32 oz. of chicory coffee concentrate.  Brewed without heat, this sometimes bitter blend transforms into a slighty syrupy and flavorfully complex liquid.  Combine one “shot” from the unique contraption built into the bottle with 6 oz. of milk, a healthy dose of sugar syrup and a few ice cubes…and well, you’ve got yourself one tasty iced beverage.

Yes, buying 32oz. bottles by the 6-pack from the CoolBrew on-line shop may be considered the cheaters version of the NYT’s do-it-yourself recipe but summer is all about letting go of the hassle in the heat, right?  We’re thinking a shot or two in our next batch of dark-chocolate brownies may really lead to some crazy alchemy.

When we’re in the throes of a trip, it is often hard to find the down time to chronicle the experiences let alone reflect upon them. Many thanks to Kim O’Donnel for doing both so eloquently on her Washington Post blog, A Mighty Appetite. To read her take on our second trip to New Orleans, please click here.

And now it’s time for the rest of us to register what we witnessed and worked toward while we were down in New Orleans. In the end, this trip breathed life into a favorite Margaret Mead quote:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.

Many thanks to each CulinaryCorps member for making a profound commitment to your industry, your country and yourselves. CulinaryCorps is indebted to your kindness of spirit and your generosity of service.