What a wonderful ‘reunion’ it was, yesterday at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores. A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the folks who showed up in the beginning of LuLu’s and have remained great friends on this wild journey. They are affectionately known as The River Rats, and are some of my favorite people in the world!
Following is an excerpt from my first cookbook, and it pretty much sums up everything about that precious time two decades ago. I really can’t believe it’s been 20 years!
Cheers my friends! Gumbo Love to every one of you! Love, LuLu
“LuLu’s became the local watering hole. It was a hit; it was a vibe. More than anything, it was fun. Regulars emerged, staking claim on tables and barstools. Romances blossomed, soap-opera dramas unfolded, marriages were put asunder, and lifelong friendships were formed. Bail was set and paid. The denizens of Fish River and Magnolia River, the “River Rats,“ kept the bar busy every Sunday. To not be at LuLu’s was to be out of the loop. It was the official unofficial meeting place; there was always a knot of “Rats” stationed at the end of the boat bar. It was town-hall, community center, front porch… for many of the folks along the rivers and bays it was church.”