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Around Plaquemines Parish, winds were near hurricane-force at around 8 a.m. as Gustav approached shore. Dozens of power lines snapped along the peninsula. However, no flooding was reported. Power and internet service are still as the heaviest part of the storm passes and wind whips around from the southeast. The possibility of flooding still grows according to officials.

Stan Mathes, director of economic development and tourism for the parish, feels that they may be able to escape the wrath of Gustav. There might be minor flooding, but nothing catastrophic.

Until about 11 p.m., operators were still pumping water out of canals on the southern end of the parish, and a 2 a.m. inspection indicated the bands of rain that have already swept over the Gulf coast peninsula hadn’t raised water levels significantly.

Levees constructed yesterday were holding up and those that were only five feet tall were successfully raised by a foot or two, but gaps remain. Seven or eight foot storm surge could overtop the levees and flood Belle Chasse for the first time in its history. Though surge estimates have come down, flood fighting crews are still ready for deployment if necessary.

I love cooking. The best part is when a try a recipe and get it right the first time. Though my taste buds seem to have gotten numb from the taste of what I cook, I relish the look on my kids’ face as they enjoy the meal I prepared. And of course, it feels better when others that you are certain will not patronize you because they are family tells you that your meal was excellent.

My ability to cook stems from watching those chefs on TV making those gorgeous meals. What I envy most about chefs is the enjoyment they seem to get from their jobs. Though I am not as talented as they are, it is satisfying enough to watch them do it on the screen. The same can be said for those recipes I get from the internet. Most of my recipes I download from the web with minor adjustments to ingredients that may either be too expensive or difficult to source. In New Orleans, Lousiana, the Great American Seafood Cookoff features 5 delicious meals that internet surfers can vote for to get a chance to win a trip to New Orleans.

Of the five meals featured in the cook off, I am partial to Chef Mark Holley’s “Texas Gulf Shrimp” from Texas which I voted for. My choice was influenced by my love for luscious fresh shrimps and the taste of vinegar with something sweet. Chef Holley’s recipe has fresh shrimps with Prickly Pear Gastrique which has vinegar and honey.

The important thing about seafood is the freshness of the catch. As such, it is imperative you get your seafood locally. Not only is it easier to source, but it is almost guaranteed fresh. Sourcing your seafood locally assures that you get the best taste out of your recipe or meal.

Go and check out www.greatamericanseafoodcookoff.com and vote for your favorite meal. This may be your chance to visit New Orleans.