CAJUN'S JOY Cookin' n Eatin' SIGNED by Alzina Toups, 1981 PB Louisiana Cookbook 280 pgs.
"In 1977, Toups opened a kitchen inside a tin building
owned by her son—a former welding shop. Her intention was to cook for
her church, St. Joseph Catholic Church. The lettering, Alzina's,
installed by her son, has fallen off, so the kitchen appears to an
unadorned building from the street. The kitchen is not open to the
public. There are no walk-ins, electronic reservations, or menus. Guests
must place a booking by phone as far as a year in advance.
Only
one private party is allowed in the restaurant per evening, usually
between ten and thirty guests. The cooking area is open to the dining
area, and guests are expected to help plate and serve. In addition to
using cast iron skillets and pots, Toups cooks with wooden utensils and
simple appliances."