Eating in New Orleans is not something you do in order to be able to pursue other activities, but the reverse. Neither religion, sex, nor even politics can compete with food as a topic of conversation. And not just before dinner as the juices flow, either. Pull back the chairs after a four-course groaner at K-Paul's or Dooky Chase's and what will the company discuss? Food.

Small wonder, then, that New Orleanians consume more bread, coffee, and alcohol per capita than residents of any other...