By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
Fried shrimp, fried chicken, fried oysters, mac & cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, and peach cobbler (the kind cooked with biscuits) with vanilla ice cream.
Now, that’s an Alabama feast. It is also the menu Senator Richard Shelby served up for his turn at hosting the Senate Republican Caucus’ Thursday lunch.
The Thursday lunch allows Republican senators to take turns showcasing particular foods from their state. Per tradition, hosting senators offer a state-specific gift to their colleagues. Shelby chose Priester’s Pecans, a special Lowndes County treat.
“The Thursday lunch in the Republican Senate Caucus is traditionally hosted by a different member every Thursday that the Senate is in session,” Shelby said.
“Being the host, I presided over the lunch and called on each of my colleagues for comments or discussion. As always, it was good to spend time with my fellow Senators, speaking about issues of importance over an Alabama meal.”
There was only only problem with the Alabama fare: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – who is an Alabama native – was apparently disappointed that no fried okra was served. Who can blame him?
Okay, if you read all that and are not picking out a good Southern meat-and-three for lunch today, I don’t want to know you.
Hat tip to my friend David Popp in Leader McConnell’s office for flagging this fun story. And thank you to the good people in Senator Shelby’s office for providing the photos and background information.