Reading
New Orleans
Before you start reading, study the following vocabulary:
Several
Offer
Seafood
Shrimp
Dairy
Widely
Reason
Influence
Moist
Sometimes people tell me that there is no real culture in the United States. I tell them to visit New Orleans. There are several American cities that offer interesting buildings, fine food and musical traditions. I name New Orleans because it is the important American cultural center that I know best.
If you think that an American meal means a steak with a baked potato, then go to New Orleans. The cooking there shows a mixture of European, African and even Native American elements. Fine meals are made from excellent local fish, seafood and vegetables.
Have you ever had a bowl of real New Orleans gumbo? Gumbo is a kind of soup. You really should try some. Try shrimp cooked and served Louisiana style too. The crabs are good and oyster dishes from New Orleans are famous. A portion of Louisiana fried oyster loaf may not be good for your health, but you will definitely enjoy it. Vegetarians can have red beans and rice. There is almost no bad food in New Orleans.
Culture in New Orleans does not end with food. New Orleans is the city where jazz was born. New Orleans has always been a party city and music has always been part of partying there. The music played on riverboats, at dairies and at funerals in the old days was important in the history of jazz.
Jazz and other kinds of music are still widely played. The party culture of the city still exists. Someone somewhere always has some sort of reason for a party and music is generally part of it.
The buildings in the French Quarter and the Garden District are charming. They show the traditions of the early French settlers, the influence of the climate and the unique lifestyle of the city.
Even the light and the air are special. I have never seen another city where the light is such a soft, glowing yellow. Everything shimmers in the sun. The air is moist and heavy. Just breathe in and you'll be ready for jazz, partying, good food and Louisiana style relaxation.
Questions
Choose the correct explanations...
- Why does the article talk about "a portion of Louisiana fried oyster loaf?"
- What does the article mean when it says the light in New Orleans is soft?
- Why does the article refer to "a steak" but "some" gumbo?
- Why does the article include two paragraphs about jazz?
- New Orleans is typically American because...
Are the following statements about the article correct?
1. Food in New Orleans is good because it is healthy for everyone.
2. Food in New Orleans shows many influences.
3. Life in New Orleans is typical for the United States.
4. The music played in New Orleans is known in Europe.
5. Buildings in New Orleans imitate buildings in Europe.