Hey, Laveau! Tiffani Blake here, but just call me Tiff!
Surviving Hurricane Blanche was not on my bingo card this year, but here we are—waterlogged and wiser. If you haven’t heard about our latest aquatic adventure, you’re either incredibly lucky or you need to get out more. Either way, let me paint you a picture: it involved me, the poster child for bad timing, caught on the deck of the ever-resilient Lady Luck Steamboat Casino.
Just as I was considering a career as a drowned rat impersonator, who should arrive but Laveau’s finest in a dripping uniform, Deputy Vince Dalton. There’s nothing quite like a cute cop showing up just in time to watch you battle the elements in what used to be a chic ensemble. Vince’s timing? Impeccable. His rescue plan? Well, let’s just say it involved less ‘saving’ and more ‘scenic tour through newly-formed local rivers.’
Our dear deputy suggested a quaint little wade through what might as well have been the Amazon given the wildlife sightings. I must say, nothing brings a community together like shared trauma and the occasional gator sighting. And Vince, bless his heart, was the perfect blend of heroism and cluelessness—a combination that could only mean one thing: we were in for a real adventure.
Our odyssey through the storm brought us to the unsung hero of this story, the Midnight Mandarin Chinese Takeaway. This place wasn’t just a restaurant last night; it was a beacon of hope with steaming dumplings. They stayed open through the storm, serving up not just food but a side of sanctuary too. The hospitality? Warmer than the soup, and trust me, that was needed. (Editor’s note: Reviewed HERE & HERE)
So here’s to Midnight Mandarin for feeding our bodies and the Laveau Police Department, especially Deputy Dalton, for trying their best to keep our spirits high and our feet dry. Both establishments confirmed what we already knew: Laveau might be small, but our heart (and our ability to keep business running even when it should logically be underwater) is mighty.
In all seriousness, as much as I joke, this community’s resilience is no laughing matter. It’s remarkable. We stick together, come hell or high water—literally. So, stay strong, Laveau, and remember, no storm can dampen our spirits for long, especially when we face it together.
Wet but not washed out,
Tiffani Blake
Editor’s Note: Tiff is one of our newest reporters! You can see our staff list HERE and if you fancy following in her stylish footsteps, please speak to me, or Stanley ((our NPC owner)).
