Food for Kings

Book excerpt: Diamond Jim Moran, AKA James Brocato. Flashy, colorful character. A New Orleans legend. He served, entertained, and related to presidents, politicians, celebrities, sports legends, and mobsters.I cover his life from his early years until his death. Then I describe how his sons and relatives continued his traditions in his famous restaurants, La Louisiane and Jimmy Moran's, as well as other family members' fine eateries; i.e. Tony Moran's Restaurant, Angelo Brocato's, and Acme Oyster House, My grandfather's character was so well known and colorful that the Kentucky Derby paid him $50,000 just to attend their events wearing his mink derby, mink tie, diamond accessories worth about $200,000 in that time. He was a born entertainer and socializer.La Louisiane Restaurant became famous for the diamond rings that Diamond Jim hid in his giant meatballs. The surprises became known internationally.Not only are the family stories present, so are many of the famous recipes, from La Louisiane, Jimmy Moran's, and other family restaurants, described here.