Where can my neighbors and I walk to buy groceries? Either a Mardi Gras party supplies store that has doubled as a selective-but-expanding grocery since Katrina, or Mr. Okra who drives his truck around like the ice cream man. Everyone has stories to tell about the old supermarket collecting dust since Katrina and the food co-op in the long but promising making for years (I’m an optimistic paying member). What is certain is that today, the biggest selection for fresh produce is on a new set of wheels. If the government wants to stimulate the economy they should make it easier for street vendors like Mr. Okra to grow their businesses. Did you know Bloomingdale’s, D’Agostino groceries, and Macy’s all started as street vendors? It’s all in this guide. Listen for Mr. Okra’s hypnotic voice on loudspeaker: “I got cantalouuoupe! I got watermeloooon! I got blueberrieeees!” And then giddily run.

Thanks to Hypothetical Development, here’s my homage to Mr. Okra and an endless supply of fresh foods for our neighborhood…