For some, the beginning of summer in Louisiana means oppressive heat and thick humidity. For others, it means backyard barbecues and ice cold cocktails On this week s Louisiana Eats , we bask in the sunshine as we look at locally produced rum, outdoor grilling, and the recent resurgence of interest Tiki cocktails. We begin with a tour the Old New Orleans Rum Distillery where artist James Michalopoulos has been using Louisiana sugarcane to handcraft small batches of rum since 1995. We explore the facility, formerly a 150 year old cotton warehouse, and sample their three signature rums. Then, we speak with pitmaster and food writer Colleen Rush, who has been setting the world of backyard barbeque on fire. Along with co author Gary Wiviott, the Louisiana native has created a comprehensive guide to barbecue and charcoal cooking techniques in their latest book, Low and Slow 2 The Art of Barbecue, Smoke Roasting, and Basic Curing. Finally, Jeff "Beachbum" Berry and Chef Chris Shortall of Latitude 29 explain why Tiki is all the rage again these days. Get out those Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts as we party Polynesian style on this week s Louisiana Eats Red Beans and Rice SaladServes 4 2 cups cooked rice brown or white 1 cup canned red beans, drained and rinsed 1 rib celery, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon yellow bell pepper, diced 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 medium Creole tomato, diced 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste Dressing 3 tablespoons Creole mustard 2 tablespoons cane vinegar 4 tablespoons olive oil Whisk together Creole mustard and cane vinegar. Drizzle in olive oil, whisking continuously. Mix together rice, red beans, celery, bell pepper, green onions and Creole tomato. Add the dressing and toss together. Sprinkle on parsley and season with salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be made 24 hours in advance.

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