At first glance Avery Island is a quaint community with its 163 inhabitants. What should one expect? Probably not much this deep in Louisiana’s flat coastal marshes. After all, even Walmart and McDonalds haven’t found this place. There is a US Post Office and small country store.

Look closely, there may be some surprises. From this remote island in 1868, Ed McIlhenny fired a culinary shot still enjoyed around the world today.