What is elongated, fleshy, goes by many different names, is chock full of bitter seeds and can be found in shades of purple? Why the eggplant, of course! What were you thinking? While “sexters” and Instagram might view this pervasive vegetable as something more salacious, food-lovers all over the world […]
The toast of New Orleans
Believe it or not, The Toast of New Orleans is actually the title of a 1950s musical starring Kathryn Grayson, Mario Lanza and David Niven. It’s about an uppity opera singer who meets and falls in love with a roguish Louisiana fisherman who happens to be a natural songbird. Seeing […]
Till you’re blue in the face
“It happens every time, they all become blueberries!” -Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory That horrific scene where Violet Beauregard plumps up like a ripe blueberry after chewing a rather special piece of gum devised by Willy Wonka will forever haunt me. I don’t even need to watch Willy Wonka […]
Always blown away at Boucherie
By now, I imagine I don’t have to tell anyone living within a 300 mile radius of New Orleans how good the eating is at Boucherie. Hell, I’m positive its reach is quite a bit further considering I no longer am surprised when out-of-towners seeking restaurant recommendations already have the […]
Oh glorious grits!
You’d think growing up with a mother from South Carolina I’d be more than familiar with grits. Regardless of her heritage, my mom had no appreciation or desire for this ubiquitous Southern staple, so it never made an appearance on our table, for breakfast or otherwise. We were regaled with […]
Mini-vacation at Angeline
Far too long ago, John and I ventured into the French Quarter to enjoy brunch at what has become one of the city’s most popular restaurants, Angeline. I don’t know about you, but whenever I go into the Quarter, especially on a sunshine-filled day, I like to pretend I’m on […]
Titus Perkins: Inspiring Success
Titus Perkins, Executive Kitchen Manager of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, receives the distinguished “Faces of Diversity Award” from the National Restaurant Association. With a disabled grandmother as his only guardian, Titus Perkins was forced to become the leader of his household at a very young age. “I was cooking […]
Mid-City Eats
With all the fabulous food to be found at the 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell, it’s surprising that you’d even have an appetite for anything other than Crawfish Monica, red beans and rice, or cochon de lait po-boys. But you know, there are always those […]
In the Raw
Once again springtime has arrived, the flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, the birds are singing and everyone is feeling that oh-so natural feeling of excitement, stimulation and arousal. It’s no surprise that at the onset of spring, our pagan ancestors would dance naked under the sun, make love […]
Bowwow Brunch
Springtime is upon us and along with blooming flowers and warmer weather, a literal multitude of festivals will be filling the city with food, music and fun. Amidst all of this frivolity, one can’t help but consider our furry friends who are left at home, watching us walk through the […]
Return of the Reuben
Reubens have never actually left the New Orleans restaurant scene, it just seems like they’re popping up on menus everywhere recently, and not only because St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. One can theorize that as a side-effect of chefs’ renewed interest in making everything themselves, from baking […]
Willa Jean: A Parking Story
Not to sound like a snot, but growing up around a major metropolis like San Francisco has taught me a few solid rules to follow when parking in the city. First, never park illegally or you will most definitely be ticketed, booted and/or towed. Second, never ever leave anything inside […]
Perfect parade fare: Fried chicken
Crispy, crunchy, spicy and delicious whether it’s hot out of the fryer or cold from being stored in your portable ice chest, everyone remembers the tasty, waiting-for-the-parades-to-roll treat that can only be Popeye’s fried chicken. Now you’re older and wiser, but you still have staked a place on the route […]