I’ve been getting outside more often than ever, walking my dog, running errands and exploring my neighborhood and as much as I am enjoying all this time outside…it’s friggin’ hot out there! Last week, I went to the Crescent City Farmers Market with my friend Dani and we shopped (I […]
The abandoned house on Magazine Street
I’ve always been fascinated by the supernatural. Ghosts, spirits, and poltergeists became a small obsession of mine, especially when I was younger. Books relating “true” ghost stories and haunted houses littered my shelves and captured my imagination. Quite often, these stories would take place in a small rural neighborhood, completely […]
Another famous Ziggy at Maple Street Patisserie
When you think of the name “Ziggy”, a slew of famous characters come to mind; Ziggy Marley, Ziggy Stardust, Evander “Ziggy” Hood and even Ziggy, the well-known cartoon strip. Thursday afternoon I was forced to add another personality to the “Ziggy” hall of fame, Ziggy Cichowski…Master Pastry Chef at Maple […]
My horoscope says I’ll win the lottery…
Although I know it’s “stuff and nonsense” quoth my mom, reading astrology forecasts can often be a self-indulgent, egocentric form of entertainment that can lift your spirits, make you laugh and generally make you feel better about yourself. Sometimes, I get the urge to see how many horoscopes I can […]
Arcadian Books & Prints: A dream come true
Ever since I was a young girl falling in love with the written word for the first time, I formulated this image in my head of the perfect bookstore. This fantasy locale would have a large bell over the door that jangled noisily when anyone ventured inside and the overwhelming […]
Finding food on Facebook: Fat Hen Grill
Before I began using them, social networking sites and services like Facebook and Twitter would make me cringe. I kept thinking, “Does anyone really care if ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is playing over and over in my head or why I prefer mayo to Miracle Whip?” As it turns out, they do. But […]
“Toasting with Margarita” at Le Booze
When I first heard about “Toasting with Margarita” at Le Booze in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, I knew I just had to attend at least once. Since Margarita Bergen recently received her bartender’s license, I was under the impression that the social diva herself would be behind the bar for […]
Books: Historic Photos of Louisiana
This weekend on Saturday, May 15th, Dean Shapiro will be signing his latest book, Historic Photos of Louisiana, at Blue Cypress Books on Oak Street. For this particular edition, Shapiro put his vast historical knowledge and research capabilities to the test in order to properly caption each and every image […]
It’s just got to be Wright! The Unity Temple on St. Charles Avenue
My best friend Chris bribed me with a double espresso from my favorite coffee shop on 2nd Avenue (in-house roasting!) and before I knew it, we were zooming north on Highway 280 and I was trapped. It wasn’t until almost 30 minutes later when we were crossing the Golden Gate […]
Toasted Almond Cool Brew Coffee – No need for intervention, just give me my fix!
I have this crazy obsession, this overwhelming compunction and it’s starting to worry me. All of my friends know about it, they’ve heard me mention it hundreds of times and I’ve even blabbered about it to my family back in California. When the levees failed, I searched everywhere for it […]
The Blue Plate Cafe: An incredible meal, I guarantee!
After last week’s utter disappointment, I wanted to be absolutely sure I would enjoy a delicious cheat. One particular restaurant had continually popped up in our discussions, though often passed over in favor of something new. This time we gave in to our better judgement and decided to dine at […]
An “Old Fashioned” experience at the Victorian Lounge in the Columns Hotel
When I first considered writing a cocktail blog, it seemed a fairly simple task. I mean, how difficult is it to lounge around a different bar each week for a few hours, taking pictures and enjoying a couple of exquisitely made cocktails? Describing the flavors and ingredients of a cocktail […]