Ashley McLellan

Fall Picnics and Tailgating

A cool front moved through last week, football games are back and it’s prime fall picnic and tailgating season. Take advantage of the nice weather and pick up some prepared options for a quick afternoon alfresco happy hour, a very-much-welcomed party treat or as a casual dinner with family and friends. Here are some of my recent favorites.

Bacchanal, Bywater’s neighborhood wine retreat, recently sent over these suggestions for creating the ultimate charcuterie plate. According to General Manager Natalie Petty, “The ultimate cheese plate is a mountain of goodness that must be taken down piece by piece, slice by slice, olive by olive.”

She suggests, covering the entire plate with delicious bites, “no neat stacks allowed.” Must-have accoutrements: “seasonal pickled veggies, cranberry mostarda (or something similar!), a seasonal fruit spread, candied seeds/savory granola, olives and plenty of fresh, toasted bread – the bread is key.”

Uptown, Picnic Provisions & Whiskey has everything for a fun afternoon in the park or watching the game, from hot and spicy fried chicken thighs to smoked pork ribs, and sides like buttermilk biscuits, “Muffaletta pasta salad,” pimento cheese and more.

The Independent Caveau near Broadmoor has a full selection of wine as well as charcuterie. Stop by or give them a call and they can help put together a sophisticated meat and cheese board that will make any host or hostess happy.

Still looking for more ideas on places to pick up game day eats, watch the big game or enjoy some pre-game cocktails? Stay tuned for our big game day food feature, online and in our October issue, coming out October 1. We will have everything you need to get your fill your fall weekends with plenty of food and fun.

Spooky Podcast

Speaking of things to look forward to, spooky season is here, and something wonderfully wicked is coming. Stay tuned for the premier of New Orleans Magazine’s latest special podcast release, “Beyond the Grave,” detailing some of the scariest, ghostly, haunted history stories across the city.

Costume Sale

If you are looking to get ready for costume parties, Halloween or even some early Carnival planning, you’ll have to check out this Saturday’s “Costume Market” hosted by The Merry Antoinettes, 11-4 p.m. at the Beauregard-Keyes House. There will be costumes for purchase, music, costume workshops, food, and, of course, bubbles. 

Campy Halloween Film Fun

Finally, mark your calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6-9 p.m. for the Save Our Cemeteries/Broadside (monster) mash up event with a screening of the classic 1968 horror film “Night of the Living Dead,” plus a special music performance from surf rock band Shark Attack. There will be a cash bar, food trucks, tarot readers and plenty of spooky, campy fun. Ticket prices include a one-year individual membership to Save Our Cemeteries, which works to preserve and protect historic New Orleans cemeteries. It’s all in good, scary fun!