For months, the coronavirus has caused cancelations, postponements, massive changes and, in some cases, ruined wedding plans for couples. Venue, restaurant and bar closures and restrictions on attendees at gatherings are among some of the limitations mandated by state and local officials during the phases of reopening.
With these setbacks and limitations — and the ensuing stress — it’s important now, more than ever, to make sure you and your significant other still spend quality time together and celebrate in your own way.
As we have suggested before, a good date day can be just what the doctor ordered. Recently, we got the opportunity to taste a few new menu items that have made the cut onto the menu at Picnic Provisions & Whiskey. Picnic’s menu includes classic New Orleans flavors, but you don’t need a white tablecloth and fine china to enjoy the fare.
While taste-testing the complementary smorgasbord, we thought of the perfect date day out.
To start, order a crawfish boil hot fried chicken basket, Gulf Coast blue crab dip, Cajun potato salad and a couple crab cakes “on the Half Shell” from the Picnic take-out menu. Pair with a few adult drink pouches from Seven Three Distilling and head out to City Park with a blanket for a lunchtime picnic.
Once you’re finished with your picnic, challenge your partner to a round of mini golf at City Putt, which doesn’t require a mask once you are on the course away from others. Or if it’s too hot, beat the heat with reserved tickets to the New Orleans Museum of Art, which reopened this month, and offers free admission on Sundays for Louisiana residents in partnership with Art & A/C courtesy of The Helis Foundation.
Current exhibitions at NOMA include photographer Tina Freeman’s “Lamentations,” artist Alia Ali’s “Flux” and Roman Catholic art from Portuguese India.
Finish the day with some beignets at Café du Monde, now open again in the park.
