Starting this weekend, those of you who live anywhere near a parade route will get hit with the annual swarm of revelers. With the full insanity of Carnival season arriving rapidly on the heels of the holiday season, many hosts are understandably over the shopping, prepping, cooking, and serving that comes with entertaining. Sure, you can toss out a store-bought frozen pizza or tell guests to bring whatever they plan to eat, but it’s also nice to have something special on hand, particularly to offer for brunch or a light lunch when day parades are rolling. For such occasions when you have a million other things to do— like keeping the alcohol cabinet stocked with provisions and the bathrooms stocked with toilet paper—something enjoyable hot or at room temperature is just the ticket.
What to Serve: Lemon Raspberry French Toast Strata
Topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, and powdered sugar, and served with a side of maple syrup, the Lemon Raspberry French Toast Strata became a favorite from Hatch + Harvest when it started as a pop-up in 2018. H + H is now a full-time food truck, prepped meal delivery service, and catering business. The Lemon Raspberry French Toast Strata is available in single-serve portions perfect for hauling out to the parade route as well as in large, disposable/recyclable catering pans so guests can serve themselves.
The Experts
Jacquie Cyronek and Cia Nypower are the owners and sole operators behind Hatch + Harvest. The food truck is at Miel Brewery every Thursday, every other Saturday, and once a month on Sundays with a brunch menu. H + H and Miel Brewery host a Hangover Brunch during the Carnival season.
Hatch + Harvest, 323 Octavia St., 504-435-3291. To find the truck around the city or place catering orders check out hatchandharvest.net. @hatchandharvest.
What to Serve with Lemon Raspberry French Toast Strata?
The French 75 seltzer from Miel Brewery is a botanical-infused seltzer cocktail that hits all the notes without overpowering the strata. The cocktail is available in single servings or batched portions to go for a crowd.
The Expert
Sam Lockhart joined the Miel Brewery and Taproom team in June 2021 and took over the beer slushie and seltzer cocktail program last year.
“To complement Miel’s ever-changing tap list, I’ve endeavored to craft a variety of flavorful and seasonal drinks. Prioritizing inclusivity, I cater to gluten-free and non-alcoholic preferences. “
Miel Brewery & Taproom, 405 Sixth St., 504-372-4260, mielbrewery.com
