Food- and music-lovers get ready –– the Third Annual New Orleans Seafood Festival kicks off next Friday, Sept. 25. The three-day event features artists such as Amanda Shaw and Dumpstaphunk, along with cooking demos from great local chefs including Susan Spicer, Frank Brigtsen and John Besh. The event takes place at Harrah’s Fulton Square, and admission is free. Enjoy signature cuisine with a focus on seafood from restaurants such as Galatoire’s, Red Fish Grill, Drago’s and more. Young ones and those with a sweet tooth can grab a treat from New Orleans Sno-ball. As a plus, festival-goers can enjoy both the LSU and Saints games on plasma TVs, so sports-lovers will not be left out in the cold. For more information and the full lineup, visit www.neworleansseafoodfestival.com.
Davenport Lounge Bar Menu
Executive sous chef Mohammad Azhar from Mélange and “mixologist” Daniel Victory have joined forces to serve up a new bar menu at the Davenport Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Canal Street. The Brie and Parsley Risotto Balls are a tasty snack and get some brightness from an herbed tomato sauce. Crawfish Quesadilla portions are generous, and the Coriander Ginger Shrimp with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce is my personal favorite. Also good are a trio of Mini Angus Beef Sliders on brioche buns, which go great with the garlic aioli frites. Drinks such as the signature Davenportini and Gin Blossom complement the food. As always, the entertainment is fantastic and the environs are plush.


