Seafood Feast
For many New Orleanians, this week is Easter week, which also means an end to Lent and a weekend of celebration. Gracious Bakery has hot cross buns for an early Sunday morning treat, while the rest of the Sunday’s feast can be made easy with the traditional crawfish boil. Whether you decided to boil them up yourselves or buy them pre-boiled from one of New Orleans’ hottest spots (we love Clesi’s in Mid-City, just to name one) be sure to have plenty of sides as well as a fresh loaf of French bread and Saltines, some ice-cold brews and soda, and a sweet dessert to round out the day. Additions of traditional sausage, corn, potatoes, mushrooms, garlic are must-have, as well as artichokes, fresh pineapple, the list goes on and on…. Windowsill Pies bakes up some dessert doozies for when you don’t have time to bake, or just don’t want to. Check daily for ever-changing menu, and be sure to order in advance and they often sell out.
At our house, I like to whip up a family favorite, West Indies Salad, a refreshingly light combination of chilled crabmeat and a fresh vinaigrette. (Speaking of, stay tuned for our May issue for a local chef’s take on this classic Southern dish, just in time for Mother’s Day or a festive brunch with friends.)
Crescent City Classic
This Saturday is also the annual Crescent City Classic 10K, with runners from all over the area lining up outside Champions Square and the Superdome to run past the French Quarter, along Esplanade and into City Park. The Classic has been celebrated for more than 40 years, attracting walkers, joggers and professional runners for the course’s beauty and the enthusiasm of both the participants and spectators. I am always excited to see people lined up with homemade signs, music blaring from houses along the route and some creative “pick-me-ups” along the way. Forget orange slices, how about some spicy sausage and a shot of whiskey?
The race ends with a traditional post-run celebration of music, awards, lots of cold water and bananas, and, in New Orleans, beer, jambalaya, red beans and Chee Wees. I’m not sure what could be better.
Sun and Skin Protection
While celebrating and running outside is great for the body and the mind, it’s not always ideal for skincare. And since festival season is now upon us, it’s time to invest in some top-quality, heavy duty sunscreen options to protect your face and body. Our “Sheer Beauty” guide has everything you need to make sure you are fully covered, with products that provide protection and are lightweight enough to wear under makeup. The Vibrant Market is also a one-stop shop for many of your needs, with sun and skincare essentials for both day and night.
When in doubt, SPF approved clothing and a great sun hat can also provide essential protection. These super soft clothing and accessory pieces from Rayward Apparel provide 45+ and 50+ UPF protection. Pang Wangle has a chic selection of chapeau that will help keep the sun off your face, neck and ears, as well as wraps, scarves, bandanas and more that are designed to shield you from biting insects without the need for bug spray.
Next up!
French Quarter Fest! Jazz Fest! Festivals galore. How do you get ready to fest, and what should we hit up next?
