Stiff Drink, Anyone?
We are not sure about y’all, but now is the time for a stiff drink. We have been through the wringer for more than a year and the cycle of ups and downs seems never-ending. So, while we are…
The Best: Gorgeous Cakes for Sale to Benefit ARNO, Eat to Benefit Haiti at Station 6, and join me in Fig Tarte
I know I have plenty of company in feeling that things are just rough as all hell right now. I found some good news on Nextdoor, an app geared to neighborhoods, where I discovered my neighbor, Kat McCann, and…
The Best Way to Avoid COVID this Weekend
Like so many in New Orleans, my income is largely tied to the hospitality industry, which is tied to tourism. Like so many New Orleanians, the foundation of my security has been rocked yet anew by another spate of…
Summer Snacking: Melanie’s Boredom Busting Cheesecake Yogurt
With Louisiana setting records for COVID-19 hospitalizations and the reinstated mask mandate to help curb the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, these days we’re opting for a semi-self-lockdown. That plus the oppressive heat means we aren’t even…
The Best of All Things Brennan
Commander’s Palace recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of offering 25 cent martinis at lunch. Ti Martin and her cousin Lally Brennan own and manage the fabled Garden District restaurant their family started generations ago. Ti generously shared the story…
A Summer Recipe
I tend to be the type of person who works things out in my heart and mind mostly by writing about them. Sometimes I share it publicly and other times I write it down just to get it out…
Sharing The Best of New Orleans Culture with the World
Yesterday the New Orleans Citizen Diplomacy Council (NOCDC) invited me to address an international group of NGO (a nonprofit organization that operates independently of any government, typically to address a social or political issue) managers interested in learning more…
À Votre Santé
The French 75 is my favorite cocktail. I love the lore. I love its namesake bar at Arnaud’s in the French Quarter. I love sipping a Cognac version during colder months. I love the lighter take made with gin…
Gatherings | Goodness To-Go
Picnic Pasta Salad with Oregano Dill Dressing Serves 6-8 Dressing 1 ½ cups vegan mayo ½ cup finely chopped fresh oregano ½ cup finely chopped fresh dill 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons nutritional…
Fire up the Grill
Chef Daniel Esses shared a version of this recipe with me years ago when he was the man behind the menu at Three Muses on Frenchmen Street. Today he mans the kitchen at Rimon in Tulane University’s Hillel Center,…
The Best Recollections and a Recipe for Crawfish Bisque
In 1957 a feature in Holiday magazine described ladies dining on bowls of crawfish bisque Galatoire's. The article was already a relic by the time I read it years ago, but it stuck for its description of the women…
Celebrate the 2021 Top Female Achievers
Celebrate this year's Top Female Achievers with New Orleans Magazine Wednesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. on our Facebook page. Before you tune in, make sure to grab yourself a cocktail and a snack with these recipes provided by…
Enjoy National Burger Month with Recipes from Local New Orleans Restaurants
NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Did you know... May is National Burger Month. Celebrate your love for the classic – and not so classic – burgers all month long at two of New Orleans’ favorite restaurants, or make them at…
Kitchen Gourmet: Local Catch
Tip Use your favorite salsa, either homemade or commercial, for this recipe. Crema is a slightly tangy Mexican cream. If unavailable, substitute sour cream thinned with a little milk or cream. It’s a tradition in these parts to take…
Fish Friday: Picnic Fish Fry
Every week in Lent, we brought readers a fish-forward recipe from a local New Orleans chef or restaurant. Because New Orleans is a seafood-driven city, we have a lagniappe recipe to add to your weekend plans. This week, try…
Fish Fridays: Ralph's On The Park's Blackened Gulf Fish
Every week in Lent, we’re bringing readers a fish-forward recipe from a local New Orleans chef or restaurant. This week, we have the blackened Gulf fish recipe from Ralph's on the Park. Blackened Redfish Ingredients: 1 cup of…
The Promise of Spring
This year, I welcome Easter with open arms. We’ve had our share of dismal, cold, wet weather this year. The barren landscape is quickly taking on its spring lushness. Wild dogwood, native azaleas and delicate bridal wreath add bright splashes…
A Frisky Devil’s Debut
Recipe Frisky Devil Combine 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce Drambuie liqueur, 1.5 ounces honey simple syrup and .75 ounces lemon juice in a shaker. Shake and strain over rocks with ice. Garnish with a strawberry heart (slice a V…
Fish Fridays: Jumbo Lump Crab Deviled Eggs
Every week in Lent, we’re bringing readers a fish-forward recipe from a local New Orleans chef or restaurant. This week, Copper Vine's Chef Amy Mehrtens shares the restaurant's jumbo lump crab deviled eggs. Deviled Eggs Ingredients: 18 Boiled…
Fish Fridays: Pêche Seafood Grill's Tartar Sauce
Every week in Lent, we’re bringing readers a fish-forward recipe from a local New Orleans chef or restaurant. This week, Pêche Seafood Grill's Chef de Cuisine Nicole Mills shares their tartar sauce recipe. A perfect pair for any of…
Date Night In
Earlier this month, we reported on a new initiative during the Lenten season called Fish Fry Friday’s - a partnership with Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and United Way of Southeast Louisiana. During the season, 39 participating restaurants will donate a…
Fish Fridays: GW Fins' Barbecue Shrimp
Every week in Lent, we’re bringing readers a fish-forward recipe from a local New Orleans chef or restaurant. This week we have the GW Fins' barbecue shrimp recipe. BBQ Shrimp Ingredients: 4 pounds fresh head-on Louisiana shrimp (10-15…
Fish Fridays: Chef Jimi Setchim's Bronzed Redfish
Every Thursday in Lent, we're bringing readers a fish-forward recipe from a local New Orleans chef. This week, Chef Jimi Setchim of Broussard's Restaurant and Courtyard shares the restaurant's bronzed redfish recipe. Ingredients: 6 oz Redfish Filet 1…
Daybreak
Buttermilk Biscuits, Sausage and Country Gravy A favorite dish that is enjoyed all across the South. In Louisiana, it is…
Gatherings | Flavor Fiesta
Chile and Turmeric Roast Pork Shoulder Serves 6-8 1 ½ tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves 6 garlic cloves, peeled ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon ground coriander seed ½ teaspoon ground cumin seed ½ teaspoon morita…
Kitchen Gourmet: Put an Egg On It
Asparagus And Sugar Snap Frittata 1 cup sugar snap peas 8 spears thin asparagus 6 large eggs ¼ teaspoon coarse salt freshly ground black pepper ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon butter Put a medium-sized sauce pan of…
Salad Days
We so often forget that a well made salad can serve as very good entrée, all on its own. I knew a salad could be an entrée, but I never wanted it as an entrée, that is until I experienced…
Fish Fridays: Chef Scot Craig’s Crab Cakes
Each Friday in Lent, we'll bring you a fish-forward recipe from a local New Orleans chef. This week, Chef Scot Craig of Katie's Restaurant and Francesca by Katie's shares his crab cake recipe. What you'll need: 8 slices…
It's Lent! So, What Are You Drinking?
It’s Lenten season and many people decide to give up drinking during this time. This year, Lent takes place from Wednesday, Feb. 17, to Thursday, April 1. So, what do you sip on if you’re giving up the practice of…
Purple Haze
Mixologists find it easy to fall in love with Empress 1908 gin derived from butterfly pea blossoms that give the libation its natural indigo color. Handcrafted in small-batch copper pot stills, its exquisite taste, regal look and delicate aroma make…
Light Recipes
One thing everyone agrees upon is that seafood is a healthful food choice. It is high in good things, such as protein, vitamins and minerals, and low in bad things, such as calories, total fat and saturated fat. Eating seafood…
Heavenly Match
There’s so much to love about fried ravioli. (Fun fact it was one of the recipes I submitted to “Guys Grocery Games” when I got picked to compete, so it holds a special place in my heart.) It’s the combo…
Yardi Gras Cocktails
There are so many fun and creative ways to make the best of this off-colored Carnival season. From house floats to fabulous door decorations or creative cocktails, we are up for the challenge. Since city officials are encouraging us…
Drink Whatcha Wanna
Mardi Gras will be different this year. Official floats will not be rolling in 2021, the best time of the year will be condensed and we will be forced to find alternative ways to maneuver through Carnival season. This…
New Years Eve Drinks
It seems restrictions are getting tighter when it comes to going out and visiting our favorite bars. We understand, but that makes for challenging times when trying to come up with festive and great cocktails for the holiday season.…
Cocktails to Get You Through Cancelled Christmas
Hey, we don’t want to hear, "Bah Humbug," and references to the "Grinch Who Stole Christmas." It’s time for cocktail lovers to turn our frowns upside down and consider the glass half full. Let’s get the excitement for the…
Mulling It Over
As I near the finish line of my six-month alcohol-free adventure, which is Jan. 4 for those following along, the holidays — aka mulled beverage season — are upon us. Deprivation is not part of the Bon Vivant lifestyle,…
Holiday Recipes from Some of NOLA's Top Chefs
NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Chef Brian Landry of Jack Rose and Chef Isaac Toups of Toups Meatery offer a few recipes perfect for your holiday season. Chef Brian Landry, Jack Rose – This holiday season, Brian Landry, Chef/Owner of…
Yuletide Cocktails
Holiday cocktails are calling our names, and right about now we are dreaming of hot toddy’s, whimsical cocktails and seasonal wines. It’s time to trim the tree, hang the mistletoe and get creative about our festive holiday drinks. Like…
Frying a Turkey
Variables are a problem with most recipes. Unless you are following instructions that include weights for every ingredient – which is typical only for baking – your ingredients are going to vary from time to time and that’s particularly…
Recettes de cocktail: Party Gras Mambo
Acadiana’s unconventional winter holidays of 2020 are undulating like Bach’s celestial “Christmas Oratorio” trumpets that crescendo and decrescendo until the Epiphany on Jan. 6, when Twelfth Night signals Carnival king cakes and cocktails. Revelers can step up their Mardi Gras…
De la cuisine: Fare Play
When it comes to holiday menus, my family is all over the table. When I was a youngster, we had the usual baked turkey, roast pork, rice dressing (or eggplant dressing), some kind of sweet potatoes, green bean bundles and…
Nosh: Holiday Love
December is always the perfect time to throw a little extra love in the air. Bring this year to a grand finale with this full-flavored showstopper - juicy pork chops complimented perfectly by a sweet whiskey berry sauce with a…
Holiday Happy Hour at Home
The holiday season is upon us and, like everything else, it will be a bit different this year. There will likely be fewer people, less spirited revelry and we will be forced to find ways to use our creative…
Loews New Orleans Hotel Shares Flavorful “Getaway in a Glass”
NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Loews New Orleans Hotel is sharing its iconic cocktail, the NOLA Hurricane to give a little taste of New Orleans for those dreaming of a getaway. “Getaways in a Glass” is a new Loews Hotels brand-wide…
Brunch Bunch: Melanie’s Mellow (or Not) Michelada
This week I hit month four of my six-month alcohol-free challenge. (It’s going well, I don’t miss booze and I feel great, thanks for asking!) I celebrated by mixing up and hoisting an ice-cold Michelada. That is, an ice cold,…
Crazy Times Call For Crazy Cocktails
Many of us are swirling from the whirlwind of hurricanes, the pandemic, elections and so much more these days. And recently, some of you have been asking us for cocktails to match our ever changing moods. So, we are…
Staying in or Heading Out: The Best for This Weekend
This past was a particularly crafty weekend. I spent it carving elaborate pumpkins with my niece and creating one of those monster-themed candy shoot things so we can issue candy to trick-or-treaters from a distance. That Halloween is on…
Nosh: Bowled Over
Everyone needs an impressive soup under your belt, and nothing says “I’m about to impress the hell out of my guests” better than a good bisque. In some cities they call it “chowder,” but in New Orleans, when we make…
Wine Not?
I know what you are thinking: What’s the point of a zero proof French 75? It is said to have been created not long after World War I and named after a French 75mm field gun, precisely because of…
The Best Sandwiches to Check out this Weekend and an Oyster Recipe to Make at Home
I have identified several large, centuries-old oak trees with ground sweeping boughs in public spaces in various small neighborhood parks around town in which to meet friends. It is always 10 to15 degrees cooler under such a tree and…
Rerun: Bars Doing it differently, Again
The new government rule states that bars can now begin serving to-go drinks again, but other restrictions still remain in place. Our suggestion is that you check with a place before you go in to make sure you are…
The Best Reasons to Visit My Happy 'Hood, the Land of Tacos and Margaritas
I was 27 when I bought my home near Magazine and Jefferson in Uptown's West Riverside neighborhood. That was 1996 and I still love it here. I never get bored. I have seen things change and, due to an…
Recipe Pairs Well With Virtual Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
LAFAYETTE, La – Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is going virtual this year, but that doesn't mean you can't add a little something special while celebrating at home. Acadian Slice sent their "Brown Butta Pecan Pie" recipe to Acadiana Profile…
The Best: Welcome Autumn This Weekend
Unlike the hours-long little teaser that dropped us into the mid 70s last weekend, a bonafide days-long cool front offering evening lows in the 60s and daily highs in the 70s has settled upon our weary, sweaty city. The…
Twist on a Punch
Bartender Toure Folkes founded Turning Tables in July 2019. Turning Tables advocates for equity in the hospitality industry providing mentorship, educational tools and classes, as well as exposure for the brown and black community of New Orleans. A core component…
Everything Is Better With Booze
"Work hard, play hard" – the phrase so many of us in New Orleans have lived by for years. COVID-19 has made the mantra a bit harder. Now, finding a place that offers drink specials and happy hours is…
The Best Cool Bites to Get You Out of the Kitchen
Though an enthusiastic cook and appreciative of the slight reprieve from the summer temperatures, I remain unconvinced that Gumbo Weather is upon us. I am still avoiding heat belching ovens, roiling liquids in a hot pots, and, for the most…
The Best Things to Check Out This Weekend
The temperature seems to be giving us a little break, and there are some exciting things to celebrate on the culinary scene. Check it out. When she died last year at age 96, Chef Leah Chase, the embodiment of…
Live Kids Cooking Classes with SoFAB
NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Live Kids Cooking Classes with SoFAB Kids! Every other Wednesday at 4 p.m., kids 7-11 years old, or adults young at heart, are invited to cook along with Miss Jennie via zoom and FB…
A Sweet, Minty Julep for Kentucky Derbying at Home
Due to the weirdness that is our year of the pandemic, the 146th Kentucky Derby did not run on the first Saturday in May. Rather, it is running tomorrow — the first Saturday in September. My husband and I are…
The Best Way to Celebrate Nothing at All This Weekend, Because Why Not?
Long story short, I ended up in Greenville, Mississippi at the home of Frankie Keating for an extended stay after Katrina. She and her then recently departed husband, Bern, were a brilliant, elegant, worldly couple, who were still going…
Chicken Dance
Chicken is to a cook what an empty canvas is to a painter. It suggests infinite possibilities, limited only by one’s imagination and talent. There have probably been more culinary improvisations involving chicken than most any other ingredient, in part…
The Best Weekend Cheap Thrills
A couple of weeks ago my suggestions for dining out – or at least acquiring food from somewhere other than your own kitchen – on the cheap were received with enough enthusiasm as to warrant additional exploration of the…
New Orleans Chefs Share Labor Day Recipes
NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Chefs Nina Compton, Isaac Toups and Bryan Landry have shared a few of their favorite recipes ahead of Labor Day celebrations. Chef Brian Landry, Bayou Bar 1&1 Burger with Hickory BBQ Sauce - No…
Date Night: Pandemic Edition
With statewide and city pandemic phasing and social distancing mandates still in place and a few tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico, it is easy to let everything consume your mood and completely kill the romance. But it’s…
The Best Ways to Enjoy Gulf Shrimp This Weekend
With potential atmospheric calamities threatening to enter the Gulf, record-breaking temperatures, nowhere to go and nothing to do, continuing record high unemployment, a barbaric election cycle, and COVID – a most unwelcome guest now bearing the stench of nearly…
Last Call: Old is New Again
In the heat of a New Orleans summer, like now, for instance, creativity and more effort fade away to a “Let’s just get this done as quickly as possible” attitude. Understandable. The daiquiri cocktail takes its name from both a…
Food: Peachy Keen
I once tracked down the best routes out of New Orleans to load up on fresh peaches in August. That’s not to say the grocery stores weren’t selling them, but I have a childhood love of food fresh off the…
Wanna Grab A Drink?
Baby, it’s hot outside and many of us are looking for cool cocktails to beat the heat. Finding a place that is open might be a bit of a challenge these days, but if you call ahead and ask around,…
The Best Cheap Eats to Check Out This Weekend
Whether you have a hole in your pocket the size of 1. The job you used to have before COVID; 2. The federally enhanced unemployment check you used to get before the system went off of the rails; 3.…
The Best Things to Do in St. Tammany Parish on the Cheap This Weekend
I love to go tubing. A simple creature, plopping my butt in an inner tube then floating down a river with a group of friends while alternating between eating fried chicken and drinking beer (this is the only time…
Recettes de cocktails: In Pursuit of Simplicity
While the swimsuits and shorelines of summer vanish with the Sept. 22 autumn equinox, Acadiana’s cooling cocktails prevail with the lingering heat. Soaring temperatures invariably converge with the onset of fall, when fields of sugar cane reach harvest heights along…
Toups Shares Recipe Ahead of National Oyster Day, Aug. 5
NEW ORLEANS – Chef Isaac Toups of Toups Meatery has shared his recipe for roasted oysters with crab fat butter ahead of National Oyster Day, which is Aug. 5. Below you'll find Toups' recipe. Make the recipe yourself? Let us…
Summer Sippin' In New Orleans Series
NEW ORLEANS (press release) – A few New Orleans bartenders are sharing cocktail recipes in a new Summer Sippin' in New Orleans series. The bartenders are from popular local restaurants and the cocktails are perfect to make at home.…
Ice Cold: 3 Sweet Smoothies for Cooling Off (and One Might be a Daiquiri)
Over the past few years, I’ve become one of those smoothie people. I make them with spinach and beets and pretty much any veggie you can stick in a blender and mask the potential weirdness with one or more…
Hone Your Bartending Skills at Home
It’s the heat of summer and we recently had a quick taste of getting things back to normal, or somewhat normal. We grew accustomed to walking into a bar masked up, sitting apart at a same distance... Then BAM,…
Melanie’s Mighty Tasty Mexican Martini
We lived in Texas for 12 years and to this day, I frequently crave a good Mexican Martini. For the uninitiated, it’s a margarita, but with the addition of olive juice and a lot more tequila. The extra tequila…
The Things We’ve Baked
When Ruby left to spend the summer with her dad five weeks ago, Georgia and I spent about an hour moping around the house. Then, to cheer ourselves up, we got drive-thru Taco Bell and took a walk at…
I Scream, You Scream
Rich Mocha Ice Cream 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso ⅔ cup Dutchprocess cocoa 1 cup granulated sugar 2 cups heavy cream Combine coffee, cocoa and sugar in a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Add cream and whisk.…
A Summer's Reward
Usually the trek to arrive at a New Orleans’ July is not so manic, not so distressing. This year we have all paid a dear price for the journey and we have arrived at a season not usually associated with…
Mellowing with Melon
On a hot summer day of my childhood, there was nothing like an ice-cold watermelon to pick up your spirits. If nothing else, it cooled you down a notch and entertained you long enough to make scary teeth out of…
Literary Sustenance: When Reading About Medieval Honey Cake Creates a Craving
Since sometime in 2019, I’ve been living in the middle ages. Well, that is, literarily speaking. I’ve been reading every book I can get my hands on by Elizabeth Chadwick, foremost author of medieval tales, so thankfully I’m living…
Gatherings: Big Easy Cheesy
Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Ingredients 1 pound macaroni noodles salt, to taste 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup minced garlic 2 tablespoons flour 1 pint milk 1 pound shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 pound…
A Cool Drink
A lot of events in New Orleans revolve around drinking and revelry. But when the summer months hit, besides a cold beer, sometimes certain alcohols just aren’t what you want to reach for while celebrating. It’s also nice, when…
It's All About The Hot Sauce
Our neighbors and friends returned from a brief trip out of town today, and the first thing my friend Joe said to me was – paraphrasing – that the hot sauce I’d given him was quite nice. I have…
The Joys of Rum, Part 2
Our previous column, The Joys of Rum, Part 1, seems to have hit a responsive chord among readers and so we are pleased to continue the thread. Besides, rum is such a broad topic and close to our lives…
The Joys of Rum, Part 1
Rum needs better publicity representation. How can a spirit so outstanding and enjoyable not be a part of every drinking person’s daily program? If nothing else, on historic value alone, rum certainly makes for a better story than vodka.…
De la cuisine: Classic Elegance
Since childhood, summer has been my favorite time of year. What better time to enjoy lolling in a hammock staring at the clouds, and maybe a having a quick dip in a cool swimming pool. In my adult life, a…
Italian Inspiration
Even in a place with a strong Italian and Sicilian heritage, such as New Orleans, the Garibaldi cocktail, like its namesake, is relatively unknown. Which is a shame because the cocktail is easy to make and has a valid background…
Page Turners
My first invitation to lunch In New Orleans after moving here was to meet under the clock at D.H. Holmes and then it was on to Galatoire's. I'll never forget that meal - oysters Rockefeller and shrimp-and crab-stuffed eggplant. It…
Margarita Monday: Melanie’s Honey Key Lime Margarita
A few weeks back, Cinco de Mayo and its joyous convergence with Taco Tuesday inspired most of us to mix up a batch of margaritas at home. It reminded me how much I love a good margarita and since…
Caterer's Choice Rewind: Wedding Charcuterie Board
In the midst of the global pandemic, many couples are socially distancing and staying at home together. For anyone, this time is trying and can cause stress. For the past few weeks, we have brought back a series we…
A Recipe That May Help
Here are the things I know if you are reading this: 1) You have a device capable of accessing the internet. 2) You are a human of discerning taste. The latter makes me think you will appreciate a recipe…
Become Your Own Bartender
As the global pandemic strikes us all, it leaves bars with closed doors and quiet registers. Owners, servers and bartenders are forced to find alternative ways to survive. And bars don’t even have the option to adopt the now…
Caterer's Choice Rewind: Backyard Fry Party
The weather has been gorgeous the past couple of days in New Orleans, which only makes social distancing – especially for social New Orleanians – even more difficult. Many families and groups of friends have gotten crafty when it…
Bread Wars
The entire internet has seemingly been baking homemade bread for weeks, with the exception of those of us who weren’t prescient enough to buy yeast before the COVID-19 hoarding began in earnest. My husband Mark and I bake bread…
Kitchen Gourmet: Fresh Catch
Before Hurricane Rita washed me out of it, I lived on a small bayou that emptied into Vermilion Bay. I knew shrimp season was about to open when I heard my neighbor tuning up the engine on his boat, the…
DIVERTICUWHAT?
It has been an interesting quarantine chez Peyton. There’s Chef’s Brigade, which has taken up a good bit of time and then my father-in-law was hospitalized with double pneumonia. He was released a couple of weeks ago and for…
Luxury Cooking for 1
Eggs Hussarde Brennan’s New Orleans Cookbook (1961) Ingredients: 2 large thin slices ham, grilled 2 Holland Rusks (a light, crisp toast available at most grocery stores) 1/4 cup Marchand de Vin Sauce 2 slices tomato, grilled 2 eggs, soft poached 3/4…
