Blood Drive
This weekend, I’ll be taking part in the “Son of a Beach” multi-krewe blood drive party at The Rusty Nail from Noon to 6 p.m. Along with my krewe, the Dames de Perlage, members of The Rolling Elvi, The Muffalottas, The Sirens, Krewe de Fleurs, Lucha Krewe, Beyjorettes and the Merry Antoinettes will be on hand to host and just generally be fabulous. Music will be provided by Big Fun Brass Band, and one lucky participant will win a special glitter shoe created by Glitter Addict NOLA, plus much, much more. It’s guaranteed to be a fun time, with blood donations going to replace local low-summer supplies as well as efforts for New Orleanian Joe Copper, who was shot multiple times while defending his Gentilly home during a robbery. Blood donation appointments can be made online through the invitation link or QR code. Put on your chicest caftan, slip on some flip flops and join us for the fun, for a great cause.
Cooking Things Up
New Orleans is quickly becoming THE place to celebrate and launch new cookbooks, with two great events coming up this week and next.
This Wednesday, fans of noted local eateries Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine can enjoy beer, snacks and music, and purchase a copy of chef Mason Hereford’s funny and wry cookbook, “Turkey and the Wolf: Flavor Trippin’ in New Orleans” at the Garden District Book Shop. Hereford will be on hand to sign copies of the book and chat with party-goers about cooking, Southern food and more.
Next Thursday, Sept. 22, New York Times food writer Melissa Clark will be in town to premiere her latest cookbook, “Dinner in One.” Hosted by the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, with snacks provided by Chef Mason Hereford and the Turkey and the Wolf team, Clark will provide a cooking demonstration and be on hand to answer questions and sign copies of the book. Tickets are $75 for non-SoFAB members and $65 for members, and include a copy of the book, snacks and beer and wine from the bar.
Scary Stories
Not a cookbook, but in other book news, one half of the wildly popular true crime/supernatural podcast “Morbid,” Alaina Urqhuart, has a new book coming out this week (Sept. 13.) “The Butcher and the Wren” is set in New Orleans and south Louisiana and follows forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller as she tries to crack the case of who is committing a series of murders…before they can strike again. In addition to podcasting, Urquhart is a trained autopsy technician, and brings her first-hand knowledge and investigative know-how to her writing. Hit up your favorite local bookstore and pick up a copy!