On the last leap year, I wrote a post telling you about taking a leap of faith and moving to New Orleans. I showed you a few of my favorite things about New Orleans. Those things haven’t changed, but I have added so much to them. This is a fascinating city that makes it hard to imagine living anywhere else. There is just no other place like it.
Here are some of my favorites from back then and some that I have added since.
Huge, old oak trees
Who doesn’t love a little lagniappe? It is always nice to get (and give) a little something extra, which is the definition of lagniappe (pronounced lan-yap). Recently, I received a lagniappe from the lovely evening out at Le Petit Salon. If you read that story, you may remember, the oysters that were shucked and served on in the courtyard of the Salon. These were served before the program and there were many left, so in the spirit of true hospitality, the wonderful hostesses insisted that we take some home. I was handed a container of at least a quart of plump, juicy, brine, freshly shucked oysters to take home! This is enough for my husband and me to make two generous meals.
First up – fried oysters on the porch (shown above) with my husband’s famous french fries.
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This morning, I ran across this story in the New Orleans Advocate about the historic, Woodland plantation in LaPlace, Louisiana going on the market. What an interesting story it is! This plantation home, built in 1793 has fallen into disrepair in recent years and is looking for a new owner, who can restore it to its past grandeur. This is a sketch of the plantation from 1871 by Alfred Waud.
The French Quarter in New Orleans has so many secret little courtyards and hidden jewels. One such jewel, that I am showing you today, is Le Petit Salon. If you have visited in New Orleans, you probably have walked right past and never knew it existed. Le Petit Salon is a ladies organization that was formed in 1924 to “keep alive the love of the old traditions of New Orleans.” The building where Le Petit Salon meets is four stories high. The top two stories are rented out as apartments and the bottom two floors are where the ladies meet.
Built in 1838 by Victor David, Le Petit Salon as it was then from the watercolor by Boyd Cruise
Recently, I was honored to be invited as a guest, along with my husband, to a rare night time event at Le Petit Salon (also referred to simply as “the salon”). It was a Valentine evening where men were welcomed.
Looking for a delicious and easy treat for Valentine’s Day? What could fit the bill better than some buttery, garlicky chargrilled oysters. Oysters are supposed to be an aphrodisiac, are they not? Okay, the garlic may cancel a bit of that quality out. But, these are delicious to share with your sweetie or even to enjoy on your own.
Serve these with some hot, crusty French bread and a salad, and you’ve got a fabulous meal.
This is also something that you and your sweetie can make together!Here is how to make them.
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Today, I’m joining Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.
The weather is beautiful here and I couldn’t resist setting up a Valentine-y brunch on the porch.
Mark Twain observed, “… I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi Gras in New Orleans.”
It’s Monday morning in New Orleans and this Monday that means Lundi Gras! In the blink of an eye, Carnival will be over. In most places, tomorrow will be just another Tuesday. Here it is Mardi Gras, a major celebration. Schools will be closed. No mail will be delivered. Banks are closed. People, of all ages, will be outfitted in costumes and masks. The city is adorned with beads and doubloons and boas and funny hats and colored wigs.
Sometimes called, “Old Sober” because of its reported ability to cure a hangover, yakamein is a yummy stewed beef soup, served over noodles and garnished with a boiled egg and sliced green onions. Hungover, or not, this is a tasty soup that can be made ahead and assembled as needed.
Some people add the Worcestershire sauce to the broth. I may do that the next time I make this. Also, some recipes add beef bouillon or beef broth to the water. I tried both. I thought these made the broth a little too salty. I might try adding just a little broth but be sure to check the seasoning as you go.
You can find out how to make perfect hard boiled eggs here (at the end of the post).
Yesterday, I shared my experience of being in a Carnival Krewe and riding in a parade. Today, I wanted to show you some of the tables from a Masquerade Ball. This is a fun event with everyone dressed so elegantly in their ball gowns and tuxes. Masks are required and must be worn until dinner. Here is the beautiful ballroom, decked out for the ball. Notice the fleur de lis napkin folds and the beads along side each place setting. Also, the cute light up martini glasses are at each place and were given as a one of the favors.
We are in the full swing of Carnival here in New Orleans. The beads are flying, the bands are marching, the floats are rolling, and it is truly something incredible to behold. As I mentioned in a past post, I was lucky to get to be a part of the fabulous Mystic Krewe of Nyx when I first moved to New Orleans. Nyx will roll Wednesday night. People have asked me about that experience. So today, I am sharing the experience of being a part of a Carnival Krewe and riding in a Carnival Parade.
One of my favorite things about living in New Orleans is taking the opportunity to be a tourist in my own town. There are so many things to see and do. I also love watching visitors enjoying this unique city. One of the places that locals enjoy is City Park. It is also visited by many tourists, and it is certainly worth the short ride on the streetcar.
City Park is a 1300 acre oasis in the heart of New Orleans. The lake and bayous that meander through the park afford visitors with the opportunity to see incredible wildlife, including swans, geese, ducks and turtles. I saw all of these on my recent visit. You will see beautiful oaks dripping with Spanish moss, colorful flowers and lush, tropical green plants. The park is home to botanic gardens, an amusement park, a putt putt range, the Big Lake with paddle boats and canoes. It is also the home of Morning Call where you can rest and refresh with cafe au lait and beignets.
