OK, admittedly I’ve only visited the Big Easy a handful of times but there’s just something about this town that gets under your skin. (I’m convinced I was a Southerner in another life…or maybe it’s just wishful thinking.)
This past weekend, Serena and I had the honor of participating in the Food & Culinary Professionals (FCP) executive committee meeting – FCP is a subgroup of the American Dietetic Association with a special interest in the link between nutrition, cooking and the enjoyment of food. (Note: if you are an RD that loves to eat and have fun, you MUST join this group – Chair Bonnie Johnson has some amazing member benefits planned for the next year.)
Speaking of food – a few highlights from the weekend:
* The garden ambiance at The Court of Two Sisters.
With one of my most favorite Southern gals, Regan Jones of The Professional Palate blog.)
* Crawfish & Green Tomato Casserole at Cochon (Chef/Owner Stephen Stryjewski recently won the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the South)
* Gouda Beignets at The Bouligny Tavern
* “Foraging” fresh figs in the French Quarter
* Vintage cookooks at Kitchen Witch
*The ultimate of tourist traditions, Jazz Brunch at the landmark Commanders Palace. Chef Tory McPhail gave us the royal treatment with many surprises throughout the divine courses.
* Prettiest dish of the day: Shrimp & Tasso Henican on a gorgeous bed of five pepper jelly.
* 3 piece jazz band serenades us to a fab rendition of “Last Night on the Back Porch” as Grillade & Cheese Grits are served.
\”Last Night on the Back Porch\” at Commanders
* Creole Bread Pudding Souffle (with whiskey sauce added tableside.) Alas, there is no picture because I couldn’t be bothered to set down my spoon for even a minute to take the shot.
Have you been to New Orleans? What are your favorite places to eat, drink & visit? And do I need to start watching Treme?
Missing you guys already!!!
(and loving how beautiful that shot of the shrimp turned out… must have been the beautiful natural lighting
ha!)
Be sure and come back y’all!
Can’t wait to go back! Thanks for capturing so many delicious moments of the trip…
It was a wonderful weekend. I was reminded of the power of friendships. Thanks for your commitment to FCP.
Let’s make a trip to NOLA a tradition
Great post – everyone got to take in a lot of fab dining in a few short days! Love that you posted the serenade too.
Excited for the year ahead with you ladies!
Sounds like an amazing trip! I am a member of FCP and can’t wait to hear about all the great things planned.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend FNCE this year, but fingers crossed I’ll be able to attend some events down the road.
D-
I’ve been to the Court of Two Sisters for the Sunday Brunch; someday I’d like to go there with my Bride.