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New Orleans has some of the best chefs in the United States and the world. The latest list of James Beard semifinalists make that point very well. It includes several chefs and eateries from New Orleans.
Here Is The 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalists From New Orleans
Here are the New Orleans restaurants and chefs that made the list:
- Brennan’s, New Orleans (Outstanding Restaurant)
- Serigne Mbaye, Dakar Nola, New Orleans (Emerging Chef)
- Fritai, New Orleans (Best New Restaurant)
- Lengua Madre, New Orleans (Best New Restaurant)
- Avenue Pub, New Orleans (Outstanding Bar Program)
- Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith, Saint-Germain, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Hao Gong, LUVI Restaurant, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Michael Nelson, GW Fins, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Melissa M. Martin, Mosquito Supper Club, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Allison Richard, High Hat Cafe, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Isaac Toups, Toups’ Meatery, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
Final Word
Being named a finalist for a James Beard Award is a great honor. Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
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Who of us doesn’t want to save money at the pump? You can do just that by filling up your car on a certain day.
It may sound strange, but which day you choose to put fuel in your car can make a big difference.
What Is The Best Day To still Up in New Orleans?
GasBuddy says the best day of the week to get gas in New Orleans is Saturday. That means if you tend to spend more gas money early in the week, you should at least try to have enough in the tank to last until Saturday. After that, it’s time to fill ‘Er up.
How To Keep More Of Your Gas Money
Now let’s go over some ways to save gas money in New Orleans:
Use Less Expensive Gas
If your car can stand it, use a lower grade of gasoline. Many cars can perform just as well if they use gas that isn’t premium. At the same time, if your car’s manual recommends premium petrol, that’s what you need to use in your car.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
When your tires don’t have enough air, it throws off your fuel economy, which wastes your gas.
Final Word
The key to saving money at the pump is to get gas on the days when the prices are lowest: For New Orleans, it’s actually on the weekend on Saturday. Make your dollars count by taking advantage of this hack.
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Carnival is one of the most celebratory times in not only Louisiana, but across the South. If you’re headed to New Orleans for the festivities, you should have a plan on what you’d like to do (and eat).
Mardi Gras 2022: What To Do And Where To Eat
This article will show you some of the best places to visit and the top restaurants to eat at during your visit to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
Table of Contents:
When is Mardi Gras 2022?
Mardi Gras 2022 is Tuesday, March 1, aka Fat Tuesday. But in the city, related events such as shows, parties, pageants and parades stretch two weeks before and after. Sometimes, events can go until Easter.
Where To Visit New Orleans For Mardi Gras
Now that we’re straight on the dates, let’s talk about some must-visits for your trip.
French Quarter
One of the most famous districts in the world, New Orleans’ French Quarter is where you’ll find street dancers, a second-line band playing into the night and strong hurricane drinks. While there’s no big “thing” to visit or see in the French Quarter, just being around the area can yield some treasures for the observant person.
Pitot House
1440 Moss St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-0312
If you want a dose of antebellum history, the Pitot House in New Orleans fits the bill. The historic landmark is an 18th-century Creole colonial country home and makes for a great weekend stop.
Take A Swamp Tour
When you come to Nola, there are few things as bayou-authentic as a swamp tour. You’ll enjoy the time outdoors, get a real taste of the bayou and even get to see some alligators.
Here are some top swamp tour companies:
- New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours | (504) 571-9975
- Bayou Swamp Tours | (504) 370-8771
- Gators & Ghosts: A New Orleans Tour Company
Eat Some Beignets At Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is known around the world as having some of the best powdered dumplings — beignets — you can find outside of France.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cafe Du Monde. “What else can I say that hasn’t already been said. This place is an absolute must despite the touristy crowd. The jazz band that sits on the sidewalk out front adds the perfect level of cover from the hustling and bustling sounds of the street.”
Where To Eat In New Orleans For Mardi Gras
Now let’s get into some great places to eat in New Orleans right now.
Brennan’s
417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-9711
Here’s what one reviewer says about Brennan’s: “Design of the restaurant is really good. Service was decent. However I did not like the food. Whether that was my fried rabbit particularly or the oil they use, I just stayed hungry.”
Cochon Restaurant
930 Tchoupitoulas St suite a, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 588-2123
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cochon: “Our experience at Cochon was pleasant. Service was quick and food was delicious. Drinks are also well crafted. The oysters on garlic chili oil was a winner. The alligator was different. If you don’t mind eating alligator then it’s probably good. Just not for me.”
Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 899-8221
Here’s what one customer says about Commander’s Palace: “Commander’s Palace was a lovely dining experience- the ambiance was great, our waiter had a dynamite personality, and we had fun having an excuse to dress up! I forget the details but I believe the sourcing of the meat was local/organic if they possibly could which I thought was nice. Also, the bread pudding was delicious!”
Doris Metropolitan New Orleans
620 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | : (504) 267-3500
Here’s what one customer says about Doris: “This place was incredible. The service was excellent. The food was… I swear I died and am presently a ghost. The desert was so so so rich, but so incredibly good.
Absolutely hit this place up if you are looking to dine high quality.”Final Word
New Orleans is known as a party city, but a celebratory city is a much more accurate word. Mardi Gras marks one of the largest celebrations in the world and it happens every year right here in New Orleans.
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With Mardi Gras gearing up around the city, you may be down for a more tamer celebration of New Orleans. It’s called Family Gras and we’re going to tell you all about it.
What Is Family Gras?
Like its name implies, Family Gras is a celebration that mimicks the wilder Mardi Gras, but it’s more age-appropriate for children.
Family Gras celebrations typically take place the weekend before Mardi Gras, and that’s the case this year.
When Is Family Gras?
Family Gras is the weekend of February 18-20, 2022 around New Orleans. The family tradition stretches back several years as a way to give the kids something to do while the grown-ups party up.
Where Is Family Gras This Year?
This year the big Family Gras celebration is back in Metarie. Here are the details.
Metairie: Friday through Sunday, come out to Metairie’s Family Gras celebration, which takes place at Mardi Gras Plaza on the 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
Come watch to Elite Redfish Series Mardi Gras Cup weigh-ins at the Berkley Fishing Experience Tanks at 4pm, followed by the New Orleans Artists’ Tribute to Allen Toussaint at 5pm, the legendary Marie Osmond at 6pm, & the Krewes of Excalibur and Symphony parades closing out the night. Learn more.
Final Word
Family Gras is a great event to spend some time with your family. Come out for the live music, crowds and big fun. Looking for more to do in New Orleans? We’ve got you.
Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans
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Louisiana’s first sake brewery recently opened in New Orleans. On Feb. 8, 2022, Wetlands Sake celebrated the grand opening of its new taproom.
Owners Nan & Lindsey said they noticed a void in the Pelican State and decided to fill it.
“Sake is a beloved beverage around the world, but we noticed something was missing here at home,” the founders say on Wetland Sake’s website. “Americans are loosely familiar with sake, but it’s often only associated with food and usually ordered by the bottle or glass. Unfamiliar flavor descriptions and complex labels sometimes prevent Americans from giving sake a chance.”
What Are The Operating Hours For Wetlands Sake?
Wetlands Sake is open the following times:
MON – TUE Closed
WED & THR 4pm – 9pm
FRI & SAT 4pm-10pm
SUN 12pm-5pmWhere Is Wetlands Sake Located?
Wetlands Sake is located at 634 Orange Street in the Lower Garden District. Here is a map to help you find it.
The event, featuring a crawfish boil, food trucks and live music, will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Located in a converted warehouse, the facility has large picture windows overlooking the sake brewing area. It is fitted with a garage door that opens to outdoor seating, pergolas and a covered patio. The bar has eight taps pouring limited-edition sakes, ranging from the traditional to sparkling concoctions and cocktail-inspired sake infusions. An adjoining market and eatery, dubbed the Commissary, will open in late February to serve “elevated bar fare.”
Final Word
Wetlands Sake isn’t the only place to grab a drink in New Orleans. Here’s where to grab a martini.
New Orleans is practically has a party every night, not to mention the many rowdy restaurants that offer a great meal and a good time.
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The Tennessee Williams Fest is coming this spring to New Orleans. The annual event will once again feature a who’s who of popular musicians and artists.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the five-day festival in New Orleans.
Everything You Need To Know About The Tennessee Williams Festival
The Tennessee Williams Fest is a five-day fesrival that focuses on contemporary literature, culture, and theatre. Now in its 36th year, festival has some great things you need to know about.
The annual Tennessee Williams Tribute Reading returns with Williams’ poetry, prose, and letters, as well as some surprising reviews, critical responses, adaptations, draft material, and playful insights into the enduring cultural reception of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Readers include Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown, Michael Cerveris, Brenda Currin, Jewelle Gomez, among others.TWFest is hosting “Cocktails with Tennessee: Making Magic Happen With 4 Drinks Inspired by His Characters.” Bakery Bar’s Joe Witkowski, will meld his bartending and theatrical skills to create one-of-a-kind cocktails. Sue Strachan, author of “The Café Brûlot,” will join him at New Orleans’ classic restaurant, Antoine’s.
When Is The Tennessee Williams Fest?
The Tennessee Williams Fest is Wednesday, March 23, 2022 to Sunday, March 27, 2022. This year’s festival is honoring the 75th anniversary of the iconic play, A Streetcar Named Desire.
Who Is Performing At The Tennessee Williams Fest?
The artists performing at the Tennessee Williams Fest include Constance Adler, Jamie Attenberg, Mary Mayhew Bergman, Rick Bragg, Tyler Bridges, Elizabeth Miki Brina, Jericho Brown, Michael Cerveris, Craig Colten, Augustin J Correro, Brenda Currin, Peter Ho Davies, Mary Gauthier, Jewelle Gomez, Peter Hagan, Miles Harvey, Ladee Hubbard, Rickie Lee Jones, Errol Laborde, Zachary Lazar, Robert Mann, Eric Nguyen, Glen Pitre, Betsy Prioleau, Kathy Randels, Nathaniel Rich, Gary Richards, Farrah Rochon, Tom Sancton, Kalamu Ya Salaam, Timothy Schaffert, Katie Simpson Smith, Oliver Thomas, Poppy Tooker, Esmé Weijun Wang, David Williams and many more.
Where Will The Tennessee Williams Fest Take Place?
The Tennessee Williams Fest will take place in the French Quarter, for the most part. Many downtown New Orleans hotels will be venues, including Hotel Monteleone, the Festival’s host hotel; The Historic New Orleans Collection; Williams Research Center; the New Orleans Jazz Museum; Beauregard-Keyes House; Muriel’s Jackson Square; and Palm Court Jazz Cafe; among others.
How To Get Tickets To The Tennessee Williams Fest?
Festival Tickets will go on sale mid-February. Prices for most individual events range from $10 to $45. For more information and a full listing of events visit tennesseewilliams.net.
Final Word
The Tennessee Williams Fest isn’t the only thing happening in New Orleans. The city practically has a party every night, not to mention the many rowdy restaurants that offer a great meal and a good time.
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If you love cooking, then you’ll appreciate a new school that teaches you how to make some of the most flavorful dishes in the Southeast.
Deelightful Roux recently was opened by Chef Dwynesha Lavigne, who is best known as the founder and creator of Deelightful Cupcakes, a gourmet cupcake and confectionary treats bakery.
Lavigne’s school is an interactive cooking school housed at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans.
To city residents, Lavigne may be more known for her regular segments on WWLTV.
The cooking school takes place three times a week — Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays starting at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The classes will have up to 10 people and be centered on New Orleans-style dishes.
Want to join in? Sign up here.
Here are the best black-owned restaurants in New Orleans.
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With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, several New Orleans restaurants are rolling out the red carpet for the love holiday. Check out these special dinner options around New Orleans.
Where To Eat For Valentine’s Day In New Orleans
No matter if you’re looking for an upscale evening of dining on fine China or a casual outing, New Orleans has many great restaurants to choose from on that special day.
All of these restaurants offer a great atmosphere for couples and have stringent COVID protocols in force. Oh, and the food is delicious!
The Blue Crab
7900 Lakeshore Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 284-2898
Here’s what one diner says about The Blue Crab: “Food was delicious and service was great. I had the grilled oysters and red snapper entree. The oysters were good but 2 of my 6 were burnt. The snapper was delicious but on the small side for the price.”|
Atchafalaya
901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 891-9626
Come for the Crab Cake Benedict, stay for the brunch Bloody Mary.
Here’s what one diner says about Atchafalaya : “Shrimp and Crab Cake Benedict special, Bananas Foster Waffle, Five “A” bloody Mary and mimosa. Everything was delicious and the outdoor seating area was perfect for us to enjoy the beautiful weather with our dog. Our waitress was amazing. If you want to hear the live music you’ll want to sit inside. Mask required inside and COVID vaccine or negative PCR test proof required. Pets allowed outside.”
Pluck Wine & Bar Restaurant
722 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
Come for the Rose’, stay for the Flash Fried Frog Legs.
Here’s what one food lover has to say about Pluck Wine & Bar: “Super cool wine place with a smart wine list and lots of tasty bites. I love it, definitely a great place to overindulge. If you’re going to buy a really nice bottle they better have the right glass for it and this place definitely does. Wonderful.”
Oceana Grill
739 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-6002
Here’s what one diner says about the Oceana Grill: “One of the best meals I ever had. The Cajun food is so good I could die happy after eating it. The delicious bread pudding is warm and drizzled with rum sauce. The crab cakes are so good it’s ridiculous. I highly recommend coming if you carving some Cajun food.”
Herbsaint
701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-4114
Come for the James Beard Award-winning Gumbo, stay for the Spaghetti.
Here’s what one diner says about Herbsaint: “The food deserve 5 stars, but I had to go with 4 because when we ate, almost everything was quite too salty. However we got there at almost 9pm with no reservation, and still they managed to give us a table, which was awesome. For VEGANS don’t be afraid to come eat here, the chef will prepare something at his discretion. And what I go it was Soo Good! My husband asked for 3 portion of short ribs, that’s how much he enjoyed them. My husband actually returned a dish back because it was too salty, and we appreciate that we were not charged for it. Service could have been more personable, but no complaints.”
Maypop
611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113 | (504) 518-6345
Here’s what one customer says about Maypop: “In a sea of restaurants that are [more or less] putting out the same types of food, it is guaranteed you will find completely unique and incredible eats at Maypop.
“I’m not even sure what you’d classify this type of food. Definitely Asian fusion but it’s simply better than that. Everything here is simply delicious and unexpected.”
Final Word
You don’t need a holiday to find great food in New Orleans. It’s practically on every block, just about.
There’s no shortage of fine cuisine and ambiance in New Orleans. All you have to do is choose!
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If you’re looking for some men’s suits that are high quality and trendy, you want to focus on apparel that is well made and comes in classic colors.
This article will show you some great men’s suits you can wear for the best occasions.
How A Good Suit Can Give You ConfidenceMen who dress well exude confidence, which is very attractive.
The better you look, the better you feel. And that can go along way in the boardroom and even the bedroom. So let your dress speak for you.
Here are some great pieces you can try on yourself.1. Kenneth Cole Reaction Men’s Techni-Cole Stretch Slim Fit Suit – $99.99
Buy It
2. YFFUSHI Men’s Slim Fit 3 Piece Suit One Button Blazer Tux Vest & Trousers – $74
Buy It
3. Perry Ellis Men’s Slim Fit Suit w/ Hemmed Pant – $96.99
Buy It
4. Stacy Adams Men’s Big & Tall Suny Vested Three-Piece Suit – $118.99
Buy It
5. Cloudstyle Men’s 3-Piece 2 Buttons Slim Fit Solid Color Jacket Smart Wedding Formal Suit – $75.99
Buy It
6. WULFUL Slim Fit One Button 3-Piece Suit Blazer – $69.95
Buy It
7. Van Heusen Men’s Modern Slim Fit Flex Stretch Suit – $89.99
Buy It
8. Calvin Klein Men’s Slim Fit Stretch Suit Separates-Custom Jacket & Pant Size Selection – $149.90
Buy It
Final Word
A nice suit can speak volumes about a man’s self image. It can also make a killer first impression.
Clothing that is well made will give your peers a great impression of you, which can pay off over the long run.More From NolaFi.com:
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Looking for a relaxing place to enjoy a drink with friends? Try The Bower Bar.
Located adjacent to The Bower bistro, The Bower Bar boasts 20 seats around the central bar and an additional 24 seats at surrounding tables.
Like it’s companion food spot, The Bower Bar has a neighborhood feel that welcomes locals and visitors alike.
The cocktail program at The Bower Bar is helmed by Beverage Director Mickey Mullins and features field-to-glass libations focusing on the seasonal herbs, flowers and produce from Sugar Roots Farm. The wine list, which features small production vintners as well as well known global collections, is amazing.
What’s On The Menu At The Bower?
A bevy of drinks await the thirsty patron at The Bower Bar. Let’s take a sip-worthy tour, shall we?
Cocktails you’ll love trying include:
- 51 Problems – beet infused mezcal, passionfruit and lime.
- Suze, demerara and a smoked salt rim.
- LGD – reposado, hibiscus, orange flower, orgeat, and mole bitters.
- the Hydrix – bourbon, mint-infused contratto, amaro, and aquafaba.
- The zero-proof Sugar Roots Spritzwith house made hibiscus syrup, lime and soda.
- Pear-Ly There – spiced pear puree and tonic.
Where Is The Bower Bar Located?
The Bower Bar, which is an adjacent extension of The Bower, is located at 1320 Magazine Street in the former Claret Wine Bar space. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you’re looking for a midweek Martini, The Bower Bar is the place to go.
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