Mardi Gras 2011 in New Orleans!

This year, the boys and I were able to travel down to New Orleans to enjoy some of the Mardi Gras festivities with their grandfather, my father-in-law. We also got to visit with my god-children - Mignon, Desiree, and Scarlett. Kem was having a great time surrounded by Southern belles! 

Mariano - or Abuello as the boys call him. 

 Kemp with Abuello.

 Spencer is ready for the parade!

Rockin' the Bayou Bakery shirt down in New Orleans - spreading the word!

 In the parade stands!

 

Spencer and Abuello in the stands. 

Kemp and his Southern belles. 

The Today Show Gets a Taste of New Orleans!

Who says Mardi Gras is only celebrated on Fat Tuesday?  It is fun to remember the good times enjoyed in New Orleans everyday!  When the producers of The Today Show reached out to me looking for a New Orleans chef ready to take on the task of cooking for Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb on Fat Tuesday, I knew the perfect gal for the job...Chef Haley Bittermann!  As the Corporate Executive Chef, Haley oversees all food and beverage operations for the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, consisting of Ralph's on the Park, Red Fish Grill, and Jazz Kitchen in California.  Cafe b and Heritage Grill will be the newest restaurants to join the family this spring.  

She certainly showed the ladies of The Today Show a good time, bringing with her New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp, Creole Jambalaya, Double Chocolate Bread Pudding, and of course, a classic King Cake.  And no Fat Tuesday would be complete without some Abita Beer and a Hurricane!

Sunday at Bayou Bakery Coffee Bar & Eatery!

Had a great lazy Sunday at Bayou Bakery Coffee Bar & Eatery with Geraldine Eisendrath and Mollie Chen - tasting just about everything from Muff-a-lottas to Pimento Cheese with Triscuits, Breakfast Biscuits, and Porkorn!