Home Sweet New Orleans

I recently had the chance to have a wonderful trip home to New Orleans with my two boys, Kemp and Spencer. We had a great time visiting with family and friends, and of course, indulging in some great food! On Sunday we started the day with a tour of New Orleans and showing them how I grew up. We started with beignets for breakfast before 11 a.m. mass.

After mass, we were off to brunch. Forty years ago I used to go to the Rib Room at the Royal Orleans all dressed up. This time, it was Galatoire's with the boys' Aunt Alexandra and cousin Max.

Check out our table at Galatoire's! Do you think the boys had enough cherries? I stuck with my Soft Shell Crab Almandine. Yum!

 

Later it was off to Red Fish Grill to try every dessert in honor of the article by Brett Anderson highlighting Brett Gauthier as one of the best five pastry chefs in the city. He's a true wizard with the piping bag for Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group. He came straight from my neck of the woods at the Inn at Little Washington and you betcha, he's good!

After that we were off to the pool to cool down and rest. What a great day in NOLA, and a great trip home.

It Ain't Over til the Fat Tuesday Sings!

The simoneink team had such a blast at the second annual Bayou Gras Celebration at Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery (we missed our Miss Melissa though!)  The day started out with the Fox 5 team and Annie Yu, teaching them all about the second line, Hurricanes, and the history of Mardi Gras. They may have been novices when they first walked in, but by the end of the day they were sayin’ “N’awlins,” “praah-leens,” and “ben-yays” like pros.

Next up, it was back to the office to get ready. After hours of cutting, Facebook posting, a few last minute trips to the eatery, it was time for CELEBRATING.  Being able to throw beads in the Clarendon Parade and chow down on Raw Oysters from Rappahannock River Oysters, true Hurricanes from Masked Mixologist Gina Chersevani, Peppa-Weenies, Gumbo & more all made it feel like home. Already can’t wait til next year!

Robert Wiedmaier Rocks Revel

Flemish flair and fare are heading to the coast...the East Coast, that is! Chefs Robert Wiedmaier and Brian McBride are taking a gamble and bringing their popular Mussel Bar brand to the newest gem in Atlantic City: Revel. Belgian Boardwalk Empire, anyone?

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Tuesday was my BIG television debut..and my last! I had to do it though to support the Black & Gold for the Super Bowl. So check it out for my one and only on-screen appearance on NBC4 with Barbara Harrison! WHO DAT!