winter 2014

When Christmas Meets Mardi Gras

October 27, 2014
For most Americans, New Year's Day marks the end of the Christmas season. New Orleanians, however, still retain the ancient Christian holiday of Twelfth Night in their holiday calendar, since it not only ends the Christmas season, but begins Carnival season, which lasts until Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday - a floating holiday which can land anywhere from February 3 to March 9. In 2015 Mardi Gras will be on February 17.

New Orleans' Showtime... Always in Season!

October 27, 2014
New Orleans is often associated with hot, humid summer weather, or with a single day of celebration, Mardi Gras.

On both counts, local residents look at their city a little differently. Locals like the season we are in now. It's not really Winter, as defined by most of the rest of the United States. Not really as cold as most places. Definitely not snowing. And big heavy clothes are not a requirement when strolling from one place to another.

Lodgings... with Libations

October 27, 2014
New Orleans has been named one of the best bar cities in the U.S., and why not?! Just in the past few months (October 2, 2014) the Washington Post's cocktail columnist, M. Carrie Allan, described New Orleans as "one of the finest cities in America to drink in."

In addition to the city's "top dining destination" declaration by numerous internationally circulated publications, the Big Easy is on the radar of country-hopping travel writers who are always looking for the best experiences to share with readers.

Reveillon Revival

October 27, 2014
Reflecting New Orleans' Culinary Heritage

New Orleans, always noted for dining-and-wining revelry, peaks during the holiday season, and especially when coinciding with major events such as New Year's Eve, Sugar Bowl festivities, Mardi Gras and other exciting occasions.

Chef Spotlight: Chef Nick Gile

October 27, 2014
Chef Nathan "Nick" Gile is likely the only chef in New Orleans to begin his culinary career in Portland, Maine, and at age 14. So on two counts this guy knew very early what he was put on this earth to do.

It's A Whimsical World

October 27, 2014
It wasn't until recently that I developed something many of you have had from an early age. Dreams and aspirations not only escaped me, I thought they were downright foolish, and those who believed in them to be even bigger fools. I was perfectly content to live my life as the nice, neat, hot mess that I always have been, funny on the outside and a completely lost individual on the inside. This was especially true in the "dating and relationship" department. I watched as all my friends fell in and out of love, some marrying, and some divorcing.