The answer to the post is obvious, YES! Tomorrow I fly to New Orleans for another job hunting visit and to celebrate my friend Sharon's birthday. This is one of my favorite weekends in the city because the Krewe du Vieux and new Krewe Delusions rolls on Saturday night. And the blog I follow blackend out has some great King Cake ideas.
I've applied for many jobs online and have contacted friends to get my resume out, but now is the time to visit some places and drop a resume and speak with people...face-to-face. My house is going on the market 2/16/10 and I'm ready to make my move to the city I love.
Sharon is a good friend from the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and last year we organized a DQ steamboat reunion in Chattanooga on the Delta Queen. A great friendship blossomed and I absolutely love her and Philip. We will celebrate in style and have a great girls weekend in the city.
The Krewe du Vieux rolls on Saturday night at 6:30 in the French Quarter. According to the Time Picayune there will be a surprise in store for this satire based krewe. The theme this year is "Fired Up" aptly named after the krewe suffered a fire in the float warehouse this year. The krewe is frantic at work to get the floats done in time. It's an parade not to be missed!
Blacked Out has posted a great blog about King Cakes. Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Cake Fit For Kings
"Since the start of the new year, I have probably eaten 47 slices of king cake. I know, I know - high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiac arrest, yada yada yada - but I can't help myself. At least 3 times per week, sometimes twice in a single day, someone shows up at the office with a king cake. That's on top of the king cakes which are omnipresent at every birthday, wedding shower, funeral, and bris that I get invited to. How can a guy say no to a piece of king cake in celebration of circumcision?
But even though I have eaten an alarming number of slices of king cake, I honestly have not sampled the spectrum of species from that many different bakeries. Perhaps king cakes are similar to snowballs in that location plays a major role? Case in point, the above classic king cake from McKenzie's, now sold by Tastee Donuts, covered in purple, green, and gold granulated sugar While this is the king cake of my youth and always my first one of the season, it just never tastes as good as I remember.
At the opposite end from the McKenzie's classic, we have this shimmering specimen from Sucre, who started baking king cakes for the first time this year. The glaze on this cake is so stunning that you might be hesitant with your knife, but then you would be missing what's inside...
... and that would be an extremely light pastry filled with a thin layer of whipped cream cheese. I usually despise filled king cakes (too gloppy), but the minimal smear of cream cheese in this one is in perfect balance with the paper thin layers of pastry. This is probably the best king cake that I have eaten so far this year.
I'm still a sucker for Manny Randazzo's, which is better than Randazzo's Camellia City in my opinion. Haydel's makes a good king cake, but the combination of icing and granulated sugar throws me off; I prefer one or the other but not both. Antoine's is always welcome as an afternoon snack.
I still have quite a few king cakes on my list to try: Hi-Do Bakery on the wild wild Westbank, the not-so-sweet goat cheese and apple king cake from New Orleans Cake Cafe, the true classic galette des rois from La Boulangerie. So many cakes, so few inches to spare in the waistband of my suit pants. A little help, dear readers, if you wouldn't mind.
Posted by Peter at 6:40 AM
Labels: King Cake, Sucre, Tastee/McKenzie's "
It's Mardi Gras time in New Orleans and everyone is having fun...and I'll be having fun looking for a job.
Peace,
Tracey
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What's up in the city I love?
It may be freezing in New Orleans, but the city is hot with exciting news! As I sit in my little stone house in the Midwest looking out at 6 inches of snow in my yard, I anticipate my return to the city I love. My blog this week is an update on what’s happening in New Orleans with reviving the crescent, an interesting photo exhibit on Julia Street that was sent my way from Maurice Slaughter and some information on an amazing blog I discovered and am currently following. This weekend my friend Rick Trolsen is playing so check him out and support your local musicians! And of course, cheer on my boys in Black and Gold as the Saints meet the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday!
Rick tells me: “ Just wanted to give you a heads up for this weekend. Come out and join the zany fun of NESLORT on Friday, January 15th (The Neslortian New Year) at The Hi Ho Lounge, 2239 St. Claude Ave. beginning at 10:00 PM, or so.
By popular demand, the "special" song of the evening will be "Bite Your Bitch"
Also, due to the current weather, we now have Neslort tank tops available! Remember, summer will be here before you know it!!
Featured, will be:
Larry Seiberth on Keys
Boyanna Trayanova on Drums
Tim Robertson on Guitar
Matt Perrine on Bass
Kyle Cripps on Saxes
And of course, myself, Rick Trolsen, on Trombone.
There will be some music made that you nor I have ever heard. This will be the only time we will play whatever notes we play, in whatever order we play them in. It's called "Live Music" it doesn't come packaged.”
The New Orleans city council voted 7-0 to rezone the property for the first phase of reviving the crescent. This project will bring employment, tourist and much needed revenue to the city. The beautification of the riverfront will be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. By the time this project is complete, the world will be watching the transformation of the city and know that New Orleanians are dedicated to the city they love and will not be broken by a storm called Katrina. The overview of reviving the crescent states:
"The Crescent Park is first and foremost about connection – reconnecting our city and our communities to our riverfront. The park grants unparalleled physical and visual access to the river, creating an environment for locals and visitors to interact and enjoy the essence of New Orleans — our quality of life.
A collaborative effort, led by legendary architects George Hargreaves, Michael Maltzan, David Adjaye, and Allen Eskew, the Crescent Park spans from Elysian Fields Avenue in Marigny to Poland Avenue in the Bywater. The planned 1.4 miles of public open space includes 20 acres of indigenous landscaping, bike paths, playgrounds, a dog run, and two multi-use pavilions — the Mandeville Shed and the Piety Wharf.
Employing alternative energy resources and a simple economic model, the Crescent Park will be both energy self-reliant and financially self-sufficient."
Here’s the link to the Times Picayune article: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/01/new_orleans_city_council_appro.html
Maurice Slaughter forwarded an article from ArtVoices Magazine about a photography exhibit by Bruce Keyes.
“Weapon of Choice is the new photography series from Photographer Bruce Keyes. This series of 13 images in the follow up to his 30 year Retrospective title “The Spirit of New Orleans.” Weapon of Choice in my opinion is articulating the current climate here in New Orleans. Ordinary citizens of New Orleans were presented with a table of weapons to choose from. Pro or Anti this series is provocative, compelling and one of the most important exhibitions in New Orleans or anywhere else for that matter. The exhibit is currently on display at GSL ARTPROJECTS 614 Julia Street.
While posting on my Twitter Account: takemebacktonola, I came across a great Twitter/blog about New Orleans food! Check out www.blackendout.com . I appreciate the humor behind the blackened out team.
About the Blackened Out Team
"The year is 1995. Eight grade year is beginning at Jesuit High School. Peter Thriffiley, Jr. meets Rene A. Louapre IV. They share not only suffixes, but also every single class together. Rene proudly sports a butt cut, while Peter is mostly known as "Slappy." During the fall of 1995, they hatched a scheme to get rich quick. They would finish high school, go to different colleges, only meeting back up in the Fall of 2006 at LSU Law school, then once reunited, they would begin a fledgling website devoted to all things food. The plan was brilliant and implemented nearly flawlessly in February of 2008.
Their dedication displays not only a vast understanding until what was then only known as the Information Superhighway, but also a desire to write something everyday for the people who toil at that four letter word known as "work". This site will cover food, drink, events, celestial happenings, the stock market, tidal fluctuations, and other important issues. Mostly we will talk about New Orleans, but should Peter find himself in Napa Valley dining at one of the world's most celebrated restaurants, then I guess you will just have to suffer that day.
You can also find our writing monthly in offBEAT Magazine. Which is the perfect way to read us, if you don't have a computer outlet in your john.
We hope you enjoy this daily briefing of what the speck is going on. As always, feel free to reach us at our toll-free email address blackenedout at gmail dot com. Operators are standing by."
Peace!
Rick tells me: “ Just wanted to give you a heads up for this weekend. Come out and join the zany fun of NESLORT on Friday, January 15th (The Neslortian New Year) at The Hi Ho Lounge, 2239 St. Claude Ave. beginning at 10:00 PM, or so.
By popular demand, the "special" song of the evening will be "Bite Your Bitch"
Also, due to the current weather, we now have Neslort tank tops available! Remember, summer will be here before you know it!!
Featured, will be:
Larry Seiberth on Keys
Boyanna Trayanova on Drums
Tim Robertson on Guitar
Matt Perrine on Bass
Kyle Cripps on Saxes
And of course, myself, Rick Trolsen, on Trombone.
There will be some music made that you nor I have ever heard. This will be the only time we will play whatever notes we play, in whatever order we play them in. It's called "Live Music" it doesn't come packaged.”
The New Orleans city council voted 7-0 to rezone the property for the first phase of reviving the crescent. This project will bring employment, tourist and much needed revenue to the city. The beautification of the riverfront will be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. By the time this project is complete, the world will be watching the transformation of the city and know that New Orleanians are dedicated to the city they love and will not be broken by a storm called Katrina. The overview of reviving the crescent states:
"The Crescent Park is first and foremost about connection – reconnecting our city and our communities to our riverfront. The park grants unparalleled physical and visual access to the river, creating an environment for locals and visitors to interact and enjoy the essence of New Orleans — our quality of life.
A collaborative effort, led by legendary architects George Hargreaves, Michael Maltzan, David Adjaye, and Allen Eskew, the Crescent Park spans from Elysian Fields Avenue in Marigny to Poland Avenue in the Bywater. The planned 1.4 miles of public open space includes 20 acres of indigenous landscaping, bike paths, playgrounds, a dog run, and two multi-use pavilions — the Mandeville Shed and the Piety Wharf.
Employing alternative energy resources and a simple economic model, the Crescent Park will be both energy self-reliant and financially self-sufficient."
Here’s the link to the Times Picayune article: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/01/new_orleans_city_council_appro.html
Maurice Slaughter forwarded an article from ArtVoices Magazine about a photography exhibit by Bruce Keyes.
“Weapon of Choice is the new photography series from Photographer Bruce Keyes. This series of 13 images in the follow up to his 30 year Retrospective title “The Spirit of New Orleans.” Weapon of Choice in my opinion is articulating the current climate here in New Orleans. Ordinary citizens of New Orleans were presented with a table of weapons to choose from. Pro or Anti this series is provocative, compelling and one of the most important exhibitions in New Orleans or anywhere else for that matter. The exhibit is currently on display at GSL ARTPROJECTS 614 Julia Street.
While posting on my Twitter Account: takemebacktonola, I came across a great Twitter/blog about New Orleans food! Check out www.blackendout.com . I appreciate the humor behind the blackened out team.
About the Blackened Out Team
"The year is 1995. Eight grade year is beginning at Jesuit High School. Peter Thriffiley, Jr. meets Rene A. Louapre IV. They share not only suffixes, but also every single class together. Rene proudly sports a butt cut, while Peter is mostly known as "Slappy." During the fall of 1995, they hatched a scheme to get rich quick. They would finish high school, go to different colleges, only meeting back up in the Fall of 2006 at LSU Law school, then once reunited, they would begin a fledgling website devoted to all things food. The plan was brilliant and implemented nearly flawlessly in February of 2008.
Their dedication displays not only a vast understanding until what was then only known as the Information Superhighway, but also a desire to write something everyday for the people who toil at that four letter word known as "work". This site will cover food, drink, events, celestial happenings, the stock market, tidal fluctuations, and other important issues. Mostly we will talk about New Orleans, but should Peter find himself in Napa Valley dining at one of the world's most celebrated restaurants, then I guess you will just have to suffer that day.
You can also find our writing monthly in offBEAT Magazine. Which is the perfect way to read us, if you don't have a computer outlet in your john.
We hope you enjoy this daily briefing of what the speck is going on. As always, feel free to reach us at our toll-free email address blackenedout at gmail dot com. Operators are standing by."
Peace!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
New Orleans Food Outside New Orleans
Hi All,
I'm in Norfolk Virginia visiting my sister and brother in law for the long weekend. We have enjoyed great laughs, good company and amazing food. On Friday night we visited a restaurant called the Big Easy. We had some amazing oysters and then headed to a restaurant called 456 Fish. The chef, Ronnie Brown makes an amazing Creole sauce. I have to admit it is the only Creole sauce I have had outside of New Orleans that truly captured the flavor, spice and feel of Louisiana cooking. I had Pan Roasted Black Grouper with sweet fried plantains, garlic spinach, creole sauce, balsamic reduction and fried basil, amazing! If you visit the Norfolk area, be sure to frequent the locally owned restaurants in downtown. Heading there today to watch the Saints - Panthers game. GEAUX SAINTS!
Peace
I'm in Norfolk Virginia visiting my sister and brother in law for the long weekend. We have enjoyed great laughs, good company and amazing food. On Friday night we visited a restaurant called the Big Easy. We had some amazing oysters and then headed to a restaurant called 456 Fish. The chef, Ronnie Brown makes an amazing Creole sauce. I have to admit it is the only Creole sauce I have had outside of New Orleans that truly captured the flavor, spice and feel of Louisiana cooking. I had Pan Roasted Black Grouper with sweet fried plantains, garlic spinach, creole sauce, balsamic reduction and fried basil, amazing! If you visit the Norfolk area, be sure to frequent the locally owned restaurants in downtown. Heading there today to watch the Saints - Panthers game. GEAUX SAINTS!
Peace
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year, New Orleans
Happy New Year to all,
2010 will be an amazing year, it started with a blue moon which won't occur again for 10 more years. The year will bring change to my life and I know I'll be back working and living in the city I love, New Orleans.Reviving the Crescent continues it's journey to reshaping the heart of the city and the Bywater community is thriving and more people are discovering the beauty of our delightful city. The city will elect a new mayor in May. This person must have the vision and determination to move the city forward.
2009 was the year of personal responsibility and I have decided 2010 is the year of purge. It's time to purge clutter not only from our homes, but from our lives. It's time to purge unhealthy lifestyles and unhealthy relationships. The time has come for each of us to live the life we deserve with happiness and an abundance of love, prosperity and joy.
Through my facebook page, I discovered another lover of New Orleans. Her name is Laura J. Bergerol. She is a photographer and I encourage everyone to check out her site:
Laura Bergerol Photography
Main website: www.timecaptured.net
Photoblog; http://www.timecaptured.net/photoblog
Twitter ID: laurabergerol
I had a great Christmas with my daughter in New York City. I was overcome with joy at her happiness and success in the city. New Year's Eve was delightful with my sister, brother in law and a charming friend of theirs. We shared some wonderful wine, food and company. I encourage everyone to share a holiday memory. Post your comments following this posting and let others delight in your happiness.
Peace
2010 will be an amazing year, it started with a blue moon which won't occur again for 10 more years. The year will bring change to my life and I know I'll be back working and living in the city I love, New Orleans.Reviving the Crescent continues it's journey to reshaping the heart of the city and the Bywater community is thriving and more people are discovering the beauty of our delightful city. The city will elect a new mayor in May. This person must have the vision and determination to move the city forward.
2009 was the year of personal responsibility and I have decided 2010 is the year of purge. It's time to purge clutter not only from our homes, but from our lives. It's time to purge unhealthy lifestyles and unhealthy relationships. The time has come for each of us to live the life we deserve with happiness and an abundance of love, prosperity and joy.
Through my facebook page, I discovered another lover of New Orleans. Her name is Laura J. Bergerol. She is a photographer and I encourage everyone to check out her site:
Laura Bergerol Photography
Main website: www.timecaptured.net
Photoblog; http://www.timecaptured.net/photoblog
Twitter ID: laurabergerol
I had a great Christmas with my daughter in New York City. I was overcome with joy at her happiness and success in the city. New Year's Eve was delightful with my sister, brother in law and a charming friend of theirs. We shared some wonderful wine, food and company. I encourage everyone to share a holiday memory. Post your comments following this posting and let others delight in your happiness.
Peace
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