Sunday, June 30

The Holy Ground

2nd Anniversary
The Fireball Girls were walking around selling cinnamon whiskey shots w/ free swag
Nannette and Mar, whose b/f is the owner of The Holy Ground
Yes, that Mary statue holds drink straws on the bar ... crazy awesome Catholicism for an Irish pub.
 


Thursday, June 27

Corner Stores in New Orleans

Corner stores have been anchors in New Orleans neighborhoods for well over a century. The ultimate in convenience, embedded deep in residential neighborhoods where people could simply walk to the nearest corner store to pick up bread, milk, and other necessities. They may also house laudrymats, pharmacies, or neighborhood bars. In addition to providing a service, corner stores also served as a gathering place for the neighborhood where residents could socialize.
In a city that, perhaps more than any other in America, prides itself on the character and community of its neighborhoods, the corner store holds a place of pride. While there are some thriving corner stores still in operation, the rise of big-box chain supermarkets has unfortunately hastened the demise of many of these traditional commercial stores. Gone with them is a way of life. Even when a chain store attempts to blend in with a neighborhood by adding in traditional commercial design, it still seems to lack authenticity.
Every day, a colorful cast of local characters parades in and out of Vicky's Supermarket on Magazine Street, but if you drive around New Orleans you’ll still see lots of other buildings with the corner cut off. That is (or was) a corner store. 
New Orleans is a city that places a high premium on simple pleasures, and it's the unsung cooks and chefs of the corner shops, pubs, late-night grills, and even taco stands that deliver some of the best eats. So, if you're a tourist, don't be afraid to try out these (sometimes hidden) stores since they are a great spot to try something flavorful, local and cheap!

Monday, June 24

Nyx Summer Social 2013

3rd Annual Summer Social Meet & Greet
  A girl's night out full of cocktails & conversation!


Saturday, June 22

Zombie-fied

In honor of watching WWZ, I zombie-fied myself (nothing too grotesque) for fun.

Saturday, June 15

The Urban Oasis that is Audubon Park

For over a century, Audubon Park has been a place to enjoy nature in Uptown New Orleans.
Hyams "Children Fountain" was built with a bequest in 1914 and opened in 1921.
Kids and dogs still cool off during the hot summers in the wading pool.
Sara Lavinia Hyams

 Besides leaving her considerable collection of paintings to the New Orleans Museum of Art, she bequeathed her personal jewelry collection -- valued at $30,000 in 1914 dollars, or more than half a million dollars today -- to be sold to erect two fountains, one in City park, one in Audubon. "Given to the little children of New Orleans," the fountains are inscribed.
This is truly a hidden gem that many people do not seem to know about since it's backed up against the zoo fence.
The Hurst Street Bridge leading from the jogging path to the golf course, built in 1941.
There are four gazebos in Audubon Park, which have been places of rest and reflection for generations of visitors. They were designed by the Olmsted Brothers Firm over 100 years ago.
The ring road around the park was closed to automobile traffic at the start of the 1980s and became a popular 1.7-mile walking, jogging and biking route.
The (Isidore) Newman Bandstand, built in 1921, is a commanding location at the edge of the park lagoon.

Monday, June 10

Basil Watermelon Salad with Feta and Red Onion


If you haven't had this salad before, it's spectacular for a hot summer day. The salty creamy cheese contrast with the sweet juicy melon is unbelievable.
  • Watermelon
  • Basil
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Red Onion
  • Feta Cheese
  • Fresh pepper
  • Balsamic Vinegar
Go for seedless so you don't have to dig out the big black seeds while cubing into 1-inch chunks.
These cherry yellows add some summer sweetness.
You can use any combo of roughly chopped fresh herbs. Mint, parsley or chives would make good substitutes.
Crumble the cheese and add a couple grinds of black pepper. Yes, pepper - this is a savory dish. But, no salt. The feta is salty enough.
Drizzle on balsamic vinegar and give a nice toss. This is a superstar, cold summer salad. I know it seems weird, but it works well together - enjoy!