Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?

OK, admittedly I’ve only visited the Big Easy a handful of times but there’s just something about this town that gets under your skin. (I’m convinced I was a Southerner in another life…or maybe it’s just wishful thinking.)

This past weekend, Serena and I had the honor of participating in the Food & Culinary Professionals (FCP) executive committee meeting – FCP is a subgroup of the American Dietetic Association with a special interest in the link between nutrition, cooking and the enjoyment of food. (Note: if you are an RD that loves to eat and have fun, you MUST join this group – Chair Bonnie Johnson has some amazing member benefits planned for the next year.)

Speaking of food – a few highlights from the weekend:

* The garden ambiance at The Court of Two Sisters.

With one of my most favorite Southern gals, Regan Jones of The Professional Palate blog.)

* Crawfish & Green Tomato Casserole at Cochon (Chef/Owner Stephen Stryjewski recently won the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the South)

* Gouda Beignets at The Bouligny Tavern

* “Foraging” fresh figs in the French Quarter

* Vintage cookooks at Kitchen Witch

*The ultimate of tourist traditions, Jazz Brunch at the landmark Commanders Palace. Chef Tory McPhail gave us the royal treatment with many surprises throughout the divine courses.

* Prettiest dish of the day: Shrimp & Tasso Henican on a gorgeous bed of five pepper jelly.

* 3 piece jazz band serenades us to a fab rendition of “Last Night on the Back Porch” as Grillade & Cheese Grits are served.

\”Last Night on the Back Porch\” at Commanders

* Creole Bread Pudding Souffle (with whiskey sauce added tableside.) Alas, there is no picture because I couldn’t be bothered to set down my spoon for even a minute to take the shot.

Have you been to New Orleans? What are your favorite places to eat, drink & visit? And do I need to start watching Treme?