Cate goes to the Big Easy

Part Two!

Well, the weather could not be better, Sunny and Warm! We made our way to Emeril's restaurant replete with our tiaras where we were seated immediately and the FEAST began! Note: Only in the Big Easy can one wear a Tiara to lunch and no one seems to notice. Mummy would love this! Any reason to wear a tiara and the woman is there!!

Now picture Fried Chicken with Waffles and piles of Barbequed Shrimp. If you don't like shrimp don't visit Louisiana. There are Shrimp Po'boys to die for, Shrimp Etouffee, SHRIMP, SHRIMP, SHRIMP, and MORE SHRIMP! No I'm not EXAGGERATING! But getting back to Emeril's everything was delicious and the service was next to none. (What a friendly city or maybe it is all of those Hurricanes, as in drinks!)

Note: I will post on Flaunt Friday Foodies' Emeril's recipes for Shrimp Po'boys and Shrimp Etouffee. If you aren't familiar with either you are missing out!

But continuing on, after lunch we made our way to our hotel to check in and then straight to a carriage ride to get our bearings around the French Quarter. (Tiaras were now removed, but I need not have been self-conscious as I saw a person dressed as a TREE each day! What's up with that?)

And speaking of Hurricanes, we managed to consume a few at Pat O'Brien's. Of course who could come to New Orleans and not tour the lovely Garden District. Oh Mummy would love this place! I can see her now entertaining out on one of those wonderful verandas that wrap those lovely homes. She does love putting on the ritz and speaking of the Ritz, oh my we all loved it!!

The Jazz Show at the Ritz was second to none! Elegant surroundings and delicious nibbles; really how could we keep eating, but we did! And of course the music; I was ready to get out my parasol, start a second line and strut down the French Quarter. Note to myself: I will have to come back for Mardi Gras and bring Mummy! This city might even get Mr. Clarke to dance?

The next day we got right back on the HORSE for Mimosa's and Brunch at the Court of Two Sisters!! Another Home Run for New Orleans! Beignet treats at Cafe Dumonde were a must have!

I think we were all waddling at this point and a few pounds heavier, as we made our way back to Christiana's and Roberto's villa. From non stop laughing, to non stop eating and drinking we crashed early! What is it about Girl Trips that are so fun?? Everything!

Our last day was spent in the country with River drinks and antiquing. What is a River drink? Well, it is Yummy! Recipe for a Green River Drink: Mix Midori Melon liqueur with 1 oz. sour Apple Pucker and ½ oz. sour mix, serve over ice cubes. Flaunt Fab!

Mimsy beat us all in shopping, so much so, that we must give her a GPS tracking device next year! But I owe my lovely gift of Mice Salt & Pepper Shakers. She rescued them from a testy shop owner who would not replace a broken mouse!! The shame, as this was a gift that Christiana had gushed over and promptly named Emeril and Ratatouille!

But all was not over yet! The group cooked that evening together back at the villa and consumed the following:

Maque Choux by Christiana

Onion Tart by Patsy & Moi

Jambalaya by Christiana

Green Beans Wrapped in Bacon by CeCe, and she really got into this.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin by Roberto, Marinade was Devine!

AND

Bread Pudding with Whisky Sauce by Mimsy and we all kept track of her!

Note to myself: When I get home I will start the Seventeen Day Diet plan!

Now here is the best part! The culmination of this feast was Roberto getting down on one knee and proposing to our Christiana!! Of course she said YES! And of course the ring is GORGEOUS. What a lovely ending to our yearly Girl trip!!

So plans are in the works for next year, and I might be in charge. Why? I got the BABY in my King Cake!!

Who dat?  Well, I would Google it!

Cate