4-9-11 Kid Chef Eliana and Dianne de Las Casas sign books at A Tisket A Tasket during the French Quarter Festival

Friends:

On Saturday, April 9, 2011, Kid Chef Eliana and I had a book signing at A Tisket A Tasket in the New Orleans French Quarter during the French Quarter Festival. It was quite crowded and bustling! Eliana did a great job mesmerizing the passersby with her cute chef outfit and food knowledge!

4-9-11 Kid Chef Eliana works the crowd

It was a whirlwind signing but so much fun. Thank you to Lisa Jones and Judy for being such great hostesses!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Due to my insanely busy schedule, I have not had a chance to blog! So here I am catching up!

On Sunday, April 13, 2008, my family and I went to the French Quarter Festival. This year, there were over 400,000 people in attendance, a record-breaker! Here is a picture of the St. Louis Cathedral from the Algiers Ferry, which we rode to cross the Mississippi River to New Orleans from the West Bank.

Here is a picture of Aquarium of the Americas from the ferry.

Boy, was the quarter crowded! Check this out…

Soleil brought two of her friends, Nea and Sierra, to the fest. Here is a picture of them grubbing on that wonderful food at the fest. Nea is on the left, Sierra in the middle, and Soleil on the right.

We met my mom, stepdad, brother and his four children at the festival. Here’s a picture of my brother enjoying a moment in the shade on a folding chair.

Check out my mom, Josie, partying to the soulful rhythms of a jazz band. You go, Mom!

The food at the French Quarter Festival was phenomenal. My favorite was the prime rib sandwich on a pistolette from the Rib Room. Talk about awesome! The kids enjoyed a concert by Johnette Downing, internationally acclaimed and award-winning children’s musician (who also happens to be my best friend). Johnette has such a way with kids. They were singing, clapping, dancing and having a grand time! We had a fantastic time partying to Johnette’s music. Here is a picture of Eliana and my niece, Jasmynn, holding cards to illustrate Johnette’s song, “Today is Monday in Louisiana.” Eliana is in pink and Jasmynn is in green.

Johnette had me lead the second line parade for her final song, “Second Line.” So much fun!

Here is a picture of my two beautiful girls, Eliana (7) and Soleil (17). Are they cuties?!! Of course, I may be a little biased… LOL

It was a gorgeous day with weather in the 70s with blue skies. Soleil, who is so fair, got a little strawberry coloring. This is one of my favorite pictures – it’s of the Natchez, a paddle wheel boat on the Mississippi River. So New Orleans!

If you’re thinking about visiting New Orleans, you should. It’s a wonderful city with rich culture, friendly people, and fabulous food. Check out the pretty architecture in Algiers Point. I love the houses – they look like little story book cottages.

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Come to New Orleans, mes amis, and pass a good time!

Warmly, Dianne