9-17-11 Carrell Gueringer, Dianne de Las Casas, and Karen Konnerth after the SCBWI technology workhop and meeting

Friends:

On Saturday, I gave a 1.5 hour workshop called “Taming Technology: Using the Internet for Book Biz Success.” It was for my local SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) meeting. Here is the workshop handout although my presentation was really more of an overview because of the limited time span.

A couple of extras I talked about too:

Website Grader – Grade your website and see how it ranks from 0-100 and learn how to improve it.

KidlitBookTrailers.com – A social networking site for kidlit book trailers. View kidlit videos and post your own.

Taming Technology: Using the Internet for Book Biz Success
Workshop Handout

Contact Information
Name: Dianne de Las Casas
Address: P.O. Box 2656, Harvey, LA 70059
Daytime Phone: 888-721-5915
Email: dianne@storyconnection.net
Website: www.storyconnection.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannedelascasas
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/fanofdianne
Twitter: www.twitter.com/storyconnection (@storyconnection)

Synopsis:
Google Calendar, Plaxo, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, Ping, Toodle-Do, Twitter, Blogs, Podcasting, Smart Phones, Ning, Wikipedia, YouTube… It’s a jungle out there! Technology can be so overwhelming but have no fear; your tour guide is here! Go on a safari with tech-savvy author & storyteller Dianne de Las Casas. Tame technology and harness its power to streamline your book biz. You’ll find out how technology’s tools can catapult your career. You’ll be swinging in no time!

Objectives
• Understand the various free tools available on the Internet
• See how you can integrate technology to streamline business practices
• Create a “Taming Technology” strategic plan to enable them to use 2-3 of the web tools immediately

Writers will learn to tame technology by using it to:
1. Streamline Business Practices;
2. Market through Social Media; and
3. Market through other online methods.

Streamline Business Practices
Writers can manage the day-to-day administrative duties of a small business using the following (mostly) free tools:
• Google Calendar – Scheduling management
• Plaxo – Address book management
• Toodle-Do – To-do list management with multiple user capabilities
• EPK – Electronic Press Kit
• Booking Request Form – Booking online
• Gmail – Web-based email with the best search feature provided by Google
• Smart Phones – A phone with the ability to call, text, surf the Internet, and send/receive email

Market through Social Media
Artists can increase their visibility with social media marketing through the following sites:
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Klout
• Ping.fm
• Ning
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Market through Other Online Methods
Gain a following using other online marketing methods:
• Email Newsletter
• Podcasting
• Blogging or Vlogging
• Wikipedia
• Skype or Oovoo

Internet Terminology
• App – Means “application,” a platform/software built for use with a mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet computer
• Booking Request Form – Booking online
• Blog – Online journal of thoughts and/or information
• Blogging – Online journaling
• Blog Tour – A virtual book tour where authors promote their books on various book blogging sites
• Cloud Computing – Storing files online instead of a traditional computer hard drive so you have instant access to them anywhere
• E-Book – Electronic book made to be read digitally on the computer, a smart phone, a tablet device, or a dedicated electronic book reader such as the Kindle or Nook
• EPK – Electronic Press Kit
• Email Newsletter – Newsletter shared electronically
• Facebook – Popular social networking site
• Gmail – Web-based email with the best search ability feature
• Google Calendar – Scheduling management using Google’s free online software
• Google+ – New social networking site by Google
• Klout – A measure of influence on the web – Klout.com
• LinkedIn ¬– Social Networking Site for professionals
• Mashable – Social media information site
• Micro-blogging – Online journaling in a very small way, using very few characters to get your point across
• Oovoo – Online video chat using web cams
• Ning.com – Customizable Social networking site
• Ping.fm – A service that allows users to update all their social networks at once
• Plaxo – Address book management
• Podcasting – Stands for Portable On Demand broadCAST – through the Internet via voice or video
• Skype – Online video chat using web cams
• Social media – An online forum that allows you to interact with other users worldwide (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, Plaxo, etc.)
• Social networking – A form of connecting through various social media such as Facebook or Twitter
• Synch – Synchronizing or sharing information from one electronic device or web source to another
• Toodle-Do – To-do list management with multiple user capabilities
• Tweet or tweeting – Blog posts in 140 characters or less
• Twitter – The premier micro-blogging social networking tool on the web
• Vlog – Video log or a video recording used as a blog post
• Wikipedia – User-created online encyclopedia to which anyone can edit and contribute information
• YouTube – Social networking site through sharing of videos

Creating a Strategic Plan for Integrating Technology into your Biz
Number the list in order of importance. What part of your business do you wish to work on? The corresponding FREE Internet tool is listed next to it.

____ Create a manageable calendar. (Google Calendar)

____ Build my professional network. (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Klout, Ping.fm, Hootsuite, Plaxo, LinkedIn, YouTube, Ning sites)

____ Build a manageable to do or project list. (ToodleDo)

____ Manage my contacts (Google Contacts, Plaxo)

____ Build a fan base through blogging. (WordPress, Blogger, LiveJournal)

____ Start an email newsletter. (Yahoo Groups, Dada Mail)

____ Build an electronic press kit. (Sonic Bids for performing artists)

____ Start a podcast. (Blog Talk Radio, Talk Shoe Radio)

Dianne’s Favorite Biz Productivity iPhone/iPod Touch Apps:
• Amazon Kindle, iBooks and B&N Nook – Read books/periodicals on your iPhone or iTouch
• Bump – Bump iPhones to exchange contact info, pics & files instantly
• Calengoo – Calendar that integrates with online Google Calendar
• Dropbox.com – Not just for iPhone, it allows you to drop files into a “box” that you can access from any device – desktop, laptop, phone, iPad, etc.
• Facebook – Integrates with online Facebook
• Hootesuite – Helps manage your Twitter account
• MileBug – Tracks business mileage
• MyHub – Puts all contacts from Plaxo, Facebook and Twitter in one place
• Toodledo – To do list that integrates with online
• WorldCard – Scan business cards directly into your address book
• Wunderlist – A to do and list management app

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-22-11 Kid Chef Eliana in the WWL-TV Studio Kitchen

Friends:

Kid Chef Eliana appeared on WWL-TV Morning News with Sally-Ann Roberts and Eric Paulsen. You can view the video segment of her appearance here.

We arrived at the studio at 5:30am and prepared for the 3 hour show. Eliana had to cook the entire time and feed a crew of 20 people. She made Scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs encased in homemade turkey sausage, rolled in bread crumbs and baked), garlic cumin potatoes, devil’s food monster muffins, and sparkling pomegranate punch. Everyone loved her food!

The crew, both on and off-camera, were so impressed with Eliana. Sally-Ann Roberts and Eric Paulsen were so sweet to Eliana. Sally-Ann said that Eliana needed her own TV show. Eric tweeted, “You are going to be a rock star in the culinary world!”

Thank you to Liz Williams of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum for appearing on the show with Eliana. Thank you to Producer Dionne Butler for inviting Eliana. Thank you to the camera crew for directing Eliana and being so nice. Finally, thank you to Sally-Ann and Eric for being amazing and sweet to Kid Chef Eliana!

7-22-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Sally-Ann Roberts and Eric Paulsen at WWL-TV

It was a fabulous experience for both of us!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-24-11 Jane, a new librarian friend, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry

Friends:

It has been a fabulous, non-stop week in New Orleans! The American Library Association (ALA) was in town for their annual conference. I was so excited to play hostess because I live in New Orleans!

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
On Thursday, I picked up my good friend, Katie Davis (children’s book author/illustrator and host of Brain Burps About Books podcast) and John Schumacher (a librarian/book reviewer of Mr. Schu Reads fame) and took them out to eat at Al Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro. Then we had an impromptu Kidlit drink night at W.I.N.O. (Wine Institute of New Orleans) and tons of children’s book authors showed up: Michelle Knudsen (Library Lion), Phil Bildner (The Hallelujah Flight), Kevin Lewis (Editor at Disney/Hyperion), Ellen Hopkins (Crank, Burned, etc.), Eric Wight (Frankie Pickle series) and Alex from the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The late night ran into the wee morning… good times with good friends!

6-23-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Ellen Hopkins

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011
On Friday, it was the opening of the exhibit hall known as “The Stacks.” The ribbon-cutting was at 5:15pm. I signed books from 5:30-6:30pm at Pelican Publishing and ran into my long-time friend, author and storyteller Rose Ann St. Romaine, who is a fellow Pelican author.

6-24-11 Children's Book Authors Dianne de Las Casas and Rose Ann St. Romain

On Friday night, I went to dinner with my author liaison from ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, Debby LaBaoon. Debby and I ate at Pascal Manale’s, famous for their barbecue shrimp. I just LOVE Debby! Afterwards, it was off to the ALA Dance Party at Oz in the French Quarter. I went with children’s book author, Erica Perl, who is fun and fabulous! We hung out with Ellen Hopkins, Kevin Lewis, Phil Bildner, and a large group of dancing librarians.

6-26-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Debby LaBoon

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011
On Saturday, it was the first full day of the stacks and it was buzzing! I signed books in the morning with illustrator Marita Gentry, who has illustrated several of my books including The Cajun Cornbread Boy and There’s a Dragon in the Library. There was a line waiting even before I sat down and we sold out of There’s a Dragon in the Library! After that, Marita and I signed books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited. We promoted our new professional book, A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z. Kid Chef Eliana was with me and she had a great time exploring the stacks and visiting the new “What’s Cooking?” section of the ALA exhibit hall, which hosted cooking demos and cookbook signings.

6-25-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry sign at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited

On Saturday evening, it was time for the ALSC Stories for a Saturday Evening Concert. I was the headlining storyteller and shared the stage with Patty Carleton and Elizabeth Ellis (whom I have adored for years). Marita Gentry accompanied me, drawing as I told the stories. We began with “W is for Whale” from our new book, A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z.

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws W is for Whale as Dianne tells the story from their new book, A is for Alligator

Then we performed There’s a Dragon in the Library, which is a great story that showcases Marita’s drawing and coloring skills!

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws Dewey the Dragon as Dianne tells the story from their new book, There's a Dragon in the Library

We closed with Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, an old New Orleans folktale that has lots of boisterous audience participation with members of the audience coming on stage to play the parts of the roaches. So much fun!!

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws Monsieur Roach as Dianne tells the story, with helpers, from their book, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

Then it was time for our final bow. Thank you to Mary Morgan Smith, who organized the Stories for a Saturday Evening concert, sponsored by ALSC (American Library Services to Children).

6-25-11 Taking a final bow with Marita Gentry, Elizabeth Ellis and Patty Carleton with host Mary Morgan Smith

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2011
On Sunday, I signed more books with Pelican Publishing and ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited.

6-27-11 The ABC-Clio booth

But the big event of the night was the Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet!

6-26-11 The Newbery Caldecott Wilder Awards Banquet

I sat at a table with my dear friend, Beth Jackson, who sat next to her friend, Ellen Ruffin, Curator of the deGrummond Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. I wish I knew the name of the woman sitting next to Ellen! Sorry.

6-26-11 Cutie pie, Ellen Ruffin and Beth Jackson at the Caldecott Newbery Wilder banquet

To my left was Sara Rutenberg, Chief Operating Officer of SCBWI. Wow. What luck I had! She was a great table-mate and we laughed lots.

6-26-11 Sara Rutenberg, COO of SCBWI at the Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet

My friends Jim Averbeck and Diane Chen came by to see me. They hadn’t met each other and I thought they looked so good together in this picture! GLAMOROUS!! Jim Averbeck is the host of Interviews on the Kidlit Red Carpet, in which he does red carpet interviews with kidlit authors. Even I got interviewed! He was accompanied by the lovely ladies, Kristen Venuti and Katie Davis.

6-26-11 Children's Book Author Jim Averbeck with ALA Executive Board member Diane Chen

On the red carpet, I ran into children’s book author Anastasia Suen and we discovered something we had in common: we love bows and peeptoes! LOL

6-26-11 Dianne de Las Casas' shoes & Anastasia Suen's shoes. We love bows & peeptoes!

First, they announced the winners of the Caldecott Honors: Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Bryan Collier and Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein. The Caldecott went to A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Erin’s speech was so sweet and poignant. She made me cry. It made me love the book even more!

6-26-11 A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead wins the Caldecott

Then it was time for the Newbery Medal. The Newbery Honors went to Margi Preus for The Heart of a Samurai, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman, Rita Williams-Garcia for One Crazy Summer, and Jennifer L. Holm for Turtle in Paradise. Jenni is a good friend of mine and I was so excited to see her win!

6-26-11 My friend, author Jenni Holmes, wins the Newbery Honor for Turtle in Paradise! Yay Jenni!

The Newbery Medal went to Clare Vanderpool for Moon Over Manifest.

6-26-11 Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool wins the prestigious Newbery Award

Tomie dePaola is also a good friend so I was elated to see him honored with the Wilder lifetime achievement medal. Well-deserved! Afterward, I talked to Bob Hechtel, Tomie’s assistant, and he showed me the gorgeous medal.

6-26-11 Tomie dePaola's assistant, Bob, with the Wilder medal

This is the Wilder medal up close. So pretty!

6-26-11 The Wilder medal up close!

After the banquet, a group of us went out to celebrate Jenni Holm’s special night. Crazy things happen when kidlit authors are partying! LOL Dan Santat signed John Schumacher’s shirt. Then all the kidlit authors got to sign it, including me! I got the collar. LOL

6-26-11 Dan Santat draws on Mr. Schu's shirt - how cool!

We were in the “Living Room” of the W. Tomie dePaola was there and posed for this cute picture with me. Doesn’t he look so jolly?!! Adorable.

6-26-11 Tomie dePaola and Dianne de Las Casas

As the consummate New Orleans hostess, everyone wanted a place (at 3 in the morning, mind you), where we could get some good grub and drinks. So I suggested St. Charles Tavern. We all piled into a mini-van cab and headed there: Jenni Holm, Ellen Hopkins, Katie Davis, Dan Santat, John Schumacher, Travis Jonker, and Eric Wight. It was so late, it was early. We saw the sun come up!! I didn’t get home until 6:30am!! Ssshhh! But look at how fresh we looked on Monday!

6-27-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Children's Book Authors-Illustrators Eric Wight & Dan Santat

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2011
On Monday morning, I performed at the Pop Top stage for the National Storytelling Network. I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and a short string story called “The Mosquito.” I also got to see some long-time Louisiana storyteller friends, Sylvia Davis and Rosa Metoyer! Love you, girls!

6-27-11 Storytellers Sylvia Davis, Dianne de Las Casas, and Rosa Metoyer

It was off to sign books with Pelican Publishing Company one last time and it was busy. Then I was able to finally walk the stacks with my precious daughter, Eliana.

6-26-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Halle Durand and Tony Fucile, author & illustrator of Mitchell's License

That evening, I went to the International Librarians Reception. I ran into Diane Chen again and she invited me to a private reception in the ALA Presidential Suite. I met Roberta Stevens, the 2011 ALA President. What a sweetie!

6-27-11 Diane Chen - ALA Executive Board, Roberta Stevens - 2011 ALA President, and Dianne de Las Casas

After the President’s reception, I met with my friend, Ryan Sias, who is a fantastic children’s book author and graphic novelist. His work has great style.

6-27-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Children's Book Author-Illustrator Ryan Sias

ALA 2011 in New Orleans was a phenomenal conference for me! Loved every minute of it and it was so much fun playing hostess and ambassador to the stars. I look forward to Anaheim next year!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce

Friends:

Because I live here in New Orleans, everyone has been asking me for my New Orleans Food and Drink recommendations. These are places where my family and I have dined. I categorized the establishments by locality. This is a quick and dirty list. You can Google the addresses and directions.

If you want to visit a great food museum, visit the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in the Riverwalk, at the end of the Food Court. (They carry Kid Chef Eliana’s cookbook, Eliana Cooks! Recipes for Creative Kids). They have an incredible exhibit of New Orleans Foods and sell lots of New Orleans cookbooks in their gift store.

Mid-City Rock and Bowl is a great New Orleans experience, especially on the weekend, where they have live bands with zydeco and Cajun dancing. It gets crowded.

If you go to the French Market, there is a section of outdoor food stalls in the newly renovated Farmer’s Market and the food is quite good! We love Alberto’s Cheese and Cooyon’s Cajun Cooking.

If you want a more authentic music scene, stay off Bourbon Street and venture to Frenchman Street. You will catch live bands playing jazz, blues, rock, and all kinds of music. Bars line Frenchman so it’s easy to barhop between places.

If you are looking for club dancing try The Masquerade Bar at Harrah’s (more of a mixed crowd and Sat is best), Republic, Metro, and Ampersand. Republic and Metro are located in the Warehouse District. Harrah’s is adjacent to the Hilton Riverside.

If you happen to see a Snowball stand, stop!! These flavored shaved ice treats are a New Orleans specialty. And yes, so is the “drive-through” Daiquiri shop. They’re cold too… LOL

Enjoy The Big Easy and live to eat!

Disclaimer: This is by no means a comprehensive list. These are off the top of my head and I probably missed a bunch. New Orleans is full of incredible dining establishments so chances are, you’ll have a great meal nearly every where you eat (except at the Convention Center).

Key:
$ $$ $$$ – inexpensive to pricey
RR – Reservations recommended
B/BR/L/D – Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Dinner

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT/CBD
The warehouse district is where the Ernest Morial Convention Center is located.

The American Sector – A casual restaurant by John Besh at the National WWII Museum. Very close to the Convention Center.
L/D
$$

Besh Steak at Harrah’s Casino – John Besh’s restaurant. The fries are fried in duck fat. Mouth-watering. Enough said.
D only
RR
$$$

Cochon – This is Donald Link’s restaurant, located in the Warehouse District. He takes Cajun cuisine to another level. The cochon (roast pork) is tender and tasty, a specialty.
L/D
RR
$$$

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar – Drago’s is famous for its char-grilled oysters. New Orleanians swear by them, my hubby included. It gets crowded. There is now a location at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
L/D
$$

Emeril’s Restaurant – I love the food and service here. Located in the Warehouse District, this is truly upscale New Orleans cuisine. Because of its high profile, you may have to eat very early or very late if you haven’t already made a reservation.
L – Mon-Fri D – daily
RR
$$$

Gordon Biersch – This is a chain, not local, but I mention it because the food is pretty good (fried artichoke hearts with garlic aioli, please) and it’s adjacent to Harrah’s, right by the Convention Center. Also, you don’t need reservations.
L/D
$$

Liborio – Cuban cuisine. I love their croquettas. Consistently good. Great for lunch.
L/D
$$

Lil Dizzy’s Cafe – Stuck downtown and want some crispy, juicy fried chicken? Lil Dizzy’s is the place. The downtown location is in the old Whitney Bank building, which gives the restaurant a unique atmosphere. It’s like grandma serving you comfort food in a marble palace.
B/L daily BR – Sun
RR
$$

Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant – This is a place where the locals hang out, eat, and drink. You can often find them spilling out onto Tchoupitoulas Street. Nachos are good as are the burgers.
L/D
$

Mother’s Restaurant – There is always a line outside this restaurant because their reputation spreads far and wide. I am a big fan of Mother’s “Debris” po-boy. I LOVE this sandwich. It’s the part of the roast beef that falls into the gravy. OMG. The “Ferdie” is also very popular, which adds ham. They don’t accept reservations so there is no way around the line, unless you are an employee. Oh, and don’t expect Southern hospitality. They will yell at you if you don’t move. Look at the menu beforehand and know what you want. But the po-boys are worth it, IMHO.
B/L/D
$$

Rambla – Tapas and Spanish/French influenced food. Delicious! Plus, they have reasonably priced wines by the bottle.
B/L/D – No lunch Sat or Sun
$$

RioMar – Adolfo Garcia is the chef/proprietor of this warehouse district restaurant and a friend of Kid Chef Eliana! The seafood is fresh and the food is infused with a Latin flavor. Delicioso!
L – Mon-Fri D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$$

Rock-N-Sake of New Orleans – If you like sushi and loud music, here you go! The atmosphere buzzes and the great thing is that it’s open until midnight on weekends and you don’t need reservations!
L – Fri D – Tues-Sun
$$$

Tommy’s Wine Bar – Tommy’s is an elegant wine bar located in the warehouse district. There is often a jazz trio playing. It’s sexy and elegant and a great place for conversation.
D
$$

Ugly Dog Saloon – Daily specials, BBQ pork, burgers, baked potatoes, chili. A great inexpensive lunch place.
L/D
$

W.I.N.O. (Wine Institute New Orleans) – This is one of my favorite wine bars. All the wines are on an enomatic system, which is like getting any wine you want on tap. They serve cheeses, pates, and tapenades. They close at midnight.
D
$ – $$$

FRENCH QUARTER

ACME Oyster House – A famous New Orleans establishment, known for their freshly shucked oysters. There is often a line.
L/D
$$

Antoine’s Restaurant – Since opening in 1840, Antoine’s has become New Orleans establishment. The restaurant is historic and the interior is like visiting a Mardi Gras museum – breathtaking! I love their incredible Pommes de Terre Souffle’ – puffed potatoes – and their alligator soup topped with sherry is divine. You definitely need reservations.
L/D – Mon-Sat BR – Sun
RR
$$$

Bayona – A Susan Spicer restaurant. Fine dining with excellent food and service.
L/D
RR
$$$

Brennan’s Restaurant – The Brennans are New Orleans Restaurant Royalty. Their classic turtle soup is a specialty and is to die for. They invented Bananas Foster.
B/L/D
RR
$$$

Cafe Du Monde – Established in 1862, this New Orleans classic on Jackson Square is open 24 hours a day, year-round, except for Christmas. If you haven’t had beignets and cafe’ au lait (coffee with milk), you haven’t tasted New Orleans. Those square, nearly hollow fried doughnuts covered in powdered sugar are heaven-sent and come three to an order. But be forewarned – don’t wear black. You’ll be sorry you did if the wind blows or you laugh. There are now other locations but there’s nothing like having a beignet at the original, historic site.
B/L/D/late night
$

Cafe Giovanni – Chef Duke is a friend and his food is exquisite. Italian food is given a facelift with New Orleans influences. Delectable. He has an early bird (5:30-7pm) three course special for $35.
D only
RR
$$$

Cafe Maspero - Inexpensive and good, this is a place for the hungry. Seafood platters are piled high. There is almost always a line and they take cash only.
L/D
$

Country Flame – I am biased because this restaurant is owned by good friends. It is definitely a “hole-in-the-wall.” It’s cheap but the food tastes great. Try the Ropa Vieja or the Cuban Sandwich. The mojitos are made with mint grown in our friend’s garden!
L/D
$

Court of Two Sisters – This restaurant is well-known for their Sunday Jazz Brunches. They have a lovely courtyard and brunch is served buffet style. Good food for a buffet. The atmosphere is fun.
BR/L/D
RR
$$$

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse – Delicious, tender steaks. Soleil fell in love with escargot here.
L – Fri only D – daily
RR
$$$

Irene’s Cuisine – Simply one of the best restaurants in New Orleans, hands down. It’s small and intimate and locals frequent the place. Steaks melt in your mouth and their meatballs are the best I’ve ever had. Irene’s is a Creole Italian restaurant. There is always a wait, even when you have a reservation. It’s that good. But there’s a waiting area and access to drinks. Mingle and make new friends.
D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen – The food and service are great. K-Paul invented the blackening technique. I love his Magic Seasoning Blend. You’ll love their paper tablecloth, full of recipes. If you want to tear a piece, just tell your server. He’ll give you a fresh section that is not stained or wet. LOL It’s a famous place and you’ll need reservations.
L – Thurs-Sat D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$$

Muriel’s Jackson Square – This elegant restaurant overlooks Jackson Square. It’s a romantic and perfect setting for that idyllic French Quarter dinner. The food is delicious. Try the bone-in pork chop with their sweet potatoes. Slurp.
L/D BR – Sun
RR
$$$

Palace Cafe’ – A Dickie Brennan restaurant, this is one of my favorite places to dine with out of town friends. It’s fine dining in a casual atmosphere so you don’t have to get gussied up. They invented the white chocolate bread pudding. Yes, you MUST have it. Their grits and grillades is amazing.
L – Mon-Sat D – daily BR – Sun
RR but you can walk in (you’ll probably have to wait but there is a bar).
$$$

Port of Call – This restaurant is at the edge of the French Quarter on Esplanade. They have BIG, juicy burgers. There is often a line. That’s how good they are.
L/D
$$

Praline Connection – Technically, this restaurant is located in the Fabourg Marigny, just outside the French Quarter but it’s really walking distance from the Quarter. If you want comfort soul food, this is the place! Their greens are “hush yo mouth” good! And they have gator sausage bites.
L/D
$$

GARDEN DISTRICT/UPTOWN
St. Charles is where the street car line runs. There are tons of great restaurants in the picturesque Garden District.

Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro – The food at Cheesecake Bistro is very good. Not fine dining but a place where families go. There is valet parking.
L/D
$$

The Creole Creamery – If you LOVE ice cream, this is the place!! I love their Creole Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream. OMG.
L/D
$ – cash only

The Delachaise – This is one of my favorite places to go for little bites and wine. They specialize in wine and beer and have an great selection. The menu is truly gourmet at incredibly affordable prices. I’m hungry thinking about their steak bruschetta… Great for late night!!! Kitchen closes at 1am.
L – Fri-Sun, D and late night
$

Domilise’s Po-Boys – If you want a po-boy, this is the place. It’s hole-in-the-wall that has been featured on the Food Network. Chefs eat here. There is almost always a line.
L and early D (except Thurs & Sun)
$

Emeril’s Delmonico – Emeril’s most upscale establishment in New Orleans. Expect to empty your pockets but the food is delicious!
L – Mon-Fri D – daily
RR
$$$

Gott Gourmet Cafe – Gourmet food at blue collar prices. We love the food here. Brunch and lunch are divine. Mmmm!
BR – Sat-Sun L – Tues-Sun D – Tues-Sun
$

Hoshun Restaurant – This Asian restaurant, located on St. Charles, is a great place for large groups and late night dining. The food is great and it’s not pricey.
L/D/late night
$$

Houston’s Restaurant – I love their prime rib sandwich. Their spinach salad with hot bacon dressing is off the chain. Good steaks.
L/D
$$$

La Crepe Nanou – This is a restaurant that specializes in delicious crepes. It’s a place where locals dine.
D
$$

Salu – I LOVE this Spanish/tapas restaurant. Grab lots of little bites and share. The wine is great and the restaurant is pretty. There is limited outdoor dining as well.
L/D late night on Fri-Sat
RR
$$

Slice – My favorite pizza place! You can buy pizza by the slice for $3.75! I love their prosciutto and gorgonzola pizza topped with fresh arugula. Their nosh plate is great too. Loud music, casual atmosphere.
L/D
$

Sucre’ – If you love desserts and confections, you will love Sucre’. This is a dessert-only destination on Magazine Street for those who appreciate decadence and art. Chef Tariq Hannah won TLC’s The Ultimate Cake-Off and has baked on Paula Deen’s show. Be prepared for the sugar rush and the intense feeling of happiness that follows! We LOVE LOVE LOVE Sucre’!
B/L/D
$

OFF THE BEATEN PATH (YOU NEED A CAR OR TAXI)
Dooky Chase – Leah Chase is a New Orleans favorite and an accomplished cookbook author. On top of that, she is an absolute sweetie pie and strolls through her dining room, talking to customers. She cooks stick to your ribs Creole comfort food. Delish! A must-dine if you have a car!
L – Tues-Fri only
RR
$$

Elizabeth’s – We LOVE breakfast at Elizabeth’s!! It’s a quaint house and you feel like you are dining at Grandma’s but with a bit of gourmet flair. Yum!
B/L – Tues-Fri D- Tues-Sat
$$

Katie’s Restaurant & Bar – They are famous for their “barge” sandwich. Talk about overstuffed! Their pizza is nom-nom worthy too.
L – Mon-Sat D – Tues-Sat BR – Sun
RR
$$

La Peniche – One of my favorite New Orleans eateries! They are open 24 hours and serve delicious food with a gourmet bend. And you’ll love the prices! Located in the Fabourg Marigny, this is a great place to eat at any hour of the day.
B/L/D – Tues-Thurs
$

Mimi’s in the Marigny – This is a dive bar located in the Fabourg Marigny, not far from the French Quarter. But they serve incredible Spanish tapas! Be prepared to eat, standing at the bar.
D/late night
$

Nine Roses – This restaurant is on the West Bank, across the Crescent City Connection bridge. It’s in Gretna and is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant. I have been eating here for years! I love their bo nuong vi, slices of thin lemongrass and sesame beef you grill yourself and then wrap in rice paper with lettuce, basil, mint, pickled radishes and carrots, and then dip in nuoc mam (peppered fish sauce). Accommodates large groups.
L/D (closed Wed)
$$

Parkway Tavern – I dream about their sandwiches and po-boys. Their French bread is so soft and when you walk up to the restaurant, you can smell them grilling meat for their sandwiches. Sigh… It’s very casual and there is lots of outdoor seating. People stand in line, especially at lunch, for a taste of Parkway’s heavenly po-boys!
L/D – Wed-Mon
$

Yes, the weather is hot. Sorry. But the food is AMAZING. Welcome to New Orleans! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-15-11 Marvelous Mardi Gras Mask

Friends:

Here is a fun and easy Mardi Gras mask you can make to celebrate Carnival Season! This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 8, 2011.

Supplies:
1 large paper plate
1 sturdy drinking straw
Markers/Crayons
Sequins
Feathers or chenille sticks (pipe cleaners)
Ribbon
Glue
Scissors

Directions:
Cut paper plate in half. Cut out triangles around the outer edge of the round part of the paper plate, making it look like a sun. Cut out eye holes. Decorate the paper plate with markers, crayons, sequins, and feathers. If you don’t have feathers, curl chenille sticks around a pencil and attach them to the top of the mask to simulate feathers. Finally, secure a drinking straw as the mask’s stick or handle. Curly ribbon can be attached to cascade down.

Enjoy and parade around!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was Day 8 of my Twisted Tales residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. The school librarian, Ellen Miller, brings me in each year on a grant administered through the Arts Council of Louisiana as part of the Decentralized Arts Funding through Louisiana Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

My day began in Ms. Mora’s 4th grade class. I enjoyed being in the class. The students were so productive and really did a great job working on their fractured fairytales. Their class was assigned “Henny Penny” and they had such creative ideas. The standout story of the class was “The Foxy Corvette” by Dakota, Carrington, Qossay, Joycelyn A. and Patrick C. I also loved the story of “Froggy Loggy” by Sierra, Jade’, Eligha, Bobby and Ramiroon. The entire class did a wonderful job and I am very proud of them!

12-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Ms. Mora's 4th grade class

There was a scheduling snafu with third grade because they had Christmas play practice. After working it out with Pre-K, I was able to re-arrange and see Mr. Boone’s third grade class. As the students worked on their stories (the original story was “Goldilocks”), I helped a group with their story, “Monkeylocks.” It turned out so cute!

12-15-10 Dianne works with students from Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class on their story, Monkeylocks

My next class was Ms. Vizzini’s second grade class. Oh what fun we had with Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach!

12-15-10 Monsieur Roach from Ms. Vizzini's second grade class

After the story, Ms. Vizzini’s class made their story shakers. Love those creative second graders!

12-15-10 Ms. Vizzini's second graders and their story shakers

After a wonderful lunch of Thai food with Ms. Ellen Miller, the school librarian (Thank you, Ms. Miller!), it was time for Ms. Lemoine’s happy first graders.

12-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Ms. Lemoine's first grade class and their story shakers

I told the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to raucous laughter. They loved seeing Madame Poulet slurp up the roach!

12-15-10 Madame Poulet eats up Monsieur Roach in Ms. Lemoine's first grade class

After the students created their story shakers, Ms. Lemoine had them shake them to music. It was so much fun! She also printed one of my book activities so that later the students could do a writing activity (writing a letter to me).

12-15-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Lemoine's first graders

I ended my day in Pre-K. Because of the scheduling conflicts with the Christmas play practice, the Pre-K teachers graciously allowed me to combine them and see them at the same time. I had Ms. Muller’s and Ms. Joy’s Pre-K classes together in Ms. Joy’s room.

12-15-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Pre-K

The two Pre-K classes did very well together. They loved the story and cracked up laughing!

12-15-10 Madame Poulet comes after Monsieur Roach in PK

On Thursday, December 16, the 5th graders are performing the fractured fairytales that I rewrote and turned into story theater scripts. On Friday, December 16, the 3rd and 4th graders will perform the story theater scripts from their fractured fairytales. It’s going to be so much fun! I better start getting those scripts ready!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-4-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Papa Noel at the Pitot House Museum holiday book signing

Friends:

Saturday was such a busy day! I had a book signing in the morning at 9am at the Pitot House Museum Holiday event in New Orleans. I even got to take pictures with Papa Noel! My friend, Denise McConduit, the children’s book author of the DJ series of books (DJ and the Zulu Parade, DJ and the Debutante Ball, DJ and the Jazz Fest) was also there. We couldn’t resist taking a picture together!

12-4-10 Pelican Authors Denise McConduit and Dianne de Las Casas at the Pitot House Museum holiday event

After two hours of busy and constant book signing, I had to go to Baton Rouge to perform The Gigantic Sweet Potato with illustrator Marita Gentry and to sign books at the Barnes & Noble on Bluebonnet in Perkins Rowe. Carron Fillingim, the CRM, was there to greet me. Kid Chef Eliana also had a signing!

12-4-10 Marita Gentry and Dianne de Las Casas present The Gigantic Sweet Potato at Barnes & Noble Baton Rouge in Perkins Rowe

We had a lot of fun! I performed the story with the help of the kids in the audience as Marita illustrated live. She is so amazing!

12-4-10 The kids line up with Marita's awesome drawings to create a scene in The Gigantic Sweet Potato

We signed a TON of books and sold out of every title except The Gigantic Sweet Potato. Woo hoo!

12-4-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry with Destiny, our pretty fan with flaxen, gold-spun hair! Just gorgeous!

Kid Chef Eliana also signed books and sold quite a few copies.

12-4-10 Kid Chef Eliana's Cookbooks are displayed and she's signing books too!

It was a full but fun day and we ended the night by going to the Cinemark Theater to see Tangled. What a great movie! It was a great twist on the traditional Rapunzel. Loved it!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-27-10 A wedding vow renewal portrait of Mom and Clay

Friends:

The main reason my family went on the Carnival Cruise was to honor my mom, Josie, and stepdad, Clay for their incredible 25 years of marriage! They renewed their vows on the ship in a lovely ceremony officiated by the ship’s captain. The cruise gave us a chance to bond as a family and create beautiful memories. See how happy I am?!

11-27-10 Last day on the boat, waiting to disembark.

I only wish my brother, Gary, my nephew Christian, and my late father-in-law, Jaime could have been with us! We had our last meal (breakfast) on the ship and waited on the Lido Deck for our disembarkation number to be called.

11-27-10 Sisterly love - last day on the ship

Finally, it was time to disembark the ship…

11-27-10 Eliana leaves the ship

I am already looking forward to taking another cruise…

11-27-10 Goodbye, Carnival Triumph!

Outside the ship, we waited for our rides. Look at our loads of luggage!!

11-27-10 19 People, LOTS and LOTS of luggage!!

My Auntie Erly is such a comedian…

11-27-10 Auntie Erly is soooo funny!!

It was quite chilly when we arrived in New Orleans, such a departure from the warm tropical weather we had grown accustomed to in the Caribbean! Later that night, our whole family gathered for one last vacation meal. This time, we kept it simple and low-key. Pizza. Just LOTS of it from Mo’s Pizza in Westwego, Louisiana. Come hungry, leave stuffed!

11-27-10 One final meal together as a group at Mo's Pizza

It was a fabulous experience and I’m thankful for the memories!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-26-10 Sweet sisters!

Friends:

Our Day 7, Friday, was our final day at sea. It was time to sail back home to New Orleans. We began the day with a sit down breakfast with the whole family in the Paris Dining Room.

11-26-10 Sit down breakfast with the bunch

After breakfast, I headed to an animal towel-folding class. I was so excited because I want to do a couple of towel folding stories in my 2012 book being published by ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, Handmade Tales 2: More Stories to Make and Take. A steward from the Philippines became my personal instructor and taught me how to make a few more animals beyond what was being taught in the class. I also bought the Carnival book on animal towel folding! Woo hoo! This trip served so many purposes! I actually got to do research in all three countries (Belize, Honduras and Mexico) for my 2011 book with Pelican Publishing, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate as well as research for Handmade Tales 2! Beyond vacation, it was such a fruitful trip for me!

11-26-10 One of the stewards showed me how to make a towel animal gorilla!

Since it was “Black Friday,” the ship’s stores had sales. Of course, I took advantage and did some Christmas shopping! I also had to enjoy the view from the ship on the open waters again…

11-26-10 Last day at sea, looking over the side of the ship

Eliana and her cousins participated in the ship’s talent contest, doing a dance as part of the Carnival Kids Club. I caught her on stage from the top balcony of the auditorium so the picture is a bit grainy.

11-26-10 Eliana dances the Cupid Shuffle in the talent show (in front, white leggings)

Afterward, Camrynn, Eliana and I went to the coffee shop to sample some chocolate-covered strawberries I had been eyeing all week long. Talk about YUM!

11-26-10 Tuxedo chocolate strawberries... YES!!

At dinner, we thanked our servers, April and Arnold, for their incredible service and hospitality. Auntie Erly ordered a cake that read, “Thank You! You’re the Best!” It was delivered to them during dinner, our last dinner together on the ship.

11-26-10 Our superb servers, Arnold and April Joy, receive a cake from us as a gift

Now I know why people become addicted to cruises. The service is unbelievable. The food is terrific (and nonstop). The amenities and activities are top notch. And you get to see different parts of the world. It was an amazing experience, to say the least. But, all good things must come to an end…. After dinner, we stopped in front of the Christmas tree to take some family photos.

11-26-10 Smile for the family Christmas picture!

My mom and stepdad, Clay, cuddle in front of the Yuletide tree.

11-26-10 Clay and Josie, the cute couple

Clay took a picture with his sister, Rita. She had never been out of the country AND this was her first cruise. Rita LOVED it! The cruise was a gift from my mom and Clay. What an amazing gift – memories to cherish for a lifetime! Merry Christmas, Aunt Rita!

11-26-10 Clay and his sister, Rita

Grandkids, say cheese!

11-26-10 Nana and Paw Paw with the grandchildren

This cruise was certainly a great way to kick off the holiday season! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-14-10 Kid Chef Eliana eats a fried boudin poboy at the Oak Street Poboy Festival

Friends:

On Sunday, the family and I met some friends at the Oak Street Po Boy Festival in uptown New Orleans.

11-14-10 Maci gets her poboy on... her head

There were po boy vendors everywhere and tons of different kinds of po boys: hot sausage, shrimp and remoulade, roast beef debris, pork belly and pepper jelly, fried chicken, duck confit, shredded pork and gouda, and so many more! Eliana and I had to eat a fried boudin (Pronounced BOO-dan, it’s Cajun sausage stuffed with rice and meat) po boy! Talk about tasty!

The streets were so crowded, it was like Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras day!

11-14-10 Oak Street is as crowded as Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras!

But there were sights you could only experience in New Orleans, like second lining with a jazz band! Love the music and the festival atmosphere!

11-14-10 A second line dancers grooves to the sounds of a jazz band

Here, Eliana takes a picture with the Saints “Whistle Man,” a famous New Orleans character present at every Saints home game. His whistle helmet is signed by many Saints players through the years.

11-14-10 Eliana takes a picture with the famous Saints Whistle Man

Our day ended with a nice dinner at Cafe Granada with our friends, Karen, Barry and their daughter, Maci. It was a fantastic time for everyone! We had fun at the perfect po boy party! YUM!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne