1-7-12 The food table with Mardi Gras Mambo popcorn and a fleur de lis king cake!

Friends:

Last Saturday, Marita Gentry and I had our Dinosaur Mardi Gras book debut party at Octavia Books in New Orleans. It was so much fun! Despite the incredibly huge football weekend it was in New Orleans (Saints playoff game and LSU v. Alabama national championship game), we had a GIGANTOSAURUS turn-out! We had an amazing food table with Mardi Gras Mambo popcorn from Popcorn Bistro and a fleur de lis king cake from Hi-Do Bakery.

1-7-12 The fleur de lis king cake from Hi-Do Bakery. Yum!

The book is inspired by a Dinosaur Mardi Gras float that my nephew made a few years ago. I still have the original float that inspired the book. It is the centerpiece of our food table. It is also a craft that kids can make. You can find it in the back of the book.

1-7-12 Dinosaur Mardi Gras shoebox float, like the craft at the back of the book

I performed the story as my daughter, Eliana, turned the pages of the book. Marita Gentry, the illustrator, drew Dino doubloons using paper plates. She did an amazing job and we gave them to the kids afterwards. All the kids received DINO-MITE prizes too.

1-7-12 The kids pose with Marita Gentry's Dinosaur Doubloons, drawn live during the performance, on paper plates

Marita designed 18 different Dinosaur masks and the kids made them at the party. They came out sooo cute!

1-7-12 Dinosaur Mardi Gras masks that the kids made!

It was a CHOMPING, STOMPING up-ROAR-ious time at Octavia Books! Thank you and hugs to Judith Lafitte and Tom Lowenburg of Octavia books for hosting our CARNIVORE CARNIVAL! ROAR!

Until next time…

Warmly,
Dianne

12-10-11 Dianne de Las Casas is drawing A is for Alligator at St. Bernard Parish Library

Friends:

On Saturday morning, I did my A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z program from my book of the same name (illustrated by Marita Gentry and published by ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited) at the St. Bernard Parish Library. My 11 year old daughter, Eliana, came with me and did all the photography. Thanks, Eliana! Along with the drawing steps, I told stories that went along with the steps. Janet Perez, the children’s services coordinator, asked me to adapt the program for the holidays. So I did!

12-9-11 One of the kids draws Gator Claus

“B is for Bear” was super cute. The children named the bear “Bella.” I embellished her with a bow, jingle bell earrings, and a pink tutu. Hilarious and adorable!

12-10-11 Dianne de Las Casas draws B is for Bear with embellishments

It was a family program so the grown-ups were drawing right alongside the children.

12-10-11 Library patrons at St. Bernard Parish Library work on their drawings

Here is “B is for Bear” by one of the children.

12-10-11 B is for Bella Bear

Next, I did “D is for Dog.” I drew a Dalmation and the results were so much fun. Look at this “D”-lightful Dog drawn by one of the kids.

12-10-11 A child draws D is for Dog. Love that hat!

Then it was “P is for Penguin,” a cool Winter animal!

12-10-11 P is for Penguin

My last draw and tell story from A is for Alligator was “W is for Whale.”

12-10-11 W is for Whale

Just for Janet, I developed some new draw and tell stories. They came out sooooo cute! Using the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3, I drew Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

12-10-11 A child's drawing of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Using the Numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3

I also used the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3 to draw Santa Claus!

12-10-11 Drawing Santa with the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3

I ended the program with a rousing rendition of the Christmas song, “Up On the Housetop” with kids playing instruments and singing. It was so much fun!

12-10-11 Ending the program with a performance of Up On the Housetop

Thank you so much, Janet and St. Bernard Parish! I love visiting your library!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-6-11 Ms. Hadley's 1st grade class works on W is for Whale

Friends:

Today was my second day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary School in Metairie, Louisiana. My first class was my first “repeat.” I went to Ms. Whiteman’s Kindergarten class and they worked on their “P is for Penguin” for their book. I can’t wait to see how these books turns out!!

12-6-11 P is for Penguin in Ms. Whiteman's Kindergarten class

My second class was Ms. Fury’s third grade class. Their letter was “V is for Vulture.” First, I taught them how to draw the vulture. Then they began writing their stories. It was fun to see their stories come to life.

12-6-11 V is for Vulture in Ms. Fury's 3rd grade class

My next stop was Ms. Anchissi’s Kindergarten class. They had “J is for Jackrabbit.” I drew and told the story. Afterwards, I taught them how to draw the jackrabbit. We did it twice to practice. Then they colored their jazzy jackrabbits.

12-6-11 J is for Jackrabbit in Ms. Anchissi's Kindergarten class

After Kindergarten, I skidoodled over to Ms. Arnett’s second grade class. They did “D is for Dalmatian Dog.” Not only did their dogs come out uber cute, but their stories were equally engaging. They had some amazing stories in this second grade class!

12-6-11 D is for Dalmatian Dog in Ms. Arnett's 2nd grade class

After lunch, I went to Ms. Hadley’s first grade class. The students learned how to do “W is for Whale.” The funny thing is that their class was studying the “wh” sound and had “wh” vocabulary words. My story map with “who,” “where,” “when,” “what,” and “why” fit in perfectly! Ms. Hadley was “wholly” excited and “whooping” it up with joy. This class had a “whale of a tale!”

12-6-11 W is for Whale in Ms. Hadley's class

My final class of the day was Ms. Brumfield’s fifth grade class. They had “F is for Frog” and had fun drawing the frog. The last class of the day is always a shorter period so they began work on their stories but didn’t complete a rough draft. I look forward to hearing their stories!

12-6-11 F is for Frog in Ms. Brumfield's 5th grade class

It’s going to be a great day tomorrow and I LOVE how the stories are coming out. These students are going to create some fantastic books!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-5-11 P is for Penguin by a student in Ms. Whiteman's Kindergarten class

Friends:

Today was my first day at my annual artist residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. The residency is sponsored by a grant administered by the Arts Council of New Orleans through the Louisiana Division of the Arts.

I am excited about this year’s project. The students are learning draw and tell tales from my new book, A is for Alligator, illustrated by Marita Gentry. The book teaches students how to turn every letter of the alphabet into an animal. After the students learn to draw the animal, they are writing stories using the animal as a character in the story. Each class will then compile their stories and we will send them to get published through Student Treasures.

My first class was Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class. Their letter was “S is for Shark.” After learning how to draw the shark from the letter S, they created some fun stories.

12-5-11 S is for Shark in Mr. Boone's 4th Grade Class

My second class was Ms. Lambert’s third grade class. These students produced amazing drawings from “L is for Lion,” and their stories were equally charming.

12-5-11 L is for Lion in Ms. Lambert's 3rd grade class

Next it was off to Ms. Whiteman’s Kindergarten class. I taught the students “P is for Penguin” and was so impressed by the imagination of these little students!

12-5-11 P is for Penguin in Ms. Whiteman's Kindergarten Class

Then it was on to Ms. Presser’s second grade class. The students did “K is for Kangaroo.” They loved drawing the kangaroo and came up with some interesting story ideas.

12-5-11 K is for Kangaroo in Ms. Presser's 2nd grade class

After lunch, I visited Ms. Duhe’s first grade class. They worked on “C is for Cat” and did such a wonderful job drawing their cats and coming up with cool descriptions of their cats.

12-5-11 C is for Cat in Ms. Duhe's 1st grade class

Finally, my last class of the day was Ms. McLeod’s fifth grade class. They did a fabulous job with “H is for Horse” and I had so much fun brainstorming story ideas with them. I loved their idea of a snow-boarding horse being chased by an abominable snowman down a hillside!

12-5-11 H is for Horse in Ms. McLeod's 5th grade class

I look forward to my classes tomorrow!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

9-15-11 My new office with three work areas

Friends:

Many of you have been hearing me chatter on and on about my “dream office.” Well, it is finally done! This week, the baseboards were installed.

9-15-11 My desk and comfy leather chair

My new office has a “beach” theme with white cabinetry, sea blue walls, and sand colored countertops. I have displays of my seashells and sand from around the world, beach paintings from artists in Mexico and Santa Monica, California, and photographs of the beaches I visited in Hawaii this past summer.

9-15-11 My ode to my favorite place... the beach!

There is tons of cabinetry, drawers, file drawers, and a massive built-in bookcase to house my big book collection.

9-15-11 The library wall. Woo hoo!

There are three work stations. I roll back and forth between my desk and the work area behind me. It’s great space with lots of room for special projects. Kid Chef Eliana has her own space! It’s always organized too.

9-15-11 Eliana's work area and the storage tower for promo materials

I just love working in my new environment!

9-15-11 Another view of my desk and work station

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

8-10-11 Performing the story of The Emperor's Dragon, a draw and tell tale from my book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

Yes, it has been nearly a month since this workshop! I took a break from blogging to get some writing done and to work on other projects (developing an iPad story app). I actually thought that I had posted this blog!

So last month, I had the pleasure of doing a day-long in-service for PK teachers in Lafayette Parish. It was so much fun. I began the workshop with an ice breaker in which participants had to create a self-portrait from items in their purses, bags, or wallets. I love a woman who carries chocolate in her purse!

8-10-11 A self-portrait made from items in a workshop attendee's purse. Yay for chocolate!

The morning session was dedicated to Handmade Tales. We began with a draw and tell story called Catching a Pest in 7 steps. It’s from my book, Handmade Tales: Stories to Make and Take, and is great for teaching numbers and sequencing.

8-10-11 Catching a Pest in 7 Steps - A draw and tell tale

Then they learned the story of “The Emperor’s Dragon,” another draw and tell tale.

8-10-11 The Emperor's Dragon drawn by a workshop participant

Then it was time for a cut and tell story. The PK teachers learned the story of “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.” They were having fun “cutting up.” LOL

8-10-11 Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, a cut and tell story

They learned how to make a Russian nesting doll just by folding paper. It’s so cute!

8-10-11 A Russian nesting doll made out of paper from my book, Handmade Tales

I showed them how to make a 6 page book out of a single sheet of paper. It’s a very versatile origami craft that can be used to showcase ABCs, used as an “About Me” book, or turn little ones into authors and illustrators.

8-10-11 The six page book from the story, The King's Advisor

The teachers learned the story of “Papa’s Teepee,” which features a coffee filter that is magically turned into a snowflake. Then the teachers created a snow blizzard. I always love this part!

8-10-11 Creating a snow blizzard out of coffee filter snowflakes from the story, Papa's Teepee

They learned another cut and tell story that resulted in a perfect 5 point star!

8-10-11 Lafayette PK Teachers are stars!

We had a blast with the story, “Bandana Man,” and I love this picture of the PK teachers becoming old women with their bandanas!

“Bandana Man” is another rendition of “The Gingerbread Man,” except he’s made out of a bandana and one hand becomes all the animals in the story (a spider, a snake and a fox). When they learned how to make Bandana Man, there were lots of oohs and ahs. He is pretty cute!

8-10-11 Bandana Man!

Then it was time to learn some string stories. I told the string story of “The Stubborn Turnip,” which has a cool magic trick in it. These PK teachers were great with their strings!

8-10-11 The string figure bowl from the string story, The Stubborn Turnip

They even learned how to make a star out of string. Talk about wowing kids!

8-10-11 Making a star out of string! Cool!

After lunch, it was time for the second half of the workshop featuring “A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z” and “Picture Book Make and Takes.” “A is for Alligator” is a book with Marita Gentry published by ABC-Clio. We take every letter of the alphabet and turn them into animals using storytelling as the device. It’s really amazing and kids of ALL ages LOVE it.

8-10-11 A is for Alligator from my book of the same name illustrated by Marita Gentry

The stories from A is for Alligator are great for teaching the letters of the alphabet and the sounds that they make.

8-10-11 E is for Elephant from my book, A is for Alligator, illustrated by Marita Gentry

This is “W is for Whale.” How precious is that?! You can see how the teacher highlighted the “W” in the drawing with a different color.

8-10-11 W is for Whale from my book, A is for Alligator, illustrated by Marita Gentry

The second half of the afternoon focused on “Picture Book Make and Takes.” I showed the teachers all the cool activities that are downloadable for free from my website in the “Book Activities” section. They made a Cajun Cornbread Boy puppet and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story shaker.

8-10-11 The story shaker from Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

They did a baby bear collage from Mama’s Bayou, created Ma Farmer’s Down Home Cookbook from The Gigantic Sweet Potato, and created an accordion dragon puppet from There’s a Dragon in the Library.

8-10-11 The accordion dragon from There's a Dragon in the Library

It was a great way to spend the day and I really enjoyed myself with the PK teachers of Lafayette Parish schools. A special thank you to Christine Duay for bringing me in!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-1-11 Catching a Pest in 7 Steps - Dixie Center, Olla, LA

Friends:

Last Friday, I was at Lasalle Parish Library for my last summer reading program of the year. It was also my last summer reading program tour as I am no longer touring in the summer (more time for writing and spending time with my family). I love Andrea Book, the library director, and Donna Estis, the children’s librarian. They have been such great friends over the years. Thank you, ladies!!

My first show was in Jena, Louisiana. I began with my draw and tell story, The Emperor’s Dragon.

7-1-11 Drawing The Emperor's Dragon at Lasalle Parish Library in Jena, LA

We then had fun with Medio Pollito, a story from Spain.

7-1-11 Telling the story of Medio Pollito at Lasalle Parish Library in Jena, LA

I had just as much fun in Olla, Louisiana at the Dixie Center. Though the crowd was small, the kids were great.

7-1-11 Telling the story of There's A Dragon in the Library at the Dixie Center in Olla, LA

Kid Chef Eliana entertained the crowds in Jena and Olla. Too cute!

7-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs at the Dixie Center in Olla, LA

We loved eating and shopping at The Caboose, one of our favorite places in Louisiana. Lasalle Parish rocks!

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

6-19-11 Eliana is a Cupcake Cutie!

Friends:

This past Sunday, I threw a “Cupcake Cutie” birthday bash sleepover for Eliana to celebrate her 11th birthday! This is what the table looked like.

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Table

This is what the individual place settings looked like. We had to kinds of cupcake plates and lots of hot pink!

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Place Setting

First the girls made taco salad cupcakes, taco salads made inside ramekins that are made to look like cupcakes.

6-19-11 The taco cupcake, a taco salad made to look like a cupcake

A small tortilla is placed inside a ramekins and baked at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Layers of lettuce, cheese, and ground meat are placed inside. Sour cream is piped on top with a grape tomato as the cherry and shredded cheese as the sprinkles. The girls’ tacos came out uber cute! Dinner was accompanied by a vanilla cream soda punch (1 part vanilla cream soda, 1 part ginger ale, hefty scoops of vanilla ice cream). Yum!

6-19-11 Eliana and the girls with their taco salad cupcakes

After Kid Chef Eliana that, made strawberry shortcake cupcakes with fresh strawberries.

6-19-11 Kid Chef Eliana makes strawberry cream cheese frosting with real strawberries

They were soooo delicious!

6-19-11 Strawberry shortcake cupcakes made by Kid Chef Eliana

Then it was time to blow out the candle on her birthday cupcake!! Actually, the cupcake she is blowing out is a candle in the middle of mini cupcakes!

6-19-11 Eliana and her birthday cake. The cupcake is the middle is actually a candle.

Then it was time to open presents. Kid Chef Eliana got a wild new apron!

6-19-11 Eliana gets a wild zebra apron for her birthday!

She also got a sweet little ceramic cupcake with an “E” on top.

6-19-11 Eliana gets a ceramic cupcake with an E on top!

I think one of her favorite presents of all was her new Cupcake Cutie Room!!!

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Room

After opening presents, we played a game and the girls had a cupcake collage contest. They all voted on their favorite cupcake art. In my opinion, they are all winners!

6-19-11 Eliana and her friends with their cupcake collages

Then they made chef hats from construction paper and white plastic grocery bags. Adorable young chefs! You can make this chef hat too. Instructions are on Kid Chef Eliana’s website.

6-19-11 The cute little chefs make chef hats from construction paper and plastic grocery bags

Look at Kid Chef Eliana! Love the funky birthday glasses!

6-19-11 Happy Birthday, Kid Chef Eliana!

Then it was time to decorate cupcakes that the girls baked earlier. I created a “Cupcake Bar” with different types of frosting, different kinds of sprinkles, and chocolate chips. The girls went to town!

6-19-11 The young chefs decorate cupcakes at the Cupcake Bar

Josie’s cupcakes came out awesome!

6-19-11 Josie's cupcakes look oh so yummy!

After decorating and eating those tasty treats, we did our last craft and activity for the night. They made cupcake bags by decorating colorful canvas bags with bright fabric paint. They came out great and were perfect to tote all of their goodies home the next morning.

6-19-11 Eliana and her friends made cupcake tote bags - so precious!

It was a fabulous party and the girls had a blast. Cheers to the Cupcake Cuties! Young Chefs Rock!

6-19-11 Young chefs rock!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne