Things to Do in NOLA for the Holidays
Riverwalk From Movies on the Mississippi to Black Friday festivities, Riverwalk has some great events coming up!
World War II Museum Check out this historical museum during the holidays.
Artmazing Gallery Enjoy the selfie gallery of Christmas or the every day displays.
Broadway Season at Saenger Theatre Visit the Saenger for Broadway season.
Creole Queen Jazz Cruise Take a cruise and enjoy a feast on the Creole Cusine.
Mateo and Co.’s Annual Holiday Party Get dressed up, give back to the community, & have an amazing time with Mateo Diaz and Son of a Saint.
Miracle Pop Up at Barrel Proof Check out the display at the classic Barrel Proof.
Reveillon Dinners Enjoy these holiday dinners around the city.
Celebration in the Oaks Tour the City Park’s bright lights.
Fashart Photowalk Tour Take a tour with the camera with Christian. She always surprises you with the location the day before.
House of Gucci Watch the movie at Prytania Theatre starring Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani. An outsider from humble beginnings ,marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately...murder. The movie is also playing at other theatres starting on Thanksgiving day.
Brunch with Santa
Brunch with Santa at Tableau Join Santa for Tableau’s Annual Santa Brunch on Saturday, December 18th. Santa will be riding in his sleigh at Tableau from 11:30 to 2:30pm for photographs.
Holiday Tea at Ritz Carlton Davenport Lounge for a special holiday celebration featuring an appearance by Papa Noel on November 27th – December 23rd.
Brunch with Santa at Broussard’s Celebrate the holidays with festive food, live jazz, specialty cocktails, and holiday cheer at Broussard’s with Santa, and letters to the North Pole for the kids. Brunch will be served from 10am-3pm and a specialty children’s menu will also be available Friday December 10th, Saturday December 11th, and Sunday December 12th from 10am-3pmSanta will be in the building from 10:30am-1:30pm. Jazz band will play from 10:30am-2:30pm.
Teddy Bear Tea at Roosevelt Enjoy the experience that has been generations in the making. Our elves are busily preparing for this popular event that delights and excites children of all ages. Santa and Mrs. Claus will welcome you and your children to enjoy a presentation of delicious holiday food, specialty teas, and tasty pastries, as well as sparkling wine and mimosas for Mom and Dad. Individual seats are available for pre-paid, non-refundable purchase. November 28th -December 24th..
Annual Tree Lighting at Windsor Court and other holiday happenings starting Monday, November 30th.
Pelicans NBA
Here are a few shots of the girls getting ready for Pelicans season! 🏀
Fun Fact: Reggie, my husband LOVES basketball. Check out Wesley & Maddie on this court.
Videos coming 🔜 @seatgeek
📸 @lesliegamboni
Gear: @pelicansnba x @nike
Welcome Restaurant Week to NOLA
Restaurant Week is here from June 21-June 27 and Open Table has reservations open. $25 or less for lunch and $45 or less for brunch/dinner.
Here are my faves. I really love the bbq shrimp at Mr. Bs Bistro and went to Costera nd the food was AMAZING 💥 and such a hot & instagram-able spot..
Juneteenth! Support Black Owned Businesses..
What are you doing on Juneteenth? ✊🏽One of the best things to do on Juneteenth is to Support a Black Owned Business. 🖤This is a high level listing , of course there are tons of other businesses who need our support.
My favorite Food & Culture Festivals
Check out my favorite Food & Culture festivals coming in 2021….
Crawfish & Culture
I always say the best places to find Crawfish are the Westbank and New Orleans East. Some refer to the Westbank as ‘Across the river’ but the Crawfish will get you over there, and you do not have to pay a toll fee. I compiled this list, and I must admit, I see a pattern. I was correct in that first statement. The experience of eating Crawfish is one of a kind. It’s the Crawfish, Cheeweez or Zapps, and Mural Art on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. for me. Maybe a little music like 5th Ward Weebie or Juvenile might work with this Crawfish. Just grab your girls or your ‘Lil Yeah’ and head to the lakefront or your backyard to enjoy the flavor.
Most of these hidden gems don’t have a website. Thanks to Yelp NOLA and Grubhub for their updates. All in all, you have not lived until you have had the Crawfish at these places I have listed below.
Here are my Crawfish spots in New Orleans
Big EZ Seafood -The truth on the Westbank. I like mine sauced up with garlic or cajun citrus.
J & J Seafood: This black-owned seafood restaurant is a hidden gem on the Westbank. I met one of the owners and he was the nicest person. Make sure you visit.
Cajun Seafood: It’s all good in my hood. I frequent the one closest to my house. You never go too wrong with a Cajun Seafood. They have several locations in the city. This price tag usually comes with long lines but definitely worth the wait.
Lucky Jean Seafood - Chef is a very busy highway, but the mudbugs will not disappoint.
Broadview Seafood - One time for the 7th ward. Yall made the cut. Not too far from the Fairgrounds. Broadview has some good food. I like the turkey necks here as well.
Read Seafood - Back in my hood. The seafood here are a WIN. You can also trust ya mama for them Po’boys (ROLLIN). I really liked the hot sausage, oyster, and shrimp poor boys here.
Louisiana Pride - You haven’t lived until you have traveled DOWNMAN Road. Downman is a classic oldie but goodie area in the East. Once the home of hair salons, jewelers, and fancy restaurants. It has changed over the years, but Louisiana Pride will knock you off your feet. All of the Po’boys are AMAZING, and OH yeah, this blog is about Crawfiwh; the Crawfish are INCREDIBLE.
Zimmer’s Seafood: This seafood place is in Gentilly, but they are CLASSIC. Very consistent and good customer service. Locals favorite. It’s your favorite seafood restaurant’s favorite seafood restaurant.
Sal’s Seafood - Another Westbank gem. We had a company boil a few years back and they DELIVERED a ton of mudbugs at a great price. HOT and SPICY. We had so many Crawfish, people took some home to make stew.
Deanie’s Seafood - Definitely an oldie but goodie. Deanie’s on the Lakefront is always a good choice for a sit-down seafood experience.
Mardi Gras is not canceled…
Sure, Mardi Gras is different but not canceled. The news hit NOLA yesterday, and everyone was pretty BUMMED. The local businesses rely on hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue to go to Mardi Gras city. With the pandemic, things are not looking good for some businesses. Nola.com reported in 2009 that the Mardi Gras celebration, of that year, resulted in a direct economic impact of $145.7 million and an indirect impact of $322 million in the city of New Orleans. Let’s face it, even if the Mardi Gras parades rolled, the tourism would not be the same in 2021. The last canceled Mardi Gras was in 1979 due to a strike. Since, we all agree, this season will be different - let’s try a different strategy. Buy local on Mardi Gras and the days leading up to Mardi Gras, to support the local businesses.
Things to consider buying local on February 16th are:
King Cake - Some of my favorites: Caludas, Randazzo’s, Chef Reyna, Haydels, Dong Phuong and Bywater Bakery
Candles - Wicks Nola and Conrad Rose have some bomb Carnival Scents.
Jewelry - Local jewelry places all over Nola.
Clothing - Get dressed up on Mardi Gras and wear an outfit from a local boutique like Fleurty Girl.
Food and Drink - Order from a local restaurant or consider purchasing a gift card for a family member for Christmas.
Hey, let’s all take measures to be safe. We just can’t have massive crowds and super spreaders now. Sure, everyone wants to party but this pandemic will not allow us to do things the way we operated in previous years. Think smart, safe and you can still have fun.
AYYY LAPPA,
Lynn
Dazzling Lights in NOLA
My Top #10 list of dazzling lights in NOLA. NOLA has some of the most Christmas-y things to do during the holidays. Amazing and sparkling festive cocktails, installations, holiday dinners at fabulous restaurants, tours, hotels, carriage rides, and more. Christmas in New Orleans is just magical. Bright lights, big city, and did I mention great music. Wear your most festive mask and get your safe celebration on!
The Roosevelt - This is a top destination for locals and tourists. The Roosevelt’s entrance is inviting and gorgeous.
Celebrations in the Oaks -Drive city park touring beautiful holiday lights and snap pictures. With all of the social distancing this year, this is a perfect option.
Artmazing Gallery - The selfie gallery is perfect for holiday photos and festive art. You can schedule a professional photography session at the gallery and share some amazing memories.
Miracle on Fulton Street by Harrah’s -A go-to destination on Fulton Street. The gingerbread house is a must-see and also the snow in the courtyard at Fulton. Dinner at Ruth’s is always a great idea.
Hotel Monteleone - Luxury French Quarter hotel with plenty of holiday lights and a carousel bar.
Windsor Cort -This beautiful hotel has some of the best decorations and music. The tree is absolutely gorgeous, and I love the staircases.
Ritz Carlton - Stunning holiday decorations in the courtyard and also in the inside area.
Jackson Square - Wonderful area in the city that offers plenty of space. A Christmas tree is on the steps near the river and just marvelous for photos.
Miracle on Magazine at Barrel Proof - In the holiday spirit? Try a Christmapolitan or Christmas shots and enjoy the dazzling lights.
Christmas at Barcadia - Enjoy the beautiful and bright lights while trying festive cocktails, watching a game, or playing an arcade game.
What is the Girls Guide NOLA
After traveling to Houston and staying at the fabulous C Baldwin hotel and basking in products by ROIL private collection body wash, I can definitely say my plan is to be home this weekend. I have been staying in a hotel for a month. I definitely feel like Tinsley Mortimer without being a rich housewife. The good news, is I got the chance to ride and rise with the Peleton Wellness Boost Package. I had to see what this bike was all about! Yes, it is worth the hype. Once I learned how to work the resistance, I was burning all of those calories from the meal I ate the night before. I discovered this hotel by researching a few blogs and Pinterest. I immediately started following the decorator Franceska McCaughan , and she is my new fab “friend in my head’. She does the most fabulous installations in hotels.
That’s what my Girls Guide does for you. I research and do the homework and bring you back the details. Food and drink, Hot Spots, Hotels, Style Sounds fair? I hope so. Hold tight, and brace yourself for the ride.
I have received so many emails regarding Girls Nights Out. I miss them too; unfortunately, COVID does not allow us to really enjoy these events, but I plan to throw a HUGE one and get the KEY to the CITY next Fall. Hey, I have some pretty powerful women on my list, I am sure we can throw an epic Girls Night when this COVID crisis ends.
Thank you so much for being a ride or die and stay tuned.
New Orleans Girl Gumbo Recipe
I preface this with, I was raised in the kitchen to cook a certain way. Like most New Orleans girls, we talk with a creole accent and we cook like that as well. Certain words just flow for us and so does cooking…. I had the pleasure of being in the kitchen with Dooky Chase restaurant Executive Chef Edgar “Dook” Chase IV. and learned some cooking techniques. I really enjoyed the great Chef Leah Chase’s gumbo recipe, so I did use some of her recommendations in cooking this dish.
My mom taught me to pre fry most of the food. I start with the chicken, then sausage. I like to pre fry the seafood using the seasoning from Chef Toya’s seafood and the chicken from Chef Toya’s seasoning collection.
Meat
6 - 8 Chicken wings
8 oz andouille sausage (I use Chef Paul’s)
13 oz Smoked Turkey sausage
8 oz Sausage, smoked (I use Pattons)
Seafood
3/4 1 pound shrimp - I buy fresh seafood from Westwego Seafood
Crabs (I or 2 bags) Depends on how many you are feeding
Produce
3 cloves Garlic
1 cup Onions and bell peppers
1/4 cup Parsley
1 tsp Thyme, ground
Baking & Spices
4 tbsp Flour
1 tbsp Paprika
1 tbsp Salt and pepper (I use Chef Toya’s seasoning)
Tony Chacherie’s (I have a heavy hand and I like my food rich)
Oils & Vinegars
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (I like Louisiana oil)
Can or 2 of chicken stock (This works well to pre fry and also if you need to add to roux
Other
1 tablespoon file powder (Sometimes a girl needs a little more file’, judge accordingly and taste test)
Directions
Heat the oil in a skillet over low heat and add the flour to make a roux, browning until golden about 3 minutes. Add the onions and cook over low heat until the onions wilt about 4 minutes. Tip: Feel free to use Tony’s Roux if you need to thicken it out. Measure it just like the instructions recommend.
Put the shrimp, sausages, in a 5-quart pot over medium heat. Pour the onion mixture over the ingredients and add 3 quarts water, the chicken wings, file powder, paprika and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes or until broth reaches desired thickness.
Add the parsley, garlic and thyme. Lower the heat and cook about 10 minutes more, before serving.
Which Girlfriends Character are You?
Which Girlfriends Character are you?
In the 90s and 2000s women traveled in fours. It was always the perfect girls night. Every show that I can think of had a group of four women. Golden Girls, Sex and the City, Girlfriends etc. Since my name is Lynn, people always associated me with the character Lynn. They were partially right. I am crazy and funny. Very laxed personality, unless the kids are around. The older I get, the more I have become the Joan. People are coming to me more and opening up and I am giving sound advice. I always loved all of these ladies personalities. The episodes are now available on Netflix and I am a little excited for the weekends. Here are a little tidbits to help you make your decision.
Joan- The den mom friend. She appeared to be a workaholic attorney but spent most of the time on the show hanging with her girls. She had the ‘go to’ house. She could never keep a man but knew how to counsel you through a relationship. I can’t believe her and William found love. That was the funniest thing ever. That’s how life works. Sometimes, you fall in love with the person who was just your friend. Joan had a successful career and decided to quit her job. That was crazy to me, but now I understand WHY and HOW that can happen. That’s why I embrace my FT HR job and my freelance job being a blogger. It definitely helps with the burnout. Seems funny how more work could help with burnout but it does.
Toni - Hilarious personality. I can watch her all day. She was the bougie friend. We all have that girlfriend that splurges hard and is unapologetic. Finally got married and divorced and had the kid. I really enjoyed the days with her and Todd. To think, this was not the friend who we thought would have the baby.
Mya - The friend with all the tea. Mya was the girlfriend who had a baby and got married early. She was the one with real life experience but was working as Joan’s assistant. I laughed out loud at the times they were having drinks or lunch and she said she had to punch back in at work. COMEDY!
Lynn - The crazy friend. Lynn had no filter and did not care what society thought of her. She reminds me of a millennial of the day. Lynn wasn’t worried about work and bills. She just wanted to live a relaxed life.
CAN WE GET A GIRLFRIENDS REBOOT?
Take this fun quiz.
Lessons Learned Hanging with Twenty Somethings
Lessons I Learned Hanging with w/ 20-Somethings
Let’s face it, Sex and the City changed how many women viewed the world. Before kids (BK) I was always Miranda. After kids and marriage, I found myself morphing into Carrie Bradshaw. I just feel like there are so many opportunities to develop and mentor young friends. Like the great Beyonce sings ‘ I'll be the roots, you be the tree, Pass on the fruit that was given to me. We are part of something way bigger’. I’ll be the first to tell you that everywhere I go I love to have, not just a good time, but a Great time. No matter if I’m at home with my family, with my girlfriends after work, or on set for my cooking show, I want to have all the fun there is to have. Let’s chalk that up to the NOLA Girl in me! You know how we like to let the good times roll. That is probably how I landed back into a 20-something-year-old friend group.
These ladies don’t have husbands, they don’t have kids, nor a bustling 9-5. What could we possibly have in common besides irresistible beauty and flawless skin? Well, I’ll tell you, there’s the love of a crisp cocktail on a dewy summer evening, shopping until you simply can’t anymore, and just like me, they are always on the go (even though some days I feel like even they can’t keep up with me!) Regardless of the reasons for why we click, I have been re-learning lessons by watching these young divas.
Here a few of the things I picked up:
Never stop saying ‘Yes!”!
I always knew I had it in me to star in my own show, but that always sounded like so much work. I already have so much going on with my 2 kids that the idea of me starting something big, like a whole show, would take so much out of me. Then bam, one day one of my girls called talking about a project she wanted to start, with me as the Star-I WAS SOLD! When she said it’s going to be a cooking show, the foodie in me lit up! I was SUPER SOLD! Who was I to say no? The girls obviously have great taste in hosts. Sometimes, in this world if you want something, you have to let yourself have it. Now here we are 1 Season in and I’m trying to figure out what I want to do next because you really never know where these roads will lead but I am excited to find out!
I Can’t Hang!
I may be able to cover more ground than these ladies on a good day but I know that’s the hustle-mommy in me that wants to accomplish her day before going back home to her babies. That being said, I have to catch a major head start because see when 10 pm rolls around, this moma bear is ready to head back to her cubs..Maybe not sleep but I am definitely a RETIRED HOT GIRL. Whew chile, the exhaust. I love my girls but I can’t hang and drag the streets like I used to and that’s okay. I will gladly leave that to them.
I am a Free Woman!
I am a proud wife to a loving and amazing husband, a mother to two beautiful and vibrant girls, and a free woman that is living in her truths and passions. The French call it “Femme Libre”. Most women wait until they are mid-life before they start to accept themselves for who they really are. My age has never defined me and it is starting to show with this group. I am not weighed down about how I should act, think, dress, or simply be. This is the age of free thinking! Femme Libre is all about being the best version of the age you are! 20-something-year-old me would be proud.
