Turning 40 Big Easy Style

The big day has come and gone.  I am officially FORTY.  We spent the weekend in New Orleans with a small group of friends.  It was special and so much fun filled with many of my favorite people and things.  Emily expertly documented our Friday night meal at R'evolution yesterday on WMTH.  Saturday night, we had dinner in the Maison Verte room at Antoine's.  I chose this room because I loved the idea of being able to have drinks on the balcony overlooking the streets of the French Quarter before dinner.  The room itself is very charming with beautiful molding, high ceilings, hardwood floors, and pretty windows.  Our amazing waiter, Charles, is the 3rd generation of his family to work at Antoine's.  He could not have been nicer or more accommodating.  Antoine's is celebrating 175 years having opened in 1840 and is still owned and operated by relatives of the original founder!

I guess I am young compared to Antoine's :)

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me in body and spirit!

Pampers & Pearls

Sydney Fashion Hunter

Cappuccino and Fashion

WMTH Eats: R'evolution

It's hard to have a bad meal in New Orleans, and R'evolution is easily one of the best.  Located in the heart of the French Quarter, R'evolution is the creation of chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto. Reservations are hard to come by, but we were lucky enough to sit at the chef's table Friday night when were in the Big Easy to celebrate Traci's birthday.  Scott and I arrived a few minutes before the rest of the group, which allowed time for a drink at the bar as we waited.  I love an interesting Gin cocktail, so I tried the "Sunna- Goddess Of The Sun."  It's made with Ransom Barrel Aged Old Tom Gin, Linie Barrel Aged Aquavit, Mint, and Citrus, and it was delicious.  Once the other arrived, we embarked on a gastronomic adventure that was a feast for the senses.  Below are some pictures of our fabulous dinner.

WMTH out on the town

Sunna "Goddess of the Sun"

R'evolution in know for their charcuterie boards.

Roasted Baby Beet Salad with goat cheese and molasses-candied pecans

Black Truffle Beef Tartare with pickled vegetables and grilled bread

Death by Gumbo

Seared Sea Scallops and Foie Gras, Truffle White Bean Puree, Celery Salad, Bacon Vinaigrette

Wild Mushroom Papperdelle with leeks, crispy prosciutto and parmesan

Braised Boneless Short Ribs with Rutabaga-Citrus Puree, Red Wine Sauce

Side of asparagus 

Crispy Brussel's sprouts 

Our view from the chef's table.

Photo bomb!! I have no clue who the random red-head is, but I thought Traci and I looked good.

Linking up

Style Elixir / I Do deClaire 

WMTH Travels: New Orleans

Will & I just got back from an impromptu overnight trip to New Orleans.  We were able to get “last minute” tickets online through NFL Ticket Exchange for the Saints v. Falcons game on Sunday. We arrived from Pensacola just in time for kickoff. The Dome was rockin’ in the 4th quarter with Lil John’s “Turn Down For What” blaring through the sound speakers. Unfortunately, the Saints couldn’t pull off the comeback. A disappointing end to a disappointing season. But fortunately, this did not put a damper on our fun in the in the Big Easy. We met Will's cousin and another old friend after the game at Johnny Sanchez, a collaboration between John Besh and Aaron Sanchez.  We did not eat there but commiserated with other Saints fans over some top notch maragaritas. Originally, we planned to go to Doris Metropolitan but we were having so much fun with our friends that we decided to stay with them and experience Nola with the locals.  We strolled down Royal Street through the French Quarter (Bourbon was engulfed by a sea of red - obnoxious Falcons fans), making our way towards Jackson Square. On the way to Jackson Square, we made a pit stop at Yo Mamas across from Pat O'Brien's on Saint Peters Street.  We ordered a beer, and the waitress asked: "large or small?".  As if an affront to his manhood, my husband quickly responded: "large, of course". Two minutes later four draft beers in pitcher-sized plastic cups (only in New Orleans!) arrive at the table. 

Then it was on to Jackson Square for some good 'ole Christmas caroling. Yes, caroling. Since 1946, the Patio Planters de Vieux Carré have sponsored caroling by candlelight in Jackson Square the Sunday night before Christmas. It was a beautiful scene. A huge crowd singing "O Holy Night" by candlelight in front of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.  Next, we went to a delightful Christmas party in one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans on Chartres Street. The apartment had beautiful high ceilings and a balcony. The hostess could not have been more adorable and did not seem to mind that there were only two official invitees in our crew. After the party, we had dinner at Sylvain in the Courtyard. We had a wonderful time hanging out with old friends and meeting new ones.

Today, Will had some meetings so I spent my time at Canal Place and on Magazine Street.  I was really disappointed to find that my favorite lunch spot on Magazine, Lilette, was not open for lunch on Monday! I did not have enough time to visit all of my favorite stores.  I did find some adorable things for my youngest in Angelique Baby & Kids and Magic Box Toys.  

Overall it was a great getaway. We squeezed a lot into 30 hours. I'm exhausted! Only two more days until Christmas!

The historic Hotel Monteleone

Club Level at the Superdome

Mass exodus after the game

Johnny Sanchez-I loved the lighting!

Pappardelle Bolognese at Sylvain

Linking up with:
Green Fashionista
Martinis & Bikinis