Johanna

Saturday, June 15

The Urban Oasis that is Audubon Park

For over a century, Audubon Park has been a place to enjoy nature in Uptown New Orleans.

Hyams "Children Fountain" was built with a bequest in 1914 and opened in 1921.

Kids and dogs still cool off during the hot summers in the wading pool.

Sara Lavinia Hyams

Besides leaving her considerable collection of paintings to the New Orleans Museum of Art, she bequeathed her personal jewelry collection -- valued at $30,000 in 1914 dollars, or more than half a million dollars today -- to be sold to erect two fountains, one in City park, one in Audubon. "Given to the little children of New Orleans," the fountains are inscribed.

This is truly a hidden gem that many people do not seem to know about since it's backed up against the zoo fence.

The Hurst Street Bridge leading from the jogging path to the golf course, built in 1941.

There are four gazebos in Audubon Park, which have been places of rest and reflection for generations of visitors. They were designed by the Olmsted Brothers Firm over 100 years ago.

The ring road around the park was closed to automobile traffic at the start of the 1980s and became a popular 1.7-mile walking, jogging and biking route.

The (Isidore) Newman Bandstand, built in 1921, is a commanding location at the edge of the park lagoon.

Monday, June 10

Basil Watermelon Salad with Feta and Red Onion


If you haven't had this salad before, it's spectacular for a hot summer day. The salty creamy cheese contrast with the sweet juicy melon is unbelievable.

Watermelon
Basil
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Onion
Feta Cheese
Fresh pepper
Balsamic Vinegar

Go for seedless so you don't have to dig out the big black seeds while cubing into 1-inch chunks.

These cherry yellows add some summer sweetness.

You can use any combo of roughly chopped fresh herbs. Mint, parsley or chives would make good substitutes.

Crumble the cheese and add a couple grinds of black pepper. Yes, pepper - this is a savory dish. But, no salt. The feta is salty enough.

Drizzle on balsamic vinegar and give a nice toss. This is a superstar, cold summer salad. I know it seems weird, but it works well together - enjoy!

Saturday, June 8

Tubing

Tiki Tubing offers 4 hour river tubing trips down the Amite River, which I did today.

Monday, June 3

Tomato & Provolone Sandwich

June in New Orleans means the arrival of Creole tomato dishes on local restaurant menus, in farmers markets, at roadside stands and even urban grocery stores. Typically the crop arrives in early June, which is the perfect time to begin making tomato & provolone sandwiches.

There’s something magical about a simple bread-and-tomato sandwich, but this one is even better topped with provolone cheese and tarragon-garlic mayo.

Whole-grain country bread
Provolone cheese
Medium tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick

Small clove garlic, finely chopped
Low-fat mayonnaise
Chopped fresh tarragon
Dash lemon juice
Fresh ground pepper
Pinch of salt

What is a Creole Tomato?

New Orleanians know they are thick meaty juicy red tomatoes that are waited for every summer. A Creole tomato is so rich and flavorful that it hardly seems related to those pale shipped-in tomatoes at the supermarket.

The French Market Creole Tomato Festival, this coming weekend, is a celebration of Louisiana's produce, farmers and the Pelican State's unique cultural and cuisine offerings, of which the Creole tomato is emblematic.

Personally, I think that snow balls and Creole tomatoes help us locals survive the long miserable summer in the city!

Saturday, June 1

NOLA Staycation

My friend Jackie and I walked around the French Quarter all day today enjoy everything NOLA related.


Just like many local treasures - the Ramos Gin Fizz is one of those drinks that you’ll be hard-pressed to find outside of New Orleans. While combining gin with cream and egg whites (among other ingredients) might seem odd, Henry C. Ramos knew he was onto something when he concocted this now infamous cocktail back in 1888.

Few places capture the essence of New Orleans like the Napoleon House: A 200 year old landmark that's as casual and unique as its French Quarter surroundings.
The building's first occupant, Nicholas Girod, was mayor of New Orleans from 1812 to 1815. He offered his residence to Napoleon in 1821 as a refuge during his exile.
Napoleon never made it, but the name stuck, and since then, the Napoleon House has become one of the most famous bars in America, a haunt for artists and writers throughout most of the 20th century.

We don’t mean to brag, but New Orleans has a way of taking things that you could find anywhere, and re-engineering them so that they become so uniquely New Orleans, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything else that measures up. The Pimm’s Cup is one such example. While the drink was born in a London bar at the hands of a bartender named James Pimm, the Napoleon House has taken his creation, put a slight twist on it, and placed it down in one of the city’s most charming watering holes.
The cocktail is perfect for New Orleans Summer evenings – cool, light, and refreshing.

Part of a Nabisco ghost sign for Uneeda Biscuit.

From the French Quarter and beyond, the famous Hand Grenade Drink from Tropical Isle is New Orleans "Most Powerful Drink. You can readily spot these yummy drinks in the hands of people on Bourbon Street by the bright green Hand Grenade yard cup.