Alligator Pear Cafe

When I'm on the Westbank my favorite place to eat has to be Alligator Pear Sidewalk Cafe. Beautiful location with yummy food! The scenery is relaxing and provides a true laid back atmosphere with great service. This is a great place to have lunch in my opinion. So many great things on the menu from gourmet pizzas, wok dishes, Royal Palm Salad and more.

One of my favorite meals to get from Alligator Pear has to be the delicious catfish bites. The flavorful pieces will make you want more. Try it with the garlic mash potatoes or the just right white beans. If you ever in the area make sure to check them out.

Alligator Pear
Fountain Park Center
504-281-4472
1901 Manhattan Blvd.
Harvey, LA 70058
Sunday - Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday 11am - 10pm

The Flavorful Gott Gourmet

A great place to have lunch on a Saturday is the cute Gott Gourmet tucked away on the corner of 8^th and Magazine Street.  At Gott Gourmet, you can enjoy a nice lunch after some serious boutique shopping. From the Chef, David Gotter you can experience sauces, soups, marinades and dressings made from scratch. You can’t go wrong with the homemade and fresh drenched in mouthwatering flavors.

On the menu you can get unique salads, Chicago style hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches and wraps. There is even a yummy meal called the St. Patty’s Day Massacre, which includes house shaved corned beef among other flavorful ingredients.

The Rum House, Caribbean Dream

Recently, I had the pleasure to try out the Rum House: Caribbean Taqueria at 3128 Magazine Street.  I never thought it was possible to enjoy food that was prepared with mango and pineapples until I tried the delightful food there. We started our dining pleasure with an Avocado Mango Dip. It included fresh homemade guacamole with mango and salsa. The taste was phenomenal; the mango gave it an extra flavor.

Later for Entrees, I couldn’t help but to try the Island Style “Cuban Steak.” This consisted of flank steak in a ginger soy pineapple marinade served with cornbread dressing and coconut mango rice. 

This flavorful meal left me extremely satisfied and happy.  This restaurant definitely makes me feel like I got a little Island time.

In addition to my yummy meal you can get tacos, sandwiches and interesting items like Mahi Mahi fingers and Rustic Curried Lank Shank.

A Walk Through the Oak (Street)

Oak Street has changed amazingly since I last saw it, not long after Katrina.  Previously the only reason I ventured down this street was to eat at Jacques-Imo’s, but now this area is alive with bustling shops and is great for an afternoon stroll. 

There is a diverse group of shops along the street, just blocks from S. Carrollton Avenue.  “More Fun Comics” is a classic comic shop, which has been open since 1990.  They have a nice space, with a large selection of older comics easily accessible in the center aisle.  More reading choices can be found at “Blue Cypress Books”, a used book store where you can trade-in your old books on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Keep an eye out for the super cute Bookstore Kitty (a.k.a. Kitty Meow)!  Right across the street is the fabulous “Skip N’ Whistle”, a t-shirt store full of great New Orleans logos that really take me back, such as “K&B” and “Morgus the Magnificent”.  They take custom orders and can screen the pictures on t-shirts, messenger bags, and a number of other items. 

Nonna Mia, Born Out of Love

The Good Nola crew, Chris, Brooke and I finally got a chance to try out Nonna Mia after a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art. The atmosphere and food was phenomenal. It started perfectly with no wait time and great service.  We ate in a room called, “The Diva Room”, with beautiful Italian women all around, which our male guest enjoyed. Note: I'm told they are working on some male divos for The Diva Room!

We all tried yummy dishes. I tried the Eggplant Parmesan, which included breaded eggplant slices topped with basil marinara, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Being only the second time in my life eating eggplant, I definitely became a permanent fan! Brooke went with the Manicotti Quattro Formaggi, which looked great I must add. It is a blend of ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella and fontina cheeses, oven baked with tomato basil sauce. Doesn’t the sound of that make you hungry?  Chris went the classic route with the three cheese pizza that looked amazing.

So many dishes to try at Nonna Mia, one I'm eyeing next is the Sicilian Style Cannelloni Alla Carne with a bolognese sauce. Definitely you and friends need to try out Nonna Mia, even sit outside and enjoy the beautiful Esplanade as you dine.  Also, if you are around for Sunday Brunch try the Lobster Fettuccine, but its definitely offered every day; just ask for this greatness!

Thoughts from Brooke:

The other night I had a chance to enjoy a lovely Italian dinner at Nonna Mia.  There was a nice casual atmosphere, with a number of people savoring their meals over a glass of wine and good conversation.  I was seated in the Italian Diva Room, which has a number of photographs of famous women on the wall. Ladies, be aware that if you sit here your date may spend more time staring at the wall than at you, as these Italian divas are rather scantily clad.  Unfortunately, there is no room of Handsome Italian Men, so instead I had to focus on the food, which was not a problem.  I had the Manicotti Quattro Formaggi (a four cheese pasta dish).  As a lover of cheese, I was definitely not disappointed; when they advertise four cheeses, they mean it.  The ambiance was good, the food was great, and the company was even better.  Next time you are craving Italian food, head on over to Nonna Mia. 

http://www.nonnamia.net/

Nosh On This

Recently I took a trip to “Slice” on St. Charles Avenue, conveniently located next to the street car line.  It has a cozy interior, with chalk board specials and local awards displayed on the walls.  This is a pizza parlor where you can get a classic New York crust, and a single slice counts as a whole meal.  My Veggie Pie slice was so full of toppings that I could not pick it up to eat it, which I see as a good thing.  The food was good, the atmosphere was relaxed, and my experience was favorable.  Basically, I am a fan of any place that has an item called a “Nosh Plate”.

If you’re looking for a filling meal for under $10, look no further than “Slice”.  Obviously, they have a number of pizza options on the menu, but they also have a good selection of salads and pastas.  There are two locations in the New Orleans area, one on Magazine Street and one at St. Charles Avenue.  For more information (including maps and menus), check out their website at http://slicepizzeria.com/

DISCOVER: COCKTAIL BARS

New Orleans has always had an affinity for cocktails; the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz were created here. While New Orleans wasn’t at the forefront of the current cocktail craze, the addition of several new cocktail bars, as well as mixologists at some of the best restaurants and hotels, have helped us catch up quick.

My personal exposure to cocktails (beyond cosmopolitans and martinis) was during a visit to New York several years ago. After I volunteered at Tales of the Cocktail last summer, I was hooked. Luckily, I did not have to look far to feed my cocktail addiction.

If you want to experience the cocktail culture in New Orleans, check out these three:

Cure

Cure is a beautiful, sleek bar located on Freret Street. Cure somehow pulls off being modern yet warm at the same time. Cure also has a courtyard, one that will make you forget that you are on Freret Street.

Cure is not the bar that you want to visit if you want Grey Goose L’Orange (or any flavored vodka for that matter). They don’t have it. Cure serves well crafted cocktails. Beyond the cocktails on the menu, the bartenders are capable of making any classic cocktail, in precise fashion. If the choice is overwhelming, the bartenders can help you find a cocktail based on your taste. I have always had attentive service, even late at night when the bar is busy. If you want to engage the bartender in questions regarding cocktails or liquors, I suggest you go early or during the week. Also, if you want to experience Cure’s cocktails at a discounted price, visit during happy hour. Cure features several classic cocktails for $5, from 5-7 PM daily.

The Juice is Running: Beaucoup Juice

As you walk into the bubbly painted shop on Freret Street you can not help but feel engulfed in the spirit of New Orleans.  A brightly painted mural of the city lines one wall and prints from local artists and photographers hang overhead on the others.  Beaucoup Juice is a snowball shop.  Beaucoup Juice is a juice bar.  Beaucoup Juice is a smoothie haven.

Snowballs

This is not your typical New Orleans style snowball shop.  Of course you have your basic flavors such as cherry and peach, but also on the menu are mango chili and pineapple mint.  The thing that sets these snowballs apart is the juice, all of which is made from locally grown produce, purchased at various farmers markets.  Beaucoup offers a delicious and healthy treat without all of the preservatives and corn syrup.  Beaucoup also does “adult snowballs” on occasion blending juices and snow with your favorite spirits.

Juices

All freshly made at the shop.  Many fruits come from the local farmers markets around the city.  Beaucoup can blend any flavors you would like into a delicious and healthy treat.  Ask for the carrot/ginger!

Smoothies

Proprietor Williams concocts these culinary masterpieces ranging from simple and delicious to extravagant and luscious.  The most popular smoothie is The Tipitina (or The Local) - combines local peaches and strawberries with banana, honey and soymilk.  Insider tip (the smoothies are out of this world-best in the city hands down.)  I had a fresh blueberry smoothie.  The bright purple delicacy was so smooth and flavorful I had to order another just to satisfy my taste buds!

If God is Willing, and Da Creek Don’t Rise

Water coolers will be abuzz with talk about Spike Lee’s new documentary premiering on HBO this week. “If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise” is a follow up to Lee’s 2006 documentary, “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts,”  chronicling New Orleans’ remarkable and somewhat exhaustive journey to recover after the disaster of Hurricane Katrina.

The film will definitely evoke strong emotions from the people of metro New Orleans, both those home, and those still trying to make it back, as well as people around the country; maybe even the world.

Lee seems to hold nothing back. Covering people still dying to get back home years later; the perceived failure of the government to protect and serve its people; the economically-crippling oil spill by British Petroleum (BP); and the monumental Saints season that lead to a Super bowl victory that seemed to lift the spirits of the entire nation.

Hate it or love it… everyone will have something to say about this documentary. And maybe that’s Lee’s objective; not to make a film that people love, but to make a film that will incite responses and keep the discourse open. In which case, he nailed it.

If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise will debut on HBO in two parts. Part one on Monday, August 23rd and part two on Tuesday, August 24^th at 8pm CST.

Trailer

Good Nola News in Review: August 20th

A new Broadway production is on its way to New Orleans! “Lawdy Miss Clawdy – The Musical” is expected to debut at the Mahalia Jackson Theater around Thanksgiving 2011. Casting for the musical will tentatively take place February and March 2011, stay tuned.

Three “Treme” Mardi Gras Indian costumes and Lambreaux’s Street clothes appeared in the fifth annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Museum.

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Good Nola News in Review: August 13th

New Orleans Fringe Festival, supporting and promoting performing artists received 130 applications for 30 slots.

Batman 3 may film in New Orleans! Warner Bros. is looking to take advantage of some the tax credits. If deal finalizes almost half of principal photography will take place in NOLA.

Earlier this week, President Obama welcomed the New Orleans Saints and hosted them at the White House. President Obama celebrated their Superbowl victory and community work being done by many of the players.

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Good Nola News in Review: July 16th

Haydel Bakery plans to make the world’s largest king cake on September 22, 2010, which will encircle the Superdome twice. This will make the Guinness World Record!

Barcamp, The un-conference on technology takes place tomorrow at Launchpad. Get more info.

Audubon Insectarium Leafcutter Ant exhibit reopens in New Orleans. Check out the different colonies.

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Good Nola News Week in Review: July 9th

Nine charter schools were granted one to three
year extensions by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. High
performing Pierre Capdau School received 3 year renewal. Other schools granted
extensions were Arthur Ashe, Abramson Science and Technology, Langston Hughes,
Mcdonogh 42, New Orleans College Prep, Kipp Central City and Algiers Technology
Charter.

New Riverfront Park opening in the Bywater-Marigny area in the Fall of 2011.

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Last Week In Review

The Coca Cola Company donated $40,000 to the Friends of the New Orleans Recreation Department, to benefit youth adventure programs. This includes activities such as swimming, hiking and canoeing.

New Orleans will host 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service. This conference is the world’s largest gathering of volunteers and service leaders. The conference is expected to bring over 5,000 people to the city.

Feed The Multitudes will feed and provide many resources to families all across Greater New Orleans on July 4th. For more information check out the website!

New Orleans Kids Partnership is looking for a few good mentors for at least one hour per week. For more information check out NOKP!

Full Story at Humid Beings