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A Jaunt to New Orleans

Monday, May 19th, 2014

Good Morning Darlings!

Every once in a while girls need a couple of days away. What better place for fun, food and cocktails than New Orleans?

My dear friend and business partner, Carrie, and I set out for a two day trip to catch the movie tour with our friend, Jonathan at New Orleans Movie Tours. Since we are both big American Horror Story: Coven fans, we were so tickled to visit Miss Robicheaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies.

All that sightseeing made us hungry – and thirsty! We headed over to The Irish House, owned by my buddy Chef Matt Murphy, formerly of the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. The Irish House is warm and inviting, just like Matt and his lovely wife, Alicia. We were greeted by friend Kris, whose company does the PR for The Irish House. Kris ordered Carrie and me a couple of Iced Irish Coffees and they were so yummy!

Inside we were treated to a bunch of delicious small plates. Scotch eggs, shepherd’s pie, wings and a super cocktail named Strawberry Fields. On the weekends you can catch live Irish bands. When you are in NOLA, you must swing by and have a pint and a plate.

While we were catching up with Matt and Alicia, Matt told me a very special story. One of their young daughters had been suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. Every morning Matt and Alicia would massage her legs before school so she would be able to walk comfortably. Alicia started doing intensive research to find a better way to help her little one. She discovered that a gluten-free, paleo diet would cure her and within two days of changing her diet, their sweet daughter was running and playing like never before. Alicia was so inspired, that she opened FARE. FARE is an adorable shop on trendy Magazine Street providing salads, soups, side dishes, healthy snacks, fresh baked goods, juices, smoothies, tea & meals that are ALL made in-house and are Paleo, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, anti-inflammatory, and all-natural with a variety of vegan and nut-free options…it also happens to be delicious!

Boy, is it delicious! I tried the cinnamon roll and the date balls. Amazing! And all painted pink! Adorable! The shop matches Alicia’s personality, sweet and bright. Not only is this a must do in New Orleans, but you will be doing something wonderful for yourself.

Here are some tips for your next visit to New Orleans:

Accommodations: Hotel Modern – a fab spot with reasonable rates. Ask for Miss Scarlett.

Eat: The Irish House – try the shepherd’s pie
FARE – Good for you healthy treats

Drink: The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel

Sightseeing: New Orleans Movie Tours – This might be the most fun thing to do in NOLA. Truly. It’s a blast.

Off To New Orleans

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Good Morning Darlings!

You would think that spending time at the Ritz-Carlton would sate my hunger for luxury.

Not so.

It only makes me crave more.

How about a trip to NOLA?

Get Ready For Mardi Gras!

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Good Morning Darlings!

My birthday is Monday and starting today the celebrations start.

Today, pedis with bestie Holly at Spa Sentio.

What else is up?

Mardi Gras-Make the Fantasy Come To Life

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Good Morning Darlings!

The economy is getting better, yes? You feeling a little more flush these days?

How to spend those Benjamins!

Rub and Grub in New Orleans

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

I might be stretching with the title today, because we are talking about The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans and the divine cuisine there could hardly be called grub, but I knew it would get your attention!

There is still so much summer left to plan your vacation

Need to Party? NOLA Has An App For That!

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

My dear friend, Char, knows what I like.

What do I like?

Super Luxe Thanksgiving in New Orleans

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

Yesterday we talked about running away to Palm Beach for Thanksgiving. Today, let me tell you what my special buddy Chef Matt Murphy and our dear friend Char Thian have planned for you in New Orleans.

1. Champagne – check
2. Live music – check
3. Luscious Brunch & Delectable Dinner – check
4. Petting Zoo – wait, what?

Yup, a petting zoo. Beat that. All at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.

The gorgeous lobby. Say hi to Concierge Rudy for me!

Your children will be thrilled. You can sip bubbly and they can pet a goat in the glamorous courtyard. Afterwards, savor gourmet specialties handcrafted by Chef Matt, Chef Bradley and Chef Johnny. Save room, because Chef Thomas is creating some amazing delicious desserts that you just cannot refuse. These guys are the best at what they do. When you are finished with your meal, take a walk down to the river to work off some of those calories, because at dinner you can return for more!

Chef Matt and me, during his Atlanta visit.

At 6 p.m., let M Bistro treat you to a five course meal executed in perfect style by Chef Matt. You won’t even have to leave to work off that extra piece of pie. Jeremy Davenport is in the house for your dancing and listening pleasure. If you book soon enough, you might be able to snag one of the plush cheater’s booths for you and your loved ones. I am not kidding when I say that my meal this past summer in the hands of Chef Matt was one of the very best of my life. He and his staff are incredible and you will be wowed, without a doubt. Pinky swear.

Done dining and dancing? Just stroll out to the lobby, push the elevator button and retire to your oh-so-comfy room for the night.

Mmmmm, just thinking of the meals at M Bistro makes me want to jump in the car and drive the 6 hours it takes from Atlanta, just to eat their cooking.

Go. Don’t hesitate. Make your reservations now.

(504) 670-2828 or no_restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Harry Connick Jr. – Recipe for Love

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Part I

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

You’ve read the article in Design Is Magazine. Now get all the behind-the-scenes skinny.

Driving the 3.5 hours from South Montgomery was a snap with Sirius radio in our rental car. Arriving in the Crescent City to 97F heat, we entered The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans to kind hellos and cool air.

Come on in for all the details!

Slainte With Chef Matt

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Last night, Eric and I had the most fun with our friend, Chef Matt Murphy of The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Chef was in town on business and arrived a bit early so he could spend some time with us.

We wanted to make sure he had the best time, so I came up with this itinerary (you know how I love a list).

7:30 Meet at Rathbun’s for drinks and apps

8:45 Dinner at Iberian Pig

After dinner – drinks at Mac Magee’s Irish pub

How was it, you ask? Oh, we had a mighty fine time.

Chef Matt and me at Rathbun's

More Toasting Inside, Come On!

Goats And Moonshine

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

While in New Orleans, Eric and I had the chance to visit the fantastic Farmer’s Market in town. It’s small, but the vendors are of the highest quality. We ate crispy, delicate pastries, popsicles made with the freshest fruit, bought brightly colored peppers, ripe Creole tomatoes, picked up luscious goat cheese and even bought a goat roast. Now, I have never cooked goat, but this seemed as good a time as any to try it.

Love The Market's Message

Spice Up Your Life!

Goat, It’s What’s For Dinner!