Magically Delicious

It's been seen across the interwebs 1000s of times, but I couldn't help pulling it from the archives for St. Patrick's Day 2010 because it's magically delicious...

Courtesy of botmid

"Who else see's a leprechaun? Say 'yea'!"

All For A Mardi Gras Day

Crazy subscription pushes and auto publishing glitches on SG only added to the havoc that was the last week. Snowmaggedon blew all hopes of flying to New Orleans, so we took the opportunity to road trip.

Pull the Tail, Suck the Head. This batch of crawfish were a bit small due to the freeze.

In the last week, we have:

• Driven 2,176 miles from DC to Chattanooga to New Orleans and back in 5 days.
• Passed 256 floats across 9 parades under the oaks of St. Charles Avenue
• Consumed 72+ "21 and over" beverages across 3 days (with friends of course)
  
• Enjoyed a 3 hour dinner at Emeril's Delmonico for 14 people from 5 states (TN, DC, FL, TX, LA)
• Saw 2 casts: The Real World New Orleans and The Hot Tub during the Krewe of Tucks
  

And...

• 1 Super Bowl MVP reign as monarch all the while showering his adoring subjects with black and gold footballs.

Photo taken in DC prior to 3 feet of snow. Will we ever see the curb again? Thanks to AEV for the Bock bottle.

Pigs may have flown and hell (and DC) frozen over, but there was no way I was missing Mardi Gras 2010. Until March 8, 2011:

The koozie on a neck straps keeps your hands free to catch throws as floats pass.

Laissez Les Bon Temp Rouler!

Bourbon Balls

Can't figure out what to give your beau this year for Valentines Day? Well, you can always consult last year's SGGiftGuide or turn the tables on the chocolate giving and order him the famous Happy Balls! Kentucky bourbon candy.

Lauded by everyone from Garden & Gun to Tucker they are sure to make his day (they'd make mine). Or you can make your own with this Washington Post recipe Tucker shared back in December.

Image Credit: Happy Balls!

This Is Our Moment

"The people of New Orleans love the Saints not because they provide a distraction from their fall, but because they are a reflection of their rise"

-Wright Thompson

It's 2:36AM EST and I'm finally home.

I watched the game among friends and loved ones in the District then went out to celebrate in Adams Morgan, knowing I'll be back in New Orleans on Thursday morning to celebrate Mardi Gras.

I didn't cry when they became NFC Champions... I didn't cry when Tracy Porter intercepted the ball... I didn't cry when they clock ran down to 0:00... I didn't cry when I saw Brees' holding his one-year old son or when he accepted the Vince Lombardi Trophy...

But now that I am typing this post in reflection, tears are streaming as I know this is so much more than my celebration or the Saints Super Bowl rings, but about the City of New Orleans and the work of so many committed to it's rebirth.

The 2009 football season may be officially over and it's days away till the next Mardi Gras parades, but in the words of Kenny Chesney:

"This is Our Moment."

Image Credits: Times-Picayune

Super Bowl Sunday

Are you ready for the big game? We'll be buried under two feet of snow by the time kick off happens, so am getting ready for the Black and Gold Super Bowl today.

Apparently, Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest eating day next to Thanksgiving. While debatable, what isn't is the variety of food people love to eat. This year, in honor of the Saints, channel a little New Orleans wherever you are with this simple supper.

Zatarian's: It's authentic as Mardi Gras and is great base to start your jambalaya.

Ingredients

• 1 box Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 lb. sausage of choice, cut in rounds
• 1 1b. chicken, diced
• chicken stock
• green onions
• olive oil

Coat the bottom of a large stock pot with approx. 2 tbls. oil, add chicken, salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is browned all over. Remove and set aside. Using the chicken drippings and 2 more rounds of olive oil saute the Trinity (Celery, Onion and Bell Pepper) until tender. Remove from pot and set aside with chicken.

Substitute the water for chicken stock on Zatarain's instructions and bring to a boil. Add trinity, chicken and cut sausage. Follow remaining instructions on Zatarain's box.

Garnish with diced green onions and Tabasco.

King Cake: Haydel's bakery will get you one by game time if you order by 11:00 on Friday. Call now or follow this easy recipe with refrigerator biscuits.

Abita Beer: Whether Turbo Dog, Amber, Purple Haze, Mardi Gras Bock or my favorite Pecan Harvest, you'll round out the experience with this cajun-country brew.

The Saints and the Who Dat Nation have taken it one game at a time and are now here, Super Bowl XLIV. Finish Strong!

I Luv U

We are two weeks and a few days away from Valentine's Day and I have put back, oh, I think three bags of small conversation hearts. They are addictive, delicious and sugary sweet. Eating them brings back distinct memories this time on year as it usually falls around Mardi Gras and is the precursor to satiating my sweet tooth with Easter candy.



I know they are also extremely polorizing. Do you love or loath Brach's Conversation Hearts?

Black & Gold Super Bowl

I've been waiting all season to say those words and how sweet it sounds rolling off my tongue:

The New Orleans Saints are going to the SUPER BOWL!

I started getting nervous late last week, remaining cautiously optimistic, superstitious and positive, in my gut I believed. Much like the rest of the season, they would need to take it one play at a time, one quarter, half and then finish strong.



As Sean Patyon said at trophy presentation "This stadium used to have holes in it and used to be wet. It's not wet anymore. This is for the city of New Orleans."

All season long this has been about the Saints, but anyone of them - Brees, Bush, Shockey, Porter, Sharper - have said this is about the fans, and the city.

There's a long road ahead 'in pursuit of Lombardi' but I believe:

Editors Note: Cowboy Mouth will be playing at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC on Friday, January 29th. If you want to celebrate New Orleans victory, Mardi Gras and being alive, get the ticket - it will be incredible.

Image Credits: Times Picayune

Countdown to Carnival

Some folks countdown furiously from Thanksgiving to Christmas with an Advent calendar, but I prefer to countdown the days between January 6, Twelfth Night or the Feast of the Epiphany, and the pilgrimage back to New Orleans for 'Mawty Graw.'

Last year we had a few posts HERE, HERE and HERE and hope this year's posts put y'all in the spirit of Carnival no matter where you live.

Image Credit: Mardi Gras Unmasked via Widgetbox

Holiday Redux

As I mentioned in Post #120, the two weeks span from pre-Christmas to New Years was a whirlwind of parties, travel, family and great food...

It all started with a trip above the line to Hyde Park, New York for the significant other's family Christmas celebration. We missed the blizzard of 2009 that blanketed most of the eastern seaboard, but did get a chance to check out the Vanderbilt manse decorated for the holidays and return to DC for a snow day off of work.

On the 24th, I headed below the line to New Orleans for a food-fueled four days that included turtle soup and oysters at Felix's, dinner at Ruth's Chris, brunch at the Royal Sonesta, cheese fries at F&M's and an eggnog daiquiri after the Saints depressing loss.

Speaking of, I swore up and down I wasn't going to buy tickets, just head to a bar for a fan-filled afternoon of watching the Saints beat the Bucs. But a case of "fear of missing out" caused me to jump on StubHub and get tickets just in time for kick-off.

While the end zone seats were great, its unfortunate that we were behind the cursed uprights that lost us the game when the Saints missed the field goal sending the game into overtime. The Bucs won the toss and were able to drive the ball down the field for a field goal...


Technically, the celebrations wrapped up above the line in Wilmington, DE for our now third annual New Year's Eve dinner party.

But being a New Orleanian at heart, the celebration will continue into the new year with a Twelfth Night dinner tonight that starts the countdown to Mardi Gras 2010!

Happy New Year!

SGGiftGuide: Holiday 2009 IV

• Wii Video Games: He's probably already got the game console, so bring his favorite outdoor sports inside for the long winter months ahead - Golf, Football & Hunting
• Columbia Collegiate Bonehead Shirt: Avoid 'Tebow Tears' by getting him this evergreen shirt in his collegiate colors.
• Patagonia Retro-X Fleece Vest: Keep the body warm and arms free for fishing, football, hunting and drinking.
  
• Kegerator & Mini-Keg: The dream is one of these, but this counter top version is pretty awesome too.
• 1-Gallon of Tabasco: Sure to last a life-time (if not a few years) it can be customized to boot and will make those Sunday Funday Zing-Zang Bloodies.
• Southern Staples: Upgraded Flip Flops, the perfect bow tie, a complete belt collection, and a camo cap.

Image Credits: Links clockwise from top left

SGGiftGuide: Holiday 2009 III

• L.L.Bean Hunter's Tote Bag: Zip top and gear loop - cause at the end of the day it's really about how much you've 'bagged.'
• Ducks Unlimited Membership: Whether helping conserve America's wetlands or learning more about waterfowl, the monthly magazine and fleece vest is the gift that gives year round.
• Orvis Carry-It-All Rod and Real Case: Top shelf bag to get all your gear to Turks and Caicos or down to the Gulf Coast in one sharp lookin' piece.
• Guy Harvey T-Shirt: Complete with Frocket (Front Pocket). A Southern Classic.
  
• Le Chameau's: Worn by Kings & Queens and famous for their price tag, but when you are hiking through brush, ankle high puddles and freezing your toes off, I'm told you won't be sure how you could have ever lived w/o them.
• Mad Bomber: From the flannel exterior to the fur interior this hat keeps you warm when walking the lab in the morning and around the bonfires at night.
• Zippo Hand Warmer: Received this last year monogrammed with "DAM" and use it regularly - great gift that fits in your pocket and the stockings you'll hang by the chimney with care.

Image Credits: From 12:00 and clockwise.

Week's Lagniappe

la-gnaippe [lan-yap, lan-yap] - noun: something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure; bonus

SGSportsFan: This is a clip from Drew Bree's on The Jay Leno Show. While Jay traditionally does 10 at 10 he did 9 at 9 for December 9 and that Drew was on at 9:00 central time. I also believe it is because Drew's number is 9. Listen to the interview, Brees comes across just as awesome as you'd expect him to be.

SGCelebrates: And last but not least,

Happy Hanukkah Y'all!

Image Credit: Castaway Clothing

SGGiftGuide: Holiday 2009 II

While the Saints pulled through Sunday to make it 12-0, it was the die-hard Redskins fans who showed us how to tailgate NFL-style and with a SG slant, inspired today's post.

• Folding Picnic Table: 1-table, 4-chairs and all in the size of a suitcase. Extra points for teak top and seats.
• Coleman Steel Cooler: As American as football itself, take it back old school with this red and white classic.
• Sticky Fingers 5 Bottle Sauce Pack: As delicious as their pulled pork potato skins.
  
• Omaha Steaks: Send him exactly what he wants to eat- quality steaks and burgers.
• Margaritaville Tailgating Grill: Jimmy Buffet takes the grill from the beach to the ball game and can be easily attached to the trailer hitch on your truck.
  
• Texas Irons Brand Set: Whether it's with "Who Dat!" or your monogram, let them know who prepared that steak to perfection

Image Credits: Clockwise from top right

SGGiftGuide: Holiday 2009 I

• Tiffany Buckle & Leather Strap: Wrap him in your love now and for generations to come as the buckle gets passed down as a family heirloom
• Fornash Valet Tray & Grooming Lounge Shaving Goods: Corral the clutter of missing cufflinks and spare change while making the daily grooming ritual a bit more refined.
  
• Monocle: The 'global briefing covering international affairs, business, culture and design' is perfect for the gent who reads the Economist, GQ and aspires for a home in Architectural Digest.
  
• MadMen: Whether wanting to relive the days of 3 Martini lunches or simply the nights watching Don and Roger before Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce
  
• Blantons & Rock Glasses: Every gent loves a bottle of his favorite booze, but when paired with etched crystal glasses the gift becomes a timeless addition to his bar.

Image Credits: Links above clockwise from top left.

A Side To Be Thankful For

For as many Thanksgivings as I can remember, we have had Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping. Smooth, sweetened custard topped with a nutty, crunch layer will convert even the biggest sweet potato cynic.


Over the weekend I attended a pre-Thanksgiving dinner and brought this along as my contribution. Instead of sharing the recipe by email with the few people that requested it, thought I'd share it here with all y'all.

Sweet Potato Custard:
3 cups baked sweet potatoes, skinned and mashed
½ cup sugar (white)
3 eggs, beaten
½ tsp. salt
½ stick butter, melted
½ cup evaporated milk
1 ½ tsp. vanilla

Pecan Topping:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 stick of butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans (I used pecan meal from HERE)

Directions:

1. Mix yams, white sugar, eggs, salt and ½ stick of butter.
2. Add milk and vanilla; mix well.
   
3. Spoon into a buttered 1 ½ quart casserole dish.
   
4. Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts and 1/3 stick of butter.
   
5. Spread this mealy mixture on top of yams.

Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until set. Serves 8.

All Hallows Eve

I thought this dandy's elegant attire captured a SOUTHERN GENT Halloween: I'll be dancing, wearing at tux (albiet powder blue) and while not at one, certainly be having a ball across the weekend.

The usual suspects are headed to THIS party where I am sure to we'll see traditionally conservative women in costumes like THIS and THIS and plan to consume THIS at it's own signature open bar.

What are y'all doing?

Image Credit: Allposters.com

Autumn’s Return

This September, more so than I remember in the past, Autumn has arrived if on cue.

As the heat of summerdays spent at outdoor concerts, on the beach and in backyards bar-b-queing transitions into splendidly cool fall days with the slightest crispness in the air, I can't wait for what the months ahead have in store:

Fall's uniform of oxfords with cords and Levi's, cable knits and Shetland crew necks, and weather appropriate Barbours.

Saturdays and Sundays camped in front of the flat screen at our favorite watering hole watching College Gameday and Saints' victories.

And excursions out into the country, whether to harvest falls' offering of pumpkins and apples or sporting clays and upland hunts.

It's as if I can almost smell the spiced cider...

Chip Off the Ole Block

It's my father's 5Xth Birthday (a bit of discretion, eh hem) and as I prepped his present to be mailed and wrote the card, I started to think about all the tangential things I learned from him, including:

• Daily rituals: make the bed, close the shower curtain, watch the nightly news and straighten up the house before bed
• Wear a collared shirt and keeping it tucked in
• Appreciation for being near the water, both day-to-day and on vacation
• Cheer on the New Orleans Saints even when they are losing
  
• To try everything at least once
• Open a "house" checking account and create a monthly budget
• Proactively say 'Hello' to everyone you know, even recognize
• The importance of first impressions
• The value of family

And, because it's synonymous with birthday cakes,

• To love frosting!

It's from RJM Jr. that I learned to love frosting in all its forms - straight out the tub, as roses off the cake, slathered between two graham crackers or a Double Doozie from the Great American Cookie Company. Just the top of a cupcake or glazed sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls or donuts, it's one of the great things we have in common and an interest, love rather, I'm proud we share.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Image Credit: Google Image Search

And the Rocket's Red Glare

This Independence Day, I'll be watching the "bombs bursting in air" (fireworks), at my buddy JJM's lake cabin above the line in New Hampshire.

I've been warned its considerably cooler up North than the previous July 4th's I spent at the beach, so the chance of wearing an American classic, the Polo shirt, Tucker Blair belt (started by an American entrepreneur) and Murray's Reds (eh hem, made in Georgia and authentically American) with Rainbows while dragging the Jolly Trolly (more on that in a future post) to the beach, only to sit on a super soft towel and read a great American novel based on a certain past First Lady, itsn't likely.

What is still likely to occur? A few sparklers, great all-American food - hot dogs, Miller Lites and maybe a root beer float - all while showing my pride wearing a tri-corner hat.

God Bless AMERICA!

Click on image for a clear view.

Sweet Treats

Years after I have stopped getting an Easter Basket (and as a small child it was actually a K&B drug store bag), there are certain candies my Sweet Tooth can't do without this time of year. Thankfully, or maybe not, for the internet almost all of these treats are available year round from online candy purveyors.

Happy Spring Y'all!