NOLA DINING GUIDE

Pardon my lengthy absence here on MDP! I've just returned from a much needed vacation to the magical city of New Orleans. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it was- the history, excitement, music, and most notably the dining experiences at the local restaurants! I went to about 15 in all, but these are the top spots that I insist you visit if you ever find yourself in NOLA...

COOP'S PLACE $$

VIBE: An un-pretentious hole in the wall with a ton of charm.

DRESS: Casual

TIP: Usually a wait outside, so if it's cold bring a coat!

SITE

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CAFE DU MONDE $

VIBE: Outdoor historical café great for people watching.

DRESS: Casual. But no dark clothing. Beignet's leave powedered sugar everywhere!

TIP: Seat yourself! It can be a bit confusing when you first walk up.

SITE

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COURT OF TWO SISTERS $$$

VIBE: Beautiful garden scenery with live Jazz music during brunch.

DRESS: Dressy- Casual

TIP: It's a buffet, so be hungry when you get there!

SITE

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COMMANDER'S PALACE $$$$

VIBE: Upscale dining in one of the most historical restaurants in NOLA.

DRESS: Dressy

TIP: The lunch special offers 25¢ martinis!

SITE

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COCHON BUTCHER $$

VIBE: A little deli-style spot packed with a young hip crowd.

DRESS: Casual

TIP: There may a bit of a line, but the Cochon Muffaletta is well worth it!

SITE

Spoon Fork Bacon

The creators of Spoon Fork Bacon have a clever way of sharing their appetizing recipes- they use animated gifs! It's such a brilliant way of bringing their food to life! Doesn't it look like we could eat everything right off the screen? Love the site, love the recipes, love everything about Spoon Fork Bacon.

Arepa Pizza

Blackberry Meyer Gin & Tonics

Banana Bread French Toast

Tiny BLTs

Arancello

White Cheddar Black Pepper Scones

Olympian Meals

Designer Sarah Parker teamed up with photographer Micheal Bodiam to create these dishes based off the diets recommended for athletes by nutritionist Dan Benardot... I'm definitely taking notes... but where to find a banana that small!?!

{olympian dish}

{runner dish}

{hammer thrower dish}

{gymnast dish}

{tri-athlete dish}

The Edible Cookbook

Here's a real feast for the eyes... and the stomach. Design group KOREFE created a cookbook that can be read, cooked, and eaten. Made out of 100% fresh pasta, the "pages" can be opened, filled with ingredients then cooked into your favorite lasagna meal. Although the cookbook was designed as a special project for a large publishing house, this is definitely food for thought. I'm feeling pretty inspired by this dish, so I may try embellishing my next lasagna with cookie cutter shapes to give it that letterpress effect!

via "It's Nice That"

Rabbit Food For My Bunny Teeth

It's blogs like Rabbit Food For My Bunny Teeth that help me to stay motivated on my journey toward a healthier lifestyle. This blog is my latest obsession when it comes to healthy recipe and fitness ideas. Catherine, the 22-year-old blogger from Los Angeles, shares her journey to getting healthy and offers up awesome DIY projects (like the DIY Workout Shirt below) and yummy recipe ideas! Take a look...

Carrot Cake Smoothie | Tofu & Wild Rice Stuffed Pepper

Light & Crispy Pizza | Quinoa Salad Stuffed Avocados

Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Easter Eggs

I can see it now- the hard time my friends are going to give me about today's post. I am notoriously anti-cheesecake. Never have liked it, never will. However, my hope is that you all disagree with my taste (just this one time) and make these this Easter Sunday... because they are just too stinkin' adorable! Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Easter Eggs via Raspberri Cupcakes.