In another bizarre twist from this very unusual year, New Orleans appears to be experiencing a full-length spring. Thank god. After enjoying a day in the 70’s yesterday, we can look forward to a repeat performance tomorrow. If the thrill of a nice bike ride has worn off and your garden has become more manicured than Versailles, here’s a few ways to take advantage of the weekend weather other than another day of takeout in your backyard.
The Vintage Court, a popular venue amongst the oaks between Covington and Folsom, has come up with a fun idea to pass the time while they are unable to hold weddings. The Northshore wedding hub is hosting a “Happier Hour” event in their lovely courtyard this week and weekend. The event, which runs from 4PM-10PM from 5/6-5/9, will be all outdoor seating, and they’ll be serving cocktails and assorted small plates appetizers, all accompanied by live music. Get dressed up, invite your lockdown pals, and make up for all the weddings you missed this season.
Acorn Cafe, a Dickie Brennan & Co. restaurant you may not even know exists, reopened yesterday for takeout. What makes it special? It’s tucked into the new Louisiana Children’s Museum, which is itself tucked into the middle of City Park. Don’t be fooled by the kid-friendly menu-this restaurant is still a Dickie Brennan quality establishment, and the simplicity of cafe fare lends itself perfectly to a takeout picnic to be enjoyed among the City Park grounds. They’ve even added a “Charcuterie Picnic Roll”--wine or beer, house cured meats by The Palace Cafe, and artisan cheeses, rolled up into a craft paper tube easily carted off by a picnic basket. Call or order online starting at 11:30 AM.
Houmas House is a lovely day trip any time, pandemic or no. Fortunately, their gardens have reopened just in time for this glorious weather, and there’s never been a better time to make the drive to the Baton Rouge-area estate. They are offering a concentrated menu for takeout, to be enjoyed among the plantation grounds. The food, run by Chef Jeremy Langois, has always been excellent, and worth a try even if it must be out of to-go boxes. (Although I do recommend a return visit to Latil’s Landing when restaurants are once again operating normally.) But, for now, the exquisite and expansive gardens make for easy and delightful distancing, and you’ll get a great meal to boot. What more could you want?
