Food & Dining

You may have noticed that all of Zoe's restaurants around town have closed and are being replaced by CAVA. Let me tell you, this is a delicious and welcome change. I was a fan of Zoe's, but CAVA is an exciting and tasty replacement. So What is CAVA? CAVA is a fast-casual, health-conscious Mediterranean-based restaurant that was founded in 2010.  It is making its first appearance in Louisiana this year. By early March Baton Rouge will have three CAVA locations all in the former Zoe's locations (Highland & Perkins, Perkins Rowe, and Towne Center) and rumor has it more are to come. CAVA will also have locations in NOLA. What do they Offer? CAVA has bowls and pita-based wraps. You can select a...

Are you a fan of Superior Grill? It is hard to live in Baton Rouge and never frequent the popular establishment. Often the scene for team meals, moms night out, or the perfect stop to get that chip and dip fix. One of my favorite things on the menu is tortilla soup. After experimenting with and combining a few recipes, I have come up with a similar at-home version. Will you give it a try? Copycat Superior Grill Tortilla Soup Recipe INGREDIENTS 2 Tablespoons Oil 1 Rotisserie Chicken or 2 baked chicken breasts and 4 baked chicken thighs (shredded) 1 packet of Taco Seasoning  1 large onion (chopped) 1 large bell pepper (chopped) 2 Tbsp. Minced Garlic 1 can dice tomatoes (drained) 1 can Rotel (drained) 64 oz Chicken Broth 2...

Boudin King Cake: Just Do It! I am a king cake purist … NO, a king cake snob. If it isn’t a sweet cream cheese Dong Phuong confection, I don’t want it. Call me spoiled. My husband, on the other hand, is open to every iteration of king cake in the universe. He is the true definition of a “foodie” - the man lives and breathes food adventures. We haven’t been able to secure a coveted Dong Phuong king cake yet this season, but I’ve made a pretty great dupe before, so I’m not worried. But earlier this week, a co-worker said she was going to pick up a boudin king cake from City Pork, and my foodie-husband-radar pinged. LOUDLY. This was...

Quick and easy recipes that kids can help with are always welcomed in our household, especially when they are for a class party for said kiddo. Not only does it get them invested and excited about the upcoming festivity, but it also teaches kids (and mom) valuable skills. This year, Valentine's Day is during Mardi Gras. King cakes end just in time for those Valentine's chocolates! So if you are at home enjoying the day off and looking for something to do, a Valentine's Day recipe may be just what you need. Rice Krispie Treats are always a hit around here. They are simple and easy to make, and perfect to bring to class parties since they adhere to the...

Warm coffee, eggnog coffee cake? Yes, please! I found this recipe on Pinterest a while back from Two Peas and Their Pod, and I have since made it into my own. Enjoy :) Ingredients For the Streusel: 1/2 cup all-purpose l flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 5 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces For the muffins: 2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup chopped pecans 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup eggnog 1 large egg 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the eggnog glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 3 tablespoons eggnog 1 tablespoon of honey Pinch of nutmeg Instructions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or spray with cooking spray. The recipe makes 10 muffins. Set aside. First make the streusel...