There’s nothing better than the taste of a Fredricksburg peach at the top of the season. They boast the best flavor and texture, so I was naturally excited when Das Peachhaus invited me to tour their peach orchard and store! Just 1 mile from Main Street on US Highway 87 South, Das Peachhaus is a must stop place if you’re touring wineries and attractions in the Hill Country. Come for the peaches and homemade fares their store has to offer, and (cue John Denver here) stay for the easy country charm!
…one can sense the roots were laid deep in 1928 when Joseph and Estella Wieser envisioned bigger things for their future than cotton. Instead, they wisely planted a peach orchard that has stood strong for 4 generations. Fischer & Weiser still has all the charisma you’d expect from a humble fruit stand, but they’ve kept hip with the times, creating sauces and meal starters that add pizzaz to any meal!
My creative juices really started flowing when I sampled the Cherry Balsamic Preserves. The ole palate immediately jumped to proteins in my cook-y brain! Lamb chops? Duck breast? Maybe a glazed meatball for a quick and easy holiday appetizer?! There were endless options and all were incredibly versatile, as I came to find during Chef John’s cooking classes.
Chef John DeMers prepared so many delicious dishes during three different 3-course meals (you read that right, I’m a damned champion), but my favorite was luncheon by the pond. It was the perfect setting to confabulate with my hosts while we dined on a light peach and tomato salad, made with their Harvest Peach & Hatch Chili Sauce, and a pasta primavera with squashes from their garden.
As a preview for the holidays, they decked out their 1870’s German log cabin with all the Christmas trimmings including a ham glazed with their Charred Pineapple Bourbon Sauce (umm, yum) and I got to sample specialty holiday treats and cocktails.
It’s pretty clear Das Peach Haus has everything to calm your nerves about cooking for in-laws and family. They have the tastiest way to shortcut your way through any holiday season and totally win the prize for hostess with the mostest!
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…