There is a record amount of meat consumption projected for 2018 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – 222.2 pounds per person. This exceeds the previous record set back in 2004. Needless to say, Americans love their meat, and Texans are no exception. The southern states are synonymous with barbequed meats, smoked meats, pulled meats, absolutely anything meat. So what do you do when you are cooking for both the traditional and new age family and friends? How can you possibly make everyone happy?
The familiar is comforting, and it’s comforting because we know what to expect, we know exactly what that Whataburger burger is going to taste like when we pick it up with both hands and chomp into it. So don’t serve Aunt Kathy your famous fermented kimchi quinoa savory cakes when she is hoping for brisket. And you aren’t going to win any points serving that brisket to your sister’s vegetarian yogi friend that has just moved here from Portland. Thankfully there are many happy mediums and a few acceptable compromises in between.
Fried green tomatoes are a wonderful and traditional option, accompanied with a red pepper aioli and your Aunt Kathy will be rehashing stories of her childhood to anyone who will listen. There are many other Southern style sides to serve as happy little saviours like cornbread, sweet potato fritters, mac and cheese, grits, collard greens, biscuits, and more.
If you think the Texans at the table might be a little adventurous you can play a little more with the main dish. Traditional dishes like BBQ beef brisket, Southern chili, chile rellenos, and any number of casseroles can all be made with great substitutions like tofu, beans, or jackfruit. If you want to keep the peace, these recipes are also easily doubled and split, so you can make both a meat version and a vegetarian version. It is all going to depend on how adventurous your family and friends are.
Make everyone happy with a well-known dessert like a peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, or a simple pound cake. Top it off with a Southern cocktail, perhaps an Old Fashioned or Sazerac, and you will have everyone smiling and joking around.
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,…
Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween Parties & Themed Bars in Austin Looking for spooky fun…
With just weeks until the much-anticipated event, the Austin Food & Wine Festival is gearing…
ACL Fest 2024 brings not only an incredible music lineup but also a wide range…
Austin’s sushi lovers have a new destination to explore, as Aburi Oshi Sushi makes its…
This fall, Austin’s Tarrytown neighborhood will welcome a new Southwestern-inspired bar and grill, Teddy’s, brought…