Mountain View
Tina Howell
The 35th Annual Cajun Heartland State Fair is this weekend in Lafayette
The 35th Annual Cajun Heartland State Fair returns to the Cajundome in Lafayette starting Thursday, May 25th through Sunday, June 4th. The Cajun Heartland State Fair is an 11-day fair that is produced by an innovative and insightful team of professionals on the Cajundome staff who pride themselves on knowing the right mix of entertainment arranged to provide maximum enjoyment for all ages. The ride specials, food, free attractions and family-oriented games make an outstanding summer experience. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at the Cajun Heartland State Fair fairgrounds.
Jambalaya Festival in Gonzales celebrates 56th year this weekend
The 56th annual Jambalaya Festival will be held this weekend Friday, May 26th- Sunday, May 28th in Gonzales, LA. The festival features arts and crafts, games, rides, live music, a car show, 5k and 1 mile run and of course, a jambalaya cookoff so bring your whole family to enjoy 3 days of fun!
Andrea's Restaurant in Metairie changes owners again
In less than 9 months, Andrea's Restaurant in Metairie has a new owner. Anthony Marullo III, a local real estate developer has sold the restaurant to the New Orleans-based hospitality group Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, who owns several other restaurants in the area including Boulevard American Bistro, Tavola, Broussard’s, Cafe Maspero and the Bombay Club.
Netflix announces Virgin River renewed for a 6th season
Netflix's hit series Virgin River has been already renewed for a 6th season even ahead of its 5th season premiere, which is expected this fall. The announcement was made at Netflix's first ever upfront presentations on Wednesday, but they have yet to announce a release date for season 5.
Harrison Ford receives standing ovation at Cannes for Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival on Thursday where actor Harrison Ford received a 5-minute standing ovation. Ford was presented with an honorary Palme d'Or, the festival's highest prize for his lifetime achievements in the film industry. The 80-year-old was seen getting emotional while a reel of his past performances were shown on a big screen in the Grand Théâtre Lumière.
Netflix's "The Corps" based on the autobiography The Pink Marine, now filming in New Orleans
Netflix’s The Corps is an adaptation of ex-marine and author Greg Cope White’s autobiography titled "The Pink Marine", which was published in 2016 about his experience in joining the military.
Homemade Orange Sherbet
The heat of summer is coming and there is nothing like some refreshing sherbet to help cool you off. Sherbet is a delicious frozen dessert that is made with made with fruit and a dairy product such as milk or cream. Sherbet has a much creamier and smoother texture and can be made in a variety of fruit flavors with the most popular being orange, raspberry, lemon and lime. There's also a variation called rainbow sherbet, which is made by combining layers of orange, raspberry and lime sherbet. Sherbet can also be used in a punch by just adding a liquid to it. One of the most popular party punch recipes is made with lime sherbet and 7 Up.
Reba McEntire to replace Blake Shelton on "The Voice"
NBC's hit signing completion, "The Voice" has found its replacement for Blake Shelton, who is exiting the show after this season ends. Country music icon Reba McEntire will join the show as the newest coach for Season 24, which will air this fall. McEntire will join the show alongside returning coaches Gwen Stefani, John Legend and Niall Horan.
Ochsner Health plans to lay off almost 800 employees in Louisiana and Mississippi
Ochsner Health said today that they plan to lay off almost 800 employees throughout Louisiana and Mississippi due to the increase in experienced increased labor costs, a shortage of patient care clinicians, high inflation and the end of pandemic relief funding from the government. The layoffs will affect workers in management, administrative and clerical positions but not doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff members.
Crater, filmed in Baton Rouge set to be released May 12th on Disney +
The Disney + original film, "Crater" is a coming of age, science fiction adventure movie set for release on Friday, May 12th. The film stars Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Mckenna Grace, Billy Barratt, Orson Hong, Thomas Boyce and Scott Muscudi (otherwise known as Kid Cudi) The film was directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez and produced by Dan Levine, Dan Cohen and Shawn Levy.
Honey Garlic Meatballs, great appetizer or delicious dinner
These honey garlic meatballs are a delicious blend of sweet and spicy, perfect for dinner served over rice or pasta or as a party appetizer. You can use either beef or turkey meatballs, just depending on your preference and because these meatballs are made in your slow cooker, cooking and cleanup is as simple and easy as putting together this recipe. Especially if you use the slow cooker liner bags. I discovered those bags last year and they are such a time saver that I will not cook in mine without them now.
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a classic margarita
Here in New Orleans, we never need a reason to celebrate but since today is Cinco De Mayo, that definitely calls for some delicious margaritas. A margarita is a simple cocktail that consists of tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Some margarita recipes will include simple syrup as well and are often served with salt, that is lined on the rim of the glass. Margaritas can be served either shaken with ice (on the rocks), without any ice (straight up) or blended with ice (frozen margarita) and served in its own margarita glass. The margarita is one of the world's most popular cocktails and is also the most popular cocktail made with tequila. In New Orleans, there are no shortage of bars and restaurants to get a good margarita, most notably the top 3 are Superior Grill, Velvet Cactus and Juan's Flying Burrito. But if you are in the mood to just make a good margarita at home, here is a very simple recipe not just for Cinco De Mayo but anytime.
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with chicken enchiladas
Cinco De Mayo is an annual celebration on May 5th that recognizes the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The battle, which took place as the French attempted to carve out a new empire in Mexican territory, helped slow down the invading force's advance on Mexico City. The holiday widely celebrated in the United States with parties, bands and Mexican-inspired food.
Darden Restaurants to purchase New Orleans born Ruth's Chris Steak House for $715 million
On Wednesday, it was announced that New Orleans born Ruth's Chris Steak House is being purchased by Darden Restaurants. Darden, who already owns several well-known restaurant franchises including Olive Garden. Longhorn Steak House, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s, is purchasing Ruth's Chris Steak House for $715 million. Darden currently has 1,850 restaurants, making them one of the 50 largest private employers in America.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have announced their 2023 inductees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have announced their 2023 inductees and this year's class includes Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, the late George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners in the performer category. Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will receive the Musical Excellence Award, DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray will receive the Musical Influence Award and this year’s Ahmet Ertegun Award recipient is the late Don Cornelius, creator of Soul Train.
Tina Howell
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Tina Howell is a credentialed writer, photographer, television and radio commentator and podcast host who covers sports, community events, and business news. She is a member of the PFWA, LSWA and Press Clubs of New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
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