The first night we jumped (splashed) right into the thick of the activites by joining the festive throngs for the rollicking Royal Street Stroll. It is described as a “unique NOWFE event that brings together New Orleans’ greatest gifts: rare antiques, fine art, live jazz and stunning historic architecture with the world’s outstanding wines. Shop the enchanting galleries of Royal Street while experiencing wine and food offerings at each stop.”

What they didn’t include in the write-up, but they hinted at in the fine print which I completely missed, was In the event of inclement weather, the event will still be held. Rain ponchos will be distributed if necessary.

Our level of “inclement weather” conisisted of torrential downpours and record thunderstorms, which our little rain poncho’s were certainly no match for. Actually, since it was warm rain, this really just added to the crazy fun, as people rolled up their pant legs and jumped in the puddles, while sipping some superb-wines, and nibbling on some delish BBQ oysters, gumbo, and mini-Mufletta while eye-balling some great works of art.

Thankfully, we were staying just a puddle-jump away, so before we “caught our death of cold” we swam over to our room at the wonderful Hotel Monteleone.

LOVED it! Perfect choice as headquarters for the NOWFE event– I would definitely stay here next year. This historic family owned and operated hotel, with it’s elegant Old World facade located in the French Quarter, has played host to numerous celebs since it opened in 1886. Granted the lobby carpet was a trifle threadbare, but I’ll take a little faded elegance over generic Big-Box Chain hotels anyday.

Plus I think it has the best location: right on Royal street, which offers the best upscale shopping, and just minutes away from all the action but still far enough to avoid the racuous noise of Bourbon St. Being able to take in some sun at the outdoor pool or work-out in the small but efficient fitness room, more than made up for the lack of river-view from our “river view” suite.

It’s been a while since I’ve stayed at a hotel that didn’t advertise how wonderful their “sleep system” was, but I have to admit-this was one of the most comfy beds I’ve ever slept on. Three nights of perfect sleep is a thing of beauty, or at least worth 3 stars!

We all watched in horror as poor New Orleans was devastated by Katrina, which resulted in a sky-dive in tourism (their economic powerhouse), extensive property damage, to say nothing of their population loss and resulting labor shortage.(The labor shortage was in full evidence when I stopped in at the world famous Cafe Du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets and noticed that 15 out of about 16 of the wait-staff were Asian with absolutely no southern drawl– which I sorely missed.)
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived last week for the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. The good news is that all the touristy nabes: The French Quarter, Warehouse District and the Garden District are up & jammin’ once again. As a matter of fact, until I was driven about 30 minutes out-of-town, not only was their little evidence left of Katrina’s destruction, but there has even been a bunch of new restaurant springing up like crocus. This influx of newbies is generating some major culinary excitement. Chefs are bsuy tweaking traditional cajun standards by adding creative touches which utilize new flavor or ingredient combos, as well as some interesting international fusion cooking. Emeril calls it the ” New” New Orleans Cuisine which is typified on his menu with Gumbo of the Day being offered next to Abita Root Beer Braised Niman Ranch Pork Belly with Citrus Slaw, Marinated Yucca, Heirloom Radish, Shaved Jalepeno, Goat Cheese and Pork Cracklings.

I am thrilled to report that after 3 days of non-stop eating at the 17th annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, that the food is BETTER than ever. The old, the new, the classic cajun and creole, the creative twists..this is one event you do NOT want to miss next year or else, you’ll be forced to turn in your foodie merit badge! With 5 days of events, over 75 restaurants participating and 175 wineries, this is one BIG event-so BIG that this year they had to hold it in the Superdome, which could still barely contain all the excitement.

Stay tuned to read more.

Poker, pool, table tennis, car racing, fighting…boy-only arenas? Sports of obscurity? Not no more! Meet the ladies who give silly boys a run for their money, and watch how that old sex-sells mantra can launch ho-hum sports back into the public eye!

Danica Patrick
Earlier this spring, Danica went all out and became the first woman EVER to win an open-wheel IndyCar race at the Indy Japan 300. Keep up with this high octane Diva at www.danicaracing.com.

Chicks of the Chips
The recent May ’08 purchase of now-defunct Woman Poker Player magazine is a sign o’ the times.

So says the magazine’s publisher, Maryann Morrison: “Woman Poker Player magazine was founded as a vehicle for the encouragement of women to play poker. At that time women were only representing about ten percent of live players, and this is no longer the case.”

“We all know women are fierce poker players and have substantially grown in numbers over the past two years. It is not a progressive step for women to have segregation in poker since everyone can play on an equal basis.”

WOW! On poker website’s Fast Facts, just above their pick for the classiest strip club in Vegas, is a mention of Annette Obrestad, first woman to win a Main Event bracelet in 2007. Now that’s the way to get jewelry from men–beat ‘em to it!

Other Annie Oakley outlaws ante-ing up in the big leagues include Barbara Enright, Jen Harman, Kathy Liebert, Annie Duke, Joanne Liu and more!

Hellions of the Hall…Pool, That Is
My dad speaks reverantly about the Black Widow, pool prodigy Jeanette Lee. Having sat with my dad wondering why on earth anyone would watch this stuff, I immediately perked up when she came on the scene. Gorgeous, dressed in black, and appearing uber confident like she’s already beaten all these fools, I was an insta-fan. So is everyone else–in additon to pool tournaments, she is always listed as a fan favorite. What’s not to like?

Other cuties of the cue include Lee’s arch-rival, Allison Fisher, the Duchess of Doom. I love it!

Table Tennis! One Love for Serbian Goddess!
Ever heard of Biba Golic? This 27-year-old Serbian wunderkind is the Anna Kournikova of table tennis! Why not? Beautiful AND talented, she’s one of the top-10 rated women in the country.

This B*tch Will Crush You!!
Gina Carano will kick your ass. MMA master (that’s Mixed Martial Arts, as in ‘ouch’) and American Gladiators TV butt-whooper known as ‘Crush,’ this deadly athlete can probably make most big boys cry. (Speaking of crushing, one of the show’s hosts is boxer Laila Ali…yeah, THAT Ali is her dad…)

She got into the sport after a Thai master called her ‘fat,’ (I bet he wouldn’t dare say that to her face now…), this Diva of Pain says she’s ‘single and not looking.’ Way to focus, girl!

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Is there a sport you’d like to try but feel like it’s only for boys? I hope these ladies have shown you that there is NO LIMIT to what games girls can play. Basketball, golf, tennis, skiing, surfing, snowboarding–we’ve infiltrated them all. So be a pioneer, too!

Guoman Hotels announces that Rhodes W1, The Cumberland Hotel’s restaurant, has been awarded a Michelin star, the industry’s most prestigious accolade. Rhodes W1 is one of only 34 hotels to in London to receive a Michelin Star in 2008. Launched in May 2007 by British celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, the restaurant was given the honor less than a year after opening.

About Chef Gary Rhodes:
As one of the proponents for modern British cuisine, chef Gary Rhodes has received a wide array of accolades and is regarded as one of the nation’s finest ambassadors of the culinary arts. At the age of just 26, Rhodes helmed the Castle Hotel in Taunton, Somerset, where he retained the hotel’s Michelin star and at The Greenhouse Restaurant in Mayfair, he earned another Michelin star in 1996, followed by another star for City Rhodes Restaurant in 1998. Rhodes hosts his own television series, “Rhodes Around Britain” on BBC, and he makes guest appearances on shows such as “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Masterchef USA”. Rhodes is also the best-selling author of several cookbooks and was voted “Television Food and Wine Personality of the Year” by the BBC Good Food Magazine and readers of the Sunday Express in 1994. His book, Fabulous Food, won “Best Cookbook of the Year Award” at the BBC Good Food Awards in 1997.

About Rhodes W1 Restaurant:

Rhodes W1 Restaurant offers modern British cuisine, fused with classical French influences – a slight departure from the updated classic British cooking for which Rhodes has become famous. Head chef Brian Hughson, who has experience at notable London restaurants such 30 Street Mary Axe (The Gherkin) and The Savoy Grill, leads the kitchen team at Rhodes W1, where the award-winning menu utilizes fresh, seasonal English ingredients. Typical dishes might include pressed foie gras with a warm duck salad, or warm scallops and langoustines served with caviar hollandaise. The menu is complemented by an extensive wine and champagne list “curated” by master sommelier, Yves Desmaris, who has worked with Rhodes since 1998.

The restaurant offers a dramatic setting, designed by famed British interior designer Kelly Hoppen – well known for her work re-designing the first class cabins for British Airways and the Hotel Murmuri in Barcelona. The restaurant is decorated with sparkling Spina chandeliers, lush velvet fabrics, antique French chairs and mirrors.

Palm Springs Restaurant Week takes place June 15-20 and features more than 30 of Palm Springs’ finest establishments offering a special prix-fixe, three course dinner for $26 or $36 depending on the restaurant (tax, beverages and gratuity not included).
$1 from each dinner served during the week will be donated to Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports physically and mentally challenged youth. For more information, please visit www.PalmSpringsRestaurantWeek.com.