Author: Emily Gautreaux

Top Three Grilling Vegetables

Move over chicken, steaks and hot dogs; there’s a new guy in town that’s taking over the grill by storm: Veggies! We can’t think of a veggie that wouldn’t go well on the grill and Martha Stewart seems to agree in her recent article. Unlike meat, vegetables cook very quickly and easily soak up the best smoky flavors from the grill. They are hard to mess up, since most of the time, you can tell that vegetables are ready to eat by just looking at them. While we love any grilled vegetable, some vegetables fare better on the grill than others.  It’s important to have a clear strategy for each one to get the most flavor. We have compiled our top 3 favorite grilling veggies followed by tips shared by the biggest grilling pros in the industry.  Start your burners!

  1. Eggplant

Americans could take some eggplant appreciation lessons from The Middle East.  They are way ahead of us in terms of eggplant incorporation (hello, baba ganoush ftw). Eggplant is excellent no matter how it is prepared, but it takes on a whole new level of charm when you throw it on the grill and it takes on grill marks like a pro, making even the most novice griller seem like he or she knows what they are doing.

When grilling, halve your eggplant lengthwise and cut into one-inch wedges. Brush the wedge sides with olive oil, and grill the oiled side down over medium-high heat until just golden and marked (about three minutes). Next, transfer the eggplant to a slightly cooler part of the grill (medium heat) and grill until marked, five to six minutes. Finally, soften it up by grilling skin sides down for five to seven minutes. Season with salt. Try grilled eggplant with yogurt Sauce, pomegranate dressing to add some fun and flavor.

  1. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are one of the most versatile vegetables there is and they are absolutely excellent on the grill. Grill bell peppers on high heat turning occasionally until skins are charred in spots, approximately 15 to 18 minutes total. Remove the peppers from the grill and let them cool slightly.  Next, peel away the charred skins using a paper towel. Halve the peppers, and discard the seeds and stems before serving.  Try grilled peppers as a topping for pizza, for stuffed peppers (cooked on the grill) or in a salad with goat cheese.

  1. Asparagus

Asparagus works beautifully on the grill. It cooks much faster than other conventional methods. There are some unfortunate pitfalls with grilled asparagus, though. You need to keep your eyes on them or you’re going to lose them in the bottom of your pit (or you can wrap them up in foil, but then you won’t get a char). Use asparagus spears that are no thicker than half-an-inch. Bunch six or seven spears together, and thread a skewer through the upper part of spears.  Gently turn the skewer to keep spears from breaking. Repeat at the bottom of the bunch, brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or your seasoning of choice. Grill over medium-high heat, turning once, until marked and just tender—about nine minutes in total. Serve with grilled lemon halves.

It’s always a great idea to grill vegetables by skewering them alongside your choice of meat. Use skewers to keep small or narrow veggies from falling into the fire and remember to soak wooden ones for 30 minutes beforehand so they don’t burn. Finally, if you’d like to achieve restaurant-worthy crosshatch marks, wait until the grate leaves a set of lines, then rotate the vegetables 90 degrees. It’s surefire advice for mouthwatering success.

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Best Music Venues in South Louisiana

Live music has an incredible impact around the globe. Not only is live music necessary, it also creates the ultimate human connection so it’s no wonder that people are sorely missing seeing their favorite acts due to current safety issues concerning the pandemic.  We’ve compiled a list of the best music venues in Louisiana using Louisiana Travel’s help so that you can start planning your post-pandemic concert schedule now!

Why Live?

Live music is more important as a unifying force than ever before. Studies found that when people are asked what defines them most as a person, they answer “music” more often than hometown, politics, race, or religion.  Live music shows connect us with like-minded people who enjoy the same things we enjoy, creating a sense of unity and community.  Because of this, live music creates more intense feeling and emotion than listening to your Ipod or radio.  78% of people report feeling high-intensity emotions when they experience live shows.  Two-thirds of Gen X, Y, and Z attend at least one concert or festival each year, with a majority going to multiple concerts or events.  Live shows are in super high demand!  It should come as no surprise that people pay high dollar for live experiences. After all, live only happens once and no two events are ever the same.

Top 3 in Louisiana

Tipitina’s, New Orleans

Established in 1977, Tipitina’s (named after one of Professor Longhair’s most famous tunes) began as a neighborhood juke joint by a group of young music fans to provide a place for Professor Longhair to perform in his final years. The venue has survived in an ever-changing musical, political, and environmental climate.  It changed ownership and briefly closed in 1984, changed hands a few more times, then in 2018, Tipitina’s was purchased by the members of the New Orleans-based band Galactic.  Many of NOLA’s most beloved artists continue to play here, including Dr. John, the Neville Brothers, the Meters, the Radiators, Better Than Ezra, and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. Tipitina’s has been fortunate over its history to host artists with more widespread fame like Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Lenny Kravitz, James Brown, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tim McGraw, Goo Goo Dolls, Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy and Dresden Dolls.  Many historic live recordings were made at Tipitina’s by artists including Professor Longhair, Tuts Washington, Dr. John, the Neville Brothers and Anders Osborne. Tipitina’s is a timeless musical institution and will continue to promote unforgettable music and a rich future.

Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette

First a guest house for travelers, the Blue Moon Saloon opened in 2001 on the back porch and has since become one of America’s premier venues for roots music from around the globe. Everyone is welcome at this world-famous honky tonk based in Lafayette Louisiana, a epicenter for culture, music, food and fun.  It has become a neutral ground where travelers, families, artists and politicians dance, and let the good times roll.  Frequently hosting local acts like The Givers, you’ll hear all genres of music from acapella to zydeco.  They’ve also been known to host fun events like vinyl record exchanges and outdoor yoga on the porch.  Next time you go through Lafayette, book your stay at the guest house and check to see who is on the schedule.  You are sure to have a good time!

Varsity Theatre, Baton Rouge

The Varsity first opened its doors in 1937 and saw much support from area residents.  Before the present age of online streaming services, or even the days of video rental stores, cinema and film fans were out of luck.  Those wanting to see the latest films usually had to depend on the nearest college film festival.  During most of the 1980s, however, Baton Rouge was an exception. Just outside the gates of campus, the Varsity Theatre fueled the passions of hundreds of local moviegoers for nearly a decade.  Having played many roles over the years, The Varsity has moved from its original function as a feature film theatre to its current life as a concert venue. Reopening in 1990 as a live music concert venue, it soon found a new purpose satisfying the entertainment needs of area college students. The theatre has thrived in this new role and remains a popular venue hosting acts of all genres and interests and for all audiences, young and old.

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A Dude Ranch to Explore in Wyoming

Does the dude ranch still exist in today’s modern world? The short answer is a resounding “Yes!”, and the scenery is still unspoiled and the views still magnificent.  Travel + Leisure continues to cover this jewel of a resort for good reason.

Dude ranch history stretches back to the late 19th century when wealthy men like Theodore Roosevelt made hunting trips and sightseeing excursions to the American West to chase wild game and magnificent scenery. After World War I the popularity of dude ranches increased, becoming the main tourist attraction in the Rocky Mountain area. Famous writers like Mary O’Hara and painters like Remington brought the romance of cowboy life and the open frontier to millions throughout the world. Then came Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show which was an unprecedented success in Europe and gave western life worldwide fame. Simultaneously, the industrial revolution was transforming the East Coast, destroying wildlife and the countryside. It is no wonder that the mystic of the West attracted many; galloping horses, cowboys and Indians, magnificent scenery and, above all, the freedom of the frontier captured the imagination of the Western World. In the West a man was judged for his courage and performance; not for his family background or the amount of money he had.

There at the Brush Creek Ranch, you are transported right back to the 19th century and the remote wilderness of Wyoming.  Unspoiled, unpolluted and breathtakingly beautiful, this luxury dude ranch offers 30,000 acres of adventure, scenic landscapes, and wide-open space to breathe fresh air while living out your authentic western fantasy. There, guests can spend a morning learning the delicate art of fly fishing before escaping to the spa for a signature facial that will leave their skin looking as fresh and glowy as a western summer sunrise. Enjoy activities ranging from yoga to horseback riding, as they offer over 50 miles of trails. Over 40 different activities are geared towards giving families a true western experience, or adults can spend an evening at the saloon hoping for the winning hand of poker.

Visit one of the farm branches like the bakery that uses timeless techniques with a dash of innovative expression. They feature a full range of breads, sweets and more, all prepared with top shelf ingredients and an intuition only honed by experience. What’s pulled fresh from their oven is crafted daily by their extraordinary Baker, and enough goods are produced to supply both The Farm and the rest of the ranches on property.  After that, venture over to the creamery where their award winning Creamer masterfully instills their dairy products with complex flavors, blending old world and old west traditions. Using the finest milk from their own Alpine goats, Medicine Bow Creamery is dedicated to creating superior products they have masterfully and exquisitely perfected. Delight yourself with their hand-crafted yogurt, ice cream, butter, and more, or if you’re seeking a more family-friendly experience, participate in creating the products yourself through one of their classes.

If you are a snow sport enthusiast, come during the winter months and enjoy Green Mountain.  There, you can enjoy the ultimate winter experience.  This winter, guests of the Brush Creek Ranch Luxury Collection have exclusive access to this private 600 acre mountain getaway. Located 25 minutes from the gates of Brush Creek Ranch, Green Mountain is completely surrounded by National Forest lands, combining a secluded outdoor adventure with awe-inspiring views. Green Mountain is home to one-of-a-kind snow skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels, miles of wilderness for snowshoeing and cross country skiing terrain throughout the property.

As you can see, this Dude Ranch offers a multi-angled and unforgettable experience.  All that is missing is YOU!

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Former Nicholls’ Football Player Named Athletic Director

The Athletics Department at Nicholls State University just announced their newest Athletic Director, former Colonel football player and coach Jonathan Terrell (BA ‘98), as reported by a NSU press release. 

Terell played quarterback and wide receiver for the Colonels from 1993-1996, and he returns to his Alma Mater as its new Athletic Director, aiming to take over the program that has continued to achieve new heights both on and off the field.

Other than his experience as a student athlete, Terrell has more than two decades of proven sales and coaching success, making him the school’s first Black athletic director in Nicholls history.

“I am grateful to Dr. Clune and the committee for giving me the opportunity to work at a place that I love,” Terrell said in a recent statement posted on the school’s website. “I am honored to be able to lead this department and continue the climb. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field of play or in the community, we will be one team with one goal in mind, winning.”

Terrell rejoins the program while Nicholls is in the midst of historic academic and athletic success:

  • This past spring the combined Colonel athletic programs held a school-record 3.31 GPA and 10th year in a row of successful NCAA Academic Progress Rate scores.
  • The NSU Football Program has won back-to-back Southland Conference Championships and participated in the NCAA Playoffs three years in a row.
  • Nicholls’ Softball team won the 2018 regular season conference championship and played in back-to-back Southland Conference Tournament finals.
  • Nicholls’ men’s basketball team won the 2017-2018 regular-season conference championship.
  • Nicholls’ womens’ basketball team won the 2018 Southland Conference and participated in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the school’s long athletic history. In 2018, the team was invited to the Women’s Basketball Invitational postseason tournament.

Over the past decade, due to its successful sports teams, Colonel Athletics have been growing largely in popularity with season ticket sales on the continual rise. In addition to increased sales, the athletic department received the largest single gift in Nicholls history to renovate and expand Baker Hall.

“An athletic director doesn’t win a single game,” said Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune. “You need someone of superior judgment to put the right team of coaches in place to be successful. Jonathan Terrell has that judgment. Going into the search, I was looking for someone of unquestionable integrity and character who could raise money. I couldn’t be happier with our selection.”

“Jonathan Terrell set himself apart early in the process because of his love and passion for Nicholls. He is the right person to keep the momentum we have going and built upon it,” Lindsey McKaskle, interim athletic director and chair of the search committee said.

Terrell had returned to the Colonels once before in 2004 to coach quarterbacks during the 2004 season under coach Darrell Daye. This is about a decade after his time as a quarterback and wide receiver for the 1993-1996 Colonels with head football coach Tim Rebowe.

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Baton Rouge’s Three O’Clock Project Fights Hunger

Thousands of Louisiana’s children are not going hungry thanks to Emily Chatelain’s Three O’Clock Project, as told by a recent Advocate article. The Project was only started four years ago with a goal of making sure local Baton Rouge children in need would have dinner, the project has since grown across South Louisiana with Chatelain expanding her reach due to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to fight hunger for children around the state.

Cheryl Ford from the Martin Luther King Center in Baton Rouge’s Eden Park neighborhood said in a recent interview with The Advocate, “It’s a known fact that when kids leave school, a lot of them, that would be the last meal they would get for the day, but the Three O’Clock Project provides meals to the children who otherwise wouldn’t eat after school.”

When Louisiana schools closed their doors earlier this year, the nonprofit organization stepped up to the task of making sure that students were still receiving food in order to prevent hunger for so many.

“So many families don’t know what’s next, and now they’re in a position where this is something they can depend on and it’s one less thing for them to worry about at home,” said Chatelain.

33-year-old Chatelain got started with the business of feeding students as the owner of School Food and Wellness Group, a Baton Rouge based consulting company that ensures area school breakfast and lunch programs are meeting the  correct nutrition standards and that proper government reporting and finances are completed and orderly.

Chatelain knew that there was a federally funded program that would also provide food for after-school programs in order to combat hunger, but when she researched deeper and asked local schools about it, they were unwilling to take on the paperwork and personnel issues.

“I kept getting that kind of pushback from schools not to join the supper program and provide this additional third meal,” said Chatelain. “Yet, I knew those kids would really benefit from it, because a lot of them go home and they don’t have a meal, or they have a meal but there’s nothing healthy.”

Thus, the Three O’Clock Project was born. It might have begun in Baton Rouge, but it quickly spread throughout south Louisiana during the school year and summer enrichment programs for children from low-income families. All meals whether a part of the after-school programs or summer program are federally-funded and administered through the state government. Last summer, it provided about 30,000 meals per day.

Matters were of course complicated when schools closed in mid-March, but the Three O’Clock project partnered with BREC (East Baton Rogue Parish Parks & Recreation) churches, and community organizations to find places where meals could be picked up. Chatelain said the organization has delivered over a million meals to sites for children or guardians to pick them up. The effort began in north Baton Rouge and has spread from there.

About 100 people are involved in cooking, packaging, delivering and distributing meals to fight hunger in East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, Jefferson, St, Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion, Acadia, Iberia and Lafayette parishes, Chatelain said.

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Delicious and Simple Desserts Requiring Few Ingredients

Just because you’re looking for something sweet to throw together doesn’t mean that you have to travel to the grocery store for an extensive list of long-lost ingredients. Broma Bakery offers a collection of several dessert ideas that can be made with minimal ingredients on hand, helping you clean out the back of your panty and satisfy a sweet tooth.

Healthyish Monster Cookies Simple Dessert Recipe

For those not in the know, monster cookies are one of the absolute best classic cookie recipes made with a hodgepodge of ingredients found in your pantry. Though, this recipe is more health-conscious, as they’re packed full of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s. Best of all, they require no mixer!

BetterBoxed Brownies

Boxed brownies are a simple dessert staple, but don’t let the box’s instruction be your only guide! Give that old brownie mix a little something extra with this semi-homemade recipe that doctors your brownie mix into some true gourmet brownies! With just a few additions these’ll taste bakery-perfect.

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Whether you’re finding yourself unable to face the outdoors or just un-willing, this simple dessert recipe for s’mores rice krispie treats are the best substitute for the real deal. These delicious bites are loaded with graham cracker pieces, chocolate and finished off with a toasty, torched top.

Salted Caramel Brownie Pie

Semi-homemade at its best. Start with a store-bought pie crust, brownie mix, and a salted caramel sauce to make this delicious, decadent treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat.

Scotcheroos Simple Dessert Recipe

These chewy, caramel, and chocolatey rice crispy treats are made possible with only 7 ingredients provide for a delicious escape.

Vegan Peanut Butter Squares

These health and ethically-conscious vegan peanut butter squares are seriously delicious at just a count of five ingredients. You get get more of a simple dessert recipe than that.  Give Reese’s a run for their money whenever you barely have anything in your cupboard.

Peanut Butter Oat Energy Bites

These energy bites pack a much-needed punch for any time of day with only seven ingredients necessary and being freezer friendly. Whip up a big batch of these peanut butter oat bites for a guilt-free, protein-packed treat!

Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Always delicious is the cinnamon roll, though for some the task of making a batch is a huge undertaking when you’re juggling all of the obstacles that come alongside family breakfast. Luckily with this simple dessert recipe, the flavors of a cinnamon roll are still enjoyable as an easy blondie.

Dark Chocolate Bark Simple Dessert 

This deliciously delectable salted pretzel dark chocolate bark is only made with four ingredients, and the toppings can be swapped out for whatever your prefer or have on hand!

Chocolate Cake

A classic, simple, dessert doesn’t have to be complicatedly prepared to be enjoyed. This recipe is extremely fudge, decadent, and extremely easy to make. While the cake itself uses a little more ingredients than the other listed receipts, they’re all pantry staples: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and oil. Top this off with a creamy chocolate frosting for the ultimate at home dessert!

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