How to Tailgate: NOLA-Style

If you're a damn Yankee, you probably have no idea how to tailgate. The first step is admitting you have a problem.

First of all, in the Northeast, it's usually too cold during football season, you have too much work to do to stand around drinking in a parking lot and generally, none of your friends has a car.

But down South, tailgating is a way of life. It's a mobile party! Everyone loves to drink in a parking lot! Football seems truly besides the point. (And we love any excuse to party.)

Given that the Super Bowl takes over New Orleans Feb 3, the Daily Meal thought it wise to check in with the commissioner of tailgating himself for tips on how to tailgate, NOLA-style.

http://www.thedailymeal.com/how-tailgate-new-orleans-style

Perfect Pairing: Blue Crab Dip and Vouvray

Stealing things from restaurants, like salt and pepper shakers (you know who you are) is wrong, so we're borrowing a recipe instead.  Did we mention it's from one of the hottest restaurants in Baltimore, Wit & Wisdom?

This creamy crab dip makes for a perfect party snack and can be made in under 1 hour! So much for slaving in the kitchen. Oh, and we scored the perfect wine pairing to boot.

Read my Wine Enthusiast article here:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Best-Of-Year-2012/Maryland-Jumbo-Crap-Dip-Pairs-With-Vouvray-Sec/

Best Halloween Parties in New Orleans 2012

If you're in NOLA this weekend, I hope you've come armed with a costume. People here sure love dressing up, and partying, in case you didn't notice.

My roundup for neworleans.com takes a peek at the hottest Halloween parties in New Orleans for 2012. Insert maniacal laughter here.

http://www.neworleans.com/blog/2012/10/new-orleans-halloween-2012-parties/