Best Of New Orleans Blog

At a recent dinner party, the standard New Orleans conversation seemed to be going down the predictable checklist of reasons we might be crazy people to live in New Orleans– (the crime, the schools, the levee system etc).. the same old complaints, different circle, different party. But when the property tax debate came up over 1 assessor verse 7, I learned something from an acquaintance about the late fees on our property taxes that I was not aware of before or if I know is completely accurate. (more…)

New Orleans girls turned Miami residents, Lynda Martin and Maria Cagol-Landrieu have launched their highly anticipated fashion line Nibbatti, in local stores this month.

Lynda (a former looong time Gambit Weekly Ad Rep) describes the line as a “contemporary, casual clothing line for woman that is inspired by classic silhouettes with a spin on modern edge”. The chic designs stay true to their roots with fun names like, “the new orleans nights”, “the ninth ward ” and the “do me right ” dress and the light weight flowing fabrics obviously state that the designers created them to look hot and stay cool in the Louisiana and Florida humidity.

Another reason to love the line, besides the totally fun designers, is all of the production is taking place in the USA (no child laborer fingers on these garments).

Local New Orleans stores now carrying Nibbatti include Ah Ha, Angelique, Azby’s, Shoefty, Chatta Box and Em’s. The line can also now be found in the Florida panhandle and in five more states next month. Congratulations Lynda and Maria for an amazing premier launch!

Nibbatti is buddhist term for Rebirth.

The potential of urban farming is catching on in New Orleans, where more and more people seem interested in wringing some truly local-grown produce from their yards and community plots.

To help raise the local knowledge base for these urban pioneers, the New Orleans Food & Farm Network, a local food advocacy group, is running a monthly series of gardening and farming workshops, called Farm Yard Trainings. They’re practically giving the training away with a workshop fee of just $3.

The next one, scheduled for this Saturday, Feb. 23, is a class called “The Good Dirt Workshop,” which will be led by local sustainable growing instructor Anne Baker. She’ll cover everything from the basics of soil science and testing, to improving soil structure, composting practices and soil fertility options. Expect a hands-on approach (read: getting your hands dirty). (more…)

by Sam Winston

Chris Paul goes nutso with 31 points, 11 assists and 9 steals in a Hornets win and spoils Jason Kidd’s debut with the Mavericks.

Props to the folks in the upper-deck of the Arena, you got a shout-out in the national press for your efforts.

Meanwhile, Paul’s dazzling performance on both ends of the floor had the enraptured crowd on its feet, raining down chants of “M-V-P!” for their own All-Star point guard while a banner offering similar sentiments flapped from the upper deck. - AP via ESPN.com

UPDATE!!! Hornets Trade Bobby Jackson for Bonzi Wells and Mike James