READING RAINFOREST
Looking for an alternative to the more traditional A is for apple, B is for banana and O is for orange method of teaching the alphabet? Then go for the N for neon tetra, O for ocelot and Y for yapok approach, as found in the latest children's book written by New Orleans musician and children's author Johnette Downing. READING RAINFOREST
Looking for an alternative to the more traditional A is for apple, B is for banana and O is for orange method of teaching the alphabet? Then go for the N for neon tetra, O for ocelot and Y for yapok approach, as found in the latest children's book written by New Orleans musician and children's author Johnette Downing. Accompanied by vivid, abstract illustrations, Amazon Alphabet is an A-Z tour of the Amazon rainforest that teaches the alphabet and strengthens reading skills while also introducing little-known facts about the rainforest's ecosystem. Downing is an award-winning children's singer, songwriter and author who performs author visits and concerts for children, as well as workshops for educators around the world. Downing's ninth children's book can be purchased through Pelican Publishing or online for $13.59 at www.pelicanpub.com. - Heather Miller
GO FISH
Executive Chef Holly Goetting of Charley G's has created several succulent winter fish dishes, sure to please your palate - and your waistline. Wood-grilled mahi mahi, served with roasted cauliflower, green olive and pine nut ragout, baby bay shrimp sauté and feta cheese, gets an A+ for presentation and taste. On the more eclectic side is pan-seared sea bass with corn maque choux, Creole mustard vinaigrette and crispy okra. Other fish selections include wood grilled salmon, smoked almond-crusted red fish and wood-grilled yellow fin tuna. With choices like these, you'll be sure to find a way to increase your intake of Omega 3s. Bon appétit! - Lisa Hanchey
TWISTED
On those oh-so-familiar work days that often call for an after-hours beverage, Corner Bar near the Grand Theatre is offering something slightly zestier than a traditional barroom peanut to accompany your favorite happy hour draft brew or cocktail. Manager Chris Meilleur says the seasoned pretzels served to patrons are one-of-a-kind and, for now, can only be found at Corner Bar, a nonsmoking neighborhood pub near the corner of Johnston Street and Doucet Road. The pretzels come from next door - Took's Fine Meats - where the owner bags the pretzels after mixing them with his own recipe of oil-based spices. Took's plans to start selling the pretzels at the meat market soon, but for now the spot to find them is Corner Bar. The pretzels are free during happy hour from 3-7 p.m. daily, and $1 for a full cup of pretzels before or after happy hour. - HM