Favorite Cookbooks

Betty Crocker

The basics, it is how I got started.

Virginia Hospitality

My first grown-up cookbook, full of old recipes, helpful hints, and wonderful seafood dishes

Chefs I recommend

Susan Spicer (New Orleans, LA)

taking it to the next level, amazing chef and wonderful person

John Besh (New Orleans, LA)

Creative, uses local goods to produce awesome dishes.

Restaurants I Recommend

Norman's Landing (Cumming, GA)

Seafood, Steaks, and comfort food (country friend steak!). Great place for a date or just to enjoy a wonderful meal. Service is excellent and the bar tender can do anything. Daily specials are worth the wait. I go anytime I am near Atlanta! Perfect place for lunch or dinner - especially after shopping at Outlet Mall in Dawsonville. Check out their menu at: http://www.normanslanding.com/index.html

Bayona (New Orleans, LA)

A Susan Spicer restaurant that has earned every one of it's four stars and should have that many more. Located in a charming French Quarter building. During the Thanksgiving-Christmas period try the hot buttered rum - the best anywhere - ever! Service is friendly, non-hurried, and very professional. It is my favorite special occasion restaurant. Reservations are required and I love that cell-phone use is not permitted. It makes for a much more pleasant dining experience.

Landry's Seafood (New Orleans, LA)

Although part of a larger chain of restuarants, Landry's is one of my favorites for seafood. Nothing typical here, but you can get plain 'ole fried shrimp or oysters if that is your liking. The salad bowl, tossed at the table is a wonderful way to start a meal. Nice wine selection for both bottle or by the glass. The mojito is their signature drink and they do it up just right. The Snapper Hemingway is ordered at every visit by at least one of us. Become a member of Landry's Select Club. It is worth the $25 membership fee. Points add up quickly and are easy to redeem. Sometimes the service is a little too brisk, but is till excellent overall. Try it - you will like it!