Destinations Diva

Universal's Epic Universe Concept Art      Exciting news has been released from Universal Orlando.  A long rumored fourth theme park was officially announced on August 1, 2019, entitled Universal's Epic Universe.  Universal described the vision for the park as an entirely new level of experience that forever changes theme park entertainment.  Universal further explains that this new park will take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands – and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination. Epic Universe logo      This new park is the largest investment in the theme park business by Comcast NBCUniversal and is definitely giving Disney a run for its money by almost doubling Universal's footprint in Orlando.  The new park will be located on 750 acre south of Sand Lake Boulevard and east of Universal Boulevard with an expansion of Kirkman Road.  The new park will be located close the Orlando's huge

     Summertime in New Orleans is definitely a challenge with the onset of high temperatures and humidity.  However, there are two things which locals anxiously anticipate each summer:  Creole tomatoes and blue crabs.      Creole tomatoes are a variety which grows in southern Louisiana in Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes. There's something magical which happens in the soil to produce the most flavorful and meaty tomatoes you've ever tasted. I like to buy them when they are a little green and let them ripen slowly.           Blue crabs live in the waters surrounding New Orleans.  These crabs have the most succulent meat and are actually sent to many areas of the country.  Just so you know, if you've eaten steamed crabs in the northeast, they are probably Louisiana Blue Crabs.         The New Orleans French Quarter is one of the oldest and most historic areas in the United States.  The centerpieces is Jackson Square, flanked by the St. Louis Cathedral, The

     Universal Orlando is a complete entrainment and dining complex with something for everyone at every age.  This amazing resort complex attracts visitors from across the globe who travel to Orlando to spend weeks of family fun.        During a visit to Universal Orlando, you may need some downtime from the busy theme parks.  Here are a few little known "out of the box" activities to enjoy while spending time at Universal. Resort Bowling Galaxy Bowl at Cabana Bay Beach Resort Frozen Love Tap Loaded Fries      If you haven't yet stayed at the Loews Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you may not be aware that there is a functioning bowling alley right inside the resort!  Galaxy Bowl is a small bowling alley which also has a restaurant and full bar with a casual feel and a sports bar type of menu.  This is a great activity for rainy days or beating the heat of Florida. Sip and Stroll Hurricane, Pat O'Brien's Planter's Punch, Lone Palm Airport

I grew up Cajun eating a carb heavy diet.  We had rice with almost every meal and often potato salad served along with rice.  It's no wonder that I love mayonnaise based salads-chicken salad, shrimp salad, tuna salad and especially potato salad.  Potato salad was always served with gumbo but also as a barbecue side and it's great with baked ham.   I've thought about substitutions for poataoes in this salad.  Most cooks these days would lean toward cauliflower and I do like riced cauliflower as a dinner side--NEVER in gumbo!  However, cauliflower does not do the trick for this salad.  One day I remembered an old brunch salad recipe using ranch dressing as the base:  Pea Salad.  This salad used thawed frozen peas with ranch dressing and cashews and it was delicious.   This got me thinking, would peas be a good sub for potatoes?  Visually, absolutely not.  Anyone opposed to "green things" would surely never try it.  Here's the thing, thou

It's always a struggle to stay healthy and cook meals that are easy but still have taste.  I'm not the type of person who can eat chicken breast day after day.  I grew up on a Cajun diet of rice served with every meal and gravies to top it off.  My mother had a large crew to cook for and she had to do it on a dime.  We had a lot of chicken and carbs to say the least. Now when I cook, I try to please my hubby who wants the traditional meals but I just don't have the will power to cook for him and pass it up.  Therefore, I've developed a style of cooking which has a little more flavor and a give and take of fats and carbs. Here's what I will allow myself--boneless skinless chicken thighs!  The meat of chicken thighs is so much more succulent that the breast.  If cooked correctly, every bite has a bit of decadence!  I have been known to purchase frozen chicken thighs, but fresh or really best.   While doing my weekly grocery haul, I picked up a pack of bonele