Creole Queen offering brunch cruises

Photo provided by Viva NolaThe Creole Queen passes near the Crescent City Connection in New Orleans.

If you’ve never boarded the Creole Queen in New Orleans for a scenic ride on the Mississippi River, now’s a good time.

The paddlewheeler recently launched its Sunday Bubbly Brunch.

From 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., guests can indulge in a classic New Orleans style brunch buffet and libations while listening to the cool tunes of The Yat Pack and cruising the river.

Brunch selections include: chicken and sausage gumbo; chicken “grillades” smothered in a spicy Creole gravy, served with cheese grits; stuffed pork loin topped with fresh rosemary; buttermilk biscuits with scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage patties; a waffle station with fresh fruits and bananas Foster sauce; smothered corn macque choux; creamed spinach and soup du jour. Dessert options include Creole bread pudding with praline sauce, fresh fruit and cheese and fruit filled Danishes.

The Yat Pack is a New Orleans based band that strives to bring back the Swing era with an added Vegas flair. The band performs songs from the Big Band classic sounds of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin to contemporary artists like Michael Buble, Billy Joel and Harry Connick Jr.

Boarding starts at the Riverwalk/Canal Street Dock at 11:30 a.m. and the boat cruises from noon to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $55 per person inclusive and advanced tickets are required. Also, this Valentine’s Day, guests can spend a romantic evening aboard the Creole Queen, complete with buffet, open call-brand bar, a DJ to play love songs and a complimentary glass of champagne upon boarding.

Featured items on the menu include: mixed spring salad with walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, golden raisins and bleu cheese tossed with pepper jelly vinaigrette; Creole chicken and andouille gumbo; smoked prime rib with green peppercorn-garlic sauce; chicken breast with crabmeat dressing; shrimp Monica (shrimp blended with diced tomatoes, sweet cream, fresh basil, and Romano cheese); ratatouille; oven roasted potatoes; and Paddlewheeler bread pudding.

Boarding is 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Riverwalk/Canal Street Dock. The cruise is cruise 8-10 p.m. Cost is $79 per person inclusive and reservations are required.

To book either cruise, call [phone].

äON THE INTERNET:

http://www.creolequeen.com

Hotel to open Criollo

Criollo Restaurant and Lounge, located in the Hotel Monteleone, will make its debut in the New Orleans restaurant scene in March.

The fine dining Criolla will feature a menu of contemporary Louisiana cuisine in an atmosphere of approachable elegance.

Criollo (kree-oh-loh) is the Spanish form of the French word, “Creole.”

The name was chosen for the new restaurant representative of the amalgam of cultures that present themselves in Louisiana cooking and provide the unique taste that makes up Louisiana cuisine.

In addition to food, Criollo will offer an assortment of wines and spirits.

The restaurant will be located next to the famous Carousel Bar and Lounge.

äON THE INTERNET:

http://hotelmonteleone.com/criollo

Patton display in Monroe

The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe is showing the personal collection of George Patton Waters, grandson of Gen. George Patton, at the museum through March 3.

The memorabilia includes the pair of boots worn by Gen. Patton on the day of his fatal car wreck; a photograph of the wrecked vehicle in which Patton was a passenger; a toy soldier Patton played with as a child; and an original photograph of Patton and his grandsons, John and Pat Waters.

“While this is a small exhibit, we are honored to be able to display historical items that belong to the family of an American hero,” Museum Director Nell Calloway said.

Waters recently spoke at the museum during a Friends board meeting last month. A resident of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., he is a distinguished speaker and personality throughout the United States and serves as a board member on the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

The display can be viewed during normal museum hours 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information about the museum, 701 Kansas Lane, call [phone] or email [e-mail].

äON THE INTERNET:

http://www.sos.la.gov/camm

Marina to get grant money

Slidell Municipal Marina is among 11 projects in 10 states which will receive more than $7.5 million in competitive grants to support recreational boating through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant program.

Outdoor recreation, including boating and fishing, contribute an estimated $730 billion to the U.S. economy each year, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Kenneth Salazar said.

The funds can be used to construct, renovate, and maintain facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation.

Grantees may also use funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.

The marina, at Heritage Park in Slidell, will receive a $1,500,000 grant with a non-federal match of $1,001,000 for a total project cost of $2,501,000.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will partner with the City of Slidell for the renovate and construction project.

10 seats left for trip

A senior citizen trip to Branson, Mo., April 15-21 has only 10 seats left. Cost of $595 includes transportation, lodging, most meals, seven Branson shows, including The Acrobats of China and The Showboat Branson Belle. For additional information, call Leslie Tassin at [phone].

La. neighbor makes list

Natchez, Miss., has been selected as one of Life Magazine’s “100 Places to See in your Lifetime.”

Among other sites chosen were the Great Beach at Cape Cod, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, the Florida Keys, Hawaii’s volcanoes and Washington, D.C.

Gorgeous views, local charm and sites to see also earned Natchez a listing in New York Times best-seller, 1000 Places to See before You Die. The book features Natchez’s great bike and walking trails, unique restaurants and over the top architecture.

Natchez was also recognized as the Best Small City for a Weekend by AAA Southern Traveler Magazine.

Natchez’s annual Spring Pilgrimage, March 10-April 14, is just around the corner.

For tickets, brochures, bed and breakfast reservations, and information, call Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at [phone].

äON THE INTERNET:

http://www.natchezpilgrimage.com

Items for this column were provided by Viva Nola, Hotel Monteleone, Secretary of State’s Office, U.S. Department of the Interior, Leslie Tassin and Natchez Pilgrimage Tours. Louisiana Travels is a biweekly column about travel destinations and events in Louisiana. Email items for Louisiana Travels to [e-mail] or [e-mail] or fax to [phone].