A few weeks ago I had a fantastic opportunity to spend some time in New Orleans with some amazing professional food bloggers and wonderful brands at the Fresh Air Retreat. We laughed, learned, relaxed, and most of all filled our bellies with the most delicious food.
The masterminds behind the Fresh Air Retreat are Liz from The Lemon Bowl and Lauren from The Curious Plate. These two ladies know how to throw a beautiful retreat, this is my second Fresh Air Retreat and I hope it is not my last!
We stayed at a beautiful property in the heart of New Orleans and were spoiled with Chef Trimell Hawkins as our in-house private chef. And it was all captured by the ever-so-talented Amanda of Arrae Creative.
The trip started off with some po boys my girl Ari from Well Seasoned Studio picked up for us to enjoy! Then we checked into the house with the rest of the crew. Chef Trimmell created a stunning whole fish dinner we all devoured, and his red beans were UNREAL!
The next day we ventured out to downtown NOLA and naturally stopped at Cafe du Monde for some beignets. Then headed back to the house for an extra special afternoon treat. Kaitlin from La Panzanella and Raincoast Crisps presented a stunning setup of savory and sweet treats for the ultimate grazing board. I loved how versatile the La Panzanella Crocotini and Raincoast Crisps were.
I would have never thought to spread peanut butter and jelly with fresh strawberry slices and a candied walnut on top but let me tell you so so good! Chef Trimmell created some delicious pairings of whipped goat cheese with poached pears, smoked salmon, tomato mozzarella with pesto, and more. With beautiful flavors and textures, these crackers are perfect for entertaining.
Don’t miss out on these scrumptious crackers. Find La Panzanella at your local Whole Foods (or other nearby retailers, depending on location) and Find raincoast crisps® at your local Whole Foods (or other nearby retailers, depending on location)
We went out that night and had the best time on the town. We heard some great live music while we danced the night away.
On our third day, we started by spending lots of time talking shop, it's so special to be with a close-knit group of people and talk business. Community over competition. The afternoon was filled with a fabulous workshop with Gabby of Del Duca. She taught us how to make some salami roses and craft a stunning charcuterie board.
Del Duca is the perfect selection of Italian Meats at a great price point so you can fill your Charcutirie board up for your party or Friday night date night in! Naturally, as a group of food bloggers, we loved making our own Charcuterie boards
Attending the Fresh Air Retreat is such an honor, to be around such inspiring fellow food bloggers and generous sponsors who are helping pave the way for connections between creators and brands is so special.
Don't miss some of my old (and new) friends and their delicious recipes.
- Ari from Well Seasoned Studio
- Maegan from The Baker Mama
- Danielle from The Salty Cooker
- Mackenzie from Grilled Cheese Social
- Nick from Macheesmo
- Jordan from JZ Eats
- Lauren from The Curious Plate
- Liz from The Lemon Bowl
Thank you to all of the incredible sponsors for making such a special week possible:
Del Duca, La Panzanella, and Raincoast Crisps
Photography by Arrae Creative
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