PlanetEye

Everyone knows that New Orleans is a breeding ground for some of the most impressive cooking in the nation, and ranks highly on an international scale as well.  It's only fitting then, that we recognize up-and-coming talent in the culinary world and find a way to treat visitors and residents to an experience fit to blow minds and ruin ordinary meals for at least a month.  I'm referring, of course, to the 7th Annual Chefs to Watch dinner event.

In just a few days, the Theatre at Harrah's New Orleans will be playing host to a dinner showcasing the abilities of five of the biggest splash-makers in the restaurant biz in the entire state.  For these five, the battle is already half won, since this opportunity is a privilege awarded to chefs who were chosen as the best of the best of an extensive list of nominees.  The honors of 2008 go to Chef David Bridges of Bella Fresca in Shreveport, Chef Jude Tauzin of Catahoula's in Grand Coteau, Chef Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery, Chef Spencer Minch of Emeril's Delmonico, and Chef Susan Zemanick of Geautreau's -- the last three right here in the Crescent City.

This is going to be an event worth fasting for, with a five-course menu accompanied with wine pairings, and a cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres at 6 30 PM.  Enjoy finger foods like a Scallop and Tuna Tartare with Louisiana Caviar, Asparagus Quiche, and the romantically named Belle Encourse Beggar's Purse to live music, but make sure not to fill up.  The menu reads as follows:

- Sauteed Gulf Shrimp with Roasted Creole Tomatoes, Arugula, and Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

- Blue Crab and Summer Vegetable Soup

- Spinach Salad with Fried Oysters and Bacon-Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

- Canard et Conserve (roughly translated as "Canned Duck")

- Chocolate Cabernet Torte with Careml Ice Cream and Vanilla Tuile

Tickets are just $125 (all-inclusive) to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dine with the most shining stars of the Louisiana food industry, but the those tickets are as hot as the chefs themselves.  Score one by calling sponsor magazine, Louisiana Cookin', directly 888 884 4114, extension 205.

Hostel Week continues here at PlanetEye, and one of the funkiest around, in my opinion, is the quirky and full-of-character India House.  Located in a very large, older home in distinctive Mid-City, this guesthouse truly captures much of the spirit of New Orleans, with its second-floor wraparound balcony, brightly-hued walls plastered with funky art, creaky woods, tiled antique fireplaces, and eclectic, mismatching furniture.  Aquas, blues, violets, and big-bellied Buddhas are everywhere, and the decor is random, all over, and in your face.  Beautiful restored dark-stained wood and huge crown moldings peek out from the chaotic clutter of clippings, photos, and signs from around the world, giving the hostel an incredibly exotic Bohemian meets Old World feel.

Truly a hipster's paradise, with a young staff and situated in a lesser-known but equally charming area, this place is perfect for those looking to stay in a cooler place with more attitude than can usually be found at hostels.  Creole cabins give it even more flavor, and a pool and roomy courtyard are amenities not often found in New Orleans in general, much less hostels.  And since it's in a more obscure and quieter neighborhood, travellers can really feel alternative and in-the-know, since visitors don't often wander down into residential and vibe-y Mid-City, unless they're headed out to Jazz Fest, Voodoo Music Experience/VooDooFest, horseraces, or the Degas House on Esplanade.  

Being right off Canal Street, though, just a jump away from that streetcar line, the gorgeous City Park, Art Museum, Fairgrounds Racetrack, Degas House, Bayou St. John, stunning mausoleums, and accessibility to the CBD and the French Quarter (just from a different direction than the St. Charles line, since the Canal line almost takes you in through the back of Downtown) are all great draws and conveniences, and the trendy Marigny is more accessible from Mid-City as well.  In effect, Mid-City allows you to experience New Orleans from a non-traditional tourist's angle in every possible way - a fitting way for someone staying at India House to see the city. 

And during Mardi Gras, one of the best parades runs right past this hostel - Endymion.  This super krewe is beloved by New Orleanians and boasts mutli-tier floats and a great route that ends at the Superdome.  And for a long, drawn-out parade like this one ... well, you'll be grateful that your bathroom is just steps away.

Spa services are one of the most rewarding things a person can do for themselves, but often, they're extremely pricey.  When all you want is just a little bit of pampering and relaxation, sometimes paying that astronomical bill will cause those pesky knots of tension to just spring right back in place. 

Well, no longer!

Body Bistro Spa and Salon, owned and operated by sisters Shannon and September, brings value and style together in the gorgeously renovated shotgun double building on Oak Street that serves as their spa.  The entrance showcases a lovely antique fireplace with refreshments and baked goods and immediately sets a tone of relaxed elegance. 

The floor plan is easily navigable, and the entire building is just chock-full of charming details, from oversized windows flooding the rooms with natural light, long, heavy drapes, sky-high NOLA ceilings, pretty molding, and restored hardwood flooring.  Former bedrooms are transformed into luxurious massage rooms, tastefully decorated and cozily arranged so that you feel as comfortable as you would with an at-home rubdown.  An elegant Roman bathhouse-inspired pedicure room puts you in large, plush sheets atop a marble stage.  Different types of facials are available in equally well-appointed rooms, and a full menu of waxing services (including Brazilians, back, and tweezing) makes this your one-stop destination for face and body treatments.  Haircuts, styles, and other hair services with genuine Aveda products are given in one of the bright and cheery front rooms, but gentlemen can opt to be spoiled in the Men's Studio.  This private room offers a traditional barber chair for seating, and a plasma TV is planted right on the counter.  Here, you can get a haircut, beard grooming, tinting, brow trim, and even a hot towel shave while enjoying your favorite program in seclusion.

As noted before, though, one of the most impressive aspects of Body Bistro is the price point compared to the quality of care.  A Swedish massage will run you a reasonable $40 for a 30 minutes and $70 for 60, but the longer you go for, the far better the deal.  90 minute massages will blow your mind for only $100, and $135 for a amazing 120 minute/2-hour massage is unheard of - most places don't offer massages that lengthy a la carte, and especially not at that rate.  Add-ons, of course, are available, and the deep tissue option is only an additional $5 per half hour.

The price range for facials are about the same, and manis and pedis are a little less than usual as well.  Hair services are also fair, with a women's cut and style running only about $40 and color and highlights starting at $50 and $60.  Significantly less are the men's services, making a haircut for just $25 in the barber's chair nothing short of a steal.  And open long hours (till 6 pm on weekdays, and 5 on Saturdays) from Tuesday through Saturday, booking an appointment is a breeze.