Editor’s Note: Fall Feasting

I’m always excited when we get that first cool snap in the weather, usually in late October. Though our fall is short and inconsistent, it’s still much anticipated. Moods usually lighten because the heat isn’t as oppressive, and we feel like getting out and doing more with the newfound energy we seem to have.

Besides getting out and going to all of the fun fall festivals, October and November are the perfect months to explore what restaurants have on offer. I’ve never done a progressive dinner, but I like the idea of it. Maybe the closest I’ve come is in Italy — having an aperitivo one place, then onto dinner, and after, gelato and a stroll. But it would be interesting to do one at friends’ homes or at restaurants in your city. Stop at one place for cocktails and an appetizer, then go to another place for dinner, and so on. You’d get to sample several different spots and would spread out your eating so you wouldn’t get so full so fast. Sounds like a win-win.

In this issue, we’ve done our Best of Dining as a progressive dinner of sorts. Eric Cormier has broken down some of the best meals in the region by dishes — appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert — and has chosen three restaurants and dishes for each. So it would be both a progressive dinner and choose your own adventure night — how fun!

If you’re in the mood to try a new cocktail, Lisa Leblanc-Berry shares a recipe from 531 Liberty Café, which should get you in  fall mode. It’s a banana nut old-fashioned, and it sounds delicious.

Here’s to a wonderful night out with a cool breeze and a delicious meal that can only mean Louisiana in the fall.

Cheers!