Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans...

I do! There’s just something about October that gets me longing for New Orleans.  It starts haunting my thoughts…I just somehow begin to feel it, crave it - the food (po’boys, jambalaya, cornbread, beignets), the music (Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans), Halloween costumes, hurricanes (referring to the drink), the people, the vibe. I get the urge to decorate and create a little NOLA in my own home.

Peirano's Restaurant in downtown Ventura must have had the same notion, because they conjured up quite the N'Awlins experience - Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Every Wednesday at 7pm at Peirano's there is an incredible event that you absolutely must do...often! I happened in on their New Orleans pairing dinner and couldn't have been more delighted. Each and every week it’s a new menu, new theme! Each course paired with an adult beverage!

Gumbo paired with Firestone 805 Blonde Ale 

Santa Barbara Prawns paired with Red Stripe Jamaican Lager

Pulled Pork Po'boy on Brioche with a Fried Oyster paired with a Hurricane (Kristy nailed it- Just like Pat O'Brien's)

Pan Seared Catfish over Dirty Rice paired with a Seghesio Zinfandel from Sonoma County

Beignets with Caramel Whipped Cream paired with a not so Skinny Girl White Grape Sangria! But, really, who cares at this point?

Props go out to the entire krew at Peirano's. The chef, Sanaa (the owner who immediately made me feel welcome, like a part of the family), Kristy, their amazing mixologist with an edge, and the entire wait staff for never missing a beat.Truly, something I'd like to experience every week, and the good news is you can. It's affordable, delectable, and lets you become a traveling epicurean without ever searching for your passport... 

bon appetit friends!