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Tower of Pizza in Metairie. Gosh I had it tonight for dinner actually...thin crust and a lovely sauce.

oh sometimes you just need it.

1. Buds Broiler (local NOLA located chain, flamed broiled hamburger are oh so lovely) ~ whataburger is a okay sub something I figured out in a post-Katrina exile in Pensacola, FL ~
2. Chilis (buffalo chicken sandwich is my favorite with a presidenta maragrita)
3. Cracker Barrel (seriously some of the best southern-style home cooking around considering it's a chain.)
4. Wendys (I'd like a #6 please, also I've never been able to really replicate their baked potatoes).
5. Mickey D's fries (which we all know how to make now care of SEs)

I have a HM in the fond memory of eating cold Popeyes chicken on Mardi Gras Day waiting for the truck floats to come by. I honestly don't like Popeyes anymore (actually it started sucking around the time Copeland lost the business) but still fond memories.

My Great-Grandmother's red gravy which isn't your traditional Italian style. This was just tomato sauce, chopped onions, garlic, & bit of butter. It was served over mashed potatoes. I've never meet another person who like this but it's something I remember Her and my Grandmother making.

Bias cause I'm a local...but it's not that hot in June but this summer might be different with the way our winter has been this year. Mild winters tend to foresee a hot summer.

I don't know if anyone mentioned it but Hansen's is also excellent place for a snowball. If you don't mind a trip to Chalmette go to Rocky & Carlo's for some traditional Italian New Orleans food (drippin po-boys and fine Mac & cheese with gravy). Mother's is also a go (even though I'm not a fan of the cabbage) and Central Grocery in the Quarter for mufflettas.

I second the suggestion for Camilla Grill on Carrolton by the river. Hands down is one of my favorite places to eat in the city. I cried tears of joy when I found out that it was reopening. Traditional diner fare but it's also about the experience you have there with the waiters. Try the pecan pie warmed up upside down on the grill topped with some lovely ice cream. Simply wonderful.

Our chicken is soaking in buttermilk as I write. It shall be fried and eaten cold while waiting for my favorite parade Saturday.

I also haven't had a king cake yet this year because I can't find one that actually has the baby inside the cake.