Bon Appétit!

Teresa Vernon is a natural entrepreneur and a dog lover. Ava, her beautiful Goldendoodle, is always by her side. You may spot them walking along the levee in the French Quarter. If you meet them, be sure to pet Ava or she will kindly ask for your attention by barking. You may think Ava is spoiled, and you could be right! Ava also accompanies Teresa on her rounds as an insurance adjuster working after catastrophes on wind, hail and flood claims. I’m sure she is a welcome sight for the distressed folks who have endured such hardships. Nothing soothes anxiety like a gorgeous and friendly pup!

Teresa has created several successful business models within the food and beverage arena. Her experience in catering made running The Mardi Gras School of Cooking a natural transition. Although Teresa is not a chef, she loves to cook and appreciates good food. When Teresa moved to New Orleans in 2010 from Houston, she fell in love with the city, the people, and the Cajun and Creole food. It is her mission to show students the Laissez les bons temps rouler attitude of the locals and the love of preparing a fabulous Louisiana-style meal for friends and family.

You don’t see many skinny Cajuns! It's said that a Cajun will always share his recipe, but he’ll always leave out one ingredient. If you want to learn authentic Creole and Cajun styles of cooking, you can step into a world of culinary delight at The Mardi Gras School of Cooking, less than a block away from historic Jackson Square. In each cooking class, students are taught professional techniques, the secrets of seasonings, and the art of preparing selected recipes. As you immerse yourself in the flavors of Louisiana's world-famous cuisine, you'll also delve into the rich history behind these iconic dishes. With five menus to choose from, you'll have the opportunity to explore a variety of culinary traditions and flavors.

Sunday Brunch is a tradition in New Orleans. In the Brunch Class, the Chef will teach you to prepare a soulful menu of New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits, Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce over a Crab Cake, and Praline bacon, also known as Pig Candy! Bottomless champagne, mimosas, wine, beer, sodas and water are included. Try the Traditions Class! These age-old recipes will become your new favorite dishes. You’ll learn how to make Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya and Barbecue Shrimp. For dessert, you’ll savor Chocolate Bread Pudding with a Brandy Mocha Sauce! In the Creole Class, learn to cook Corn and Crab Bisque and Shrimp Creole with Pecan Pralines! Mmm. The Vegetarian Class has a Cajun twist. Learn the secrets of making Gumbo Z’Herbes, Corn Maque Choux, and Pecan Praline Bread Pudding with a Salted Caramel sauce! C'est si bon! In the Roux Class, you will learn the history behind three staples: Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo, Shrimp Étouffée and Bananas Foster. Recently, a class for making your own dog food and treats has been added!

You can add a bar to any of your classes! The Champagne Bar includes three bottles of champagne, orange juice, and an assortment of liquors and fruit. Make Kir Royale, a Mimosa, or a French 75. Or you may prefer to add a Bloody Mary Bar! It comes with a liter bottle of Tito’s vodka and all the fixings.

These hands-on classes include wine, beer, sodas and water. Classes are available every day at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. Two to ten people can enjoy a class to learn to cook these staple dishes; even larger groups accepted upon request. This is great fun for wedding parties, anniversaries, and birthdays. The Mardi Gras School of Cooking also has gift baskets available for pick up, local delivery and domestic shipping. Choose from custom aprons, hand-crafted Roux Spoons, table scrapers, potholders, spices, and a gift certificate for a future class. Swing by 519 Wilkinson St., Suite 101 or call 504-344-3977 or visit themardigrasschoolofcooking.com for details.

In the same building at IV Lounge NOLA, you can experience a health oasis. Ava may greet you in this relaxing and luxurious atmosphere where you can choose from a range of therapies. Services include vitamin IV therapies, a hangover remedy, weight loss and facials. A favorite is their hangover remedy. You will get back in step with an IV Drip, a formulation of electrolytes combined with Magnesium, Toradol and Zofran to ease your hangover symptoms. Enjoy your IV therapy experience with friends in their open lounge, relax in their private lounge, or have one of their highly skilled nurses come to you. For details, call 504-302-1056 or visit 519 Wilkinson St., Suite 107 or IVLoungeNOLA.com. You’ll be glad you did!