I approach my trip to New Orleans with trepidation....

I'm heading to NOLA this coming weekend and needless to say, Geoff made dinner reservations weeks ahead. Last week I spoke to my dietitian at Fat Girl Class about how to enjoy the New Orleans culinary experience without pulling the calorie ripcord. She said that I should eat everything that I want. The good news is that the restaurants we go to, with the exception of Marisol, have small portions; I always feel like a python that just consumed a small goat after dining there. No, I suppose don't need to order double appetizers and dessert, but it's so good....

So yes, the dietitian said that I should have what I want, but you know there's a catch - I can have one beignet instead of a full order, I have to leave some food on my plate if it's a huge portion, and I should just skip dessert altogether. I'll have to curtail my morning walks to Croissant D'Or on Ursulines Street to load up on pastries. Or I can have one pastry after I run a few miles. Thankfully, I loathe most huge cocktails like Hurricanes - but then again, the Blacksmith Shop does have a drink aptly named Voodoo, composed of grape soda, bourbon and everclear. Bring me a go cup.