So Long Sweet Summer Sipper

     Summer is drawing to a close, the days are getting shorter, the nights longer, and fruit prices are starting to slide upwards as things begin to go out of season. It sucks, but unless you live in the tropics the best you can do about it is to try to catch a last deep breath of sun parched air and wash it down with this light, refreshing iced tea.

Here's What You'll Need:

4 Ounces (by weight) of Hibiscus Flowers (available at most Hispanic Grocers as Jamaica Flowers)
1 Gallon + 2 Cups of Water
2 Ripe Mangoes
1 Cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
Fresh Fruit Pieces for Garnish (I used Pineapple, you might like Oranges, Lemons, Limes, or Strawberries)

Here's What You'll Do:

1. Cut up your Mango (That video will show you how, if you can tolerate the guys voice,) and put it in a blender with 1/4 cup of Sugar, 2 Cups of Water, and 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice.
2. Run on high until it reaches a really smooth consistency, which will never, ever happen, if your mango isn't ripe.
3. Pour your Mango awesome sauce (not an official name mind you,) into some ice trays and freeze (this will be approximately 2 trays, depending on what size cubes you usually make.)
4. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
5. Put your Hibiscus Flowers in 1 Quart of water and brin to a boil, then shut off the heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes, or until the corner of a paper towel dipped in the water looks like the time you forgot a red sock in the wash with your tighty whiteys.)
6. Strain out the Flowers and stir in your remaining sugar.
7. Once your sugar is dissolved, add the rest of your water. (Probably in a pitcher, but I suppose a punch bowl, bucket, or maybe even a really patient Pelicans mouth would work. )
8. Put it in the refrigerator until nicely chilled.
9. Pour into a nice looking glass, drop in a couple of your Mango Ice Cubes, and dress the glass up with some fancy looking fruit pieces, maybe an umbrella, or a swirly straw, I don't know, damn, do you want me to drink it for you too? Cause I will... Please?
10. Fine, you drink it. I hope it makes you happy. Jerk.

Bonus Points: If you want to send Summer out with a real bang (and if you're over 21) maybe consider adding a shot each of Bacardi O, and Bacardi Razz.

Restaurant Review: Da Levee

     I've never been to Bourbon Street, hell, I've never been further South than Pittsburgh. I've cruised all around the North Eastern United States, and even dipped my toe into Canada (it took me forever to get the Maple Syrup off.) But, like everyone else who has had much to do with (watching) television or movies in their life, I have an idea of what a visit to New Orleans should be. Dark cramped spaces alive with the colors of Mardi Gras and Jazz, a rich spicy air should be blowing around, and you could almost picture Old Scratch himself leaving off of his dealings to grab a bit of gumbo.
     While I've never managed to go to the REAL New Orleans, Da Levee on High Street is certainly a portal to a little locals only joint just past the camera's reach in Interview with the Vampire. The environment of the place is... seductive I guess, you can imagine looking up from your B&B only to lock eyes with an attractive stranger (this sort of happened to me, only I knew Mary before hand, and we were there for our anniversary, but you get the point.)
     The menu doesn't contain any main courses, just side dishes, desserts, drinks, and plate pricing. Main courses are done as daily specials written on a black board and posted on Facebook and Twitter where hungry fans impatiently await a day when one of their favorites rises to the surface of it's owner, Justin Boehme's, mind and explodes into his kitchen.
     Normally I set a two visit minimum before a review, but most places have a large set menu and a two visit minimum ensures I try at least four dishes, between what Mary and I ordered. That wasn't an issue at Da Levee, where for just $8 you can get a Half and Half plate and try two different dinner options over rice. What we ended up having doesn't even matter, except to say we each got a meat option and a vegetarian option, and everything was delicious. Better than just delicious, it was delicious AND inexpensive. Two Half and Half Plates, soft drinks, and a piece of 'Purple Love'(Blueberry Cream with White Chocolate)pie to split only totaled $24.

Final Grade: A+ (Great Food, Great Prices, Great Atmosphere, and service that went above and beyond. I accidentally committed one of the great restaurant taboo's by accident by going in right as they were closing and nobody put glass in my food. Seriously, don't go into a closing restaurant, it is a total dick move and I hope I bring Da Levee some extra business with this review to make up for it.)