The popular New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is coming up soon and some functions are already sold-out, including several of the special Wine Dinners at some of the participating restaurants.

The five-day festival (May 22-26, 2012)includes the Royal Street Stroll, seminars,  various Wine (and Food) Tasting parties, the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, a burlesque-themed cake contest and more!    Make your plans (and reservations) to be part of the celebration of  "20 Years of Eating and Drinking for a Good Cause."

The New Orleans Symphony Book Fair is this week, Thursday -Saturday (May 17 -19, 2012),  at Delgado College's Student Life Center (The City Park Campus at the Navarre Ave. entrance.)

It's free entry every day except Thursday.  On Thursday, those that want a first shot at the bargain pay $10 to shop.

On Saturday there will be a special sale for kids 10 am - noon.

The selection is large and includes over 50 category sections  of book as well as DVDs,VHS tapes, audio books, cassettes, CDs, prints, posters, frames, original art, sheet music and a special section on Louisiana music.

All proceeds benefit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.   The Fair opens at 9 am each day and closes at 8 pm, except for the last day, Saturday, when it closes at 4 pm.

Will Louisiana's own Joshua Ledet, "The Pride of Westlake",  be the next "American Idol"?

He certainly seems like the Judges' favorite, especially Jennifer Lopez.  And some of his Louisiana fans are even more fanatical about him.

The young singer - he's just 20 years old - came home to southwest Louisiana this week to a Westlake parade and church celebration.  He further thrilled family, friends, and fans at a big Lake Charles concert and planned a short stop at the area Contraband Days festival.

Joshua said if he won American Idol, he would buy a ranch for his animal-loving daddy a ranch, according to a local newspaper.  Joshua could probably do that easily with his future career prospects even if he doesn't win.

With all the accolades, it's hard to believe Joshua tried out last year and was rejected by American Idol.

Check out the scoop on Joshua and tune in this Wednesday on Fox TV at 7 p.m. to see and hear the three finalists, Joshua, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez.
Then final two who remain will sing again on May 22 and the next day, May 23, the winner, 2012's American Idol, will be revealed.

You have until  April 18, 2012 to vote in the AAA Southern Traveler Poll. New Orleans itself is a finalist in two categories and our National World War II Museum in the Warehouse District is up for Best Attraction.

New Orleans is a sure thing in the Best Sunday Brunch category.  All three finalists are beloved New Orleans restaurants :   Brennan's, Commander's Palace and Court of Two Sisters.  Galatoires is a finalist for Best Fine Dining.

The Monteleone,  a great hotel in the French Quarter and home of great annual events like the Tennessee Williams Festival and the Tales of the Cocktail, is up for best large hotel.  The Grand Victorian B&B is a finalist for Best B&B.

New Orleans even has it's own category:  Best Day Tour from New Orleans.    The contenders are Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and the Great River Road/Plantations.    Check out our own New Orleans day trip ideas.