“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads…” Sure, this is a famous line from the beloved classic, Back to the Future, but it’s also true of our latest Movies in the Sky presentation. You won’t need roads (except for the ones you take to get to the Bella Ridge third floor parking garage), but you will want to bring a blanket and chair to get extra comfy. Get all the details below!
This free outdoor movie event has not one but two purposes: first and foremost, have fun. Second, raise money for the Jefferson Performing Arts Society, a group that supports artistic endeavors in River Ridge and throughout Jefferson Parish. Head to the third-floor parking garage at Bella Ridge Apartments with your pals plus a blanket and chair, if desired. No need to bring popcorn, though: you can purchase it along with other concessions like Domino’s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream, candy, and soft drinks. All of these items will be available for cash purchase during the event with proceeds benefitting JPAS. Remember, the movie is still free, but this is a great opportunity to support a local nonprofit (and enjoy tasty food at the same time).
For more information about the event, call 1-THINK-BELLA (1-844-652-3552). Great Scott, we hope to see you there!
Spicy salsa, cool sour cream, and a variety of textures and flavors all join up for perhaps the most perfect food in existence: the taco. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or just a regular Saturday night, here are cinco places in Metairie, Kenner, and River Ridge to get your taco on.
With locations in Metairie and Harahan, Carreta’s serves up its own take on traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. The guacamole dip is creamy and cool, while the chipotle shrimp are a smoky mix of grilled shrimp and chipotle sauce. Try the Baja-style tacos with fried Mahi Mahi — they’re topped with cabbage for extra crunch. With lunch specials served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., this is an ideal place for a midday indulgence.
Hanging piñatas create a fiesta-like atmosphere at this Metairie spot on Severn Avenue (they also have Harahan and New Orleans locations). The tacos are delicioso, but save room for dessert: the flauta dulce is a mix of flavors and textures made from a deep-fried tortilla filled with cheesecake and bananas and served with a strawberry dipping sauce.
On Williams Boulevard in Kenner, this restaurant features a drive-through so you can enjoy your food at home! Make sure to order the guacamole — it’s incredibly fresh and authentic, topped with delectable crumbles of cotija cheese. The house-made sauces and horchata drinks are other standouts, but you really can’t go wrong anywhere on the menu.
The barbacoa tacos with diced onions are like a trip to the Yucatan; you can also venture off the beaten path with meat choices like tongue! This place is a hidden gem just off the I-10 service road, so keep your eyes peeled. And if you drive past it the first time? No worries: it’s open 24 hours. Bonus: they also serve pupusas.
So, it’s a regional chain… but Izzo’s still hits the spot. Easily located on Veteran’s Boulevard, Izzo’s serves up reliably good tacos made to order just the way you like them: choose your tortilla, meat, and toppings as you go.
We have some exciting news to share! J Turner Research conducted an assessment of the 5 best properties for positive online reputation in each state in the nation — and guess who received 4 out of 5 of the top apartments in Louisiana?
Natchez Landing was named the top property for online reputation in the entire state of Louisiana. Brewster Commons, Bella Ridge, and Pelican Bay were close behind.
That’s right, 1st Lake Properties received the humbling distinction of having 4 of the top 5 properties in Louisiana known for their strong reputation. Featured on the Multifamily Executive website, this list goes into great detail about the factors needed to be among the top management companies. Using ORA (Online Reputation Assessment) Power Rankings, researchers assigned a score from 1-100 for all properties in the nation, cross-checking against multiple review sites to create an industry benchmark for a property’s overall good standings.
As a whole, property management companies and individual apartment communities in Louisiana received an average score of 58. However, our 1st Lake Properties featured in this list went well above and beyond the statewide benchmark. Here’s how our top properties stacked up:
There’s never a bad reason to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, but with Earth Day (April 22) in mind, we’re counting up our favorite outdoor spaces in Metairie and River Ridge. Pack your picnic gear or maybe just a football to toss around — here’s your chance to soak up the sun!
Lafreniere Park — We profiled this sprawling park not long ago, taking note of its picnic areas, landscaped greens, hills, running trails, and so much more. This is one of the best spaces in the heart of the city to enjoy peaceful greenery all around, whether you opt for a jog along the running trail or a birding excursion on the park’s Marsh Island. 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie
Longue Vue House & Gardens — Though it technically falls under a New Orleans address, Longue Vue House & Gardens is located just off Metairie Road. The landscaped gardens feature fragrant blooms like Confederate jasmine and Mexican primrose, all first landscaped by Ellen Biddle Shipman, a prominent female landscape architect, in the 1930s. The gardens, inspired by the Alhambra in Spain, also feature large fountains and walkways, all anchored by a historic mansion built in the classic Revival architecture style. Tickets are $12 for adults and include access to both the mansion and grounds. 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans
The pool at Bella Ridge, complete with in-water tanning ledges!
Bella Ridge Pool — OK, we’re a little biased here. But we spent so much time planning and perfecting the pool at Bella Ridge that we truly believe it’s an outdoor space worth adding to your list. Contact us today about how you can become a Bella Ridge resident and enjoy the pool all through the season! It features thoughtful details like tanning ledges and lush landscaping that transport you to luxury resorts, all right outside your door. 1101 Dickory Dr., River Ridge
Cleary Playground — Tucked away in a quiet part of Metairie, this small, clean playground features open fields and playtime equipment ideal for kids (or kids at heart). Picnic tables and shaded areas are perfect for adults — pack a snack and get going! 3700 Civic St., Metairie
KOA Campgrounds — If you’re really ready to immerse yourself in nature, you can visit the KOA Campground in River Ridge. It’s the official campground for New Orleans West and features campsites for both RVs and tent camping. No pets are allowed, so be sure to find a petsitter for your pup (and send them to these dog parks while you’re gone!). 11129 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge
Want to take your pasta up a notch? Add depth of flavor to burgers? Take a break from basic butter on your toast? There’s a spread that does it all, and then some — and it’s so, so easy to make.
Pesto comes from the Italian word for “pounded,” and though it was originally made in a mortar and pestle (it’s still traditionally made this way in parts of Italy), today, you can whip it up ultra fast thanks to modern cooking appliances like blenders and food processors.
Read our Pesto Genovese recipe below, courtesy of Saveur, and keep scrolling for clever modifications that produce bold, rich flavors, plus tips and tricks for perfect pesto every time.
Ingredients:
Recipe:
Place basil, nuts, and garlic in a food processor blender and process until finely minced. Slowly add olive oil in a steady stream as the machine is running. Continue adding oil until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the cheese and process just long enough to combine.
Once you master a basic pesto recipe, there are infinite variations! Try different nuts, like pistachios or walnuts. You can also experiment with different oils, like avocado oil or coconut oil, or cheeses like pecorino. Even the herbs are up for experimenting! Skip the basil and try adding parsley, spinach, or kale. Just adhere to the basic recipe below for the ratio you’ll need of each ingredient:
Pesto is almost foolproof, but there are a few tips and tricks worth knowing:
Need more dinner ideas? Check out all of our cooking tips!
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
