There’s nothing quite like a game night to get out of a rut and have some proper fun… And what better way to improve upon that than with some delicious New Orleans food and refreshing drinks?
Finding the Right Game
It’s called game night for a reason! Picking the right option can make or break your night. Of course, this will vary according to your tastes and those of your guests.
Here, we’ll take a look at one example of a game in an industry that has been experiencing plenty of growth. We’re talking about the online casino sector, which has proven to be very popular, so this may be a great option to explore on your game night.
One classic game you can try out? Video poker online! This is a super popular option for a host of reasons, but most particularly, when you’re playing video poker online, you’ll get all of the perks of playing a casino game… but from home. Plus, video poker is a simplified version of the classic card game, so no one will have to worry about not being able to bluff their way to a win. That means it’s fun for all!
The one thing you’ll need to memorize is poker hands. This will ensure you don’t make random moves in the game, boosting your chances of success.
Since there are quite a few combinations, you can also opt to keep a tab open with the list of hands available. Alternatively, you can print out the hand rankings to make it easier for everyone involved.
Another aspect you should take into account is that there are many variants of video poker you can try out. Some options include Aces and Faces Multi-Hand along with Joker Poker 3 Hands.
Video poker can also work great if you’re planning to have a solo game night. After all, you deserve to treat yourself and make a night special, even if it’s just you.
But if you do have friends over, you won’t have to worry about needing to somehow find enough devices for everyone. Such games are also mobile-optimized, meaning you and your guests can easily play on a PC, tablet, or smartphone.
The only real thing you’ll need to make sure is that there are enough chargers around – just in case. After all, it would be quite unfortunate if a player is unable to finish their game properly because of low battery issues.
Regardless of whether you opt to try out the aforementioned game or something else entirely, make sure that you think through the selected games properly. This will ensure that everyone involved will continue to have fun throughout the night.
Cooking up a New Orleans Storm
Now that you’ve sorted the game portion of your night, it’s time to explore the delightful world of NOLA food. If you haven’t had the chance to experience proper New Orleans cuisine – well, we’d say you’re in for a true treat.
Due to its diverse history, you’ll notice that a lot of the below options have foreign roots. This just works to add to the vibrancy and diverse flavor palate of this cuisine.
Nothing beats a messy sandwich, and the muffuletta promises to be just that. Filled with cured meats and provolone within a round Italian bread roll and slathered with a zingy olive salad – it will make for the perfect game night addition.
If you want something heartier, perhaps a plate of jambalaya is the ticket. It will satisfy any cravings you may have. A combination of well-seasoned rice, chicken, seafood, and sausage, it’s what surf-and-turf dreams are made of.
For something sweet, you really cannot go wrong by picking beignets. These are similar to doughnuts, just less dense, and typically served by dusting powdered sugar atop them.
Beverage Time
Having a delicious menu and a fun game are all well and good. However, to really make this night special, we’d suggest pairing this with some delicious drinks.
One option you can try out is a pumpkin old-fashioned. This is a twist on a beloved classic that is sure to leave people asking for a top-up.
This simple drink doesn’t require much on your part. Simply combine pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon whiskey, and chocolate bitters in a cocktail shaker and serve it in a glass with pumpkin seeds as garnish.
Don’t forget to also provide your guests with an alcohol-free option! There are countless mocktail recipes you can find online, many of which are inspired by drinks available at New Orleans restaurants. For instance, you could try making a cucumber mule for something more refreshing.
The recipe only requires cucumber shrub, lime juice, and simple syrup. Once all the ingredients are shaken together with ice, you need to top it off with some ginger beer and perhaps a cucumber slice for some added pizzazz.
Conclusion
Game nights are a fantastic way to combine all the best the world has to offer: fun, food, and drinks. And now that you’re armed with all the knowledge you need for a New Orleans-inspired game night, there’s nothing left to do but set up a date for it.
