Outdoor dining and drinking, the return of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and several new bars and restaurants opening were our major stories last week.

As the weather turns pleasant, critic Brett Anderson rounds up his favorite destinations for al fresco dining. Some of his choicesinclude Bayona, Martinique Bistro and Morton's Seafood in Madisonville.

If you're looking for a drink under the stars, David Lee Simmons' suggestions include Bayou Beer Garden, Mid-City Yacht Club and the Rusty Nail.

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, or NOWFE, kicks off Wednesday (May 21). The wine and food festival, now in its second decade, has a schedule that appeals to everyone from the casual sipper to the serious oenophile. The major events include the Royal Street Stroll and the Grand Tastings.

Last week, New Orleans-native Dean Baquet was named the executive editor of the New York Times. Baquet grew up in the back of Eddie's, the legendary Gentilly restaurant run by his father Eddie Baquet.

Baquet's brother Wayne still operates Li'l Dizzy's Cafe on Esplanade Avenue. When Wayne first talked about retiring from the restaurant business in 2004, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune published a look back at the Baquet's contributions to our city's culinary culture. (Dean and Wayne's brother Terry directs print operations for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.)

New York Times drinks writer Robert Simonson has a new book on the Old Fashioned. On Tuesday (May 20), he'll give a talk at Cane & Table.

La Boca, the Argentine steakhouse, moved to a larger and more luxurious space.

Anderson is still taking suggestions for the best places to eat in Baton Rouge.

Barrel Proof, a new beer and whiskey bar from the crew behind Sylvain, opened Friday (May 16). It took over the former Bridge Lounge location.

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Patios, NOWFE and more dining news you might've missed: Monday Leftovers

Expanded Patios
Patios season has officially begun in Regina and we take a look on how businesses and residents are taking advantage of the nice weather.

By: Matthew Myers

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Expanded Patios - Video

16 05 14 BALANCE DEL FESTIVAL DE PATIOS

By: onda mezquita tv

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16 05 14 BALANCE DEL FESTIVAL DE PATIOS - Video

Porches and patios unite a house with a yard and provide a portal from an interior to an exterior. Colorado's climate, with its sprinkling of 70-degree days in December and cool summer evenings make these outdoor areas near-year-round living rooms.

And when a porch or patio is all you have for outdoor space, it can be an extra challenge to make those rooms garden spaces.

"More and more, we're seeing new homes being built with front porches to help neighbors create a stronger sense of community," said Annie Huston, an owner of Birdsall & Co. and Columbine Design.

Porches are covered, walled and often partially enclosed. Old-fashioned porches once brought to mind senior citizens in rocking chairs, but anyone can enjoy a porch.

Tulips, daffodils and other flowers brighten this Denver patio. (Cyrus McCrimmon, The Denver Post)

Whether soothing a baby to sleep in a porch swing, reading on a chaise lounge, or entertaining guests, a porch offers a sheltered experience of the outdoors.

Ceilings and walls make a porch an enclosed space. On a patio, you have the option of walls if you want and not if you don't. Some patios create walls with hedges or vine-clad fences, or get shelter from an overhanging roof.

Patios, on the other hand, are often open to the capricious sky. If yours is, and you crave a sense of enclosure, let a tree provide a leafy canopy. Market umbrellas, pergolas or awnings can also grant protection from the elements.

"The patio can become a second living room," said Laurie Jekel, owner of The Last Detail design shop. "The patio should be an extension of the house, very homey, decorated much as you would an interior."

And whether it's a porch or a patio, gardening in containers will add color and life.

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Outdoor serenity: Add life to your yard

Vancouver Patios - Downtown Sunlife Plaza

By: VancouverCityTours

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Vancouver Patios - Downtown Sunlife Plaza - Video

Los Patios - Salado Creek Greenway, San Antonio

By: EngineerSFC

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Los Patios - Salado Creek Greenway, San Antonio - Video

16 05 14 PATIOS GANADORES DEL CONCURSO

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16 05 14 PATIOS GANADORES DEL CONCURSO - Video

Brick patios
We can create a beautiful Living Space.

By: Nelys Landscaping

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Brick patios - Video

Desert Sun Patios Ltd
Desert Sun Patios Ltd. Serving Calgary Surrounding Area. Our products are showroom for deck, patio covers, wind screen and more. We also provide high quali...

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Desert Sun Patios Ltd - Video

20 Ways To Enjoy Spring: Patios
WMTW News 8 #39;s Norm Karkos takes a look at patios.

By: WMTW-TV

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20 Ways To Enjoy Spring: Patios - Video