NOLA

Because of a work conference, I had the opportunity to go to New Orleans, a city I've never visited.  Obviously this region received much attention after Hurricane Katrina but I have always been curious about this city even before then.

The trip was quick ... arrived Thursday and headed home on Saturday late afternoon.  Here are some highlights. 

You know I am not a foodie but I ate at two John Besh restaurants.  I really didn't know who John Besh was but apparently he is on the radar as a top Chef.  I ate at Domenica which serves more of an italian fare and the restaurant was actually located in our hotel, The Waldorf Astoria (sounds fancy, doesn't it).  Then just by chance, the next evening we ate at his restaurant called Luke, which has a German / French menu (kind of an odd combination if you ask me, but seriously, what do I know).  I'm not going to give a food critic review because I'm so not qualified but I will say the food, atmosphere and service in both restaurants did not dissapoint.

Check him out here:
Chef John Besh

Next, you cannot go to New Orleans without stepping foot in the French Quarter.  After dinner on Friday night, our local host gracioully took us to Bourbon Street.  Crazy is all I can say.  The street was packed with people and it was such a mixed crowd.  The younger crowd gathered on the balconies above with beads in hand.  Ready to toss them below.  I think what surprised me the most was the music resonating from the bars.  More hip-hop and not so much jazz.  After walking for a bit, we did settle down into a small bar, ordered up some hurricanes (a must have drink I was told) and we listened to a local jazz band.  It was great.

The next morning a bunch of us met up and headed back to the French Quarter to check it out during the day.  As I wrote about before, we started at Cafe Du Monde.  Then spent quite a bit of time walking the streets of the FQ.  It was fantastic!  The sun was out and the temps were rising.  The architecture is just beautiful ~ French Creole.  There were alot of random performers and musicians just hanging out in the streets doing their thing.  Shops, art galleries and even local artists set up around Jackson Square.  I didn't want to take a break for lunch, camera was in hand and I just kept clicking away.

We did eventually take a lunch break and definitely needed to each the local fare.  We all ordered a Bloody Mary and I split a Po-Boy sandwich and a Muffeleta sandwich.  I favored the Muffeleta (I believe it is ham, salami, etc. with olive tapenade spread on the bread).  Yum! 

I was told there are many great neighborhoods to visit.  But there was just not enough time.  And I also picked up a brochure for a "swamp tour".  Too funny.  Maybe next time.

I think sister we need to put New Orleans on the list of girls' weekend destinations.  I have a couple of other cities in mind as well.  And I did get you a souvenir.  So look for it in the mail.

Enjoy the photos below.

Tracy

P.S. NOLA is a nickname for New Orleans (in case you didn't know, because I didn't)

French Quarter {night}

French Quarter {day}

French Quarter {signs}