NEW ORLEANS, January 2012

January 2012

Just got back from New Orleans, assisting with Mardi Gras preparations (eating and drinking). See the related Fun Stuff Post.

Here is the skinny on the current situation and places to see and places to eat:

HOTEL
Hotel Monteleone - on Royal Street, one block from the action on Bourbon Street and offers some quiet from the din.

RESTAURANTS- Unless specified, all locations in the French Quarter

BREAKFAST

• Cafe Biegnet: two locations Royal Street and Bourbon Street - Terrific Biegnets (French Donuts similar to Zeppoles), Crawfish Omellet, Cafe Au Lait.
• MOTHERS - on Poydras near Harrah's Casino.  Classic style, old time NOLA breakfast spot.  Famous for DEBRIS (Last nights Roast beef with gravy on a biscuit), Smoked Sausage, Hot Sausage, and Po-Boys.  A MUST DO.  Don't expect pleasant service, this place has plenty of attitude.  Hit 'em back with big smiles.

LUNCH

• MR B's Bistro - On the corner of Royal & Iberville. Terrific Seafood Gumbo

• Reginelli's Pizzaria - Magazine Street near the Zoo.  Pizza and Abita Amber beer on tap

DINNER

• GK FINS on Bienville St. - Incredible seafood.  Among the best in the country.  Raw oysters served on 500 degree oyster shells, they cook on the shells.  Gulf coast fish like Butterfish.  Not like the East or West coast butterfish,  it is closer in character to Chilean Sea Bass but is not threatened. Excellent wine list.

  

• PALACE CAFE on Canal St - Part of the Dickie Brennan empire.  Great INNOVATIVE NOLA food.  Farm Raised Redfish with Andoullue crust.  YUM.  Good wine list.

• Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse on Iberville St.  Wow.  What a treat.  Great aged steaks with a choice of classic or NOLA tinged sauces.  Sides like Sauteed mixed mushrooms, starters like fried Portobellow sticks.  Excellent wine list.

MUSIC

There is no accounting for taste.  Just stroll up and down Bourbon Street unless you want the history of Preservation Hall.  The new Jazz district is Frenchman Street.  But this is out of the French quarter.  Click here for NOLA Jazz updates.

But you need to check out Steamboat Willie at Cafe Beignet on Bourbon Street.  He has been there 7 nights a week since 2004 and plays 1920's, 1930's and some 1940's favorites.  Since Al Hurt is gone, Steamboat is a modern day institution.

THE ZOO AND AQUARIUM

This was a quick trip, so couldn't go to the AQUARIUM because it is closed on Monday as ALL the Audubon attractions are.  However, take the St Charles Streetcar from the French Quarter for $1.25 to the Zoo.  Enjoy the Garden district views of the Mansions.  Wait for the Zoo Shuttle at The Tulane Stop or walk the mile through the Audobon Park to the Audubon Zoo.  HINT: walk the park if you are able.  The zoo has many birds and photogenic furry friends.  Very hazardous to your hard drive, bring lots of memory cards.

HARRAH'S CASINO
On Poydras & St Peters.  Slots, etc.  Played for an hour and won!  Put in $5.00, left with $5.01!

RIVERWALK
Plan to shop inside the Riverwalk on the rainy days.  It is on the river toward the Convention Center.

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