Down in New Orleans

We took too much time to recap our trip to New Orleans, but no time like the present right?  Espeically since fond memories of our adult getaway were rehashed when we brought the kids back in this summer.  

They were two completely different experiences, even more watered down because of the circumstances that surrounded our latest trip.  But nonetheless, we were reminded why we fell in love with this city of old meets new!  And how it uniquely adapted its story to make it a vibrant city worth visiting - for any and all! 

Beignet, Done That!

You can't come to New Orleans without trying some of their world famous beignets! There are so many places you can find a variation of this sugar laden pastry on their menu  but you can't visit without trying one of the top stops. ​

​Cafe du Monde is synonymous with New Orleans so it goes without being said you have to pay a visit to see what its all about.  The French Market location right by Jackson Square usually has a line down the block, to order and be seated, so come prepared! But if you don't mind a to-go option, swing around with cash to their outdoor window and you can significantly reduce your wait time.  ​

If location doesn't matter, there's a Cafe du Monde on the RiverWalk that is a hidden gem!  We checked out this spot on our first visit, with no wait and an indoor seating, which made a rainy morning a perfect stop! You can also conveniently enjoy views of the Mississippi - and stroll down riverside for some incredible views of NOLA!

Cafe Beignet may be the lesser known of the two options, but definitely worth a try if you're still craving this sweet!  They're known as "New Orleans Best Beignets" and we couldn't agree.  Though there's not much you can do differently in making this treat, this one just stood out a little more to us in flavor and presentation! With several locations throughout the city, and an even more extensive menu, this place is worth visiting just for the charm in their design!  

Regardless of choice, it should go without being said, they're both excellent!

Still undecided? We recommend stopping at both and trying them out for yourself - and don't forget to order the Café Au Lait alongside!

Come Ready to Eat Even More!

This city is truly a foodies dream!  From traditional Cajun vibes to top rated restaurants with vibrant menus, there's so many great staples to try here, it's difficult to say where to start.  Here were a few of our top favorite eats, all which came recommended to us, and now we pass on the recommendation.   

•Cochon - We ordered from the Boucherie so we could sample a little of everything. Did you also know the cocoon is the French word for pig? Used to describer the food of choice, not the nature of dining.  But it so good here, that you may feel like you can't stop!

•Willa Jean - The Milk Money Latte & a cookie were the perfect afternoon snack!  There is an extensive breakfast, brunch and lunch menu - but we popped into the restaurant and took this coffee and treat to go on a recommendation as an after lunch snack.  And it was so worth the stop!

•Broussard's - We had some celebrating to do and this place added to the charm of our experience!  A beautiful restaurant with outdoor courtyard to help recreate what resembled our wedding venue - ask to sit outside because its PERFCT!

We ended the night with an order of Bananas Foster Flambee, made table side to your delight!

•Commander's Palace - Come for the Martini Lunch and stay to enjoy the slow afternoon vibes!  

​This is a place that you dress to impress, so make sure to follow the dress code.  When opting for the Martini Lunch, you get a choice of either 2 or 3 course meal, and when ordering from that prix fixe menu, you get a trifecta of $.25 martinis! You can choose between the Classic, the Cosmo, the Commander's and the Ray Melon.  I recommend the Classic unless dry is not your thing!

•Acme Oyster - You're here for exactly what the name says - oysters!

Their popular location in the French Quarter offers to-go with a line to match its popularity. But you can find them elsewhere - like we did, at Harrah's Casino.  The perfect complement to an early evening of trying our chance with Lady Luck!

•Mother's Restaurant - This was the place to get true Cajun cooking and have a little sample of it all!  

​If you order the Combination Platter for $20, it's more than enough for 2 and comes with your choice of shrimp creole or crawfish étouffée, with jambalaya, red beans and rice, potato salad, and one side (turnips, cabbage, green beans or grits)

•The Original French Market - The shrimp boil quite literally dragged us in! ​

After an evening of trying NOLA's best drinks, we were beckoned by the smell coming from the boil on the French Market.  The pot is set alongside a window where you can smell all the spices floating through the air.  The taste is as good as the smell.  

•Arnaud's - The Jazz Brunch!​  This was our one must do before we left - have a long brunch with lively music and truly feel that New Orleans' vibe.  We opted to try Arnaud's, though there are plenty of options in the city that all rank with the same kind of enthusiasm.  Offered on Sunday, the brunch is also dress code strict with a business casual recommendation - collared shirts for gentlemen, no t-shirts, shorts or athletic wear. 

The menu is a prix-fixed 3 course meal with plenty of options to choose from. The price of the brunch varies based off your entree option, but you can pair it with your liking of appetizer and dessert. We went for the Crepes Suzette to get the table side flambé experience again! 

Drink Up!

If you've made room for more, we recommend a drinking tour of NOLA.  Whether self-guided or on a formal tour with wealth of information, make sure that you get to try the following.  We had a great time experiencing the best of what NOLA's bars had to offer - 

 •The Sazarec, the world's first cocktail, at The Sazerac Restaurant in The Roosevelt New Orleans
•The Vieux Carre, NOLA's take on a Manhattan, at The Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone - this place alone is worth a visit, wait for a seat at the bar!
•The Hurricane, a staple of NOLA,  at Pat O'Brien's
•Pimm's Cup is an excellent summertime aperitif - found at Napoleon House!
•The Grasshopper, the drink bright green in color, at historic Tujague's
•Absinthe, the Green Fairy, at Pirate's Alley Cafe
•Voodoo Daiquiri, aka the purple drink, at Lafitte's Blacksmith  Shop - the bar alone is worth the visit!
•Café Brulot Diabolique at Arnaud's is a table side delight to watch being made! We enjoyed this experience during our brunch!
•French 75 just about anywhere - this drink is made for those that prefer something with a little less kick and more sweet!

Time to Play!

•Visit the neighborhoods of NoLA - Garden District, Magazine Street, Jackson Square, French Quarter
•Lafeyette Cemetery No. 1 - one of the oldest in the city 
•Legendary ghost and voodoo tour of city haunts
•Sail down the Mississippi on the Natchez
•Ride a Street Car
•Harrah's Casino - Feeling lucky?
•Swamp Boat Tour
•Mardi Gras Tour
 ... and so much more! 

Stay Here!

Though you can't go wrong with your choice of where to stay in NOLA, we enjoyed Intercontinental Hotel, we even came back again. 

The hotel is a little removed from the action, but close enough to get in.  We enjoyed its proximity to all of what WE wanted to do in NOLA.  A few blocks from Canal Street, a few block from the River, an easy walk over to the Garden District, and even easier walk to the heart of NOLA. 

We booked a King Room and the size of the room was generous.  The ambiance was also all we needed for a quiet weekend away.  It was far enough removed that we had the quiet we relished in between the action, but close enough at we could stop at a few of our favorite discoveries on the way back