A belated posting from our trip to New Orleans, it was full of creative cocktails, unique Cajun dishes and late night losses.
We stayed at the W: pro- we used Jeff's brothers Starwood points for our room. con- it was across the street from Harrah's (see prior mention of late night losses).
I love New Orleans because it is such an easy town. You can walk, cab or trolley around the city easily. It has that wonderful laid back, come as you are, you can't change me attitude that only comes from a city with such rich tradition and history as this one. It's also pretty inexpensive, you can get some good eats at dive bars and four-star restaurants don't have the price tags you'd normally see in other big tourist cities like Chicago or NYC.
Things I loved:
Tujague for drinks. Old fashioned cocktails that you can't believe you've lived without trying. The Ramos Gin Fizz was complex, sweet and strong... (its like this drink was named after me!)
Jackson Square for random art. Scattered with fortune-reading gypsy's, handmade paintings of the Mississippi laced on the iron fence this glorified alley way is nestled between historic buildings like St. Louis Cathedral. Pick up Cafe du Monde and then have your palm read.
Cochon's for pig, pork and swine. This restaurant slices and dices up pork (and other things) in ways you'd never think of. fried boudin, rabbit liver and wood-fired steamed oysters were table favorites.
Laffitte's Blacksmith Shop for drinks by candle light. A roaring fireplace and candles provide the only light at this cozy tavern, which is rumored to be the oldest building in NO. Pull up a seat at the piano bar or enjoy the outdoor tables and keep an eye out for ghost. This spot is on the ghost tour and locals told us you can see a woman haunting the halls!
(photo:john myers)The great thing about this town is you can continue to go and never run out of new places with old history to try. Where should we go on our next trip to NOLA?
