nola

New Orleans is one of those special places you just have to see to believe.   In New Olreans, you breath a little easier, walk a little slower and eat a little more.  A trip to New Orleans is all about good food and music.  Here's my top 5. 

NOLA River view from the Hilton Waterfront

5. Cafe du Monde (Beignets)

Whether for breakfast, a snack or dessert...beignets are good any time of day.   There a many locations to choose from, I recommend the one in the French Market on 800 Decatur Street.  Start your day with a hot beignet and cup of chicory coffee and it's bound to be a good one.

http://www.cafedumonde.com/

4. Garden District - 

You must leave the French Quarter if only for an hour or two.  Take the St. Charles line on a streetcar.  It's cheap $1 or so each way (exact change required).  Stop off at Lafayette Cemetery and stroll past the world famous Commander's Palace.

http://www.norta.com/

3. Pat O'Briens (Hurricanes)

I left off Bourbon street, since you'll end up there by visiting Pat O'Briens for a hurricane.  Grab one and sit in the back courtyard.  Your smile gets a little bigger halfway through your drink.

http://www.patobriens.com/patobriens/

2. Frenchmen Street

Live.music.heaven.  Walk into any one of the numerous bars/clubs on Frenchmen street and you're bound to catch a stellar performance.  Some top choices are d.b.a and The Spotted Cat.

http://www.spottedcatmusicclub.com/

1. Po Boys, Oysters, Gumbo oh my…(Acme Oyster House)

The biggest travesty about eating at Acme Oyster House is being there alone, because you really can't get a good sampling of all the wonderful dishes they have to offer.   No reservations are accepted, best time to go is during the day for lunch.  A MUST....grilled oysters, shrimp po boy and gumbo.

http://www.acmeoyster.com/