Visiting New Orleans
Preface
A year ago, I was headed back home from New Orleans to my friend’s funeral. A year ago, I was on my flight to New Orleans when I found out he passed. A year ago, New Orleans held me closely while I grieved the loss of someone dear to me.
Through my grief, New Orleans had a spirit about it that uplifted me somehow. While I won’t use this medium to touch too much on my grief, I will say that I was nurtured here in a way I am not sure I have experienced before or elsewhere. I felt my friend’s presence around me, I saw him dancing like he loved too on Bourbon and singing along the jazz artists on Frenchman. I was given love and support when I cried at the bar. I was offered solace and the opportunity to feel in a city where souls flourish.
So, while I was supposed to write this blog post a year ago, I didn’t. But on the one year since my friend’s departure and my return from New Orleans, I’m finally putting this blog post up. I experienced so much loveliness here, I’m delighted to share it.
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Here’s a thing about New Orleans, there’s no shortage of things to do, people to meet, and food to eat. This city is really the one that never sleeps. New Orleans is constantly buzzing and a good time is always right around the corner. Adding to it, the city is so rich and culture and history. On every turn, there is a person, place or thing with a story to tell.
Getting there
I had a great privilege of working with Silver Airways to make it over to New Orleans. Silver Airways operates in south Florida and has destinations throughout the state, the Caribbean, Georgia, the Carolinas, and of course, New Orleans. At an affordable price, it’s a really great option for these quick trips. There’s no middle seats on this plane (!!), just two rows of two seats (a window and an aisle). Complimentary water is served and each ticket includes a personal and carry on item.
Hello New Orleans
I had a special through a credit card and stayed at the Crown Plaza in the French Quarter. The rooms are nothing to write home about but what I will say is that it is incredibly centrally located. It is off of Bourbon and Canal, so right in the middle of everything. If you’re looking for something completely in the mix, staying anywhere along Canal is a good spot as the city is very walkable, but of course, there is a lot of commotion, so its something to keep in mind depending on the kind of vacation you’re looking to have.
On another occasion, I’ve stayed outside of the quarter at the nearby Ace Hotel. Nothing in the city is too far so this was well located as well and a very trendy hotel. Great design all around, which really captures my heart. The rooftop pool and lounge are excellent and a total vibe, and they have a really nice coffee shop in the downstairs lobby that makes a good coffee. The lobby bar also makes an exceptional espresso martini!
The only caveat is that the bed linens could be better, they were a little thin and rough. Otherwise, I’d stay here in a heartbeat.
Dining
Compere Lapin
Our first night in New Orleans, dinner was at Compere Lapin, a fabulous Caribbean and Creole concept by Nina Compton and Larry Miller. It was here, I discovered, that I might actually like Chardonnay. This was definitely a stand out meal if you’re looking for something that feels trendy and elevated, with really intentionally crafted meals. The jalapeño & scallion hushpuppies were a stand out as well as the claws, these reminded me of the scoobies we have in Fort Lauderdale! The Brussels were outstanding and over all the meal was a complete delight.
The Bower
This was a highlight dinner of the trip, I thought about it the rest of the trip and its definitely somewhere that I’ll visiting the next time I am in NOLA. They source locally through Louisiana farmers and the quality is notable in the meal. The whipped feta appetizer is a must, it comes with house pickles and bread, and just trust me its fabulous. We had to get pasta, f course, and the basil spaghetti and pappardelle bolognese was a delight. I NEED to get the cacio e Pepe next time.
Jack Rose
This was another stand out. As those of you who have been here for a while, you know that design is a large component of the experience for me, as a girlie who works in the design world. The design here does not miss. The design speaks to the vibrancy of New Orleans and features a portrait of NOLA’s very own Tunechi / Lil Wayne made by Louisiana artist Longshore. I got the shrimp and grits which was FIRE. The plating, cups, drinks were also fabulous.
Tujague’s
This is a historic New Orleans restaurant offering pre-fix menu’s in the heart of the French Quarter. Sadly, by this point of the trip I was EXHAUSTED and didn’t properly capture how great this dinner was, but it was hearty and again, a nice option if you’re looking for an elevated experience of the area’s creole cuisine.
The Commons at Virgin Hotel New Orleans
I loved this brunch! The sandwich I had was out of this world, and the space is so aesthetically pleasing. If I could have, I likely would have stayed here for the hotel, and enjoyed the space. They even had a market with local vendors on the second floor.
Some Quick Bites
A lot of the times you spend walking around, you're just grabbing and going. Here were some of those spots I enjoyed:
NOLA Poboys—Has been around for a long time and right on Bourbon street. I had a beef sandwich there that was incredible.
BUTCHER—I had a salad and a sandwich here that truly didn’t disappoint. The hot sauce was also very good!!!
Willie’s Chicken Shack—When its 3 am and you need food, nothing hits like fried chicken.
Cafe Beignet—I’m not here to argue which beignet is better
The Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone—I went more than once and never was able to find a place to sit. its very overcrowded, so we sat on the couches. The music was good, the drinks were over priced. Its nice to see, for sure, but there is so much to see if you don’t get a spot, move on.
Activities
City Park + Easy Cafe du Monde
Starting outside of the French Quarter, we headed to City Park which was a quick Lyft ride away. We came here for two things: The Sculpture Garden and Cafe Du Monde sans the long lines. Sadly, the garden was closed but this was something that is still on my list to see, and if you are visiting, should check out! The park is gorgeous and has a beautiful pond, sculptures and of course, beignets!
I wanted to have the iconic beignets without waiting in a long line at the location by the French Market, and this was a great choice. It was a beautiful day, no lines and hot coffee. Of course, the one in Jackson Square is the iconic location, but it gets BUSY. If you go on the right day, the French Market will be buzzing with vendors and great souvenirs.
Vue
While in NOLA, we wanted to get a taste for the history and culture and learn a little while we were there. We got tickets to Vue New Orleans, a multi-level interactive experience at the tail end of Canal Street. As you weave through the experience, you learn (and interact) with the history of New Orleans, the music, the food, and importantly, the people. This was a very cool experience and we genuinely enjoyed it! At the end of the tour, you are able to go to the outdoor viewing area and see the city from the top. Loved this and its well priced!
Escape My Room
I am an escape room GWORL!!!!! I LOVE THEM!! Who doesn’t love a THEME and puzzles??? I experienced “Escape My Room” Great experience, the staff was 10000% dedicated to their roles, the rooms were very detailed. You get a great photo opp at the end, and can from experience recommend it for large groups and corporate events.
Tours
I’ve done a food tour on a trip, but I prefer doing my own tours.
Now, I did do a night ghost tour. I enjoyed it because our guide made it very history based and I am a history buff. Because… let’s talk about it, a lot of history happened here, a lot of it was bad, and a lot of ghost stories come as a result of the terrible shit people did!!! The tour starts with a drink which is a nice touch. We did French Quarter Phantom Ghost Tours.
Bourbon and Frenchman Street
Need I say more? If there is one thing I’ll tell you, its walk around. In New Orleans or any city you’re visiting, give yourself time to walk and explore.
On Bourbon, you’re going to have a good night every night. If you don’t like the vibe on one spot, across the street there is another with a different vibe. We like a lot of spots, including The Drinkery.
If you’re looking for jazz, its Frenchman Street where you want to go and vibe. The Spotted Cat is a well-known jazz club, loved it, and also really loved Bamboulas.
On our way back from Frenchman we stopped at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop which is said to be the oldest bar in America. I’m not here to argue whether it is or isn’t but I will say it smells like it.