Monday, June 7, 2010

WWLanD... or try at least once in New Orleans

New Orleans is known for a lot. Here's a list of things to try at least once while you are here.

Festivals & Holidays
  • Mardi Gras
  • Jazz Fest
  • Halloween -- the actual day and the Saturday night before Halloween & you must dress up!
  • French Quarter Fest

Restaurants & Bars (Food & Drink)
  • Jacque Imo's-- the alligator cheesecake appetizer (not dessert) is a must!
  • Drago's-- charbroiled oysters is what they are known for!
  • Cafe du Monde-- for their beignets & coffee
  • Willie Mae's Schotch House-- voted best fried chicken by .... i gotta find out!
  • Po boy (Crabby Jack's or anywhere else (you can't mess up a po boy)- my favorite is the fried shrimp po boy dressed, meaning lettuce, tomato, and mayonaise.... i like to add ketchup)
  • Crawfish- you gotta suck the heads to get the full experience. =)
  • Sazerac - one of the oldest known cocktails invented in New Orleans
  • go through a drive in daiquiri shop-- where else can you buy alcohol while driving?
Places To Go & To Go See
  • Bourbon Street (get the full experience, start at the beginning and walk down 9 blocks down to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop)
  • the cemetaries
  • Mississippi River
  • Frenchmen Street
  • Saints football game
  • Royal Street (if you like art galleries.... if you do, the Museum & Art district is a must do!)
  • the historic French Quarter
  • The Make It Right homes in the 9th ward (i hate to add this one to the list.  but it does put things in to persepctive for those wondering about Hurricane Katrina.  if you do check this out, please be considerate of those who are living in the area.)
  • Galeria Alegria-- "A Million Greetings From New Orleans" exhibit.  This is by far my favorite pieces of art.  Imagine, large mosaic pieces made all of Mardi Gras beads.  You can't imagine it.  You just have to see it with your own eyes.  1914 Magazine Street 70130.
(last updated Sunday July 9th 2011)

Sunday, June 6, 2010

WWLanD... if she were a first time visitor

2 places every 1st time visitor should eat at:

Jacque Imo's-- "Real Nawlins Food"
Try their "Alligator Cheesecake" appetizer!

www.jacqueimocafe.com
8324 Oak Street
NOLA 70118
504- 861- 0886

Drago's... for their legendary charbroiled oysters.
www.dragosrestarant.com

3232 North Arnoult Road
Metairie, LA 70002
504- 888- 9254

2 Poydras Street
NOLA 70130
504- 584- 3911

(last updated Wednesday, December 29, 2010)

Pilot (the introduction)

People are constantly asking me, "Lan, what is there to do in New Orleans?" I immediately start thinking of the many cool and interesting things to do around here. But I find my self going through the same thinking process every time, which can be redundant. However, I absolutely love planning evenings out with my friends, or giving advice to my clients who are visiting the area as far as what to do, eat, and drink. So I thought to myself, why don't I blog about it?

I am creating this blog for anyone who is looking for something to do in New Orleans. For first time visitors or people revisiting. For seasonal visitors. For locals who want to play tourist in their own city. Basically, for anyone in New Orleans!

By the way, all of my suggestions come from my own personal experiences, as well as my family, my circle of friends, and my client base.  I frequently ask them all, "What do you like to do in New Orleans as far as eating, drinking, and playing?" I get so many different answers because they all differ in age, where they originate from, how long they've been here, and their many interests in food, music, and entertainment.  So the information on my blog strictly comes from word of mouth. 

Please feel free to direct anyone is who looking for something to do in New Orleans to my blog. This is a public blog. It will only make me happy to know I am helping someone experience my city and it's culture. Any and all comments, suggestions, or questions are welcomed.

I'm excited to share my city with anyone who wants to indulge in it. =)

(last updated Sunday July 9th 2011)