New Orleans - The Hungry Nomad

Asian, New Orleans, Pho, USA, Vietnamese

MoPho Nola (New Orleans, USA)

March 15, 2014 No Comments

There have been many new restaurants that have opened up in New Orleans since I last lived there. One of the latest talked about place is MoPho located in my old n’hood of Mid City/City Park. It has brought life to what was once a desolate strip mall type area with a shabby burger king and a few other stores that service the college across the street. MoPho is a beautiful, hip new modern-asian style restaurant serving your traditional vietnamese phos along with rice bowls and appetizers. (see Menu)

We started off with not 1 but 2 orders of the Crispy Chicken wings tossed in a lemongrass/ginger sauce. Result: Perfection. It was so good I was tempted to order more and forget about my main dish. There was also an order of Fried Shrimp which were good but nothing like the chicken wings. An order of handmade fresh spring rolls were also ordered and having recently perfected shrimp rolls in my cooking class I was not overly impressed by the roll. It was falling apart and the noodles too thick for my liking.

For our main dishes the three of us ordered the rice/noodle bowls. You have the option of picking your main ingredients: rice or noodles and the protein of choice. We had two beef cheeks and one grilled jumbo shrimp. At this point, I had already filled up on a full serving of the chicken but had no choice than to finish what was in front of me. The bowl was fresh and flavorful however, I didn’t particularly enjoy the beef cheeks which were overly gelatinous.

MoPho reminded me a bit of NOLA’s version of the Momofoku restaurants in the East Village, NYC. Same types of offerings and flavors and definitely a few hipster waiters and waitresses. Overall, I think it is a great addition to the New Orleans food scene offering something completely different than anything else you will find in NOLA. It is a modern take on Vietnamese food and the restaurant ambiance and food are both great reasons to check out this place if you have not yet done so.

New Orleans

A Colorful Mardi Gras in New Orleans

March 13, 2014 No Comments

It has been 6 months since we moved to Louisiana, to the heart of Cajun country, Lafayette. And while it has it’s subtle charms it will not replace my love for New Orleans. When weekends roll around we find every excuse to make our way to New Orleans-and there is always a good excuse. The latest being Mardi Gras. A time in New Orleans that is quite impossible to describe if you are not there to experience it.

Mardi Gras celebrations include parades, floats, colorful beads, king cakes, balls, drinks, crowds of spectators, music and endless celebrations. Each parade or Krewe has a name and a theme. Some are ‘super-krewes’ meaning that they have more impressive floats, more bands, more crowds and bigger ball celebrations.

For those of you who are not familiar with the celebrations here is a little history lesson: Mardi Gras, french for “Fat Tuesday” is the day before Ash Wednesday when Lent begins. It is the 5-8 week prior to Ash Wednesday when Christians traditionally were meant to eat as much food as they could in preparation for Lent. Now the eating has been replaced with drinking and celebrations. Mardi Gras or Carnival traditions in Louisiana followed the Creole French to New Orleans with the earliest ball dating back to the 1700’s. In the late 1850’s Americans who had long been left out of Creole’s Mardi Gras created their own club and called it the Mystick Krewe of Comus. And so the “krewes’ were born.

The royal colors of purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power were adopted as the festival’s official colors, and more krewes arose, each throwing a lavish ball along with its parade and all with exclusive membership. These three colors now paint homes, streets, and even food during the month leading up to Mardi Gras, the most famous treat being the King Cake or the Galette des Rois.

This year I got to experience it all- from attending most of the parades to dressing up for my first ball. Arriving to a traffic ridden downtown we parked and headed to watch the parades on Saint Charles street in the Central Business District. After the parades we walked to the French Quarter to meet out of town friends who had come for Mardi Gras but barely left the Quarter and Bourbon street (what a shame!). And so our night was spent on Bourbon with tourists and spring breaker college kids whose idea of Mardi Gras was a drunken spectacle of revealing breasts and throwing beads. Obnoxious and completely unauthentic.

The next day I was determined to head uptown to catch the parades since to me the most beautiful Mardi Gras experience is in Uptown surrounded by the large green oak trees and lines of tents, barbeques, drinks and djs. The neighboring college kids from Tulane and Loyola are a majority in uptown but it seems each block on Saint Charles is dedicated to a different crowd- from your mid 40’s with children tents to your college kids reunion- you can find it all.

The big parades of the weekend were Endymion and Orpheus leading up to the grand finale on ‘fat’ Tuesday. Given the amazing weather the streets were packed and there was barely any room to get to the front of the crowd to catch some beads. The large evening krewes end up either in the superdome or the convention center where people get dressed up to the nines carrying in their 6-packs and food trays in their ball gowns and tuxedos and proceed to get intoxicated while the floats drive around the stadium.

When I was first invited to the Endymion ball I envisioned a grandiose historical ball like those I’ve seen in the movies. Ball gowns and tuxedos and keeping traditions alive I was sure there would be organized dancing a la Francaise and Anglaise. My first clue that I would be in for a surprise was the location of the ball: the superdome. And what the ball turned out to be was a big ‘dirty south’ style party. Sure the crowds were dressed up but it was a contrast to them carrying their alcohol and buckets of fried chicken and veggies in hand. And while it was a good time I wouldnt necessarily define it as a ‘ball’.

And when all the fun and games are over, the streets are piled with mounds of garbage, beads and other Mardi Gras leftovers which are left to the city to clean. All this is done after each parade making the streets ready for the next one. And there you have it, a brief look into my Mardi Gras experience.

Gourmand, New Orleans, Romantic, Valentine's Day

Romantic Restaurants in New Orleans

February 13, 2014 1 Comment

Valentine’s Day is here and if you have procrastinated on planning a special night with your loved one then here are some tips on what restaurants offer the most romance. Here are my personal favourites for a romantic date night this Valentine’s Day.

1. Lola’s- Authentic Spanish food in a small and cosy restaurant located in Bayou St. John

See Menu

3312 Esplanade Avenue

New Orleans, LA

504.488.6946

2. Cafe Degas– Romantic French Bistro in Bayou St. John

See Menu

3127 Esplanade Avenue

New Orleans, LA, 70119

504.945.5635

3. La Boca– A small, intimate, and romantic Argentinian Steakhouse tucked away in the Warehouse District.

See Menu

Address: 857 Fulton St

New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 525-8205

4. Commander’s Palace- Haute Creole cooking served in a Victorian House in the Garden District

See Menu

1403 Washington Avenue

New Orleans, LA

504. 899.8221

5. Lilettes– French and Italian Inspired cuisine in a romantic setting.

See Menu

3637 Magazine Street

504.895.1636

6. Restaurant August– Contemporary French cuisine in a romantic and up-scale setting

See Menu

301 Tchoupitoulas

New Orleans, LA

70130

7. Cafe Amelie-Nestled in the historic 150 year old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House on Royal Street in the French Quarter, Cafe Amelie serves a combination of Louisiana fare in a lush enchanting New Orleans courtyard setting.

912 Royal Street

New Orleans, LA

504.412.8965

8. Stella– is an intimate restaurant located in the French Quarter serving global modern cuisine influenced by Louisiana flavors.

See Menu

1032 Chartres Street

New Orleans, LA

504.587.0091

9. Coquette– With dining rooms on two floors and a 14 seat bar Coquette serves American food with an ever evolving menu that focuses on local and seasonal products.

See Menu

2800 Magazine Street

New Orleans, LA 70115

504.265.0421

10. La Crepe Nanou– A romantic French Bistro located uptown on Prytania Street

See Menu

1410 Robert St
New Orleans, LA 70115

504.899.2670

11. Gautreau’s Restaurant- Nestled in a lush garden spot in Uptown New Orleans, Gautreau’s serves elegant and inventive menu.

See Menu

1728 Soniat Street

New Orleans, LA 70115

504.899.7397

12. Baru Bistro and Tapas– located on Magazine street in the Garden District serving a melange of fresh and tasty Caribbean food.

See Menu

3700 Magazine Street

New Orleans, LA 70115

504.895.2225

13. Galatoires- up-scale and chic historical restaurant located in the French Quarter serving up authentic French Creole cuisine

See Menu

209 Bourbon Street

New Orleans, LA 70130

504.525.2021

14. Muriels- Located on the corner of Jackson Square, this restaurant serves creole cuisine in a very romantic setting.

See Menu

801 Chartres Street

New Orlans, LA, 70116

504.568.1885

Food, Gourmand, New Orleans, Vietnamese

Will cross over the bridge for a good Pho (New Orleans)

October 23, 2013 No Comments

It is no secret that New Orleans is a foodie haven. With all that gumbo, jambalaya and po boys there is hardly any room left for other types of cuisines. But after having tasted all that Cajun and creole food, you, like me might miss the variety. Luckily, there is another secret for us foodies: Vietnamese Food. If you are hungry for some pho, spring rolls or rice vermicelli then all you need to do is cross the bridge over to Gretna in the West Bank. Known for its large Vietnamese community and other immigrant communities there is some great food to be found on this side of the Mississippi. The Count took me here the first day I got into town due to his deep love for this place (rumor has it he held his birthday dinners here 3 years in a row). Perhaps not the most ‘New Orleans’ experience but for those of us craving a little something different, then this restaurant is a treat, not to mention delicious.

I can attest to the authenticity of their dishes given that I recently returned from a foodie-centric trip to Vietnam (see posts). I’d lie if I said that I have tried everything on the menu given the vast range of options, but one thing is for sure: the grilled quail with lemon dipping sauce is always on our order.

The bbq short ribs served with spicy kimchi and rice is a delight, as is the chicken pho ga served with a side dish of fresh herbs and the shrimp rice roll. You can polish off your meal with a nice refreshing bubble tea shake.

Tan Dinh is located at 1705 Lafayette St # A, Gretna, Louisiana
Telephone: (504) 361-8008

Food, New Orleans, USA

Breakfast at Stanley-French Quarter (New Orleans, USA)

June 11, 2013 No Comments

Stanley Restaurant is the place to go for mouthwatering brunch. The experience doesn’t get any better than sipping on your morning coffee while overlooking Jackson Square and the Cathedral. Stanley is Scott Boswell’s casual sister restaurant of the amazing, Stella. The menu includes innovative twists to traditional dishes, including the eggs benedict po-boy and banana foster french toast.

Our breakfast consisted consisted of the Eggs Benedict Poor Boy and the Korean Barbeque Beef Poor Boy. The eggs benedict poor boy was a brilliant take on the traditional eggs benny. Poached eggs, a slice of Canadian bacon and creole hollandaise layered on top of a piece of toasted french baguette.

And just when I thought that I had tasted the best thing on the menu, I took a bite of the Count’s Korean bbq beef po-boy. Sweet and tangy layers of marinated roast beef layered with spicy kimchi and cilantro on a toasted french bread. It was so delicious that I almost wanted to order another. I guess I know what I’ll be ordering next time I’m at Stanley.

The food at Stanley is delicious. So is the view and decor of the restaurant. The service is okay, since the restaurant is always busy, the staff seem a little bit rushed and not very friendly. It is a shame because everything else in this restaurant is stellar.

Food, New Orleans, USA

The Green Goddess- French Quarter (New Orleans, USA)

June 9, 2013 No Comments

Looking for a ‘healthier’ restaurant option in the French Quarter, we made our way to the Green Goddess for lunch. It is tucked in the exchange alley and is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. The restaurant itself is small and a bit stuffy with an area in the back corridor of what seems like the entrance of a residential building/law firm.

The service was good. But then again, we were the only ones there when we arrived. The menus is simple with a variety of veggie options for those vegetarians that have a hard time finding food in the French Quarter. Neither the Count or I are vegetarians and therefore opted for the Grilled Pork and Shrimp Bahn Mi and the Cuban Sandwich. While waiting for our lunch to arrive I was becoming more and more skeptical as the place really did not seem clean. I’m sure if I snuck in the back I would find enough to turn me off. But what you can’t see doesnt hurt you…. I guess. Perhaps the grimy state of the restaurant goes with the hippie-vegan/veggie vibe that is their claim to fame. But I’ve been to many vegetarian/vegan restaurants that are clean and awesome. So I’m not really sure.

All my worries went away once the food arrived. Both sandwiches were delicious and the portions were huge. While the food was good, I expect a little more than just good food when I dine out including consistent service, clean and hygienic environment, which I think this spot lacks. If hygiene doesn’t concern you then the food will more than satisfy you.

New Orleans, USA

Dinner at Dickie Brennan’s new Tableau- French Quarter (New Orleans, USA)

June 6, 2013 1 Comment

On the corner of Chartres and St. Peter Streets in the French Quarter, the new Dickie Brennan restaurant has opened sharing the space with the beloved Le Petit Theatre. The new restaurant, Tableau, is a wonderful addition to the Brennan restaurant family. Walking in to the restaurant, you can still smell the fresh paint, giving it that crisp, new, clean look and feel. The three story, seven dining room restaurant got its inspiration from the last Spanish governor occupying the land. A grand staircase spans three stories of the restaurant, connecting private dining rooms, balcony dining with a view of Jackson Square and courtyard seating, for an authentic New Orleans dining experience. The tall white walls and black wrought iron chandeliers give it a grandiose feel yet the service and ambiance is not stuffy or pretentious. Mr. Dickie Brennan himself even walked around all tables introducing himself and making sure we enjoyed our meal. What a nice and humble man he was.

The menu, developed by Chef Ben Thibodeaux, showcases regional ingredients and classic French Creole dishes with a unique twist. The cuisine is sophisticated, yet true to tradition, with great depth of flavor. We started our night with glasses of Brennan’s Chardonnay, a smooth, buttery white that the our entire table enjoyed. Next, came the Creole French Onion Soup– one of my favorite dishes. It was a delicious treat and definitely one of the best I’ve had. Caramelized sweet onions in a veal stock mixed with andouille, spiked with local beer and topped with a cheesy gruyére crouton. Delicious!

For our main entrees, our table ordered the Creole Courtbouillon and the Roasted Duck. The roasted duck breast and thigh was braised in a Bourbon-cherry duck jus. The flavors strong and rich.

The Courtbouillon is a traditional New Orleans seafood stew with gulf fish, shrimp, oysters and crab-meat in a rich broth served with popcorn rice. If you love seafood it is a great option as it is a large serving of a variety of seafood in a rich broth. It can definitely be shared by two.

Dessert consisted of the Praline Monkey Bread Pudding and Hot Chocolate Pot de Creme. The deconstructed biscuit bread pudding was beautifully presented, mixed with brown sugar and pecans served wit a side of vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce. Delicious.

The pod de creme consisted of dark chocolate custard infused with cayenne pepper, topped with house-made marshmallow fluff and caramelized cocoa nibs. I loved it and highly recommend readers to not miss out on this one.

Overall, we had a lovely time at Tableau. Everything from the attentive service to the decor and delicious menu was perfect. What a great addition to the New Orleans dining scene!

Food, New Orleans, Travel

Bonjour New Orleans!

June 5, 2013 3 Comments

The Hungry Nomad is spending this week in New Orleans discovering new restaurants and old favorites.

Food, New Orleans, USA

The Hungry Nomad’s Guide to New Orleans

February 1, 2013 2 Comments

Let’s face it besides the awesome music and rowdy drinking scene most people come to New Orleans for the incredible food. That is why it is essential to spend your time wisely and get the most out of what the city has to offer. I am often asked where I would recommend out-of-towners to dine in their short time in this colorful town and so I finally put together this guide to share my favorite spot sin New Orleans with my readers. I hope you enjoy!

Day 1:

The French Quarter:

Starting out in the French Quarter admire the wrought-iron balconies, tall shutters, courtyards and the sound of horse carriages strolling by. Start your walking excursion at the French Market located alongside the Mississippi river. Make sure to pick up some local hot sauce or my personal favorite selection of Tabasco sauces. You will soon smell the scent of beignets from Cafe du Monde. Stop over for some of their famous sugar coated beignets and chicory laced cafe au lait.

Next, listen to some local musicians on Royal street. The street is closed off on weekends allowing local artists to set up at every street corner. Next, visit the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square with its manicured lawns. If you are in the mood to learn what the future holds in store, sit down with one of the fortune tellers and let your fortunes be told. Back on Royal street you can try a little antique shopping and visit some of the amazing art galleries. Wonder around and get lost in the labyrinth of streets in the quarter and follow the noise to Bourbon street to see one of the most happening streets in America (see post on Bourbon Street). You might be hungry at this point. For one of the best meals of your life stop over at Mr. B’s ($$$) on Royal Street for their world famous barbecued shrimp. Not feeling like having shrimp but want some of those oysters which Nola is famous for? Then head over to Drago’s ($$) for some of their world renown chargrilled oysters. If you want to eat somewhere where the ambiance screams New Orleans then make your way over to Acme’s Oyster House ($$) to experience some live oyster shucking and eat it fresh or chargrilled to perfection. Then wash it all down with a strong bloody mary.

The CBD and Warehouse District:

While the French Quarter is ever consuming with so much to see, do, and eat make sure you venture out of the Quarter and see the other beautiful parts of town for I can assure you there is so much more to New Orleans than the French Quarter (just ask the British who settled west of Canal Street). Walking out west from the French Quarter you will pass Canal Street which was once the glorious commercial hub of town but has unfortunately failed to keep its glory. Beautiful hotels are intertwined with cheap shops and run down storefronts. However, in this area you will find some of my favorite places to eat. If you are looking for a true Italian meal head over to Domenica’s ($$) at the Roosevelt Hotel (http://www.domenicarestaurant.com). Here renowned local chef John Besh and Alon Shaya (my former landlord) cook up some of the best Italian dishes in town. For Franco-German cuisine, head to Luke ($$) another of John Besh’s delicious restaurants where you can have fresh oysters or my favorite, the burger and fries (http://www.lukeneworleans.com). Walking further you will cross over into the Central Business District where restaurants such as the Herbsaint ($$) will deliver some of the best French food offered in the South. Sitting outside you can drink your wine and watch the Saint Charles trolley go on by (http://www.herbsaint.com).

For dinner, keep walking until you cross over to the Warehouse District. The new yet old trendy part of town where loft style living and restaurants and bars line the streets (Nola’s own version of the Meatpacking district). Here you will find some of my favorite restaurants including Cochon, La Boca and Root. If you love pork you will love Cochon ($$) (http://www.cochonrestaurant.com). The ambiance isn’t so bad either. One that comes with a full house. I highly recommend making reservations in advance for this one. If you’re wanting the experience but don’t have time, walk over just next door to Cochon to its sister shop, Cochon Butcher (http://www.cochonbutcher.com) for some amazing gourmet sandwiches and beer. If pork is not so much your thing but you love a good steak then the Argentinian Steakhouse, La Boca ($$$), will satisfy all your red meat cravings (http://www.labocasteaks.com/). A small Argentinian steak house offering tender beef, chimichuri and fries. Reservations are a must. Root is another popular restaurant which offers some of that hearty Southern flavors with a modern twist.

Day 2:

The Garden District:

Take the trolley to the Garden District and explore the old mansions, cemeteries, shopping and restaurants (note no shopping in the cemetery). For a truly exceptional meal and experience try Commander’s Palace ($$$) for their fancy Sunday brunch where a jazz band will serenade you with each bite (http://www.commanderspalace.com). During the week you can also take advantage of their 25 cent martinis at lunch. After your meal and many martinis walk across the street to Lafayette cemetery and explore one of the oldest cemeteries in the US as seen in endless Hollywood movies).

If a meal at Commander’s Palace is not in your budget then don’t miss the best sandwich in town at either Milk Bar ($) or Stein’s Deli ($) (http://steinsdeli.net) where you can try unique sandwiches such as my favorites the Jeff Berger (prosciutto and honey) or the Robert (prosciutto, mozzarella and balsamic vinaigrette) at Steins or the Psycho Chicken at the Milk Bar. Either continue your journey on Saint Charles street or walk down to Magazine street stopping at Prytania to take in the architectural beauty of all the homes.

Uptown:

Once on Magazine, explore the many shops, galleries, antique stores and more. When you are done with all your shopping take a coffee break at one of the many shops on the street. If you fancy sweets along with your coffee then make sure you don’t miss Sucre ($). One of my favorite places to go to fulfill my chocolate cravings. Their macarons are deadly but so are their french pastries and gelatoes. You just can’t go wrong with this one (http://www.shopsucre.com).

Next, rent a bike at Mike the Bike Guy and make your way west on Magazine street to Uptown. For the best french bread and pastries stop at La Boulangerie, a local favorite serving the best french baguettes and baked goods in town. A great breakfast option and my personal favorite is Tartine, a hidden gem behind Audubon Park. If you are looking for good restaurants you are in for a treat since along Magazine street line some of the best in town including la Petite Grocery (http://www.lapetitegrocery.com/) and Lilettes (http://www.liletterestaurant.com) ($$$) which offers delicious french food. Make reservations in advance . Right next door to Lilettes is Bouligny Tavern (http://www.boulignytavern.com/) a small and trendy wine and tapas bar. They also happen to make some of the best cocktails I’ve yet to taste.

If wine and tapas are your thing you may also enjoy the Belgian restaurant just north of Magazine at Delachaise ($$) (http://www.thedelachaise.com/). For a more traditional New Orleans drinking scene head over to the Columns Hotel on St. Charles street (http://www.thecolumns.com/). For those wanting a break from Southern food try the trendy Vietnamese restaurant, Magasin Cafe ($) (http://www.magasincafe.com). A little further up on Prytania is my favorite local ice-cream shop at the Creole Creamery (http://www.creolecreamery.com).

Carrolton/Oak Street:

At the end of Saint Charles, past the beautiful campuses of Tulane and Loyola, past the famous oak tree filled Audubon Park is where Saint Charles ends and Carrolton street begins. This is one of my favorite areas in town. There are many great restaurants in this tiny area of town. People will line up for a traditional Hamburger, fries and grilled pecan pie at the landmark diner, Camellia Grill. For Spanish tapas, sangria and flamenco dancing go to Cafe Granada (http://www.cafegranadanola.com) a little further up. Right next door, there is also the popular Lebanese restaurant, Lebanon Cafe (http://www.lebanonscafe.com/), and my favorite tapas bar, la Boucherie right around the corner.

A little further up is Oak Street- a colorful street filled with small shops, bars and restaurants. For burgers and some delicious comfort food head over to Oak street to Cowbell (http://www.cowbell-nola.com), while on Oak Street check out the quaint shops and bars. If you want a once in a lifetime dining experience go to Jacquies-Imo’s Cafe (http://jacques-imos.com). It’s definitely one of the most unique places I’ve ever dined at in the world. You won’t really understand until you experience it yourself.

From here its a short taxi ride all the way North on Carrolton to my favorite spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the south: City Park.

Day 3:

City Park:

City Park is one of the most underrated natural beauties in New Orleans often overshadowed by by it’s smaller sister Audubon Park. If you have enough time on your trip make sure not to miss it (it is also a good way to burn all the calories from eating at all the above restaurants). A trip to the park can include renting bikes, boating on the lake, visiting the New Orleans Museum of Art and much more. Spend the day with activities in the park. Then walk down to Esplanade where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. Many great restaurants and local favorites are located on Esplanade street including the famous paellas at Lola’s (http://www.lolasneworleans.com/) , the steak-frites at Cafe Degas (http://www.cafedegas.com/) or Mexican food at Santa Fe (http://www.santafenola.com). It is then a short bike or cab ride back down Esplanade to the French Quarter. And you are done! You have completed a full tour of New Orleans. There is still so much I have left out including Po-Boys at Parkway Bakery and Tavern, fried chicken at Willie Mae’s Scotch house, gumbo at Mothers and sno-cones at Hansen’s.

More time?

For those with more time, you may find the new and upcoming neighbourhood around Freret street worth a visit. There are some great bars and restaurants lining the street including hot dogs at Dat Dog Nola ($), burgers at Company Burger ($), southern food at High Hat Cafe and brick oven pizza at Ancora Pizzeria ($$).

Food, New Orleans, Seafood, Travel, Uncategorized, USA

A Love Letter to New Orleans (from the Hungry Nomad)

July 16, 2012 5 Comments

My dear New Orleans,

I am sad to be writing this letter, sad to end a chapter, sad to have it all come to an end. But it is time for us to part ways. I want you to know that you have been so good to me. I am so lucky to have lived you, experienced you, breathed you. Why?

Where do I begin?

I loved waking up every single day to sunshine- that sweet and warm sunshine. Yes there was plenty of rain- but tropical warm rain still feels so good, especially for a Canuck like me. And with the rain came the amazing green lush streets. Those massive oak trees that speak to you if you listen long enough and tell you tales of New Orleans rich past. I have fallen in love with those oak trees many which wear colorful beads proudly and boast their attendance at Mardi Gras.

Yes, I have fallen in love with a tree. Anne Rice once said “I love New Orleans physically. I love the trees and the balmy air and the beautiful days”. I, like Ann Rice, have physically fallen in love with New Orleans.

But the beauty of a town is never complete without the people. I have fallen in love with the warm, friendly and happy people of New Orleans.

If there was ever a town to have a reason to be full of sorrow and pain, it is New Orleans. And although the damages of Katrina, poverty and crime are all around, it does not stop people from living to the fullest. Every day is a new day and more reason to celebrate.

I loved all the festivals. How can one town have so many festivals in one year? It started with the New Orleans Jazz Festival where I heard the best soulful music while eating some of that hearty food. Crawfish enchiladas while listening to Jazz. Could anything be better?

Jazz fest gives locals and tourists two full weeks of celebrations. Two weeks of celebrating the town’s rich musical history and artists. So many untapped talent in one town. So much beauty in each performance.

Even the local cats go to the bar in New Orleans!

I loved Frenchmen street. The energy, the music, the soul of the city comes out at night on Frenchmens. On any particular night, stepping into any bar I would hear some of the best music ever to hit my eardrums. I would dance among young and old. Locals and tourists. All enjoying life, swaying to the music and happily existing.

It didn’t end there. Next came the French Quarter festival, the Po-boy festival, Oak street festival, oyster festival and creole tomato festival. So many reasons to celebrate. Little reason to mourn the past.

But nothing, absolutely nothing could top Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras gives people a reason to live. When I first moved down to New Orleans I didn’t appreciate how Mardi Gras is ingrained in the genes of New Orleanians.

One month of celebrations.

One month of drinking, feasting and playing dress up.

One month of wonderful, creative and clever floats driving through Saint Charles street.

One month of fancy balls letting you take a step back in time and relive the town’s glorious past.

One month of king cakes.

That purple, yellow and green sugary piece of heaven with a surprise in the middle….

… 11 months of planning and counting down the days.

And the food!

What can I say about the food? I fear whatever I say won’t be enough. My first dining experience was at Commander’s Palace. Twenty-five cent martinis. Turtle Soup and Gumbo. Then came the Chargrilled oysters at Dragos, Barbecued shrimp at Mr. B’s, Po-boys at Parktown Tavern and an experience out of this world at Jacques-Imos.

Oh the food!

The seafood!

The oysters, oysters, oysters.

The spices. The richness and the sauces.

The fresh chargrilled oysters, the rich seafood gumbo, the spicy jambalaya, the creamy crawfish etouffes, the bread pudding and pralines and my favorite- barbecued shrimp from Mr. B’s.