Laissez the bon temps rouler! Or “Let the good times roll!”
Whether you’re traveling for leisure or work (or both), New Orleans is a city of intense polarities blended in a rich culture that allows both to coexist. You see and experience both the upscale and the street life, the poor and the rich, transitioning from loud to quiet as the night welcomes the morning.
Visiting the Crescent City in a crescent moon
With its curves around the Mississippi River, New Orleans has earned the nickname “Cresent City”. French Quarter, Uptown, and Downtown areas are snuggled into the bend of the Old Man River.
Looking straight to the east, you’ll see the sunrise overlooking the Mississippi river in spring equinox. If the sky is clear, you’ll see the whole spectrum of colors from dark red to dark blue/purple giving you an amazing feeling of completion.
Like two sides of a coin, connected to each other. Two-in-one, embodied in a warm, southern, and vibrant culture where sophisticated culinary experiences, nightlife and party, rich history through colonial times and civil rights activism blend into one. Challenge yourself to experience both, in only one night!
Celebration of Creole Culture
With creole meaning people of mixed European (mostly French) and Black descent, the term was originally used to distinguish people that were not born in Louisiana; however, it is used to demonstrate the mixture and blend of the different cultures. The Creole Queen, as an authentic paddle-wheeler, is the perfect opportunity to get a sense of New Orleans vibes. A floating experience on the Mississippi River with the Creole Queen: give it a chance even if you think it’s going to rain!
The creole culture has influenced New Orlean’s cuisine, where food brings people together. As street food, “po boys” are French bread sandwiches with roast beef, ham, or seafood. Originating in 1929 during a streetcar strike, Martin’s brothers prepared poboys or “poor boys” to feed the strikers. Killers Poboys, Nola Poboys are both great options to try a good poboy in the French Quarter, while Luizza by the Track is as one of the best options but it’s further uptown, closer to the track.
Civil Rights History
Back in 1868, Louisiana’s Constitution included men of color in constitutional language declaring all men as equal. A highly progressive statement for the time. The Constitution ended 10 years later, during the 1877 Compromise and the legal work to designate men of color as full citizens was erased.
The light was gone temporarily. But through continuous efforts for integration, such as the Baton Rouge bus boycott and the 105-mile Bogalusa to Baton Rouge March, formed the civil rights movement.
Even if we lose it, we will find it again. We may have to run miles, but we will find it again.
(From Louisiana Civil Rights Museum)
French Quarter & Bourbon Street
The French Quarter is the most touristic part taking its name not from the famous drink as one would assume but from the French royal House Bourbon back in the 17th Century. Bourbon features some of the oldest bars and family restaurants, making it an attraction for local and foreigners.
Getting your “beads” in Bourbon Street - Flashing or not, beads is a thing in New Orleans. Even if you try to avoid it, it will get to you. I got two of them when walking in Bourbon Street during the afternoon from a hawker who wouldn’t give up on me getting the beads!
Parades & Second Lines
Even when it’s raining there is a parade in Bourbon Street. And the lines are two; one official upfront and the second "fun" one making up the second line.
Rumor has it that you can do your own parade. In the bucket list next time we visit New Orleans.
Business District – Steet Vibes & Serious Cocktails
As anecdotal evidence there is a correlation between location and socioeconomic status, the higher the land elevation, the more affluent the community is (from Emma Fick, Snippets of New Orleans). The Business District, which is further uptown from the French Quarter, features several elegant restaurants offering sophisticated culinary experiences.
Compère Lapin
Have a sit at the bar only to observe the bartender creating some cocktail art. Tried the fried chicken with coconut grits and peanuts and it was phenomenal too.
Herbsaint (the “Holy Herb”)
Street views on a busy road where the traditional New Orleans streetcar goes through. Highlighted dish was the house made spaghetti served with a fried poached egg on top. For a cocktail, I tried the Wonderbird, Improved to end my trip having a drink.
Music to my ears
Either inside or outside, make sure you get some good vibes when you visit New Orleans. The live music scene features jazz, rock, soul, R&B. The sounds of New Orleans embrace and charm!
Irish Channel – A homey feeling
When you find a place that feels like home, you recognize it. It is one of the best areas to live in New Orleans. The Irish Channel was created 1830s by workers that came to build the New Basin Canal, a waterway built to connect Lake Pontchartrain the developing New Orleans. Maintaining the suburban feeling, the Irish Channel is one of the most eclectic areas in the City with many hidden gems.
Atchafalaya
The Irish Channel is the host of one of the best restaurants in New Orleans. In a historic establishment with tables at two levels (second level is kind of hidden), the restaurant embraces New Orleans’ culinary traditions while pushing boundaries. When I walk into a restaurant and they speak French, it feels like home to me. A true blend of cultures.
All the dishes were extraordinary, from the fried green tomatoes to the duck leg. But the highlight dish Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits. Plus, the best service I’ve ever seen in a restaurant; fresh, authentic, and inviting all-in-one!
Food sharing, spoon feeding
Make sure you also try the dessert - Tres Leches Bread Pudding. Perfectly balanced between dulce de leche and bread pudding. Spoon feed your loved one, and your sweet grace is in your spoon!
Credit: The graphics are taken from Emma Fick’s illustrations Snippets of New Orleans.