This is my last post from New Orleans, but we sure did pack a lot of fun and enjoyment in our ten days in New Orleans. In fact, me, my mom, sister and brother-in-law are heading back there this weekend, since Parker is turning one year old. Can you believe it’s been a year since that little doll baby was born? The year has flown by! Anyway, I’ll be taking more pics from that celebration and word has it, we will be experiencing a Mardi Gras parade. I can’t wait to see that! And no, it’s not the decadent part of town, thank goodness.
In the meantime, enjoy these street scenes from our day in the French Quarter. It was a beautiful day in January.
Lauren and Philip live in Metairie, about 15-20 minutes from downtown and the French Quarter, so it’s an easy drive to get there. We got to sample several restaurants while we were there, so I’m sharing those at the bottom of this post, for my fellow foodies. I dearly love good and tasty food!
There’s a big parking area by Jackson Brewery and this is where we usually park to walk the French Quarter. I won’t do a lot of talking on this post, so enjoy the street scenes from New Orleans. It’s a colorful and interesting city, for sure.
There are plenty of horse and buggy tours going in New Orleans, creating a flavor for the French Quarter.
Lauren said this is the courthouse.
This little shop was fun, a cute hat shop with clothes and more hats than I’ve ever seen. They wouldn’t allow pics inside.
We went down Royale Street and on Saturdays many of the streets in the French Quarter are closed to car traffic, so you can meander in the street without worry.
Mardi Gras decorations are in full swing this time of year.
The back of Jackson Square and the big cathedral where artists gather.
We had the baby with us, so we strolled the streets and checked out some of the clothing stores. We girls love to shop together.
Artists gathering in Jackson Square.
We ate lunch at Tableau restaurant (one of many of the Brennan owned restaurants). It was very good, I’ll show more below.
It was too chilly to eat in their courtyard,but it sure was pretty.
One of the things I love about New Orleans are the multitude of gas lanterns that are everywhere. It’s a staple in New Orleans.
Another thing you see lots of in the French Quarter are street artists, the musical kind and otherwise. This was so very interesting and he was looking for tips. We came to the conclusion that this is just a statue form and not a real man inside. I think this is the guy who did this creation and he was checking out his tip bucket. Every major city seems to have street artists like this. I remember some doozies I saw in San Francisco.
But the music, oh the music that permeates the French Quarter is wonderful. Very talented folks play on the streets and sing and share their music. Love this part!
The big Catholic cathedral in Jackson Square is a powerful presence in the French Quarter.
The river is on one side and is beautiful to see as well.
We finished up a day of shopping as the sun was about to go down and headed home, a full and wonderful day.
So, while we were in New Orleans, we went out to several restaurants and I thought I’d share the highlights with all of you, in case you get down there and want to hit some great places. These were all good places to eat.
I first went to August 2 years ago with Lauren and it’s in a word, fabulous! John Besh, the famous chef in New Orleans owns this restaurant and it truly epitomizes fine New Orleans cuisine. I love this place! On Fridays, they offer a Prix Fixe menu, for one price of $20.15, the year. All of the above came with the lunch and it was truly outstanding. Every morsel at August is a tasty bite. Crusty, French bagettes, and egg cup, butternut squash soup, grilled swordfish with white beans, and carrot cake for dessert were my choices. You do get a couple of choices for all, which makes it nice. Go to August, you won’t be sorry, but definitely make reservations!
Out in Metairie, where Philip and Lauren live, The Blue Crab is a local hangout. Not a fancy place, but the food is delicious. This is the wedge salad with fresh blue cheese and grilled shrimp. It was outstanding!
Another restaurant out not too far from them, is Café B, another Brennan family member restaurant. Wonderful food too and the hot bread got me. I ate way too much of that fabulous bread and butter before my salmon came. It was all good!
Of course, you can’t go to New Orleans without hitting Café DuMonde for coffee and beignets, can you? We were only in the French Quarter on Saturday and the French Quarter location was so backed up with people and crowded, that we couldn’t get in there. We had the baby and it just wouldn’t have been a good idea to wait in line. I didn’t know til now that there is a Café DuMonde in Metairie too, so we went there on Sunday. Equally good beignets and café lattes at this location, so go, go for this treat if you are in town! Looking at the website, there are now 8 Cafe DuMonde locations around New Orleans.
We also hit Katies Restaurant in mid-city for Sunday brunch after church and it was crowded with folks and the food was delicious. Highly recommend Katie’s too.
While on Magazine Street shopping, we went into Sucre, a sweet shop, at the recommendation of someone on my Instagram or Facebook page. Loved it! They have all these sweet macaroons if you love those and I had some delicious gelato. Sweet treat for the sweet tooth for sure!
On our French Quarter shopping trip, we ended up at Tableau and it was very good as well. I had a shrimp Po-Boy, which is a staple in New Orleans too.
My sister had this delicious asparagus salad, which looked so good, also at Tableau.
So, that was our French Quarter day and a look at some of the restaurant highlights while we were in New Orleans. It was a fun 10 day trip and we got to experience and see a lot. It was so fun to get out and about in New Orleans this time. If you missed my other New Orleans posts, take a look back.
Looks like you had a splendid time in my fair City. There is always so much to do here. Enjoy!
Hi Rhoda! Which parade are you going to? We have some big ones this weekend! I hope you have fun!
Hi Nicolle, I don’t know yet, but I can’t wait to see it. My first time seeing a parade!
My dad rides in Endymion. It’s huge & draws huge crowds. It can be overwhelming but it’s something to see, that’s for sure. Whichever parade you guys go too, I’m sure you’ll have a blast. Safe travels to all of you.
Thanks for bringing back so many memories for me like Brennan’s and beignets, French Quarter and the plantation. I had two aunts who lived in N.O. and my husband took me on his business trips there for many years.
Love that city-just cooked some Cajun food, I’ll have to get busy in the kitchen and try something new, thanks for inspiring me with your great photos!
Thanks for sharing all of your NOLA memories! I grew up in Biloxi, MS, which is roughly an hour away, so we went to New Orleans a lot to shop and hang out.
Did you happen to go to Bourbon French Parfums on Royal St. when you were in the French Quarter? They are a custom perfumerie that has been around for 150+ years My favorites are Jardin du Cour and La Pluie, but the Magnolia and Gardenia get me every time too because it just smells like home! I think they will even custom blend a scent for you.
Have fun this weekend! Happy Birthday to little Miss Parker!
Thanks for the New Orleans update Rhoda…I love that city!
I would love to visit New Orleans & especially that sweet shop! There is so much to see. Thanks Rhoda for the wonderful tour.
I’ve never been to New Orleans, but would love to go someday. Thanks for the beautiful pics!
Looks a fabulous trip, I have never been to New Orleans but would love to go one day. I forgot how much French influence there was there. Love all your photos a real guided tour 🙂
Lee
Wow! This post makes you feel like you were almost there. All the buildings are so lovely, but the shutter features are always my favorite. I’m such a plain eater, but even the food at the end was all so intriguing. Loved all the descriptions 🙂