A New Orleans Weekend

Last month, I was able to get away on a work-related trip to New Orleans where I attended a Public Relations conference.

The conference was in the Royal Sonesta Hotel which is located right on Bourbon Street.

The Food is Everything

I had never been to New Orleans before but I had watched enough movies and television programs to understand what that culture might be like. My husband, The Gent, had been several times and so I relied on him to make arrangements for the after-hour festivities.

• The food is everything. All the stuff you hear about New Orleans food? How good it is? All true. Every single bit of it, true. I recommend Arnaud’s Restaurant for brunch. All sorts of egg dishes, alligator sausage and a nice strolling jazz trio will serenade you over coffee.

• Antoine’s Restaurant in the evening; the oldest French-Creole fine dining in New Orleans. I am amazed at how the buildings look so small on the outside but once you enter the front door, the space goes on forever and ever. Antoine’s Restaurant is one such building. Their wine cellar runs the length of the block. I recommend the lamb chops with mint jelly.

• On a more casual side of food – give Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar a try. It’s a local favorite and normally you can get right in with minimal waiting because all the tourists are across the street at ACME Oyster House.  Sit right at the bar while they shuck oysters at you.

Must-Do French Quarter

Of course, do not be neglectful of Jackson Square. This French Quarter historical park is a weekend stroll. Cute boutiques and unique shopping experiences along with local street artists make this a must-do and must-see stop on a NOLA trip.

It is also where the famous Café De Monde is located – get your world famous café au lait and beignets!

My trip to New Orleans was work-related and my sight seeing was short due to that fact. I didn’t get to see much but what I did experience left me wanting more.

I will return again to New Orleans.