One of my most favorite cities in all of the United States is definitly New Orleans. With its old history, rich culture, and incredible food scene; NOLA is a must! I have personally vacationed three times here, once as a child and then twice as an adult. To be honest there is stuff for the little ones to do, however in bringing the kids along you will surely miss out on what New Orleans is all about…. cocktails and amazing cuisine…no room for a picky eater if you know what I mean ;0) I’ve highlighted for you my personal MUSTS for visiting the Crescent City.
NOLA EATS:
A trip to the Big Easy is not complete without a bowl of gumbo, a crafty cocktail and a warm beignet. The Cajun traditions and French influence are certainly found in almost any place you dine. In researching for my visits I always like to do my research and read reviews before selecting. I must say you will not be disappointed with any recommendation noted below.
Elizabeths:
Nestled in the Bywater neighborhood, this quaint eclectic spot is a local favorite. Directly across the street is a local park with ample parking. Many spots in New Orleans lack parking. The restaurant decorated with local art work containing local sayings and sweet southern sayings. One of their most recognizable plate is the Prailine Bacon, sounds decadent right?! My husband and I ordered the Shrimp and Tasso scramble and I the Eggs Elizabeth. Tasso is a NOLA delicacy. It’s a type of spicy cured pork. My Eggs Elizabeth was a take on a Benedict. Grilled French bread with ham, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Excellent choices.
The Ruby Slipper Cafe:
A NOLA staple. There are several locations and we opted for the located right in the French Quarter. Since this place is more known expect a wait, or perhaps you get lucky and score 2 seats together at the bar. The Ruby slipper has something for everyone. From Benedicts to omelets to sweet stuff. My husband had the Chicken St Charles, fried chicken served over a buttermilk biscuit topped with poached eggs finished with a Tasso cream sauce. I had the Corned Beef Bennie, corn beef over biscuit topped with poached eggs, horseradish cream and hollandaise. Delish. Great coffee here as well.
District Donuts:
It’s rare that we go on vacation and NOT scope out a local donut shop. I have a slight obsession with donuts. Let’s just say that District Donuts did not disappoint. I had a Kolache with bacon, egg and cheese. A Kolache is a yeasted sweet dough wrapped and baked around the filling. For donuts we had the Brown Butter Iced donut drop and the original glazed. My husband also had the breakfast special burrito.
Q and C Bar:
Nestled in the hotel Queen and Crescent lies one of NOLA’s up and coming best happy hour bars. They offer some excellent small plates as well as interesting cocktails. We enjoyed their Boudine Balls (a NOLA must), Gumbo, and their ‘Shroom pizza. I had an amazing coffee style cocktail, apologies I failed to note it’s cool name..
Commander’s Palace:
This place SCREAMS New Orleans. If you have ever watched the Travel Channel or any Food Network show that focuses on New Orleans, you have surely heard of this place. Located in the beautiful Garden District, directly across the street from Lafayette Cemmetary; this fine dining experience cannot be missed. They serve brunch on the weekends, lunch and dinner throughout the week and weekend. A few things to note if you plan on eating here:
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Make reservations. You can do this directly on their website and I believe up to 90 days in advance. TIP: when making your reservation note if it is a special occasion AND request “the best seat in the house”. I received this tip on another blog and they sat us in the corner window seat, and it truly was the BEST seat in the house. In fact another couple asked how we got that table… ;0)
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Jackets are required for the gentlemen, ladies I recommend a dress. For brunch you can go more lively but understand you are at a fine dining establishment. Not necessarily a brunch to attend in a romper if you know what I mean.
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Get the TURTLE SOUP. Trust me. It does not sound appetizing however this is the dish they are known for. It takes 3 days to make and yes on the sherry pour of the top please.
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Save room for desert. Their bread pudding is absolutely to die for.
Cafe Du Monde
Located right on the shore of the Mississippi River, on Decatur Street, a cafe known for their beignets since 1862. Quick note they are a cash only establishment. For approx. $5.00 you can get 2 cafe a laits and a plate of beignets swimming in sweet powdered sugar. This is an excellent light breakfast or an afternoon/whenever sweet treat.
Numinous Liz 
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