Going to NOLA what are some must do's

[venchka]

Thanks Lisa. I don't think any one person could come up with a thorough list. It requires a group effort.

Funny how restaurants change. We haven't been to Palace Cafe in ages. We never had a bad experience. I'm frankly surprised. The Brennan's always do such a good job with all of their locations. Conversely, we went to Bayona once and probably won't go back. Just shows to go you, everybody has a bad day.

Commander's: Make a reservation. Ask for a table overlooking the courtyard. You really don't want to be in the main dining room with the tourists. Yes that is crass. Residents had privileges at Commander's.

How could I forget Port Of Call?

We haven't even started on the Best Bank yet.

Are you driving? That's a whole other thread.

Have fun!

[venchka]

I forgot:

In the vicinity of the D-Day Museum, and I probably don't have the name right, The Roger Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by venchka

I forgot:

In the vicinity of the D-Day Museum, and I probably don't have the name right, The Roger Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

Wayne, you are right - every restaurant can have a bad day. Sorry to hear you had one @ Bayona. We've eaten there several times and always walked away impressed. And, I'm sure at least one person at Palace Cafe was having a bad day the day we ate there, but it was such poor service that it just left a very bad taste in our mouths that the food did not overcome. Ah, well, it is a nice building they redid on Canal.

I think you are right on the museum and, yes, it is just around the corner from the D-Day Museum, just where you go around Lee Circle on St. Charles.

It is interesting to see everyone's lists and perspective - to me, the locals sit in the downstairs main dining room and the tourists are shuffled off elsewhere (the dreaded upstairs comes to mind - especially if they are not dressed appropriately). I do remember dining there years ago when our son was young, and he was sitting in his navy blazer and red bow tie and eating turtle soup and the wait staff took him back to the kitchen and he met Emeril, who gave him a chef hat.

I'm always open to learning about new restaurants and things to do. Now I'm realizing we need to plan a trip this year. We just got back from San Francisco (a Valentine's getaway), so I'm feeling like I've ignored poor New Orleans a bit too long.

[venchka]

This is strange. Upstairs picture window overlooking the courtyard, Mother's Day, my Lisa was most impressed. The ground level room with the glass wall accessed through the courtyard. My two favorites.

[L Stegall]

You know what - it's all good - after all, you're still dining @ Commander's no matter what and I expect people have favorite rooms just like favorite restaurants. I have eaten in that downstairs room @ Commander's before during the weekday and the food and service were still spot on.

[uthookem]

D-Day museum is a must. I've been twice and it was beyond amazing both times.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by uthookem

d-day museum is a must...and it was beyond amazing...

+1

[venchka]

Lisa,

Now you've done it. I really miss N.O. Fortunately I would really miss home in a few days. So it really is all good.

[L Stegall]

I know, I know. Now I'm missing it too! It's all shutterfire's fault. :-D

[venchka]

Yep. And we haven't even mentioned all the fun along the way to/from N.O.

Like the Konriko Rice place in New Iberia. Conrad Rice Mill

[shutterfire]

all of these suggestions are great. Has one stayed at oak alley or any other B&B plantations?

Sorry to make you miss home ya all.

[venchka]

No, I haven't. But on a related note, there is a very nice B&B/Hotel on St. Charles next to Audubon Park. The name escapes me. Lisa? Help?

Got it. The Park View Guest House.

http://www.parkviewguesthouse.com/

[L Stegall]

Oh, yeah, Park View - never been inside, but driven by it a million times. Looked at the link and the rooms look lovely and it's a great location on St. Charles, up by Audubon Park and Tulane and Loyola.

One of my favorites is the Soniat House in the Quarter. New Orleans French Quarter Luxury Hotels - Soniat House – Historic Luxury Boutique Hotels in New Orleans French Quarter

We stayed here last year: Melrose Mansion - A fine bed and breakfast in the New Orleans French Quarter It's across from the back side of the Quarter, practically across the street from Port of Call.

Sorry, can't help with B&B's outside town very much, but now I'm thinking of Mile High Pie at the Pontchatrain Hotel on St, Charles. http://www.luxehotels.com/hotels/Pontchartrain

Dang, I've really got to stop looking at this thread.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

I don't think the paddlewheeler is doing the run to the zoo anymore (post Katrina).

As to the Mardi gras world thing the Kerns opened a new building by the super Walmart that is just outside of Downtown so you don't have to cross the river to see their operations.

As to the music go to Snug Harbor, Welcome to Snug Harbor! on Frenchmans Street over near the Bywater- there are about a half a dozen great clubs and several Zaggat rated restraunts within a couple blocks (parking can be tricky if you go later in the evening. If you go to Tipatinas go to the Original that is not in the Quarter. in the Quarter you have The House of Blues- up to three stages there, and of course Preservation Hall Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Preservation Hall - New Orleans Jazz (this is a come in and set down dof a set venue , setting on rows of benches but well worth the effort plus you can then head over to Pat Obrians next door. Most of the other live music venues (mainly Bourbon Street) or tourist only except for one way down Bourbon towards Layfeyettes Blacksmith Shop that hosts a lot of European visiting jazz bands on the same side as Gators -wished I could think of the name of the place-also serves food there.)

Suprised no one has talked about Central Market that sells Muffalatas!-they originated it!

BTW you never said how many days that you will be in New Orleans.

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by DEMDeepEllumMusic

I don't think the paddlewheeler is doing the run to the zoo anymore (post Katrina).

As to the Mardi gras world thing the Kerns opened a new building by the super Walmart that is just outside of Downtown so you don't have to cross the river to see their operations.

As to the music go to Snug Harbor, Welcome to Snug Harbor! on Frenchmans Street over near the Bywater- there are about a half a dozen great clubs and several Zaggat rated restraunts within a couple blocks (parking can be tricky if you go later in the evening. If you go to Tipatinas go to the Original that is not in the Quarter. in the Quarter you have The House of Blues- up to three stages there, and of course Preservation Hall Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Preservation Hall - New Orleans Jazz (this is a come in and set down dof a set venue , setting on rows of benches but well worth the effort plus you can then head over to Pat Obrians next door. Most of the other live music venues (mainly Bourbon Street) or tourist only except for one way down Bourbon towards Layfeyettes Blacksmith Shop that hosts a lot of European visiting jazz bands on the same side as Gators -wished I could think of the name of the place-also serves food there.)

Suprised no one has talked about Central Market that sells Muffalatas!-they originated it!

BTW you never said how many days that you will be in New Orleans.

Good updated info -

Yes, Central Market muffalettas are a classic, but, despite living in New Orleans, I'm just not a big fan of any sandwich smothered in olives. But, I hear they are good.