You think you’re braced for New Orleans’ lax approach toward human frailty, but you’re probably not. Like an upper classman with a fake ID, the city encourages you to drink with little concern for the consequences. Many of us don’t need much persuasion in the first place. You already know the classics: The Ramos Gin Fizz, the Sazerac, the Pimm’s Cup, and, lower down the list (much lower), the Hurricane.
At the indispensable Tujague’s, the astute barman Paul devised something called the Green Rice. All he would reveal before we tried it was that the liquor was gin, which of course was no problem. It tasted slightly of citrus, and had an incredibly clean finish, without being bitter. The reason? Rice vinegar. Sometimes it takes vision to invent a new level of vice.
The indulgence doesn’t end at cocktail hour–the restaurant Cochon offered a dressed up pulled pork with cracklin. Stone grits to go with that? Yes please. Then finish with an Ice Box Lime Pie that’s good enough to knock you on your back foot. But you carry on to hear the late show at Snug Harbor on Frenchman Street. It’s all too much, which is to say: it’s just right. You go to sleep thinking you can’t possibly hit the gastronomic ground running again. Then the hotel brings strong coffee and fresh biscuits to your room, and you’re back in the game without missing a beat.
David Coggins
Nice little vignetteand superb photos…what a terrific town.
Hotel recommendations??
RoyalStreetInn.com
next time this is a must for any “drinking man” http://bartonique.com/
Great pictures of my old neighborhood. Love the one of Napolion House. Would liked to see one of Tujague’s. Thanks
Jen — good use of the passive agressive quotation marks.
Love the drive by– hitting some great spots. So many places and things to see and do. Well played.
Great stuff…wish you would have had a chance to spend more time outside of the Quarter. Cooter Brown’s Uptown is a great bar; try the Radiator’s po boy (fried shrimp and fried oysters fully dressed) with the cheese fries and an Abita Amber.
Jacque’s Imos on Oak next to the Maple Leaf is the place where locals wait two hours for a table. Crawfish cheesecake, the Carpetbagger filet and a slice of banana cream pie…taste so good, make you wanna slap yo mamma.
Dos Jefes on Tchoupitoulas; great place for bourbon, cigars, live music and people watching.
Don’t mess with the VooDoo, you’ll wake up missing your soul, much more valuable than a kidney.
Love Cochon!
It is now more popular then ever, I ate their Fall of 2008 before they opened up the “meat shop.”
I had dinner with a colleague who grew up in the 9th Ward in 30’s/40’s and we had NOLA/LA eggplant stuffing that was unbelievable, Freddy thought it was better then his mother’s.
The Hilton Garden Inn by the Convention center sometimes has deals as low as $40 or $50 a night, just cover their basic operating expenses, my opinion the less you spend on the room, while being safe the more money you can spend elsewhere.
That first pic is amazing, makes me want to round up the boys for a good old pint session.
Shout out to Napoleon House (first picture) would be nice. Good food and atmosphere.
I was in new Orleans for Lundi Gras back in 06 just 5 mos after Katrina did her thing. There were about 300,000 people in attendance, about 1/4 the usual amount for Mardi Gras celebrations. But I have to admit the town looks a whole lot better in your peopleless pics.
Looks like you concentrated more on the southern and Spanish influence instead of the more popular French, which is a pleasant shift in perspective from most NO reviews.
I also commend you for visiting before Mardi Gras, letting you replace the ‘Parade, Drink, Parade, Drink’ routine with the local one of ‘Eat, Drink, Eat, Drink’.
For anyone planning a trip, Tom Fitzmorris at NOmenu.com has THE reviews and suggestions.
I would suggest The Soniat House for accommodations. Right across the street from Stella, one of the best restaurants in NOLA.
Was in NOLA last week on a short vacation. The sazerac at the Napoleon House was -easily- the best I had during the visit. And I tested thoroughly, walking about 8 miles a day in my gray Red Wings.
Best food in the quarter, hands down: The Green Goddess.
Quick Guide to Uptown New Orleans
If you’re looking for cocktails Cure.
If you’re looking for drinks and southern living Columns.
If you’re looking for cajun/creole food Jacques-Imos.
If your’e looking for a great breakfast Camilla Grill.
What a gorgeous portrayal of this neighborhood. Thanks for sharing.
Cochon is awesome! I was there in 2008. Did you happen to try the alligator cheese cake? Awesome! Love this city!
You captured my hometown’s best! Thanks for shining the light on the positive side of NOLA.
Thanks for making me even more homesick than I already am.
Good concept and excellent post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog. I am looking forward some more information from your end, it’s really helpful for me. I will bookmark your site to check if you write more about in the future. Please keep up the good work.
Straight up classic.