What places do I absolutely need to see when I go to New Orleans this weekend?

[charlie and algernon]

I'm traveling to New Orleans for new years and also going to the sugarbowl. My brother's HS band is actually performing in the half time show. But during all the practices, I'll be able to tour the city on my own. So what places should i absolutely make sure I go see?

[flvegan]

1. You MUST eat at the Olive Garden.

Screw the local fare.

[charlie and algernon]

2. but of course

[NightWatcher]

3. get a muffaleta from Central Grocery in the Quarter is a must...and GO DAWGS

Also, go to the voodoo shops (Marie Lavaux's <sp>)

[charlie and algernon]

4. i have to ask, what's a muffaleta?

the voodoo shops are tempting, esp since it's a catholic HS that's sponsering this trip. It'll really freak them out, lol

[MrCoffee]

5. a muffaletta is the greatest sandwich in the world

and central grocery is where the greatest sandwich in the world was invented.


a muff will feed 2 people easy. if it's for one, get a half or quarter muff. sounds dirty, but just wait until you order it. pronounce it MOOF and you're set.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muffaletta

[SacredCow]

6. Agreed....

And the ones at Central Grocery are fantastic, rivaled only by the ones from the local deli that I go to...

[NightWatcher]

7. Muffuletta

The muffuletta (with numerous alternate spellings) is a type of Sicilian bread, as well as a sandwich in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is made with that bread.

The bread is a large, round, and somewhat flat loaf, around 10 inches (25 cm) across. It has a sturdy texture, and is described as being somewhat similar to focaccia.

The muffuletta sandwich originated in 1906 at Central Grocery, which was operated by Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant. The sandwich is popular with city natives and visitors, and has been described as "one of the great sandwiches of the world."<1> Central Grocery still serves the sandwich using the original recipe. Other variations are served throughout the city. The locals have differing opinions on which shop serves the best muffuletta.

A typical muffuletta consists of one muffuletta loaf, split horizontally. The loaf is then covered with a marinated olive salad, then layers of capicola, salami, mortadella, emmentaler, and provolone. The sandwich is sometimes heated through to soften the provolone.<2>

The olive salad is considered the heart of the sandwich, and consists primarily of olives, along with celery, cauliflower, and carrot. The ingredients are combined, seasonings are added, covered in olive oil and allowed to combine for at least 24 hours. Prepared olive salad for muffulettas can also be bought by the jar in New Orleans grocery stores.<3>

[charlie and algernon]

9. oh wow

that's definitely on my list of things to do now.

Looks great!

[NightWatcher]

11. if my cousin were not going there to the game, I'd make you bring me tow of them

but you are off the hook now.

I lived there from 1999-2001 and I miss it so. Also, try a Po-Boy from the Crescent City Brewhouse, a Hurricane from Pat O' Briens, and be sure to buy tons of spices and sauces from the grocers in the Quarter.

[charlie and algernon]

13. well I'll think of you when I'm eating my own.

:-)

[Frosty1]

8. The Cabildo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cabildo
Have a fun trip
:hi:

[charlie and algernon]

10. cool, we'll be near jackson square

[bigwillq]

12. The Ninth Ward

Take pictures and send them to the White House.

[SacredCow]

14. Hard to make a list not knowing what interests you....

Bars- Plenty of them. Pat O'Briens has the name recognition, and the atmosphere is nice but it's touristy and pretty damn expensive. Worth going in just to say you've been- perhaps purchasing a t-shirt or a hurricane glass. And, for the record, don't buy a hurricane from a street vendor unless you enjoy being sick. Tropical Isle is another popular one, signature drink being the hand grenade (quite potent). If you like dessert-type frozen drinks (and are OK with stepping into a gay bar) go get a separator at Good Friends. It's like a frozen white russian, and pretty tasty!

Food- Lots of good places to eat. Petunia's (on St. Louis) has a great brunch and excellent bloody mary's (expect to wait for a bit, though). Moon Wok is good chinese, but if you ask for them to make a dish spicy, be prepared for it! Cafe du Monde is touristy, but still kind of fun- and how can you go wrong with fried dough topped with powdered sugar? Central Groceries' muffalettas have been mentioned. Cafe Maspero is pretty good, too.

Sights- Jackson Square, of course... A stroll down Bourbon Street... The French Market... The Cabildo... All of these are right in or near the quarter. Away from the FQ, it gets a little more difficult since a lot of things haven't recovered from big K. There are still "devastation tours" going on, I think, if that's your bag.

Where are you staying, by the way? That might remind me of some nearby things.

And, if you want to sell your Sugar Bowl tickets, you could probably make a quick thousand or so! :)

ON EDIT: Another place to eat that I forgot about is Mona's. It's a Lebanese place (so not a very New Orleans kind of thing) but it's excellent!

[cordelia]

15. The Old Coffee Pot for breakfast

714 Saint Peter Street
New Orleans (Louisiana) , 70116
[phone]


They have some variations on Eggs Benedict that are phenomenal (if you like that kind of food).

And, you must not leave until you've had a muffeletta.

Enjoy your trip!

[MrCoffee]

16. ohhh...you've got to go to Morning Call for beignets

http://www.morningcallcoffeestand.com/html/history.html

Du Monde is ok, but Morning Call's beignets are better.

[Whoa_Nelly]

20. But, do you get to sit outside there?

The one thing I loved about Cafe du Monde was being able to sit outside as street musicians went by, and the wonderful variety of locals and tourists.

[CC]

17. The Court of Two Sisters for

brunch and dine in the courtyard. Great food, service and atmosphere. Just be sure to hide your bread from the birds.
http://www.courtoftwosisters.com/home.htm

[mtnester]

18. Acme Oyster House and Mother's

oh yes

[Bossy Monkey]

19. Must go to Mulate's

Cajun restaurant and dancehall http://www.mulates.com/ Even if you don't dance, it's fun to watch people of all ages dancing, and the food is terrific. We went pre-Katrina, but judging from the website, they appear to be thriving.

[seemunkee]

21. Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

[Bennyboy]

22. Tipitinas! (Uptown), Port O Call

get rocked out at Tips. best bar in the country for music.

Port O Call on Esplanade, their signature drink (the Monsoon) is superior to the Hurricane and they have the best burgers ever. Funky assest place there is.

Frenchamn Street. lots of great night life away from the quarters nastiness.

[greatauntoftriplets]

23. Have fun.....

I saw a report on the band's preparation in the local news.

Best of luck to your brother and enjoy the trip. You've been getting some great answers here.

[charlie and algernon]

25. thanks!

I'm making my list of things to there

[begin_within]

24. Breakfast at Brennan's is a tradition - the Bananas Foster alone is worth going there for

http://www.brennansneworleans.com/breakfastmenu.html

[RetroLounge]

26. Brennan's was the highlight for me

and yes, the flaming bananas foster was to die for...

:hi:

RL