After registering and getting our Mom 2.0 badges, we went to Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, recommended by the front desk employees at our hotel, the fantastic Wyndham Garden Baronne Plaza, where we had some seriously awesome fried seafood. We were definitely jealous of the people around us who just ordered giant plates of fried catfish. Next time!
Late the following night, after a productive day of learning and talking to bloggers, we finally tried the famous Cafe Du Monde, where they only serve two things: coffee and beignets! The beignet is a deep-fried piece of heaven, the most wonderful thing you’ll ever eat. That is not a joke, people! The patio of Cafe du Monde is filled with people chatting and drinking their signature chicory-infused coffee. On this night, it was also filled with kids obviously coming from a spring dance, which was an adorable sight to see. The floor is covered in remnants of powdered sugar. We obviously got orders to go!
On our final day in New Orleans, we took a breather from the conference and had lunch at Domenica, Chef John Besh’s restaurant in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel, just a block over from the Ritz. Domenica also gave us a little break from the non-stop Southern food. Instead, we feasted on fancy pizza and an apple and pecorino salad. We had the most wonderful waiter, Brent, who regaled us with tales of his Carnaval costumes and gave us tips on which parts of the Garden District to check out. Sadly, we weren’t able to use most of his advice, but I’ve tucked it away for my next trip to NOLA.
My final piece of advice if you’re heading to New Orleans? Walk, don’t run over to the Hotel Monteleone and visit the Carousel Bar and Lounge inside the hotel. It’s a real, live spinning carousel and the waiters will take care of you, not only with their fantastic drinks, but with their free Zappy’s chips, another New Orleans staple. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy your authentic New Orleans Sazerac.
Victoria
I LOVE MARIA’S WRITING and this trip was so much more enjoyable because Maria was with me in NOLA. Loved it!
Cassandra
I actually prefer Cafe Beignet to Cafe du Monde because they have a wider selection of items. I’ve been to New Orleans so many times, but I have never been to the other places you’ve mentioned (although I can attest to the deliciousness of Zappy’s). I’ll have to try those places next time I go!
The Garden District is lovely. I’ve never eaten in the neighborhood, but I usually like showing my friends the houses where Trent Reznor and Anne Rice lived.
I would add to this list next time you simply MUST go to Pat O’Brien’s and try a Hurricane!
S. Elle
It is a wonderful city for food. There are over 1100 restaurants now — I’ve lived in NOLA for almost two years, and I’m very slowly working my way through them!
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit
Email me if you come back through, and I’d be happy to give you recommendations for other bars, live music, and restaurants to visit! There’s nothing as much fun as showing off NOLA.