Posts Tagged ‘ Napoleon House ’

Fabulous Getaways: The Charm of the French Quarter, New Orleans

Aug 20th, 2008 | By Travel Snob | Category: Better Travel
Rating 3.00 out of 5

chairsAfter Hurricane Katrina back in August 2005, thousands of people abandoned their homes in New Orleans, but the French Quarter and the famous Bourbon Street continued to welcome visitors. Rich in culture, amazing food, and the most happening street I’ve ever seen, the French Quarter offers more than just an experience. It brings hope to those who live and visit here that no matter what disaster occurs, there is always something to celebrate about.

Music is an important part of New Orleans. Here you can find a live local jazz band playing during the evenings on weekends as well as on the streets. From belting out songs using their saxophones and keyboards to inviting guests to break into dance, these musicians love what they do and you can tell that in a glance.

Art is engrained in New Orleans’ lifestyle. Art galleries are scattered throughout the city, privately owned and huge galleries alike. Oil paintings, sculptures, ceramics, watercolors, all have elements of the culture of New Orleans. Whether there is a portrait of a jazz musician or a painting of the Mississippi landscape, you don’t want to miss stepping into a few galleries and perhaps purchasing a piece of New Orleans home with you.

The food is fantastic. Below I have listed some amazing dishes and restaurants you must hit during your stay. New Orleans is famous for their gumbo, a thick and delicious stew based on vegetables and meats such as chicken, seafood and andouille sausage. The best gumbo was at The French Market Restaurant located at 1001 Decatur Street. Also give their raw oysters a try. They are superb and fresh, a specialty ready to be gulped down raw with some cocktail sauce and horseradish. Stop by during their daily happy hour from 3pm to 5pm for a dozen raw oysters at just $6. Now that’s a steal. If you have a big appetite, try the Muffaletta. It is a sandwich made of a big loaf of Italian bread sliced horizontally. In between the bread is where the magic happens. Sliced salami, capicola and mortadella covered in melted cheeses and topped with a distinct olive salad, then baked warm. One sandwich can serve four people, no joke. Napoleon House offers an amazing Muffaletta as well as their famous Pimm’s Cup, an alcoholic drink made of British gin, lime, cucumber and club soda. Napoleon House is on 580 Chartres Street and has been an established building since 1797. They have early hours and close by 5:30pm, and are closed on Sundays, so make sure you schedule this place in. You will not regret it. Another dish that is distinct in flavor here in New Orleans is red beans and rice. Sounds very simple, but this isn’t your typical rice and beans. This dish is slowly cooked until creamy, with onions and tons of spices along with bell peppers, celery and served with andouille sausage. My favorite restaurant that offered this dish was Arnaud’s Remoulade, located on 309 Bourbon Street. Usually I shy away from a place that seems like a tourist trap as it is right on Bourbon Street. However, this restaurant cannot be missed. It is a very casual setting and the servings are what they should be at great prices. They also serve raw oysters. Give their jambalaya a try, another spectacular dish containing seafood, andouille sausage, onions and amazing sauces mixed with rice to make it the most comforting food that comfort food can be.

Dessert is in order. Loosen your belt strings and head over to Cafe du Monde on 1039 Decatur Street for their famous beignets. They are these deep fried square donuts topped with powdered sugar. This is a traditional staple for locals and tourists and goes great with a cup of cold milk or the famous cafe au lait. New Orleans coffee is mixed with roasted chicory, the root of endive lettuce, which takes the bitter flavor from the coffee. Beignets come in threes, and an order of beignets and a cup of cafe au lait will only cost you $4 here, as of August 2008. You can also purchase canned coffee beans with chicory to go.

Definitely visit the French Quarter. The locals here are welcoming and want the world to see that they are not only surviving, but thriving. So go and support this special city, buy souvenirs, eat the good food, purchase some art, and tell your friends to visit as well. If you have been here, share with us by commenting your favorite places to eat, shop, and dance.

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