Giovanna & Chris
Things To Do
The National WWII Museum
A World War II Museum doesn’t sound like a very New Orleans thing to do, but it happens to be one of the favorite things many tourists have done here (if TripAdvisor is any indication). It is an impressive collection and well worth the visit. Don’t miss the Beyond All Boundaries 4D movie, narrated by Tom Hanks.
Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall is a venue committed to the preservation and protection of New Orleans Jazz. One of the best experiences we have ever had in New Orleans was to watch the Preservation Hall All Stars play here. You can feel NOLA’s distinct personality everywhere, but it is here where you get the sense that you’ve found its heart. If the All Stars are playing here when you’re in town, you should make every effort to experience it. If it’s another band, still check it out; I doubt they have a bad show. Insiders tell us Sunday nights are a great time to go.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Imagine you were throwing a huge backyard party and had the best selection of wine and cheese on hand for your guests. On top of that, you provided small plates of tasty food and an excellent jazz band to round out the ambiance. That’s Bacchanal in a nutshell. The venue is 21 and over, and they do not take reservations. It is very popular, especially when the band is playing, so be prepared to wait for tables to open up (or get there early).
Frenchmen Street
A lot of people go to the bars on Bourbon Street to watch cover bands play nostalgic tunes. It can be fun, but this isn’t what they mean when they talk about New Orleans music. Instead, head where the locals go listen to the best musicians, and that’s often Frenchmen Street. Within walking distance of the French Quarter, Frenchmen’s is lined with music bars like the Spotted Cat (spottedcatmusicclub.com) and Snug Harbor (snugjazz.com).
Cafe Du Monde
If you’ve seen the movie Chef, then you know this is the place Jon Favreau is excited to get to. For a very modest price, you can double the amount of powdered sugar you’ve eaten in your entire life, all at one sitting. Each serving comes with three beignets, smothered in powdered sugar. Also, be sure to try the frozen coffee while people-watching.
Commander's Palace
This is one of the most famous of New Orleans restaurants. Have you heard of Emeril Legasse? This is where he got his big start. Elle Brennan is the brains and heart behind this restaurant, and if you haven’t seen “Ella Brennan: Commanding the Table” on Netflix, you should check it out. Commanders Palace has a jazz brunch that features a jazz band that plays table to table (we liked the band so much, they will be doing the same at our reception!). If you decide to go, gentlemen should wear a jacket. Make reservations.
Shaya
It’s not often you eat something that blows you away, but the Lamb Ragu Hummus and freshly baked bread at this Israeli restaurant is PHENOMENAL. They’ve won a James Beard Award of Excellence.
Turkey & the Wolf
Bon Appetit magazine just named this place the Best Restaurant in America. I can’t go so far as to say a sandwich shop can be the best restaurant in America, but they do make some of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Get there early, they sell out often.
Toups Meatery
No, that’s not a chocolate birthday cake they are bringing to your table, that’s your pork chop. Come here to eat the biggest pork chop you’ve seen, or (IMO) even better, try the venison...it’s very good. Isaac Toups was just named as a 2018 James Beard semifinalist.
Tito's Ceviche & Pisco
It’s hard to find Peruvian restaurants, and it’s really hard to find great Peruvian restaurants. This one on Magazine St has excellent ceviche, lomo saltado and mixed seafood dishes. They take classic Peruvian then add their own twist.
Maypop
We ran across this place while walking to a Muse concert. The food was a southern/Asian fusion and it was very, very good. Apparently the place is a big deal, and we see why.
Cochon RESTAURANT
Donald Link is a well known and liked Cajun chef, and this is one of his restaurants. We’ve had the braised ribs, rabbit stew and cochon here, and they didn’t disappoint. The horseradish potato salad was excellent. Donald Link was just named as a 2018 James Beard semifinalist.