STUBBLEFEST
Explore NOLA
Eat Your Heart Out!
The New York Times recently did an exposé on the "death" of gumbo. Come and see for yourself if this is true. The article names a bunch of NOLA restaurants that are an absolute must-try on your brief weekend escape here for Stubblefest. Here are our recs for all things gumbo and otherwise (reservations recommended): Saffron NOLA - The bride's brother is sous chef at this fabulous Indian fusion Magazine St. restaurant (also the highlight of the NYT article). Pêche - Seafood at its best. Get the whole redfish... and the fish sticks. Seriously. Cane & Table - Adorable & chic Cuban fusion in the French Quarter. Courtyard for the win. Nomiya - Bo's favorite ramen. Be careful, it's spicy! Baru - Tapas &balcony seating on Magazine St. Mopho - Midcity Vietnamese flair w/ a creole kick. Bacchanal - Combo wine patio, music venue, killer food. Bywater at its best if the day is nice. Can't choose? St. Roch Market, Auction House Market, and Pythian Market have local variety.
Treme's Petit Jazz Museum
We stumbled across this Treme gem while playing tourist in our own city one weekend. The museum is open Friday 11:30am-5pm and Saturday 10am-5pm with a $10 fee. If you like jazz music, THIS is your spot! Al Jackson is the curator of this one-room museum full of priceless treasures and enlightening stories. It embodies the soul of New Orleans music. Ask as many questions as possible and listen to Al Jackson answer by weaving together fascinating connections of history, music and culture. It may be only one room, but you could spend at least an hour here! If you check this out on Saturday, go a few blocks down after visiting the museum to Bar Tonique. Order their Bloody Mary - made of fresh squeezed tomato juice, bacon vodka and a large piece of maple glazed bacon. Seriously. Do it.
Congo Square New World Rhythm Festival
Mardi Gras Indians, African dance, dance, brass bands, luscious jazz, soul-funk, Garifuna music from Honduras and West African highlife – all these are in store for music fans at the 12th annual Congo Square Rhythms Festival. Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation in Armstrong Park, this FREE festival occurs on Saturday 3/30 and Sunday 3/31, starting at 11am. Check it out for live music, a large arts market and a variety of "soul food" booths. This is also an awesome opportunity to see the annual Mardi Gras Indian “battle” – with tribes from various neighborhoods gathering in the center of the square for a show of cultural unity (and a great photo op).
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
“Stella!” If that line means anything to you, then chances are you’re a Tennessee Williams fan. And if you’re a Tennessee Williams fan, then lucky you! A festival in his honor is happening this weekend. Tennessee Williams often used New Orleans as the backdrop for his world-famous plays, and he also cited the city as his muse. He loved New Orleans, and to this day, New Orleans loves him too. Contests and special events are regularly scheduled throughout the festival, like the poetry contest, one-act play contest, and fiction contest. One hilarious contest is the “Stella!” shouting match in the French Quarter. Contestants (both men and women, usually dressed like Stanley Kowalski) do their best re-enactment of the famous line to judges on the balcony of the Pontalba Apartments on Jackson Square. Follow the website to find when exactly this takes place!
Visit Local Microbreweries
Everyone knows that beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. And oh, are there some beers to choose from in NOLA! The link provided will show you a map of all the breweries in the city. Here are our recs: 1. Parleaux Beer Lab in the Bywater 2. The Courtyard Brewery (Bo and Mathilde's friendly neighborhood brewery!) 3. Miel Brewery & Taproom 4. Urban South Brewery 5. Second Line Brewing 6. Port Orleans Brewing 7. NOLA Brewing 8. Brieux Carre Brewing Company Even though the beers aren't made here, the selection is killer: 9. St. Charles Avenue Pub 10. Stein's Market & Deli (also you can get a Reuben here)
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Bo's favorite music club in New Orleans. Definitely stop in if you want to see some great live music. Cash only and although there is no cover, you must buy at least one drink per set. And if the act isn't your vibe? You're in the music HAVEN of Frenchmen Street. Check out d.b.a. (across the street) or Maison (where the Stubblefest after party will be taking place) or Apple Barrel or anywhere the wind/music notes take you!