new orleans | october 2016
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: there ain't nothing like New Orleans in October.
As if the streets of New Orleans don't appear haunted enough, all of the galleries and balconies (yes, Virginia, there is a difference) are decorated for Halloween. Though still perfectly warm, the air is a little crisper and the gas lamps give off a bit more of an eerie glow. It's simply perfect.
where to stay in new orleans
While the Man Friend and I are usually fans of B&B's or vacation rentals, we opted for a hotel stay during this trip. As we planned to attend the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, the Lafayette Hotel was a reasonably priced and conveniently located option. We were happily greeted by the front desk staff, who (after my darling mother-in-law mentioned we were celebrating our anniversary) left us a beautifully written card and a complimentary bottle of chilled champagne.
The rooms were comfortable and relatively quiet, though we were very close to the elevators. The entire hotel staff was very polite but unobtrusive during our stay. The rooms stayed clean and the surrounding neighborhood seemed very safe. We were also literally around the corner from the festival. If you're into boutique hotels, be sure to check this place out...or another of the Valentino Group's great options.
where to eat in new orleans
If you cannot find a place to eat in New Orleans, you are going to starve no matter where you go. Thankfully, my friend Ashley is perfectly happy to eat and drink anywhere, as are the Man Friend and his mama.
majoria's commerce restaurant | 300 camp street
Only open Monday through Friday, Majoria's is a fantastic little (literally) diner-style restaurant located in the heart of the CBD. While most New Orleanians are incredibly friendly, these people are some of the most genuine I've encountered. They for real love their jobs.
Try the crazy CBB (Commerce breakfast biscuit), a traditional buttermilk biscuit slathered in eggs, sausage, and cheesy jalapeno "gravy." Mama-in-law opted for the veggie omelet and (minus the bell peppers), I was extremely jealous. The veggies included squash, broccoli, and cauliflower. Even better yet, breakfast is on the cheap.
cafe on the square | 500 st. charles avenue
Though located inside a hotel, this restaurant is anything but boring. Check out their daily specials (the Man Friend got an andouille, crawfish, & Swiss omelet). I opted for a semi-healthier omelet option of ham, mushrooms, feta, spinach, and avocado with wheat toast and fresh fruit.
willa jean | 611 o'keefe avenue
Apparently, this is more of a brunch place, but the Man Friend, Ashley, and I found ourselves here for a late night meal. While it's pretty hipster (deep fried crackers to go with their house made pimento cheese), the service was great and the food was...interesting. However, I must admit that I haven't ever had apples, halved cherry tomatoes, or actual flowers (no shit) in my chicken & dumplings.
commander's palace | 1403 washington avenue
After trying to get reservations our last 3 times in New Orleans...we finally made it for brunch! Commander's is one of those "pillar" restaurants of the city. Everyone knows it and it's one of the few places the Man Friend and I haven't experienced. We also got to dress up, which is always fun...for me, anyway. The service was fantastic, so if you're looking for a special occasion excursion, Commander's is the way to go.
The meal is served as three courses and, surprisingly enough, they were reasonably priced and the portions were big. The menu changes seasonally, but you'll always find a few favorites like turtle soup, bread pudding, and barbecue shrimp. Big winners of the meal: the cochon de lait (a pulled pork eggs Benedict), the eggs Louis Armstrong (eggs with corn/crab fritters and puréed red beans), and the fudge sheba (a massive hunk of dense dark chocolate mousse with salted caramel).
However, the best part of the story is that when we arrived, we were seated off kind of by ourselves. We thought it was a little odd, considering there were many other tables available. Little did we know that The Travel Channel was filming a new show there...AND THEY WERE RIGHT NEXT TO US! We chatted it up with the host and crew during our meal. Hopefully, in a few weeks, you will see a blog post about my national television debut.
sylvain | 625 chartres street
The Man Friend and I stopped in here for a drink at the recommendation of a friend. However, we were a little hungry, too, so we decided to grab a bite, too. This place is simply divine! The ambiance is simple, full of candlelight and dark corners. It's very romantic and, in a way, slightly mysterious (in the best way possible). The Man Friend ordered a burger and I opted for dessert...an ice cream sandwich of oatmeal cookies, peanut butter ice cream, and blackberry jam. I definitely want to hit up brunch here on our next trip.
where to drink in new orleans
Several years ago, an AirBnB host mistakenly referred to the Man Friend as "Kyle" in her review our stay (his name isn't Kyle). Though we got the issue corrected, it made for a fun story afterward. So, going forward, we jokingly refer to our drunken, traveling alter egos as "Kyle and Kiki."
And just let me tell you...Kiki made an appearance on this trip. If you ever, EVER hear me order shots, just know that Kiki has taken over. And she's crazy.
chart room | 300 chartres street
For real, y'all. This is our favorite bar in the French Quarter. It's so divey, they don't even have a website. It's cash-only, beer on ice in coolers, and amazing bartenders. You're going to catch locals hanging out here all the time. It's a fun and crazy crowd. As long as you're not full of yourself or an asshole, you're going to be welcomed as part of the family at Chart Room.
johnny white's pub and grill | 728 bourbon street
We are not Bourbon Street people. We are, however, dive bar people. This place came at the recommendation of one of the bartenders at The Chart Room (who specifically told me to tell the bartender at JW's to "f*ck off."). It's cheap drinks, great service, and a lot of fun.
the tchoup yard | 405 third street
Pronounced "chop yard," this place is a fun new neighborhood beer garden. They offer several beer options, food truck service, and are dog-friendly. Just don't wear heels...you'll sink in the rocks.
the rusty nail | 1100 constance street
If you want a legit New Orleans experience, you need to go to a bar like The Rusty Nail on a hometown Saints game day. The Rusty Nail boasts an amazing patio, complete with plenty of TV's, and a fun neighborhood bar experience.
la casita | 634 julia street
No. We didn't eat Mexican food on a trip to New Orleans. However, we did stop for drinks. Duh! They have an amazing happy hour, with $4 margaritas and $5 mojitos or sangria. The red sangria was mixed with housemade cinnamon-infused tequila. It was weird AF but totally delicious.
back space bar | 139 chartres street
Located in a historical building in the French Quarter, this place is a fantastic little haunt with exposed brick and comfortable seating...perfect for people watching or reading a good book.
I'm not even going to get into "things to do" in New Orleans. Go for a walk. Grab a beer. People watch. I dunno...ask Kiki. She was there.
