New Orleans: food, music and architecture

Mid-week during Spring Break, Charles and I took a short flight from Nashville to New Orleans. Neither of us had been to the city before and we had heard it had good food and a walkable atmosphere (but not the most kid-friendly) so we left the kids with grandparents and went to explore for a few nights. Most of my pictures are of food. The grilled oysters were yummy as was a po-boy sandwhich. I enjoyed the banana fosters we had from the place it was invented (!) and beignet with praline sauce.

The kids would have enjoyed the swamp tour we took. It was about 30 minutes away and on an airboat. There were alligators everywhere and the moss on the trees made it pretty. We even held a baby alligator the guide had caught. 

Live Jazz music grew on me through out the trip. I determined I really do like brass instruments.

We did wait in the long line with all the tourist for Cafe Du Monde beignets 

I enjoyed the tiny beignets with dipping sauce from Carousel Bar & Lounge - Hotel Monteleone, French Quarter even more than the famous location of Cafe Du Monde

A close 2nd to my favorite bit would have been this breakfast biscuit sandwich at Molly's Rise and Shine in the Lower Garden District

The braised beef po-boy sandwich from Killer's Poboys might have been my favorite bite of the trip in French Quarter.  

I thought street cars were just for tourist as it is the oldest operating in US. It is actually part of daily public transportation for everyone! 

because of the water level, the cemeteries have all above ground tombs which is unique

The Garden District was actually more enjoyable to walk around. 

We took the street car from the French Quarter here one day and it was a nice respite from people.The houses here were beautiful and we strolled by Sandra Bullocks, John Goodman and the Manning's homes.   

Wes in font of Manning's childhood home

Best coffee drink was CR coffee in lower garden district

Enjoying banana foster at Brennan's were it was invented in the 1950s for one of his friend's birthday parties. 

We at creole food but it is not my favorite. 

French macaroons were plentiful and yummy at Sucre

The French quarter architecture was very cool. I was surprised at how much of the area it spanned and was preserved by the city. It was crowded though and somewhat dirty. We did enjoy browsing in some shops. 

Historic Jackson Square