NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is second only to my native San Francisco in terms of places that I've been to that tempt the palate, the liver, eyes, ears, and the soul. The food in the Cresent City is amazing. Not only are the dishes innovative and delicious, but the atmosphere and flair in which they are presented are fantastic. The people of New Orleans know how to blend the best of their French heritage and tradition with their American ease and improvisation. The people are courteous and have social graces that people on the west coast just don't understand. And while I'm on the topic of people in New Orleans, I must mention that the women are amazingly beautiful. Maybe it's their southern drawl or their southern belle image in my mind, but they are smoldering. The brunettes and redheads are especially attractive.
I spent an entire day taking the St. Charles Trolley all around and getting off to explore the area. Tulane is such a beautiful campus complete with ivy-covered buildings and sprawling lawns. The Audobon Zoo is a great way to spend an afternoon--especially if you take a riverboat up from the riverfront area. A tour of the Superdome is well worth the trip. And benier's at Cafe Du Monde is a must. I dug the French Quarter and Burbon Street are fun and must be experienced, but are a bit dirty. If you can, have your meals as much as possible at one of the many Brennan Family's restaurants--especially Sunday Brunch at Commander's Palace. Jazz at the Preservation Hall is always a rockin good time.
LINKS:
An insiders guide to New Orleans
Tourist guide to the Crescent City
