New Orleans Bayyy-Bay

I recently enjoyed a baby mooning trip with the hubs in New Orleans. New Orleans has been on my bucket list to travel to for a while. I have heard so many good things about its culture and food and wanted to have my own experience down in the Big Easy. I thought what better time than now to experience the strong French and Roman Catholic background of New Orleans. I am so glad I did. A city so full of history. This was an exciting trip with lots of laughs, good food, sightseeing, culture, history, and overall fun!

Let’s have a little fun and start by talking that New Orleans Talk. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler !! That is French for “Let the good times roll”, and for certain we did. During this trip we did lots of walking on the Banquette. My Boo and I love to walk when on vacation and there is plenty of walking on Bourbon Street and the surrounding areas. We stayed dehydrated with a Cold Drink or maybe my husband had a Slush Frozen Cocktail or two. LOL! No need to worry, we had our fair share of water as well. After walking and burning some calories, we had to eat. My husband couldn’t leave the Big Easy without a Dressed Po’Boy and I couldn’t leave without Jambalaya, Etouffee, and Gumbo. Maybe a Beignet or three! We took a city tour and amongst seeing lots of what New Orleans has to offer, we also visited some of the different Wards and saw a few Shotgun Houses. Oh yeah, you can’t leave without riding past the Mercedes Superdome and yelling “Who Dat”! Now that you are a little familiar with the New Orleans Talk, I’m fixing to tell you about the highlights of the trip 😊

**New Orleans Talk Legend:

• Banquette = A sidewalk
• Boo = Cajun term for endearment or sometimes your sweetheart
• Cold Drink = Soda or Soft Drink
• Dressed = When you order a po-boy, “dressed” means you want lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo on it.
• Po’Boy = Short for poor-boy. A French bread sandwich and signature dish of New Orleans. The origin of the name is not    settled, but it may refer to the sandwich being a staple meal of poor workers or children. It has also been proposed that these sandwiches would have be purchased with a worker’s tips (French: pourboire) or that they were made using the “tips” of a loaf of French bread.
• Jambalaya = A rice dish with meat or seafood, similar to Spanish paella. The word is said to come from the Provençal word “jambalaia,” meaning mish-mash or pilaf.
• Etouffee = There are many variations to this dish. Most etoufees start with a roux and consist of rice, shell fish or meat and vegetable.
• Gumbo = The word “gumbo” comes from an African language that means okra. Gumbo is a traditional southern soup like dish. It can be made with just about anything. But, all gumbos start with a rich roux and usually include either sea food or sausage.
• Beignet = These are French style donuts that are drowned in powdered sugar. Usually, beignets are served with cafe au lait. Stop by Cafe Du Monde for the cities best coffee and beignets.
• Ward = Designations dividing New Orleans’ into 17 regions, or wards, which are subdivided into precincts.
• Shotgun Houses = A long, narrow, hall-less house common to New Orleans, which was named because if one fired a shotgun through the front door, the shot would go straight through the house without hitting a wall and exit through the back door.
• Who Dat = A term used to cheer on the New Orleans Saints.
• Fixing to = Getting ready to do something.

****THE ADVENTURES****

Bourbon Street

If you don’t know by now, New Orleans likes to stay up late. Of course, you heard Bourbon is famous for its bars and strip clubs, and it is. However, since I was baby mooning my experience was a little different. Yes, you can still enjoy Bourbon Street and be pregnant or with family. In fact, we went during Spring Break and there were quite a few families or couples with babies.

We walked up and down Bourbon and the surrounding streets people watching, eating, and simply enjoying the culture. At nights, Bourbon is very lively. The city certainly comes alive at night. Come sundown, the night lights shine in the clubs and on stages. The dance floors are full of people ready to have a good time. Although I did not party and drink, I enjoyed being in the heart of the French Quarter taking all my surroundings in. Conveniently, we stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter on Bourbon Street. Right in the middle of all the fun and night life. I will also say staying on Bourbon Street is great for access to other areas and activities.

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Quarter. It is also where the St. Louis Cathedral and Andrew Jackson’s Statue are located. The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest ran Catholic Church and still conducts mass today. My husband and I found ourselves walking here everyday. It is so full of life and always has something to see. From tons of artist being set up with their crafts, mules waiting to take people for a ride with carriages attached, local people putting on street shows, the sounds of cars zooming by, people talking, and the many shops and restaurants; you will surely find something you enjoy! We certainly enjoyed Jackson Square! Oh yeah, did I mention Beignets and Café Au Lait? There is also a Café Du Monde located right across the street! 😉

VIP City Tour

I don’t know about you, but I love going to a city and learning about the history and culture of that particular city. Almost everywhere my husband and I travel to, we always make time for a city tour. Whether it’s a private tour with 20 people or a hop-on, hop-off bus (Yes, the big red ones. Lol) we always experience a tour. We both like history but in different forms. I love guided tours such as the VIP City Tour and my husband enjoys museums. The tour lasted about 2 hours and the tour was very informative. The places we saw while on the tour were The Upper and Lower Ninth Ward (biggest areas where Katrina hit), Lake Pontchartrain, Super Dome, St.Louis Cemetery, Canal St, French Quarter, French Market, Cafe Du Monde, Levees, Seventh Ward, Eighth Ward, St. Louis Cathedral, Pumping Stations (drain canals & levees), Ellis Marsalis School In Musician, Shot Gun Style Homes, Esplande Ave, Xavier University (known for pharmacy school), World War II Museum and the Garden District.

French Market

The French Market was a fun local experience. It is basically their flea market located in the French Quarter. Like with many nationally known flea markets, it is filled with lots of history, artist and their crafts. From food, to paintings, to clothing, to jewelry, to other good finds there is tons of cool things that can be found at the French Market. They also have café and bars located through the French Market. Sometimes there are different groups there playing live music. One of the days we went, there was a band playing live music while people watched and ate outside.

World War II Museum

The National WWII Museum is packed with lots of history. Whether you’re a history geek or not, the WWII Museum is a must see. From a non-history geek standpoint, you will still enjoy and appreciate the history and the work put into putting the museum together. There is a lot to see and learn if you do not already know. From a history maniac standpoint, you will love the museum.

Frenchmen Street

New Orleans is the city that is the birthplace of jazz. Music here is the local language any time of the day or night. Every corner you turn to, you will find some form of music. There are plenty of opportunities to listen and dance to live music. The beats of the music are irresistible, and you will find yourself dancing till the sun comes up. Frenchmen Street is where the locals go to party. It’s a street for live music only. No DJs!

Vaso

Vaso, a super lounge located on Frenchmen Street is the place we stopped in for some good live jazz. You will find there are plenty of lounges to choose from, but you have to gravitate towards the lounge that’s playing the music that moves your soul. The musician and his band that were playing here the night we went were very good. The vibe was nice, and the dance floor started to fill up with people dancing the night away. My husband and I enjoyed ourselves and had some good laughs and quality time.

****THE FOOD****

Andouille, Beignet, Café Au Lait, Cajun, Chickory, Crawfish, Créole, Étouffée, Flambé, Grillades, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Jazz, Po’Boy, Pralines, and Roux. Are you hungry yet? The list could go on. These are some of the foods I got to experience while visiting the Big Easy. You surely can’t come to New Orleans and not try any of the food. You’d be missing out!

Gumbo Shop

Gumbo, mmmm yum! One of the many dishes New Orleans is known for. My belly just got happy all over again. On the first night in New Orleans we stopped by the Gumbo Shop. We experienced first hand some yummy Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffee, Red Beans & Rice and Alligator Sausage. My husband and I wanted all the good stuff so we both ordered what they call the Complete Creole Dinner. You pick an appetizer, entrée, side, and dessert from a list of choices in each category. Yes, we had a feast! All the New Orleans classics in one dinner! Who could say no to that?

Willa Jean

This was where I had my first Latte! EEK! Willa Jean is a small cute eatery with a small cute bakery counter inside the eatery. The pastries here were amazing. We had a Chocolate Chip Cookie and an Oatmeal Cookie both topped with Sea Salt. Those paired with the Latte, talk about a good pre meal. The food is southern inspired with a New Orleans spin. We tried the Hangover Bowl and the Fried Chicken + Tabasco Honey. Talk about yummy food, and that biscuit on the Fried Chicken Sandwich was the bomb diggity! You could tell the love they put into their food and pastries.

Café Du Monde

OMG, OMG, I FINALLY got to try Café Du Monde. The most talked about and famous Beignet place in New Orleans! I loved this place! I have a sweet tooth and these smothered in powdered sugar French donuts hit the spot. I also tried Café Au Lait for the first time. You may be wondering what Café Au Lait is. This is New Orleans traditional coffee. Cafe Au Lait is made from coffee and Chickory mixed with boiled milk. I will admit I’m not a true coffee drinker and had to add a lot of sugar. However, when I got my coffee right, it paired perfectly with the Beignets. The best part of it all is 3 Beignets (considered 1 order) and 1 Café Au Lait is all $6.00 including tax, TOTAL!

Oceana

Po’Boy and Crawfish Etouffee?! Yes, please! You can never get enough Etouffee while in New Orleans, and you can’t come to New Orleans and not try a Po’Boy. Oceana is where we had both! Both dishes were good! Don’t forget to get your Po’Boy DRESSED – lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayonnaise. The only way to eat a Po’boy.

Stanley

Conveniently located on historic Jackson Square. If you travel to New Orleans and stay close to Jackson Square, I would highly suggest at least experiencing one of the restaurants located on Jackson Square. The view from Stanley’s elegant dining room provides a beautiful back drop of the St. Louis Cathedral and downtown New Orleans. If you’re looking for a good breakfast dining spot, this is it! Definitely order the Stanley’s Classic and Bacon & Cheese Grits. They are simple but both classic New Orleans comfort food at its best.

Loretta’s New Orleans Authentic Pralines

Pralines is all you hear about from people from Louisiana. I had never tried a praline until this trip. I would have never considered pralines. However, after a friend suggested I try Loretta’s Pralines, I figured I couldn’t come to New Orleans without trying one. I asked a friend who is from New Orleans on food suggestions, and this was one of the places on his list. Thank goodness I did. Loretta’s has some of the yummiest Sweet Potato Cookies and Pralines. I can’t speak much on the pralines as I have nothing to compare it to. Although from what I tasted I was pleased. However, those Sweet Potato Cookies with the mashed sweet potato filling in the center was divine. If you want a good praline (in my opinion) and a bomb Sweet Potato Cookie, go to Loretta’s.

Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar

This location is located on the famous Canal Street. Coming to Creole House is a good way to eat good food and explore Canal Street. During the VIP City Tour, our tour guide referenced a few places and this was one of them. If you like fried fish, I would encourage you to give this place a try. They have some of the best fried fish and hush puppies I have had! They also had really good Jambalaya and Red Beans & Rice. We enjoyed some of the New Orleans classics, while sitting in the outside seating area soaking up the sun and people watching.

The Ruby Slipper Café

If you know Tiff Squared, you know we are brunch maniacs. We live for a good brunch! I could not leave New Orleans on a Saturday without brunch. It just would not be true Tiffany fashion. The funny thing is I had been eyeing this café the entire trip and almost passed on giving it a try. Thank goodness I didn’t. This was certainly a delight. I grew up on Catfish and Grits. My mom use to make this meal once a week when I was younger. When I saw it on the menu, I immediately knew what I was ordering. I’m glad I did. It touched on my childhood memories. Also, besides having a childhood dish they had Banana Foster French Toast. Flambé Bananas in a butter, brown sugar, and rum sauce. This is also a New Orleans classic you can’t pass up on. My heart and belly were full! A childhood memory and a New Orleans classic for my fav meal – BRUNCH, it doesn’t get much better than that!

By now I’m sure you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed New Orleans. My experience was everything I wanted. I explored a city full of history and ate all the New Orleans classics I could dream of. I felt like I was surrounded by the love and good vibes the locals have for their city, and wanted others to see and take in. I would highly encourage visiting the Big Easy and creating your very own memories.

Until the next travel expedition…See ya!