So, are you BLU?

New Orleans:
Food & Drink 
By Kimberly Toms
Spring 2007

Angels and Devils
Visitors to New Orleans often imagine themselves in one of two scenarios as tourists, that of Girls Gone Wild, bead-earning and Mardi Gras partying, or as wanting to take in the plentiful historic and palate-pleasing attributes of the Deep South. For those who pride themselves as angelic by nature, yet with a devilish side (or vice versa), it is possible to combine both scenarios, particularly after partaking of a few of the famed Hurricane cocktails consisting of juices and plenty of alcohol. Perhaps the biggest challenge for a visitor is to narrow down the overwhelming selection of activities to the most optimum agenda that will provide a glimpse into the real New Orleans, while allowing for a little adult recreation after nightfall. After years of sampling, partaking and partying (in younger days) in the city, we can recommend several must-see and must-do items to add to any agenda:

Food and Drink – New Orleans is the ultimate land of colorful cuisine. There are so many exceptional and famed restaurants that one cannot cover all, or even most, of them. So, our recommendations are our favorites, some time-honored and well-known throughout the world, some known primarily within Nola. We do not ask or expect a culinary tour to be limited to these selections, but the four restaurants, café and two lounges listed below should definitely be included on your itinerary.

Café du Monde – Good grief, enough cannot be said about the addiction that is Café du Monde! Until Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi riverfront Café had not ceased its 24-hour operations since 1862. Very quickly back on its feet and serving its delectable staples of beignets (a distinctive New Orleans pastry and state doughnut of Louisiana, dusted with excessively delightful clouds of powdered sugar) and chicory café au lait, Café du Monde is a must-stop for breakfast, late night sweet-tooth satisfaction, or that sugar and caffeine high that you need in order to ensure the energy required to continue seeing and experiencing all of New Orleans. Both the dessert and the coffee bode well after a Hurricane cocktail or two! While in New Orleans, be sure to purchase a box or two of beignet mix and a couple of cans of French Market Chicory Coffee to feed your post-vacation addiction at home. Attire is “come as you are.” Walk-in, no reservations required. 800 Decatur Street; 504.581.2914.

Olivier’s Creole Restaurant – Although barely known outside of New Orleans, Olivier’s is greatly worth mention as one of the most personable and authentic Creole dining experiences in the world. Chef Damian Banks lends his talent and expertise to time-honored recipes passed down through many generations of the Olivier family. The atmosphere is more modern than Antoine’s, Brennan’s or Court of Two Sisters, yet the Oliviers incorporate their own brand of warmth and gentility that provide for a historic dining experience. Attire is listed as casual but more deserving of dressy. Reservations recommended. 204 Decatur Street; 504.525.7734; www.olivierscreole.com.

Court of Two Sisters – Always delightful and authentically New Orleans, the Court of Two Sisters offers the largest dining courtyard in the French Quarter, complete with gaslights, lush foliage and fountain. Particularly well known is their daily Jazz Brunch, with so many authentic and flavorful delights from which to choose that one is able to ensure a tasting of all of the foods for which New Orleans is famous, while enjoying a strolling jazz trio and the warmth of a genuine, attentive staff. Gourmet Creole a la carte dinners are also available, if the indulgent buffet brunch is too much of a temptation for your waistline. Attire is dressy and reservations are recommended for dinner. 613 Royal Street; 504.522.7261; www.courtoftwosisters.com.

Brennan’s – Due to an amazing 35,000 bottle wine cellar and sumptuous meals such as the famed “Breakfast at Brennan’s,” a longstanding New Orleans tradition of three courses including their world famous Bananas Foster or other delightful sweet as dessert, Brennan’s has enjoyed a colorful history of serving residents and guests of the Crescent City for decades. Whether for the renowned breakfast, or for a highly romantic candle- and gaslight dinner in one of twelve elegant dining rooms dating back to 1795, the experience is unforgettable and distinctively New Orleans. Attire is dressy and men should wear a dinner jacket. Reservations are required. 417 Royal Street; 504.525.9711; www.brennansneworleans.com.

Antoine’s – The country’s oldest family-owned restaurant, Antoine’s was established in 1840 and is world-renowned as the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou and Pommes de Terre Souffles. Visit their website to view photographs of amazingly historic and uniquely designed dining rooms that are symbolic of New Orleans herself. Attire is dressy and men must wear a jacket at dinner. Reservations are highly recommended. 713 Rue Saint Louis; 504.581.3003; www.antoines.com.

Old Absinthe House – Home of libations and people-watching for almost 200 years, Old Absinthe House is a definite destination during a French Quarter pub crawl. Pirate Jean Lafitte and Andrew Jackson are rumored to have met in the upstairs while planning the victory of the Battle of New Orleans. Weathered and quaint, stop in with a casual attitude and time to sit and watch New Orleans pass by the corner of Rue Bourbon and Rue Bienville. Pizza and other pub dinner fare is available, but lets face it…its all about the drinks, sights and sounds around the House! Clothing of some kind is expected. 240 Bourbon Street at Bienville.

Pat O’Brien’s – A requirement when visiting New Orleans, Pat O’Brien’s offers the famed courtyard, knock-you-down Hurricanes and authentically New Orleans piano music within its unique setting. The Main Bar is very typically pub-like, complete with over 500 beer steins hanging from the ceiling and photographs of past patrons all over the walls, with a jukebox and sports television adding to the casual and comfortable appeal. The Patio is the most known location with Pat O’Brien’s, where lush foliage, glass-topped iron patio tables, a flaming fountain (with both fire and water) and open-air drinking of specialty drinks, beer and, of course, Hurricanes. The Courtyard Restaurant serves the Nola version of an extended bar menu, if the munchies or justified hunger pangs take over. Another option, The Piano Bar, is always inviting yet crowded, but one simply must endure the wait for a seat, as the dueling pianos and Hurricane service to green-cushioned chairs are definitely worth the visit. Finally, the Restaurant Bar is also part of Pat O’s and fashioned after the Main Bar. There, you can have your drinks and satisfy your stomach with some pub fare from the Courtyard Restaurant while engaging in interesting, intoxicating conversation mixed with Hurricanes or other beverages. Whatever your poison, you will always leave Pat O’Brien’s with a trademark signature Hurricane glass, so although you may not be fully coherent at the time of your departure, you will inevitably be reminded of your visit, as you raise the glass in subsequent toasts. Casual attire. Open until 5 a.m. on weekends, closes early at 4 a.m. on weekdays! 718 St. Peter Street; 504.525.4823; www.patobriens.com.

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