The Big Easy

Our trip to New Orleans is less than two weeks away. Where, oh where, has time gone? This trip has snuck up on me. Really, I think I'm just in denial that fall is around the corner. In my mind, I thought New Orleans - Fall. But those thoughts are dulled by little voices screaming, "No summer! Don't go! Stay! Pretty pretty please." However, in just three short days fall will be here. There's not a thing I can do to stop it.

At least I can drown my sorrows in happy thoughts of visiting a new city. This will be our first visit to New Orleans. It'll be my first encounter with southern culture. I've only been to Florida before, Frank has driven down to Georgia from Chicago - many years ago, he visited a friend at the AFB there. Robins, maybe? - so he has more of an idea of what to expect.

Our hotel is a half block from Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. We should be convenient to the sights, nightlife and streetcars. I see us becoming pretty familiar with the streetcars. We'll need to take them to get a few restaurants on our list. We plan to stick to local cuisine. I want muffaletta (Central Grocery) and po'boy (Domilse’s) sandwiches. I want real jambalaya (I hear Coops is good) and gumbo (Commander's is supposed to be the place). I desperately want to try John Besh's Restaurant August, and since I never got to Commander's Palace while they were here in Vegas I feel I must try the original location.

I'm interested to see the city's architecture, the historic homes and mansions. I suspect we might see a plantation, as well. We anticipate sights such as the cemeteries, St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market. And to make the experience complete we plan to take an airboat swamp tour. I imagine we'll find ourselves in a live music bar at some point, too.

Do you have a favorite restaurant or must see? Let's have it.