New, New,New Orleans!

Our third visit back since Hurricane Karena was in March 2008 not only is New Orleans back but better than ever.  We decided to stay (a first) in a Bed and Breakfast-HH Whitney House on Esplanade.  Now we drove up and saw an interesting old house,  a big  home like Aunt Mary's for all of you who knew her friendly big home in Boston. I must admit -I thought Holy S*it, I don't know if this will work- the front of the white house had  graffiti  OK --- on closer look it was the  familiar Hurricane rescue symbol, a large diamond  of who went through and  how many people are in it (dead or alive)=marine arrived, "0" at home and thankfully "0" dead!

We decided at least lets go in  and we didn't regret a second of our time spent in this lovely home.

Our host Glenn and Randy are great. You will love how friendly and helpful they are. I love that Glenn has a rich southern history and shared it freely. The inside of the house is decorated in

antique southern style, each bedroom decorated differently.  We arrived on a week with only a few guest so we had the house frequently to ourselves.  Randy's pick of  food and restaurants is excellent, a man who thinks like me not only where to eat but what to order to make it terrific.

Now as we are ( in my case I sometimes think  forced marchers) walkers the HH Whitney is just outside the loud french quarter. Our host Glenn tells us the best BBQ oysters are at Drago's Seafood Restaurant, so off we go, they were the best! Even better than Acme Oyster House which are delicious too.  Upon return Glenn was amazed we walked all the way as it is on the far side of French Quarter on the river, later we discovered over 5 miles round trip, a bit much for an appetizer.

So I want you all to go to New Orleans, here are the places I want you to go. First stay with Glenn and Randy at HH Whitney House, if your a walker, take a cab to the house , skip the rental car and then even if you are out late in the quarter a cab is only about $5.00 to get home. I would not walk home late at night in New Orleans, remember we are still tourist and we look like it, don't do dump crap!  Otherwise we walked back until about 8-ish, like any one watch where you are going and who is around the entire time you are anywhere in New Orleans. 

New Orleans =Jazz and food.  Well, so some for folks it is also drinks. Me, It was wine with one notable  killer drink at Port of Call which kicked me into la la land by 8 pm and I only drank half of it!. God these New Orleans folks and lots of visitors are tough! But back to Port of call, great burgers and local folks, we sat at the bar. Oh yeah, My husband, Paul is my designated driver, walker, cab getter and greatest friend, enjoyed the bar he talked to strangers sitting all around.  I  know ....those of you who know Mr. Silent find this hard to believe but on vacation he must become Dr Hyde.

Another really great spot which is off the beaten path was Lola's on Esplanade, which had wonderful paella and overall a relatively inexpensive great meal.

Lunch at Commanders Palace, garden district,is not to be missed. This is in the garden district  take a cab or trolley and arrive 1-1 1/2 hours early to walk through the neighborhood. Work up an appetite for a great (expensive) meal, BUT  do get a few .25 Martini's to decorate your table. You will need reservations and get there on time.  (If you stay at HH Whitney ask to borrow book(s) which shows walking tours or other tours or just ask for directions).

Now we hike all over and ate muffelettas, oysters and lots of other good food. We went to museums, took the ferry over to the other side of river and walked around even did the dumb Mardi Gras manufacturer tour!  Lots of shopping with antiques  We will go back, this is a fun 3-4 day trip for any of you folks that want a quick get away.

Let  me know if you go and what you like, tell us interesting finds and of course more great food locations or jazz!!!