NOLA: an insiders guide

 When I tried to think of something to write this week, I almost went on a rant about LaToya Cantrell [the lovely mayor of New Orleans] and her ridiculous rules for this sweet city. But, unlike many, I won't force you to read my opinions on politics or politicians. Instead, I'm going to tell you about a few of the amazing places in New Orleans that I would highly recommend you visit on your next trip! 

The Sazerac House, Corner of Canal St. and Magazine Street, French Quarter

Cory and I took the complimentary tour of the Sazerac House a few months ago, and it's quite breathtaking in there. At this location, you can discover the methods used in distilling the Rye, learn how they handcraft world famous Peychaud's Bitters and get a few tastings along the way. If you're like me, you're not a huge whiskey fan, but I always love touring places like this (we've been to Sam Adams Brewery, St. James Gate for Guinness, Jameson, and others on vacations) and  absolutely loved learning the history here, especially because it's mixed with drama from prohibition and the seedy side of New Orleans during that time. It's a beautiful tour, and a super fun [free] thing to do while you're in the city. It's located right on Canal Street and I would highly suggest taking the tour and learning a few things. It was about an hour and a half, we were all socially distanced, of course, and the whole thing was very interactive and interesting. 

New Orleans Social House, 752 Tchoupitoulas St., CBD

We found this place a few weeks ago after Googling "Best Happy Hours, New Orleans," and

it's become quite our favorite! Especially since right now, NOSH is having a 'Buy One, get One Free' special, which includes drinks AND food! It's a bit of a walk from the French Quarter to get here, but totally worth it. When you walk in, you get hit with hot pink furniture everywhere, a hot pink bath tub and a very relaxed atmosphere. We went there last night for Happy Hour, and had a blast with the bartenders, drinking our cocktails, eating french fries (more on this in a second) and watching Titanic. Our suggestions: Debris Fries (french fries topped with Roast Beef and Smoked Gouda cheese), Cory likes the Boulevardier cocktail (Old Forrester Rye, Cocchi Di Torino, Cappelletti) and I like the St. Charles cocktail (Sparkling wine, passion fruit puree and cranberry). As a side note: if you're not into walking this far, this street is FULL of other amazing places, including Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar and Barcadia. Another side note: since our Mayor is in full attack mode, if you go to a bar/restaurant, you must order food, which is why I've been eating my weight in French Fries since Quarantine started. I could create a whole post about the areas best cheese fries, which I feel is an amazing super power to have right now. 

A few French Quarter Favorites

If you're trying to stick in the French Quarter, a few of our favorites are listed here too. We love Red Fish Grill-- it's located on Bourbon St., which is so strange but it's delicious. Cory likes the fried BBQ Oyster poboy and I LOVE the Boudin Balls. Trust us. Next, we love Ole Saint, which is owned by Deuce McAllister, and has a great Happy Hour. Of course, Pat O's is always a must but try something besides the Hurricane if you're feeling bold. I suggest the Rainstorm. If you walk to Frenchman's, go to Dat Dog! My shop suggestions are: Forever New Orleans on Royal St., Fleurty Girl on Chartres, Dirty Coast on Royal St., The Ground Floor on Chartres; if you have children, check out NOLA Kids. 

New Orleans City Park, 1 Palm Drive, Streetcar ride

Until recently, I had not spent much time in New Orleans City Park; every time we came into the city for a visit, we thought we had to stick around the French Quarter, and we have learned quickly that there is SO much more to explore. You can hop on the streetcar for $1.25 and take it all the way to the park [which is usually an experience all by itself]. I would highly suggest going to check out all the park has to offer. There's also a Cafe du Mode in the park, and much less stressful to try and get beignets there then in the Quarter. Also, you can eat them at a park bench under the mossy oaks and it's SO much better. There's a theme park there if you're looking for something to do with kids, as well as a Putt Putt course. The New Orleans Museum of Art if located here too. You can rent a bike built for a few people and ride it around the Big Lake, you can rent paddle boats (built like swans) to ride around the lake too. Y'all, so much, like I said. Check it out next time you're in the city-- you can take a break from Bourbon St. and hand grenades for a few hours. 

I sure do love this city, and pray that we get to fully open again soon. There are so many things to do, and so many places that I haven't even mentioned here that I love and miss and hope to write about soon. If you come to visit, and check these out, let me know what you think! 

As always, 

Red Beans and Ricely Yours, 

Brooke