NOLA DUers

[Giant Robot]

I will be in NOLA Sunday through Wednesday next week so if any DUers want to meet and stop and have a drink with me please let me know. I think I'm at the Hilton down there if that helps get a sense of where I will be at. I'd look forward to meeting any of you!

:hi:

[1gobluedem]

1. I stayed at that Hilton last year!

Conference?

[Giant Robot]

3. Yeah

The government actually is sending some of us down there for a conference on suicide. So I get a little adventure out of this (although I'm not big on traveling).

[SoxFan]

2. Sorry!

I don't live there any more.

For three years, I lived right across the river from the Hilton, on Algiers Point. If you get a chance, take the ferry over and walk around the neighborhood for a while. You'll see some beautiful NOLA architecture in a neighborhood that wasn't heavily damaged by Katrina.

[Giant Robot]

4. Well thanks for the tip!

I really don't even know what my schedule will look like, so I may not get the chance to go out and wander a lot, but hopefully will get to explore some.

[SoxFan]

5. Suggestions

1. Skip the casino

2. Go to the French Quarter. Have dinner at The Gumbo Shop (cheap and tasty), get a hurricane or daquiri, and head over to preservation Hall

3. Ride the streetcar. Not sure how much of the St. Charles line has been restored, but at least take it to Lee Circle

4. If you have a few hours, see the D-Day Museum. It's remarkable

5. Poke around some of the shops on Magazine St.

6. Eat at least one oyster po boy

[Giant Robot]

6. Oyster po boy?

:scared:

[davsand]

8. Commonly referred to as an "Er-ster Po-Boy."

One thing you have to allow for, is that a lot of the seafood is fried. "Erster Po-boys" are deep fried oysters in a little loaf of bread. If you want it "dressed" it is usually mayo and lettuce, I think, but that can also vary according to where you are at. If you are not a fan of fried oysters, (love them, personally!) you can opt for a shrimp po-boy and those are good too.

I also would suggest a Muffuletta. Those are GREAT big round loaves of bread sliced in half and layered with all kinds of Italian meats then covered over with a diced olive salad that is to DIE for. Can be served hot or cold. Usually, you get about a quarter of the loaf and that will MORE than fill you up. There is a store on Decatur Street named the Central Grocery that is THE place to go.

I'm telling you, the food is long on caloric sin, but simply amazing in the mouth!



Laura

[Giant Robot]

9. Well maybe

but now I must find the muffuletta. That sounds heavenly.

A little sin is not a bad thing. Especially since I will be talking about suicide all day, I may just need something for a diversion!

[davsand]

7. Have you posted in the Louisiana state forum?

You might get some hits there too...


It has been about 12 years since I was there last. I warn you--once you eat Gumbo in the Quarter you will have to eat it once a month for the rest of your life or else become sterile. I'm not even gonna tell you about the Red Beans and Rice... (It is NOT to be missed!)


Enjoy the food because that is a city with an AMAZING food tradition!


Have fun!


Laura

[SacredCow]

10. The NO/AIDS walk is Sunday morning...

I plan on being there for it, weather permitting... Not sure what time you're arriving, though.

[Giant Robot]

11. Awww

I'll be there Sunday night (I think I get in around 8pm your time).

[SacredCow]

12. I'll be back in BR by then, for certain....

But do have a wonderful time!

I'll give a 2nd on the Central Grocery Muffaletta- they're very good. The BEST ones are at a deli here in Baton Rouge, though! And don't forget to go have some beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe DuMonde (very near to Central Grocery). It's kind of touristy, but... Fried dough covered with sugar? How can you possibly go wrong?!?!?!?

I'll pass on the Hurricane, though. Pat O's is a mega tourist trap; the drinks are WAY overpriced IMHO. If you're looking to get tanked, I'd suggest going to Tropical Isle and getting a Hand Grenade. Or if you're looking for a great sweet dessert-type drink (and you're ok with going into a gay bar), go to Good Friends and get a separator (it's kind of like a frozen white russian).

I'd also suggest brunch at Petunia's on St. Louis street. You might have to wait a bit, but SO worth it!