New Orleans

It's been a while, but here are my suggestions for New Orleans...

First, downtown New Orleans is about 30-45 min. from the airport. Just an FYI. Now, for what to do:

Go to Bourbon Street just to say you went. Its totally overrated, but Pat O’Brien’s does have a cool dueling pianos/sing-along thing at night which is kind of fun.

Eat beignets at Café du Monde. Eat at the original in the French Quarter. Order Chicory coffee to go with it. You are now officially a New Orleanan. (Is that even correct?)
http://www.cafedumonde.com/main.html
Oh, and when you fall in love with the wonder that is the original beignet, just know that the takeout counter at the Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney makes the EXACT same ones, so it’s only a 45 min car ride away if you live in L.A. or go buy the mix. But still, go to the original.


Brennan’s
Here’s the thing with Brennan’s; they are the creator of the greatest dessert to ever be created-the Bananas Foster. BUT, we went and had a very pricey, but so-so meal. The Bananas Foster though is everything everyone says it will be and more so I highly suggest going late and just getting dessert. It is spectacular and they make it tableside. DO NOT however order a Mint Julep. Gross, gross, gross. I learned this lesson the hard way.

Oh, and lastly, their brunch is rated best in the city, but I did not eat brunch there, so if you are there on a brunch day, maybe do that if you feel like splurging.
http://www.brennansneworleans.com/

Mother’s Restaurant
This is where you go for Po’ Boys. It is a New Orleans institution. If you are going to eat a Po’Boy this is where you go. Just DON’T ask for anything to be taken off or substituted. They get a little cranky. And DON’T ask what they mean when they ask if you want your sandwiched “dressed”. My friend got the biggest eye roll of all time to this question.
http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/

Lastly, I hear the Garden District is gorgeous so take a walk there if you can!