Over 10 years after the devastation brought about by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is like a phoenix that rose from the ashes and is now the best it has ever been. Revered institutions have been restored and new and exciting in cultural, musical, culinary, and cocktail trends have emerged. Many hotels have undergone renovations and a few new ones are scheduled to open in the near future. Below are a few marvelous reasons to go to New Orleans today. So ready your New Orleans Travel Guide & Offline City Street Map.
The Colorful Culinary Scene
New Orleans offers a dining experience that cannot be found in any other city in the United States. The city has somehow managed to bring together cuisines of numerous influences such as Creole, Cajun, French, Israeli, and more. Popular food destinations in the city include:
- Shaya – an Israeli restaurant helmed by Chef Alon Shaya. Its specialties include traditional Israeli chicken, lamb shank, hummus, and curried fried cauliflower.
- Balise – a simple bar headed by Chef Justin Devillier. Its bestsellers are flounder and roasted grouper.
- Booty’s – known for its amazing brunch menu that includes the Cuban Sandwich and Amsterdam fries.
- Peche – led by James Beard Award-winning chef Ryan Prewitt, serves smoked-tuna dip, smothered catfish, and a Louisiana shrimp roll.
- August – owned by local chef John Besh and is famous for its potato-crisp P & J oysters and Wagyu hangar steak with sesame, kimchi, and cured yard egg.
- Brennan's – famous for its roasted gulf oysters with chili butter and a Manchego crust.
Cocktails Everywhere
There’s a place to grab a drink anywhere in the city. This is not really a surprise considering most historians believe cocktail originated for New Orleans. Pubs and bars are simply everywhere. Notable ones include:
- Cane & Table – an allegedly haunted establishment that serves modified cocktails such as the Extra Classic Sazerac and The Secret Howler.
- CellarDoor – a former brothel, this establishment offers a wide array of tradition New Orleans cocktail.
- Lüke – known for the Oyster Happy Hour and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Bacchanal Wine – famous for its live music and cheese plate.
Unconventional Attractions
If you have an appetite for the strange, New Orleans can give you your fill.
- Priestess Miriam’s Voodoo Spiritual Temple – sells reading materials and ingredients for various things voodoo and mystical.
- Louis Cemetery No. 1 - showcases the tombstones of politicians and aristocrats.
- Greenwood Cemetery – final resting place of 600 Confederate soldiers and Major League Baseball player Al Jurisich.
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