So, over the past 5 to 10 years, my buddy Kent and I have been to New Orleans and Southern Louisiana several times to partake in their food and fun. When some friends of friends were going to New Orleans for the weekend and asked my advice on where to go, I chose to consult said buddy Kent. Together we came up with the following. Now to our knowledge no one has attempted all of this in a single weekend, but some day I hope to mark this off my things to do list... So with out further adieu I give you....
I-49 North (about 3 exits North of I-10)
Crawfish Enchiladas
Game Sampler (Elk, Venison & Buffalo)
Good
place to pick up a Cajun Cook book
Crawfish
Town USA Exit 115 (Rt. 686), one mile north of 1-10. For a place that was
built with tourists in mind, seats 400, You will be surprised by how good the
crawfish are here, even more surprised by some of the other seafood
preparations. This is a huge place that does large-volume business, but the
gumbo and jambalaya are as good as those served at many of the small mom-and-pop
places off the beaten path. The restaurant has become a gathering spot for state
politicos from Baton Rouge who are allowed to put up a poster on the wall if
they stop for dinner.
Crawfish and crabs are the main attraction. They are clean and perfectly
seasoned. Crawfish Town USA is a perfectly noisy place to go with a gang of
pals, or a big family group that likes to whoop it up and make a mess. After
gorging on boiled seafood, you can wash at sinks located right in the dining
room. Check out the jukebox packed with Cajun, Swamp-Pop, and Zydeco
obscurities.
Call ahead to see if Crawfish Town is running one of their weeknight "all
you can eat" specials. They are open seven days a week from 11 AM to 10 PM
(318)667-6148.
(The Gang @ Crawfish town)
(I-10 while crossing Mississippi exit Highland Road, turn right; go to State Street turn right; Half a block up on the left)
Must have greasy breakfast with Louie’s Cheese Hash browns
awesome
hotel right on Bourbon and Royal St. Great pool bring swim suit.
(short walk from Hotel - see concierge)
World famous “Chef Paul” Prudhomme’s restaurant
Must do lunch or dinner here Family style seating down stairs reserved seating upstairs
Get
matches for proof of attendance.
(Decatur street across the street from Jax Brewery)
Must have Muffulata
$1.00
frozen drinks
(Decatur street across the street from Jax Brewery)
Red Stallion beer
Black Forest beer (if you like dark)
Great beer all around in a cup to go (get a beer here and walk next door to Café Mespero. Brewhouse also has awesome seafood Gumbo and spicy Bloody Mary’s. Did we mention Red Stallion?
A running tradition is you must call and rub in the fact that you are drinking a Red Stallion at the Brew House…
(Kent,
Tim and John)
(Decatur street)
Must
stop off for at least a drink or check the schedule of what bands are in town
(Decatur street across Street from Jackson Square kind of next to Jax Brewery)
They
only serve Beignets, but it is an age old New Orleans tradition to eat some.
(Bourbon street)
Check out Mamou (live band) for some good Cajun music
Zydeco
Joe
(It’s across the river take the free ferry and walk left)
Call to
see if they are re opened first… Great food, cool Porch swing
Bourbon street
Best
Shrimp in town
Good tour, takes you out to the zoo (like $1 each way) Good trip to Uptown N.O. and some nice houses to view. Straya’s restaurant is a good stop for a quick bite to eat. Also Camelia’s Grill near the campus is a student classic.
Boat & Booze. Need we say more?
Best
food court in a mall and they serve alcohol hence the award.
Very
cool aquarium
Home of
the famous Blue Dog (Rodriguez) art gallery and many more.
So I expect a full report on how you enjoyed Southern Louisiana….