Welcome to N'awlins...

During my two week break from school, I ventured down to the "big easy" to see a best friend of mine. I hadn't been to New Orleans, so I wasn't too sure of what to expect. Some people said it was great, they love the city, the food is amazing, ANYTHING goes, others have said it's dirty, it smells, and sometimes even scary.

The first meal I ate, was of course, a fried shrimp Po'boy from Mahony's located on Magazine St. I have to admit, for the price of $14.95 (market price) for a 6 inch with no sides (not even cole slaw or chips), the sandwich was good, but not THAT good. We were a little disappointed, but you can't put a price on sitting at a patio table drinking an Abita (fall fest) and eating dinner on a beautiful night with a childhood friend.

The next day we made our way down to Canal St and walked up Bourbon St. It was much cleaner and less crazy than I was expecting, but it was daylight! We perused the shops and bars, while enjoying the local Abita once more. We decided on Landry's for dinner, where we enjoyed fresh oysters on the half shell and fettucine with blackened chicken. Although it was not a traditional "N'awlins" cuisine, it was delicious. We headed to Frenchmen street to enjoy some live Jazz at the Three Muses (whose menu looked incredible) and the Blue Nile. Excellent venues for live music and dancing - if you're in the area, you must check it out!

After a fun night out on the town, the only hangover cure other than sleep is food, and thanks to Surrey's, we were on the mend. This place is a must, even without a hangover.

Erin and Carmel's Hangover Cure: Surrey's Uptown:

Beverage of choice - Kettle and Grapefruit
Food -

Eggs over easy with bacon, cajun hash browns, and toast 

"Orgasmic" Turtle French Toast with cream cheese, chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel

Balsamic roasted veggie omelet with buttermilk biscuit and roasted veggie gazpacho

Talk about a turn-on!! Ammmazzzzingggg, especially the french toast. Just what we needed BEFORE we went to play at the pool!

The UK game was of course a bust, but we did meet a rowdy fun bunch celebrating a soon to be groom... the only appropriate drink was bourbon at the little bar called Fat Harry's filled with Kentucky fans. We got red beans and rice with sausage for dinner. I was told by a New Orlean's native that they were good, but not the best. I have nothing to compare it to, but thought it was pretty delicious. And to Bourbon Street we went...CRAZY! FUN!

After another late night, we ordered a pizza and layed low watching the Saints beat the Bears. That night we went to a little, and rather hidden dive bar called J'anita's at the Rendon Inn on Eve St.

Starters:

Buddha's Temptation - Bleu cheese stuffed, bacon wrapped, deep fried apricots with balsalmic

Truffle Tots

Followed by....

Adult Grilled Cheese - cheddar, pepper jack, feta cheese, and bacon with tomato basil soup

Swamp Rueben - BBQ pulled pork and beef brisket on sourdough with swiss cheese and cole slaw

St. Chuck Duck - grilled sourdough with currant tapenade, cheddar and bleu cheese and Cabernet sauteed duck with macque choux 

We definitely did not finish our baskets, but we were very glad to try everything! All of their "Sammiches" sounded very tasty, and I will be back given the chance! With our bellies full, we spent the rest of the night watching movies and eating cookie dough :)

My last meal in N'awlins was from Surrey's. I just had to go back there one more time, but this time I decided to try one of the sandwiches...and I was not disappointed!

Cajun turkey with avacado and cole slaw

Carmel's potato, bacon, and cheese omelette - delicious!

All in all my trip was fantastic! I definitely suggest hitting up Surrey's if you are in the New Orleans area, as well as the Three Muses and Blue Nile! Can't wait to go back for another visit, perhaps Mardi Gras?!?

Check out these places:
Mahony's Po'Boys
The Three Muses
The Blue Nile
Surrey's Uptown
Fat Harry's