Lights! Camera! Action!

There’s nowhere in the United States (or even on planet Earth) quite like: The Big Easy, NoLA, Crescent City, Nawlins, The City That Care Forgot.  It’s definitely unique – no matter what you call it.

It’s a city with a rich cultural history that’s driven by a musical scene that lives in the streets as much as it does in the bars lining Frenchman Street. Step out of the French Quarter and into Faubourg Tremé where, in Congo Square, you can stand in the exact spot where jazz was born.

Many movies, et al. are set in New Orleans so it’s hard to know where to start. After many pages of research I decided to bite the bullet and pick three of my favorites – I did not want to write about movies that I haven’t seen. This didn’t seem right. So here goes, starting with my all-time favorite.

“A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE” BY TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

I have read “Streetcar” as a play a least 10 times (perhaps more) and seen the movie version directed by Elia Kazan, with Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh, at least the same number of times. I would really like to see a stage performance of “Streetcar.” It has been revived on Broadway eight times – I missed all of them – but hope springs eternal. 

On December 3, 1947 “Streetcar” appeared on Broadway. On opening night the curtain went down to a moment of stunned silence. Then the audience erupted with a round of applause that lasted 30 minutes. Later on, the play sent shock waves around the world with its frank depiction of sexuality and brutality onstage.

In 1997, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré in New Orleans mounted a 50th Anniversary production. Finally, the most recent production was in 2018 at the Grandel Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri. CLICK HERE to see a clip from Streetcar.

“BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD”

No, this movie is not set in New Orleans – instead, it’s in the town of Montegut, Louisiana (in the bayou) that is a 90-minute drive southwest from New Orleans. No matter, it’s one of my all-time favorite movies so I’m including it.

The first time I watched it I simply couldn’t believe the stellar performance that six-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis (Hushpuppy) gave in this remarkable 2012 film. Or, as she said later, when she was 9-years-old, “I was very nervous after seeing the script because I barely knew how to read.”

That’s hilarious because she really delivered once the camera started rolling. Or, as one reviewer said, “This little heroine has a smile that could charm fish out of the water and a scowl so fierce it can stop monsters in their tracks. She was the youngest person ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. CLICK HERE to see scenes from “Beasts of the Southern Wild.

TITLE BILLING: “THE BIG EASY”

I liked this 1987 film as soon as I saw its dramatic opening. And, although some would not agree with me, the esteemed film critic, Roger Ebert did and gave it a glowing review with this comment: “The Big Easy” is one of the richest American films of the year. The movie takes place in New Orleans, that most mysterious of American cities – where you have the feeling you’ll never know what goes on down those shadowy passages.”

The stars of the film are two law enforcement officials Remy (Dennis Quaid), a vice cop and Anne (Ellen Barkin) a special prosecutor for the D.A.  The story and characters are great. Or as Remy says early on, “This is Nawlins darlin, the Big Easy! Dancin’s a way of life.” If you haven’t seen this film make sure you do. CLICK HERE to enjoy a clip from this movie.

OTHER FILMS SET IN NOLA

(1) “Cat People” in 1982 with Nastassja Kinski whose father was that madman actor, Klaus Kinski (2) “Déjà Vu” 2006 with Denzel Washington (3) “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans,” 2009 directed by Werner Herzog who said he was going to kill Kinski and pulled a gun on him on the set of “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (4) “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett (5) A documentary by Spike Lee in 2006 called, “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts” (6) In 2010 Lee returned to NOLA and made, “If God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise.”

CLICK HERE for an up-to-date look at The Big Easy. CLICK HERE if you wish to order a guidebook.

Last by not least (7)

Not a film, but a series of 36 episodes in four seasons (2010-13) created by David Simon and called “Tremé” – I watched the whole thing and half the time I didn’t have the slightest idea what was going on – as did lots of folks. When questioned about this, Simon’s answer was so explosive that if I typed it here my computer would blow up. You will never know. CLICK HERE for a look at “Tremé.” 

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? It’s been said repeatedly that going to New Orleans is like visiting a movie set. Everywhere one looks there’s something different – it’s an ever-evolving city that puts its fascinating history front and center. Stay with us and experience life in a charming antebellum mansion – it will take you roughly ten seconds to fall in love.    

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any additional information about anything we’ve touched on in this blog.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Where Can We Swim? Part One

I’ve often heard that New Orleans is landlocked and has no sandy beaches where both the natives and visitors can sit in the sun or cool off in the water. Not true! With a bit of imagination and effort I came up with seven spots for this week’s blog and seven for a follow-up. Let’s take a look.

ONE

The Bayou Segnette State Park Wave Pool,

7777 West Bank Expressway, Westwego, LA

Nothing is more fun for kids than a wave pool and this one is just a 20-minute drive across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. Wave pools replicate the movement of the ocean so there’s lots of jumping, hollering and fun. This is a park that allows visitors to go boating, fishing, canoeing and picnicking – no one will be bored – that’s for sure. 

TWO

Cool Zoo Splash Park, at the Audubon Zoo,

6500 Magazine St., New Orleans

A splash pad is for water play that has little or no standing water. Some have movable nozzles similar to those found on fire trucks – this allows users to spray others. The Audubon one is the only Water Park in New Orleans. The fun starts with a 750 ft. lazy river that sports a huge alligator water slide. Best of all, it’s right beside the Audubon Zoo so there’s lots to see and do. 

THREE

NORDC Pools (Citywide)

All these are FREE pools

The New Orleans Recreation and Development Commission (NORDC) is responsible for 17 pools where folks of all ages can swim. Adults must accompany children under eight-years-old. CLICK HERE for a list of all pool locations.

I checked out this site and it’s excellent – you’ll find information about lap swimming, pool locations, swim classes, upcoming events and much more. Take time to read it, you won’t be sorry.

FOUR

Lafreniere Park Splash Pad,

3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, LA

It will take you roughly 20 minutes on I-10 W to reach this 4,000 sq. ft. of fun for children age 10 and under. The Pad sprays more than 135 gallons of water per minute and features five above ground water spray attractions. Guests can also spray each other with “water cannons.” The Pad is adjacent to the Carousel in the park.

FIVE

Henderson Point Pass in Christian, Mississippi,

Slightly over 62 miles on I-10E

This is a quintessential southern beach town. The houses along the coast are magnificent. You’ll love the atmosphere here as you stroll along and explore “small town” living. The Whisky Hotel in the “downtown” area is charming and deserves a look. There are a handful of shops and a quaint coffee/book store right across from the beach. This is definitely a spot for those looking for an escape from big city life.  

SIX

Ship Island, Mississippi is 68.6 miles from New Orleans

Are you dying to get on the water? Then take a trip to Ship Island (really two separate islands) that are off the coast of Gulfport, Mississippi and only accessible by boat or ferry. Personally, I love islands – they have a certain mystique – easy to explore – one can discover an entire island in a day if possible. Ship islands have natural beaches for swimming, birding and shelling. The ferry ride takes roughly one hour – just right.

SEVEN

The Country Club,

634 Louisa St., New Orleans

For $15 per day guests have access to a lush tropical landscape and can spend hours enjoying the pool, sauna and hot tub. The food is superb and the drinks are creative. What more can anyone ask? Happy hour is from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? This is the shortest route you’ll ever take in New Orleans to get to a pool and hot tub! And, next to our pool you’ll find a large self-serve bar (for registered guests) and a seating area where you can sit and chat.

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any additional information you may need about any of the sand/surf/sun spots that appear in this blog.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

New Discoveries: Music and Food

I’ve just learned that a long-time pal of mine lived in or near New Orleans for years – before he moved to Manhattan. Hearing this, I decided to ask him if he had any ideas about The Big Easy that I could write about. He sent back one sentence: “Yes, I really like Musical Legends Park and crawfish omelets.” Pretty terse, but it did the job. I had never heard of either one: both had slipped through the cracks – even after in-depth research for 165 blogs.

Photo by Valiant Made on Unsplash

EUREKA! MUSICAL LEGENDS PARK

You’ll find this charming spot that’s dedicated to the rich cultural and musical heritage of New Orleans at 311 Bourbon Street. It’s open on Sun.-to-Thurs. from 8am to 10pm AND on Fri. and Sat. from 8am to midnight. If you want more info please call 504-888-7608.

Best of all, it’s FREE! No purchases are necessary. One can just sit and listen to the music. Is there anything to see? Of course! Throughout the park you can gaze at life-size bronze statues of musicians such as: Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Chris Owens, Ronnie Cole, Louis Prima (known for his raspy singing voice), Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas and Fats Domino who lived the longest of all of them. He died at 89, was married for 61 years (until his wife died), had eight children and sold more than 65 million records. His biggest hit was “Blueberry Hill.” CLICK HERE to hear Fats Domino in great form.

DINE ANYWHERE YOU WANT HERE

#1 One can order food right in the park or, as a visitor writes, “Enter the black gates and you’ll see a beautiful outdoor eating area with a small stage. There’s also a little bar and an area where you can order food – which they will bring to you. I had a delicious roast beef po’boy.”

#2 If you just want a quick bite you’ll find Café Beignet at the far side of the park where you can get great coffee, cold drinks and, of course, one of their famous beignets.

#3 Finally, if you’re starving, and in the mood for eats, here are four nearby restaurants: (a) ARNAUD’S at 813 Bienville St. (fine dining for the past 100 years), (b) DESIRE OYSTER BAR at 300 Bourbon St., (in the Royal Sonesta Hotel), (c) GW FINS located at 808 Bienville St., between Bourbon and Dauphine Streets and (d) FAIS DEAUX DEAUX at 327 Bourbon. It promotes its famous (infamous is a better word) $10 drink in a fishbowl. I refuse to review this. I mean: how low can one go? Go and find out for yourself.

IT’S HERE: CRAWFISH, CRAYFISH, CRAWDAD

From early March until mid-June it’s the peak season for crawfish in The Big Easy. Of course you can also get crawfish from mid-November until mid-August. The feminine noun, écrevisse in French, means crawfish in English.  

WHAT EXACTLY IS A CRAWFISH?

It has a stronger flavor and is usually much meatier than crab. Many describe the flavor as a combination of shrimp and crab. Actually, a crawfish looks like a miniature lobster.

Crawfish are served boiled, sautéed, baked or fried in different varieties and dishes. Here are three places in New Orleans where you can eat your heart out. (a) BIG FISHERMAN SEAFOOD at 3301 Magazine St. (they focus on hot, boiled crawfish), (b) COOTER BROWN’S TAVERN & OYSTER BAR is located at 509 S. Carrollton Ave. and is described as a sports bar with 17 TV sets and 400 beers (c) DEANIE’S SEAFOOD at 841 Iberville St. offers boiled crawfish, charbroiled oysters and barbeque shrimp.   

CLICK HERE for a Crawfish Omelet recipe. 

The hungry guy who wrote the directions for this Crawfish Omelet almost polished it off before he remembered to take a photo of his creation.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Did you know that Rathbone offers complete kitchen facilities? This means you can whip up a crawfish omelet for the family in no time. Everyone enjoys a home-cooked meal – no matter how good the restaurants are where one is visiting.   

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any additional information you may need about any of the places mentioned in this blog.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Groundbreaking Things To Do

Looking for unusual and fun activities for these weekly blogs can be a challenge at times. That’s one side of the equation – the other side is when you find something that is truly “new and different” you feel elated. At least, that’s how it works for me.

 I sift through a fair number of ideas before I can say “bingo” that’s the one. One approach I use is to throw ideas into a folder in a higgledy-piggledy fashion at least once a week. No editing at all. Then, when it comes to making up the blog schedule for the month I just toss all these scraps out and see what makes the cut OR what triggers an idea that’s even better. You can jazz this up by calling it “The Creative Process” – it doesn’t really matter as long as it works. And it does.

A VIP SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT

This is a way to add magic and romance to your sojourn in The Big Easy. It’s a fun combo of sightseeing in a small plane over New Orleans while sipping chilled champagne along with a heavenly selection of chocolates. Or, if you prefer you can have wine, artisan cheeses and crostini (crusty bread brushed with olive oil) as you take in the ever-changing scene below.

An experienced pilot will regale you with fascinating tales as you get a bird’s-eye view of the French Quarter and wing your way over the Superdome. Aerial views of winding bayous and lush greenery will add a touch of Mother Nature to your tour. “For us, it was an amazing experience,” says one New Orleans visitor. “Our pilot was very friendly and knew so much about the city.”

Interested? Call 888-651-9785 to find out more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

ARE YOU BAFFLED BY PAIRINGS?

To be more specific: that’s wine-and-cheese “done right” which means that it’s time for a full disclosure: I really don’t understand how to do this. I’m a white wine person who loves almost every cheese going. I think I need help. And here it is.

I’ve just come across the VIRTUAL DINING EXPERIENCE AT COMMANDER’S PALACE. There’s just one hitch: one must live in Orleans parish and I’m 1,300 miles away in New York City. But that’s okay because I love the restaurant and really believe this is a terrific idea that they have created for this particular time – in fact, I think it’s so good they should think about continuing it when things get back to our so-called “normal” that we’re all looking forward to at some point.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

You can invite your family, friends or neighbors for a VIRTUAL wine-and-cheese tasting hosted by James Beard Award-nominated “Wine Guy” Dan Davis. Here is what this unique experience entails:

#1

Call 888-651-9785

#2

Each ticket is a tasting for four people. Remember: you must order by 11:00 pm on Sunday for the coming week.

#3

Commander’s Palace will deliver three bottles of wine with cheeses and crackers from the St. James Cheese Company (to read more about these cheese folks go online). The Palace refers to them as “our friends” – I’d add “in high places.”

#4

Your delivery address cannot be changed after your purchase is made. Deliveries take place on WEDNESDAY afternoon. The Palace will call you ahead of time to tell you when yours is on the way. Please remember: an adult must be present to accept it.

#5

At 6:30 pm on Wednesday everyone gets together on Zoom for “wine-and-cheese pairings” – courtesy of host Dan Davis. For added fun all participants can dress up, down or whatever. And if Fido, the dog or Calico the cat want to be in on the action – that’s okay. The Palace always includes everyone – royalty embraces all its subjects.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Did you know Commander’s Palace at 1403 Washington Avenue is only 10 minutes away from Rathbone Mansions? Royals like to hang with royals.   

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any additional information you may need about the VIP Sightseeing Flight or the Commander’s wine-and-cheese pairings.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Hitting the Books in NOLA

When my husband and I were in Barbados we decided to visit Codrington College on an extremely hot day. Remember, this island is only 900 miles from the equator so when it's hot one really feels it. That said, as soon as we saw the long driveway lined with stately palms that ended with the institution itself – we knew we had made the right decision to visit this college that has been around for 276 years. The overall atmosphere is serene, quiet, dramatic and breathtaking: it was one of the best things we did during our three-week stay on the lovely British island of Barbados.

This adventure gave me the idea of looking at the universities and colleges in New Orleans. I did the research and found seven that really appealed to me. Along the way, I made a few discoveries: five out of the seven had under 4,000 students – this surprised me. Of these, three were historically black institutions: Dillard, Xavier and the Southern University at New Orleans.

Then I discovered that the seven institutions were founded over a period of 125 years: namely Tulane in 1834 and the Southern University at New Orleans in 1959. This is why I like numbers and statistics – they give a quick snapshot of the entire picture. I also silently reprimanded myself for being so obsessed by the size of the student population. Then I realized that I compared all of them to Columbia, where I went: 31,455 students.

Now, let’s take a brief look at all seven. For each one I tried to focus on what made them different or unique. After going through my research I decided on this order:

Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Avenue   

This private, nonprofit, four-year institution is considered “a party school” much to the dismay of some and to the delight of others. Syracuse University ranks as the #1 party school in the United States. WHY? I couldn’t find a nailed-down answer anywhere – except for this: “It has a lot of school spirit.”  Or spirits. No pun intended.

Tulane offers undergraduate, graduate and research programs in the fields of business, social sciences, law, medicine and public affairs. It also has a 110-acre campus plus 14 varsity teams that include football, basketball and baseball. Most important: it’s 16 minutes from the French Quarter.

University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Drive

This is a four-year research university that sports a lakefront campus bordered by beautiful Lake Pontchartrain. It offers a park-like setting where students can relax and get some fresh air. The spacious, tree-studded campus is in one of the finest residential areas of New Orleans. And, it is only minutes from the French Quarter and the Central Business District. 

Loyola University New Orleans, 6363 St. Charles

This school is a private, four-year Jesuit university that was founded in 1912. There are 29 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and a whopping 189 throughout the world. Loyola provides law, nursing and fine arts education programs in an urban setting that includes a 26-acre campus with lots of trees and grass. Students can enjoy the great outdoors while attending an excellent institution.   

Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Boulevard

Historically, this is a black, private liberal arts institution that was founded in 1930. It offers a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science plus a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is associated with the United Methodist Church. Its liberal arts-based curriculum focuses on African American history and culture. It is located on 55 acres in Gentilly, a residential area in New Orleans. It was Louisiana’s first black university. The campus sports handsome white buildings, stately oak trees and open green spaces. 

Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive

Despite its small size (3,321 students) this institution produces more African American students who graduate from medical school each year than any other university in the United States. It is also among the top 10% of “best colleges for the money” in Louisiana. This Catholic institution is NOT a party school – drinking alcoholic beverages on its 63-acre campus is strongly discouraged.  

University of Holy Cross, 4123 Woodland Drive

Holy Cross maintains that “it delivers private-college quality – without all the debt” or said differently, they state, “You’ll get a top caliber, career-ready education at the most affordable private university in the region.” There are nine Holy Cross colleges and universities in the United States. It urges its students to get involved in clubs, intramural sports and honor societies – to round out their college experience. This is a Jesuit institution where students can choose from more than 100 clubs and organizations.

Southern University at NOLA, 6400 Press Drive

This is a 4-year public university where one can earn an Associate, BA or Masters degree – plus it’s one of six public universities in Louisiana with an engineering program – go for it!!!

When choosing a college…several important factors come into play. Millions of students are looking for schools that have successful graduates, amazing athletic programs, and comprehensive financial aid packages, but they rarely consider the size of the college that they are applying to. While large enrollment numbers do not guarantee that a particular school will be right for you, they can give you a better idea of what your ideal college would be.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? When searching for the right college, parents and their offspring often pay on-site visits to various institutions. The older folks may also visit again after their child is enrolled and/or when graduation day finally arrives. Parents who decide to stay overnight – or a couple of days – should consider staying in one of Rathbone Mansions’ two antebellum mansions. We offer gracious lodgings, parking facilities and prices that won’t bust the family budget. Best of all, you’ll have easy access to the French Quarter for fine dining, great shopping and terrific sightseeing.  

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever college or university you are interested in or want to attend.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Calling All Vegetarians

For this week I’ve come up with a list of 10 spots that fill the bill according to “vegetarian” plus a bit more. Each restaurant seems to have its own USP (Unique Selling Point). Overall, they struck me as being very mindful of basic “veggy” guidelines. Each seemed to be intent on giving the very best dining experience to their customers. Let’s take a look:   

Vegan Wit A Twist

514 Rampart St. (504) 766-0336

Three New Orleans’ barbers started with a pop-up that turned into a restaurant. “Basically, our approach was to take plant-based dishes and season them “New Orleans-style,” says one. Roy Joseph, Ryan Billew and Ollie Williams are all barbers who worked together. From time-to-time Joseph would bring delicious vegan dishes into their shop. With his culinary skills the three decided to put down their scissors and start slicing veggies. 

Sweet Soul Food

1025 N. Broad St. (504) 821-2669

The weekly menu for this restaurant offers a fascinating selection. Here’s one sample from each day of the week: MONDAY, Sweet Heat Cauliflower; TUESDAY, Eggplant Lasagna; WEDNESDAY, Corn Chowder; THURSDAY, Stuffed Bell Peppers; FRIDAY, Okra Gumbo and SATURDAY, Shepherd’s Pie – one of my all-time favorites.  

The Green Fork

1400 Prytania St. (504) 267-7672

This place was founded 20 years ago by siblings Stephanie Kern and Trey Buerger. This brother-and-sister team aimed to create vegan, gluten-free selections that are prepared daily to ensure quality and freshness. The menu features healthy juices, smoothies, soups, salads and entrees such as Baked Chicken Tenders and the Red Beans Turkey and Brown Rice Bowl.

Seed

1330 Prytania St. (504) 417-7333

You can enjoy a plant-based dining experience at breakfast, lunch and dinner here. Seed also offers a variety of artfully crafted cocktails and mocktails as well as coffee and espresso selections. SPECIALS include Carrot and Avocado Tacos while DESSERTS offer a Banana Sundae with Pineapple, Hot Fudge and Whipped Cream.   

Sneaky Pickle

4017 St. Claude Ave. (504) 218-5651

This is a vegan/vegetarian restaurant that, according to one diner, “makes a really good Mac and Cheese – they add mushrooms which makes it incredibly delicious.” Another says, “They offer a menu that changes daily with vegan staples – plus non-vegan options that are cooked separately.” Their flatbread and sauces are made in-house.  

Bearcat Café

2521 Jena St. (504) 309-9011

A brief description: This is a full-service café that emphasizes high-quality breakfast and lunch options. The menu also offers coffees from the Equator Coffee Company plus a wide variety of loose-leaf teas. Their fabled Crab Scramble includes Louisiana Blue Crab, eggs and potatoes – all done to perfection. 

Carmo

527 Julia St. (504) 875-4132

This place describes itself as “A Tropical Café and Bar” that opened six-plus years ago. It holds cooking classes that focus on locally sourced ingredients and offers an interesting number of options, for example: (1) A Farmer’s Market class, (2) Ceviche, Sushi or Sashimi classes and (3) private or small-group classes on New Orleans Cuisine that last a half- or whole-day. 

Max Well

6101 Magazine St. (504) 301-0510

You’ll find a small plate here of Stuffed Avocado in addition to a large plate of Beet Wellington, a bowl of Tomato Chickpea soup plus a sweet of Chocolate Coco Crème or, as one diner writes, “I had a takeout from Max Well a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic – as always.” Another recently reported, “Super friendly service, really great food!”   

Meals From the Heart Café

1100 N. Peters St. #13, (504) 525-1953

For over 11 years Chef Doucette has provided high-quality food within the French Market. Or, as they say, “Rest assured that every interaction you have with us will truly be FROM THE HEART – that says it all. This restaurant’s Vegan Pancakes are sublime. This is why Travel & Leisure named this café as “one of the top 25 places in America to eat pancakes.” 

1000 Figs

3141 Ponce De Leon #1, (504) 301-0848

A shorthand way of looking at 1000 FIGS is this: Falafel, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian – described this way by one diner: “Love this restaurant in Bayou St. John! It’s small but we didn’t have to wait long to get a table.” This was one of the best meals we had in New Orleans. I was blown away. I can’t wait to go back when we are in town again.”

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? A couple of years ago I was talking to a neighbor in my building and told her that I write about New Orleans. “You should pay a visit,” I said. “Oh no,” she replied, “I’m a vegetarian so I couldn’t dine there.” I thought to myself, “That can’t be right” and it wasn’t – I’ve come up with a list of 10 veggie spots! Do come for a visit and stay at Rathbone: we’ll take care of you no matter where you choose to eat! 

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the status of whatever vegetarian restaurant you want to visit.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Fun in the French Quarter

For this week’s blog I’d like to present a very different picture of the famous French Quarter in New Orleans. The first picture that comes to mind is usually this: crowds of young folks in various stages of inebriation circling around Bourbon Street to find “the action” – which usually means the opposite sex and much more (a major emphasis on the latter) – I think you get my drift.    

But, the French Quarter, which was founded in 1718, is one of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhoods – and when night falls horse hooves clop, music throbs and gaslights flicker in places full of storied people and legends.

Time for a change: I would like to focus on things that one can DO in the French Quarter. After searching, I came up with three ideas: (1) where you can go to take amazing “selfie pictures” – a current craze if there ever was one, (2) a great cooking school where you do the work and eat the results – and finally, (3) a perfect place where you can hold a memorable party – or, a Rehearsal Dinner for 60 guests that will be remembered for a long time.

THE ARTMAZING SELFIE GALLERY

This is a series of interactive art exhibits where you complete the picture. The ARTmazing Gallery is a larger-than-life 6,000 sq. ft. exhibition-and-special events space that offers an unusual experience for all. After seeing an interactive gallery for herself in New York City, the owner wanted to bring this idea to New Orleans. Basically, it lets your imagination flow and frees your inner artist.

The gallery houses a total of 13 “Instagrammable Rooms” filled with wild scenes (or backdrops). For example, the MILLIONAIRE’S ROOM features a “cash rainfall” that allows guests to twirl around in a million dollars OR you can create your own Rainbow if you don’t need any more dough in your life! If you want to learn more feel free to call 504-354-8633.  

THE MARDI GRAS SCHOOL OF COOKING

Here is a sample of four hands-on classes that offer: (1) a Roux Class, (2) a Louisiana Sauce Class, (3) a Traditions Class and (4) a Brunch Class – this one really appealed to me because, as we all know, Sunday Brunch is a tradition in New Orleans. One of the selections offered is: Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce over a Crab Cake.

Champagne, Mimosas, Bloody Marys, wine, beer, tea and water are included with your class and meal. Classes are available every day at 10 am, 2 pm or 6 pm – with a minimum of two people and a maximum of 10. For more information call 504-344-3977.

IRISH CULTURAL MUSEUM, NEW ORLEANS

This museum features a Spanish courtyard with a welcoming, friendly atmosphere that’s a tribute to the vibrant culture of New Orleans’ Irish and their heritage.

However, what really caught my eye about this place was a Georgia couple who decided to hold a rehearsal dinner for their son and new daughter-in-law here. For the dinner itself, they chose the museum’s in-house catering that resulted in a fabulous combo of Irish, New Orleans and Cajun dishes (sounds terrific). At their son’s request, they also chose boiled crawfish as a major “appetizer.”

Everything went off without a hitch in spite of having 60 guests (plus several kids and babies). They all sat in the courtyard as it was a warm evening BUT there were three air-conditioned rooms for: moms/babies + a movie lounge for kids + a room that is the museum’s St. Pat’s Pub – they had an open bar to the delight of all legal-age (21) adults. The very pleased MOTHER OF THE GROOM who had arranged this bash says, “From the moment our guests walked off a busy French Quarter Street and headed through the charming entrance gates to the museum’s courtyard – it felt as if they had stepped into a small, hidden oasis. It was a magical night for all. Interested? Call 504-416-0735.

When I finished writing this all I wanted to do was head for a French Quarter party in New Orleans!!!

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? If you’re planning a celebratory bash in the French Quarter for a birthday, engagement or graduation and wondering where out-of-town folks can stay – please consider our gracious antebellum mansions (yes, there are two of them). We’re only a 15-minute stroll from the French Quarter. Rathbone will be a win-win choice all around.

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever gallery, school or museum you choose to visit.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Food You’ll Enjoy, Part II

As I explained last week – we’re going to cover five more fascinating foods/ ideas/places for you to consider when visiting New Orleans.

A THICK, RICH GUMBO

This can best be described as a “Stew” thickened with a roux (created by using equal parts flour and fat, e.g., butter or meat drippings. If it’s cooked long enough the flour will add flavor to a sauce or dish). Varieties of gumbo include: (1) shrimp, crab, chicken, sausage and okra, (2) alligator sausage, okra and shrimp, (3) chicken, okra and pork, (4) crabmeat, shrimp, chicken, crawfish and okra. The only thing they have in common it seems is OKRA.

You can dine on excellent gumbo at the Pelican Club located at 312 Exchange Place. Zagat describes this restaurant as “A Winner” with Creole   cuisine and a genuinely friendly staff.

A CRAWFISH ÉTOUFFÉE (eh-too-fey)

Louisiana is a state known for its abundance of crawfish (compared to crab, crawfish have a stronger flavor and are usually much meatier). A New Orleans-style version of this dish has a smooth, buttery texture that is somewhere between a stew and bisque (a rich, creamy soup). Delicious versions of this unique and memorable dish can be found at Jacques-Imo‘s Café located at 8324 Oak Street.

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JAMBALAYA, GUMBO AND ÉTOUFFÉE:

What is the difference between the three? I can’t believe I’m the only person on planet earth who can’t figure this out:

JAMBALAYA: Onion, celery, bell pepper and meat (smoked sausage) and chicken are cooked together. Once the meat and veggies are done, tomatoes, stock and rice are added to the pot.  

GUMBO consists of stock, meat or shellfish plus celery, bell peppers and onion. It’s traditionally served with steamed white rice that is cooked separately. It is also delicious eaten with cornbread or hush puppies.  

ÉTOUFFÉE (it comes from the French word “to smother”) and is a main course, made of shellfish (crawfish or shrimp) that is smothered in a thick sauce. It is served over white rice that is cooked separately. 

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The whole family will love The Gumbo Shop – so be sure and pay a visit

THE BOUDIN OR “BOO-DAN” SAUSAGE

This is a Cajun smoked sausage that is a mix of ground pork, rice, onion and seasonings. The whole mixture is wrapped in a casing and steamed. Boudin can be eaten hot with a cold beer and saltine crackers. Or Boudin patties can be eaten with fried eggs for breakfast. It’s a good idea to cut the Boudin with a knife – and avoid eating the casing. You can also put it inside warm French bread with a sprinkle of hot sauce. Remember: Boudin is precooked and only needs to be heated up. Look for this item at the Gumbo Shop at 630 St. Peter (near the St. Louis Cathedral).

ANDOUILLE OR “ANN-DOO-EE” SAUSAGE

This “Cajun Sausage” is a course-grained smoked meat item that is made using pork, pepper, onions and seasonings. Most sausages are made out of ground meat. Andouille has a very distinct flavor (similar to craft sausages). CLICK HERE to learn more about food in New Orleans at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum.

Interested in sampling the unique foods of New Orleans? Then take a trip to the Creole Country Sausage Factory at 512 David Street. CLICK HERE to learn more about “World Class Sausages.”

One enthusiastic customer writes, “Y’all! This place is not easy to find – but what a hidden gem! It’s been around for 42 years. They supply most restaurants and hotels in New Orleans. I found a new go-to spot for Boudin, Andouille, Alligator Sausage, Tasso and Hogs Head Cheese.” This business was flooded by the levee failures of Hurricane Katrina, but the owners were determined to reopen – and they did – on April 17, 2006. (This brought tears to my eyes.) 

If you remember, Hurricane Katrina was from August 23 to August 31, 2005 – dates that will be in our lives forever.

AUNT SALLY’S PRALINES

This company has been making traditional, Southern-style New Orleans pralines for over 85 years. Today they operate two retail stores. Their flagship is across from St. Louis Cathedral. To get in touch you can call 800-642-7257.

CLICK HERE to read our blog about pralines that appeared in February.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? One of the biggest delights of traveling to a city such as New Orleans is eating specialties of the region that you’ve never had before. To assist you in this adventure take a look at Rathbone’s weekly blogs and speak to members of our staff. These are the folks who can come up with ideas that you’ll really go for. Remember: we aim to please our visitors and – even more important – look for their return.                                                             

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever restaurant, café, shop, museum or factory you want to visit.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Food You’ll Enjoy, Part I

For many first-time visitors dining in New Orleans can be a new and slightly daunting experience. That’s why I’ve decided to describe five items – in detail – that one may find on menus in The Big Easy. There are five in this blog and five more next week. All 10 have one thing in common: they’re super delicious so don’t hold back – it’s time to enjoy the world of food in New Orleans.

THE UNRULY BEIGNET

I’m describing it this way because that is exactly what it felt like the first time I tried to eat a beignet at the Café Du Monde, located at 800 Decatur Street – at the corner of Jackson Square. This is the oldest (since 1862) beignet shop in New Orleans. Incredibly, the menu has barely changed since the days of the Civil War.

When I was there with my husband, Peter, we could not believe how delicious beignets were PLUS how difficult they were to eat without making a mess. They are deep-fried donuts that arrive at one’s table fresh and hot: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Then the fun begins! They are heaped with powdered sugar that goes all over you, the table, your chair and the floor. The trick to eating this mess is this: just enjoy the whole adventure because everyone in the entire restaurant is on the same page. And yes, their coffee with chicory is absolutely delicious.

It may be messy to eat – but boy! Is it good!

A DELICIOUS BREAD PUDDING

Forget every version of this tasty dessert you have ever had – Commander’s Palace at 1403 Washington Avenue serves a Bread Pudding Souffle with Whiskey Sauce that will make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven. This world-class restaurant was established in 1893.

One reviewer writes, “Commander’s says, ‘If it ain’t broke, fix it anyway.’ Their bread pudding was already near perfection, but then they added meringue to create the single, most sought-after dish in the restaurant’s 128-year history. Whiskey sauce is poured into the piping hot soufflé.” Make sure you order your dessert ahead of time, ergo: two seconds after you sit down at your table.

THE UBIQUITOUS PO’BOY

The first po’boy I ever had was in Vancouver, B.C., Canada – and it was absolutely delicious. Years later I came across the po’boy in New Orleans and learned that it had been there since 1929. It is this city’s version of the “submarine sandwich” and consists of meats or seafood dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo – then held together with two halves of soft, flaky French bread.

The name comes from when workers went on strike in The Big Easy. They were hungry so supporters gave these men FREE po’boy sandwiches until the strike ended. Whenever they saw one coming they’d say, “Here comes another poor boy.” In a letter they wrote, “We are with you till h_ _l freezes over. And when it does, we will give you blankets to keep you warm.” You can order a po’boy at Mother’s Restaurant, (founded in 1938) and located at 401 Poydras Street.

Everyone loves the po’boy sandwich – no matter what kind!

A SICILIAN SANDWICH

This “round-shaped” creation called, “the Muffuletta,” started at Central Grocery (one of the city’s oldest markets) in the French Quarter. It is made with salami, olive salad, ham, cheese and garlic. This sandwich is usually eaten cold but one can get a HOT version at Cochon Butcher located at 930 Tchoupitoulas (CHOP-ah-too-lus) or just say, “chop it to us” Street, Suite A.

THE KING CAKE

La Boulangerie is a French bakery and café that you’ll find at 4600 Magazine. Their traditional king cake can be described as having a round shape that is topped with purple, green and gold sugar. The interior is filled with a delicate layer of puff pastry and almond cream. Hidden in the cake is a tiny “king cake baby” that represents luck or prosperity for the finder.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? The best thing about our hotel is that you can pick up delicious sandwiches from the above spots and you’re set. Our kitchen facilities allow you to: make a steaming cup of hot coffee or pop ice cubes into a drink or soda to make everything even colder.

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever café, bakery or restaurant you choose to visit.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Sightseeing Can Be Fun

Are you in New Orleans for a limited time? If so, a tour is just the ticket for the whole family. Yes, it’s structured – but in a good way – you won’t be aimlessly wandering around. Wait a minute! Maybe you can do both with a Hop-on, Hop-off tour!  

City Sightseeing Hop-on, Hop-off Tour

PHONE: 504-207-6200

Here’s how this works: You hop on an open-top double-decker bus and then 20 minutes later your eyes widen as you suddenly realize you want to get off and explore. And that’s exactly what you do: wander down a narrow side street, peek into a tiny antique shop – and then 30 minutes later you go back from where you hopped off and here comes another bus. In one hour and 45 minutes you can see a lot of New Orleans this way.

Oh yes, we almost forgot: there are some great deals along the way. For example: all you have to do is present your bus tour ticket at various restaurants and gift shops to receive a “visitor’s discount.” It’s a win-win all around.     

Haunted History Tours

PHONE: 504-861-2727

I think everyone loves the idea of ghosts and haunted, spooky places where folks almost jump out of their skin as they scream their heads off – and then double over laughing when they realize how nutty they’re acting. The Travel Channel voted “Haunted History Tours” as “The #1 Tour in New Orleans.”

They have been in business for over 20 years and offer a variety of daily and nightly spine-tingling, two-hour ghost tours in the French Quarter and the Garden District.

Warning: never say, “Nonsense, I don’t believe in vampires.” One may visit you later and ask for a Bloody Mary!

Swamp & Plantation Tour

PHONE: 504-708-5161

After reviewing perhaps ten tours, I whittled my list down to three and, of these, I think this is my favorite. Why? For starters, it’s an all-day nine-hour tour with pick-ups and drop-offs in New Orleans. It starts at 8:15 am with a swamp tour and has a full day of activities that includes an afternoon visit to a famous plantation.

Spanish moss adds a delicate touch

IT ALL STARTS with a tour of the Maurepas Swamp, an 112,000-acre protected area that’s 25 miles west of New Orleans. You explore in a flat-bottom boat equipped with comfortable captain’s chairs that swivel 360 degrees. The boat only holds six people and, because of its small size, can go deeper into the swamp. This also means you can chat freely with your captain. What you will see is mind-boggling! The overall scene includes cattail, maple and American elm trees. But the showstoppers are the 100-year-old bald cypress or willow trees draped with Spanish moss. This entire area is home to the white-tailed deer, rabbits and squirrels. Folks who love bird watching can look for – and spot – a wide mix of bald eagles, ospreys, wood ducks, egrets and herons.    

A graceful egret in flight

THE LUNCH STOP is at B&C Seafood Cajun Restaurant located near the Whitney Plantation. It offers an amazing gumbo and specialties made with locally caught seafood – this includes stuffed crab and Gulf shrimp. The restaurant’s regular customers come here because of the reasonable prices and delicious homemade bread. One visitor wrote, “They serve hush puppies to die for.” B&C is closed on Sundays, so the tour group goes to the restaurant at the Oak Alley Plantation that is down the road in Vacherie. They serve delicious plantation omelets and Pain Perdu (Cajun French toast).   

Originally founded in 1752, the Whitney Plantation opened as a museum in 2014, following 16 years and $8 million worth of renovations. It is the only museum in America dedicated to telling the story of the African slave trade and what life was like for the people who worked on these plantations.

Wrapping up, here’s an option that’s offered by this tour company. It reads: “If you would prefer a different style of plantation (from the Whitney) we can offer visits to the nearby Laura and the Oak Alley Plantations.

CLICK HERE to read our blog about plantations in this area.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Here’s the good news: our planet is 70% water – which, as we all know – heals one’s body and soul. After a long day of exploring our fair city it’s nice to know that you can take a dip in our hot tub or pool until midnight. You’ll feel 100% ready for everything that’s ahead!    

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever tour or activity you choose.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Golfing for Weary Dads

When my husband and I were in Hawaii we struck up a conversation with one of the guests in our hotel and noticed that she was always with her two young daughters – while her husband went off and played golf from dawn to dusk every single day. I didn’t say anything to her but I thought this was very unfair – even though she said, “He works quite hard and this is his only vacation.” Later I found out that she worked full-time also. I definitely thought the husband was a bit of a cad. Since guys love golf so much here’s a list of five courses in New Orleans.

Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Audubon Clubhouse – a facility of Audubon Nature Institute

6500 Magazine Street

504-212-5290

This golf course is in the top 50 municipal golf courses in the U.S. and has earned a 4 1/2-star rating from Golf Digest. It is located 4.2 miles from the Convention Center and 4.7 miles from the French Quarter. It is impeccably landscaped and offers a challenging par-62 layout.

Bayou Oaks at City Park

1040 Fillmore Avenue

504-483-9410

Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience just minutes from downtown New Orleans. This 36-hole golf complex features two golf courses that can be enjoyed by golfers at all skill levels. Bayou Oaks aims to create the best golfing experience for both locals and visitors.

City Park is not only for Dads who golf – the whole family can have fun in this famous spot. CLICK HERE to learn more about our famous Flying Horses at one of our favorite spots in The Big Easy.

It opened in 1902 and quickly developed into a four-course facility, namely: North, South, East and West. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced a complete closure that resulted in a major rebuilding. The North reopened in 2008 and, in 2017 the South joined it to make a 36-hole complex. Now, you’ll find that parts of the former East/West courses have many historic oak trees and lagoons that define the beauty of City Park.

Chateau Golf Country Club

3600 Chateau Boulevard

504-467-1351

Chateau Golf Country Club’s 6,800-yard golf course is one of the top courses in New Orleans. This par-72 course, complete with Champion Bermuda greens, has hosted events for prestigious organizations such as the Louisiana Golf Association and the PGA.

Their hybrid fairways, consistent sand bunkers and strategically placed water hazards offer challenging golf. Greens vary in size and undulation. You’ll also find a golf pro shop and clubhouse.

English Turn Golf Country Club

One Clubhouse Drive

504-392-2200

This Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course can turn a business meeting into a memorable affair. It is known for its undulating greens that will test even the most seasoned players. Each hole has a unique design that combines strategically placed bunkers, including large waste bunkers and sloping grass swales.

There is also carefully sculpted mounding along the edges of the fairways. On top of that, water comes into play on nearly every hole. English Turn's signature hole, the 15th, is a par-5 with an island green – but it's the final hole – a par-4 with water all along the left side, that is rumored to be the golf course's toughest. Go for it.

TPC of Louisiana

11001 Lapalco Boulevard

504-436-8721

TPC Louisiana was named “The #4 best upscale public golf course” by Golf Digest magazine when it debuted in 2004. This course boasts a series of short but compelling par-4 holes to balance the longer ones and delivers a great blend of challenge and skill. The signature hole on the golf course is the par-5, 18th hole. Water is in play for the entire right side of the hole, making for a challenging finish for golfers of all levels. Go for this one, too!

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? We are at 1244 Esplanade Ave. Here’s how long it takes to get to (1) Audubon Clubhouse, 20 MINUTES, (2) Bayou Oaks, City Park, 12 MINUTES, (3) English Turn Golf Country Club, 25 MINUTES. Give the guys a golf break. Then the gals can go wild at Saks, 301 Canal Street, NINE MINUTES. All’s fair in love and war.  

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever golf course (or store) you choose.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Live Music is Back!

We couldn’t be happier to be turning a corner towards normalcy! While social distancing and masks are still required, New Orleans has reopened for live music outdoors and indoors with some restrictions. To that point we’d like to give you an update on where you can find live music in Big Easy this spring.

Bacchanal - seating up to 6 people in a party they have a lovely outdoor patio with heat lamps featuring live music for dinner and brunch. Reservations recommended.

Flagpole NOLA - just a few blocks from the hotel this new coffee shop has a great set up and hosts live music regularly. Score one of their outdoor tables or bring a blanket and post up on the neutral ground (median).

Coliseum Park - a lovely park located in the Lower Garden District regularly hosts live jazz performances. Check their Facebook page for specifics.

Frenchman Street: Outdoor live music happening along Frenchman Street just a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Impromptu.

*PLEASE NOTE: This is subject to chance and we recommend you call or email us for the most up to date specifics when planning your trip.

A Startling Array of Tastes

Here’s a question for you: How many restaurants are there in The Big Easy? After a quick search I’ve come up with approximately 1,216 to 1,400. I’m going with the lower number because it’s more detailed. In 2018 it was found that there were 605 full-service restaurants, 476 counter-service or fast food eateries and 135 bars serving food from their own kitchens.   

Keeping this I mind, I decided to take a new approach. I’ve created a list of thirty-three New Orleans’ restaurants that offer food choices from all over the world. I haven’t included addresses or phone numbers because if one has the name of a restaurant it can be found very quickly on the web. I know this because that’s where I found every single one of them.

Are they in alphabetical order? No, that bored me. I’ve been eating out with my husband, family and friends for years in NYC so here’s a list arranged in this order, “HEY, WHAT DO YOU FEEL LIKE EATING TONIGHT?”

That’s real life, so eat your heart out! 

AMERICAN

The Grill Room offers excellent food and service in a grand hotel. You’ll find legendary soul food at Willie Mae’s Scotch House, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant and Brown Butter Southern Kitchen.

ITALIAN

Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House offers Old World Italian classics and impressive steaks and chops. You’ll also enjoy Vincent’s Italian Cuisine – it serves classic Italian comfort food and welcomes families.

FRENCH

New Orleans’ heritage gets top billing at Antoine’s Restaurant (known as the creators of Oysters Rockefeller that appeared in 1889), and Café Degas – it serves hot onion soup with a Gruyere cheese topping that’s to die for.

CHINESE

Love Chinese food? Then head for the Five Happiness Chinese Restaurant where you’ll find freshly made dishes that are always served quickly, while the August Moon menu lists fried tofu + Vietnamese spring rolls. Yummy!

SPANISH

The Barcelona Tapas lists authentic Spanish paella “in one of New Orleans’ most romantic settings” while Lola’s on Esplanade Avenue offers Angel Hair pasta and their homemade sangria – in a fun, lively atmosphere.

GERMAN

Moving on to the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Harrah’s Casino that features fresh handcrafted beer. Luke on St. Charles in the CBD is described as a German jewel: it’s also vegetarian friendly. Good for them!

GREEK

Kebab is the place to go if you’re in the mood for falafel (deep-fried patties) with hummus or try The Simple Greek that has been described as having “the best Greek food in New Orleans” – order their delicious spinach pie. 

JAPANESE

Geisha Sushi Bistro features classic fare and creative sushi rolls. One Good Time Sushi patron says, “Every time I eat here, it’s perfect” while the Mikimoto has been the go-to spot for Japanese cuisine for over 20 years.

MEXICAN

Panchita’s Mexican Criolla Cuisine, a visitor from Texas gave thumbs up to the food/service/ambience. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria has three restaurants – everything is prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients. 

BRAZILIAN

Fogo de Chäo Brazilian Steakhouse in the Marriott has a weekday Happy Hour. Brasa Churrasqueria is a farm-to-table steakhouse in Metairie with open-fire grilling that is “visually striking” (all those flames shooting up).

BRITISH

The Ritz-Carlton offers high tea seven days a week in the Lounge. The Windsor Court Hotel holds their version of this 170-year-old tradition in Le Salon. You’ll enjoy delicious finger food and a decadent sweet.

IRISH

Finn McCool’s Irish Pub is known for its love and support of football all over the world. Pat O’Brien’s is in the French Quarter and has 500 beer steins hanging from the ceiling.  Erin Rose draws both locals and tourists.

RUSSIAN

Kukhnya has Beef Stroganoff and Pierogi (dumplings) on its menu. Siberia is off the beaten path and, according to one diner, “The sampler gives you a taste of Kielbasa (a delicious sausage) and Golubtsi (cabbage rolls).”

INDIAN

Nirvana Indian Cuisine has a diverse and authentic Indian menu, e.g., Tandoori Chicken. Turmeric Indian Cuisine features Indian staples in a spacious dining room. Saffron nola focuses on modern Indian cuisine.  

THAI 

The Bangkok Thai restaurant has Crispy Tofu and Roasted Duck Curry. And the Sukho Thai on Royal Street got this review, “I started with a papaya salad that was as good as any I have ever had or even made myself.”

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? New Orleans is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It’s a magical place filled with friendly people and amazing food. At Rathbone we can handle English, Spanish, German and Italian. No matter what language is spoken, it all comes down to “many fantastic memories.” 

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever restaurant you choose to visit.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Calling All History Buffs

Today we’re going to take a look at five historic sights in New Orleans. This includes one renowned cathedral and four well-known museums -- all five have one thing in common: long, colorful histories and an astounding ability to keep going through thick and thin. I truly believe this is a lesson for us – after our calamitous 2020. All these sites are in the French Quarter and include: (1) The St. Louis Cathedral, (2) The Presbytère Museum, (3) The Cabildo Museum, (4) The New Orleans Jazz Museum and (5) The Historic New Orleans Collection.  

St. Louis Cathedral

Located at 6195 Pere Antoine Alley

(Overlooks Jackson Square)

St. Louis Cathedral

The Cathedral’s triple steeples tower above the Presbytère and the Cabildo while looking down on Andrew Jackson astride his bronze horse and the block-long Pontalba Buildings with their elegant ironwork. This is definitely the heart of old New Orleans.

New Orleanians have worshipped on this site since 1727. But, 61 years after the current one was founded – a fire started by a candle – destroyed it. Amazingly, six years later a new house of worship rose from the ashes.

The Presbytère

 Located at 751 Chartres Street

(Between St. Louis Cathedral & St. Ann St.)

The Presbytère

The architecturally important Presbytère was built in 1791 (as a matching structure for the Cabildo, which flanks the St. Louis Cathedral on the other side). Said differently, the order from left to right is: the Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytère.

The Presbytère’s two permanent exhibits tell two sides of the ongoing Louisiana story — one of celebration and one of resilience. You can also view, “Living With Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond” an exhibit that recounts the rescue, rebuilding and renewal of The Big Easy. Hurricane Katrina was catastrophic.  As we all know.  

In 2005, the cupola atop the Presbytère was replaced. It had been missing since the Category #4 New Orleans Hurricane of 1915 where 11 major churches lost their steeples.

The Cabildo

Located at 701 Chartres Street

The Cabildo

Visit this elegant Spanish colonial building to view many rare artifacts of America’s history. It was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803 (the size of the United States was doubled). The three floors of the Cabildo museum cover the history of Louisiana. Artifacts such as documents, paintings and 3D objects are displayed.  

In 1988 the Cabildo was severely damaged in a fire. Within six years, the museum was restored with 600-year-old French timber framing techniques and was reopened in 1994.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum

Located at 400 Esplanade Avenue

This museum is housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint building (built in 1835) that you’ll find at the intersection of the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street – this museum’s collection of artifacts is the largest and most comprehensive in the world. The museum also holds annual festivals and concerts.  

The Historic New Orleans Collection

Located at 520 Royal Street

It’s also known as THNOC and serves as a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans. It strives to help folks understand New Orleans’ multicultural history through exhibits, books, periodicals and articles. It also offers an extensive array of material for teachers and students of all grades.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? If you’re in here on a Sunday and want to go to church from Rathbone Mansions – take a look: St. Patrick’s Church (Catholic), 724 Camp St. is SEVEN MINUTES away (Central Business District), Berean Presbyterian Church, 1629 Simon Bolivar Ave. is FIVE MINUTES away (Garden District) and Beulah Baptist Church, 517 Upperline St. is ELEVEN MINUTES away (Garden District).

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever cathedral/church/museum you choose.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

A Close Look at Bourbon Street

I’m going to dispense with “the history” of Bourbon Street because it doesn’t really interest me. Really? Yes, I’m an Aquarius and we love to focus on the present and, even more so – on the future. So here goes.

WHERE EXACTLY IS BOURBON STREET?

This world famous street is 13 blocks long (which, based on its reputation, doesn’t sound like very much to me). It goes right through the heart of the French Quarter: from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue – then it becomes Carondelet Street when it’s past Canal and Pauger Street when it goes past Esplanade.  

IT RUNS ALONG A DIAGONAL. GOT THAT?

No. To be truthful – okay let’s look at it this way:

·       The southern part of Bourbon (near Canal) is called Upper Bourbon or upriver from the Mississippi. This is the area best known to visitors. It’s lots of neon, bachelor-and-bachelorette parties and strip clubs – plus nonstop drinking.

·       The northern part of Bourbon (near Esplanade) is called Lower Bourbon or downriver from the Mississippi. This area has all of the above and includes LGBTQ blocks (meaning Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (the “Q” can be “Queer or Questioning). I’m glad we got that straightened out.

Now we’ll take a look at the restaurants/bars on this fabled street.

I

THE BOURBON HOUSE: 144 BOURBON STREET, (504) 522-0111

This is one of New Orleans’ old-school seafood houses. It is run by the Brennan family. The lunch and dinner menu includes appetizers such as Alligator Hot Wings and Crab Fingers Bordelaise while the entrees offered are Roast Chicken Breast and Bourbon Shrimp and Grits.    

II

OLDE NOLA COOKERY: 205 BOURBON STREET, (504) 525-4577

The tagline they use is “Cooked by Locals, Spiced with History” to describe their Cajun and Creole dishes. They also say, “two balconies overlooking Bourbon Street are great for a party.” The menu includes: Fried Shrimp Po-boy, Seafood Gumbo plus “Knife and Fork” BBQ Ribs.

III

GALATOIRE’S “33” BAR & STEAK: 215 BOURBON STREET, (504) 525-4577

A faded marker of “33”, etched into a post more than a century ago was discovered by artisans renovating a historic building on Bourbon Street – today that building is Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak. The bar menu features Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Steak Tartare, Lobster Roll and Shrimp Toast.

IV

JEAN LAFITTE’S OLD ABSINTHE HOUSE: 240 BOURBON STREET, (504) 523-3181

This 200-year-old bar has a very colorful history. I notice that their Cocktail Menu offers a Ramos Fizz – that’s a great drink that’s almost impossible to find anywhere. They also offer “The World’s Best Gin and Tonic” – there are no shrinking violets here. This bar has a wild selection of T-shirts with sayings such as, “MY BLOOD TYPE IS: ABSINTHE” (the word “blood” is in bright red) – just in case one doesn’t get it.  

V

THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE: 300 BOURBON STREET, (504) 553-2299

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans hosts the best jazz club in town. They showcase great jazz talents while serving cocktails and appetizers inspired by the New Orleans Jazz culture. Their menu sports names such as: Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie and Eartha Kitt. And, they offer delicious munchies such as: Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Crab Mac & Cheese plus BBQ Pork Nachos – an exciting mix of Music. Food. Drinks.   

LINK to information about Bourbon Street and the French Quarter

THEN HIT THIS LINK to more FQ dining spots.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? I trust we’re all heading back to our normal day-to-day lives – if not now, perhaps at some point in the near future. Why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a trip to the Big Easy and a very pleasant stay in a gracious antebellum mansion. Think about it. 

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever restaurant/bar you choose to visit.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

A Journey: Sinfully Tasty Pralines

New Orleans is known for its pralines (or, to be more specific “praw-leens”) which is a Southern treat that is enjoyed everywhere because of its sweet flavor and unique texture.

A short history of these delights goes back to when a French chef created a candy made of sugar and almonds that he named “The Praline.” When the French arrived in New Orleans in the 1700s they brought the recipe with them. Many years later female street vendors sold pralines (with pecans, not almonds) to make extra money. Soon this delicious specialty was accepted and loved by everyone – not just those living in New Orleans.  

After a bit of digging, I came up with six praline shops – most have been around for many years -- all sell this delicious, and very popular, sweet treat. Here’s one shop that caught my eye.    

LEAH’S PRALINES

714 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: 504-523-5662

“We have been around since 1944 and every day we make small batches of authentic New Orleans pecan pralines that include flavors such as rum and chocolate. We use Alabama pecans, Louisiana cane sugar, cream, milk and butter. We make our products daily so you’ll receive the freshest possible pralines. All of ours are individually bagged and sealed. Please eat yours within two weeks of receiving them – we trust that won’t be too difficult for you to do!” This is an excellent description of a business – friendly and to the point

A CLOSER LOOK:

I began by writing about three places that sell pralines. Then it hit me! I have never tasted a praline in my life. So, based on what I read about Leah’s Pralines I decided to focus on only ONE shop. That turned out to be a smart move.

Instead of sending an email, I decided to craft a letter to Leah’s – with links to recent NOLA blogs. On December 19th I wrote to Leah’s Pralines that outlined who I was (a writer) and what I intended to do: create a blog about Leah’s Pralines by sampling their products and – most important: I was willing to pay for whatever they sent. I also added that this was a heads-up. I would contact them again in January.

I didn’t have to contact them. On December 30th I received an email from Suzie Stokes who said, “I manage Leah’s Pralines and I am happy to send you a sampling of our candies.” I looked over the list and it looked terrific. I gave the go-ahead and on January 4th the order went out via UPS Ground. Total cost: $50 (including shipping).

THE FUN STARTS:

On January 8th, the pralines arrived! I raced down to the lobby desk in my NY building for the package – and it wasn’t there. You mean it came 1,300 miles and now it’s lost! After a hair-raising 15-minute search we double-checked all the addresses and found it. The doorman had written the wrong apartment number on the cardboard carton. I couldn’t wait to open the box! Everything was perfectly packaged and labeled, BUT of course I couldn’t sample any of it until we had our photo shoot.

This happened on January 11th and involved three different set-ups. I wanted easy-to-read descriptions WITH the product itself so I made 13 labels to go with each sample. At one point the black Sharpie pen started to go out so I told it to behave – and it did. I wanted a French Bistro look so I came up with a placemat that I had made and a tray that I had rescued from the trash. I had given it a new life with vibrant red paint and slightly risqué French decoupage images.   

THE TASTING BEGINS:

My vote for NUMBER ONE is: Gone to Heaven, then it’s a tie for NUMBER TWO, Praline Frosted Pecans and Chocolate Fudge. Finally for a NUMBER THREE it’s Milk Chocolate Cajun Mud – both the name and the taste are irresistible.  

I had the photographer sample these goodies also. Here is how she voted: NUMBER ONE for her was Milk Chocolate Cajun Mud, NUMBER TWO, Bacon Pecan Brittle and NUMBER THREE was Creamy Praline.

As you can see, Cajun Mud was the overall winner!

All praline photos by Kristen Bannister

CLICK HERE to read a fun blog titled, “March Celebrates the Irish.”

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current hours of this charming praline shop.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Are you in the mood for pralines after reading this blog? Leah’s Pralines is in the French Quarter (roughly 15 minutes from Rathbone Mansions) on St. Louis Street. If you go further down St. Louis you’ll find that the hustle-and-bustle of the Quarter gives way to a quiet residential area.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Delicious Seafood in The Big Easy

I believe everyone goes for some type of seafood at one time or another. Periodically, I get a yen for “mashed-up” tuna-and-hardboiled egg sandwiches with lettuce and tomato on lightly toasted bread. Or, I’ll decide to make salmon cakes (think crab cakes with a twist) that are absolutely delicious. The recipe is usually right on the can so you can’t go wrong. However, for this blog I’m going to focus on four New Orleans restaurants that serve terrific seafood. So let’s take a look.

ONE: THE DESIRE OYSTER BAR

Located at 300 Bourbon Street

(504) 553-2281

The reason I made this #1 for this blog was because of all the restaurants and bars that I’ve researched on the web in recent months this was the ONLY one that contacted me via email almost at once and said (I’m paraphrasing) “We see you’re interested in the Desire Oyster Bar!” I was very impressed by this response.

On the web this restaurant is described as having “a Broadway-style marquis sign that lights up the entrance.” Well, since I’m in an apartment on Park Avenue in New York City while writing this I said to myself, “I’ll have to check this out!” Sure enough, that’s an excellent description! This place also has a tin ceiling, and black-and-white checkered floors – love this look.

They have a raw oyster bar where expert shuckers prepare fresh Gulf oysters any way you like them – chargrilled, on the half shell and more. They also serve Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Remoulade and po’boys. Or, as they say, “Come for the oysters, stay for the menu!”

TWO: DEANIE’S SEA FOOD KITCHEN

Located at 2200 Magazine Street

(504) 962-7760

Deanie’s goes back to 1961 and now boasts three locations that serve the same delicious Creole food that has made New Orleans a seafood destination that goes way back. If you plan to visit with a group of friends why not go for the GIANT SEAFOOD PLATTER that includes: fresh shrimp, oysters, soft shell crabs and crawfish balls served with French fries. The variety of this selection makes for a festive occasion such as a birthday celebration or anniversary. They also have a menu labeled JUST FOR KIDS that includes everything from Mini Dogs to a Chicken Basket.

And by the way, the Magazine spot is a two-story restaurant with a balcony that offers a great view of the street and the New Orleans skyline. Deanie’s is also described as an original SCRATCH HOUSE restaurant – what is that? Even the web couldn’t answer that one.   

THREE: ACME OYSTER HOUSE

Located at 724 Iberville Street

(504) 522-5973

In 1910, before Satchmo had even formed his first band, the Acme Café was in business on Royal Street in the French Quarter. Fourteen years later a fire destroyed the Acme Café so it was reborn as the Oyster House where it’s located today.

You can order AN OYSTER SHOOTER with one freshly shucked oyster with cocktail sauce and vodka served in a shot glass or BOOM BOOM shrimp – a generous portion of fried shrimp coated with the restaurant’s homemade sauce. They also offer Sutter Home Chardonnay or White Zin – these are tasty New York wines that I’ve been drinking for years and NEVER see on restaurant menus. Why not?  

FOUR: BRIQUETTE

Located at 701 South Peters Street

(504) 302-7496

This restaurant can be found in the Warehouse District – in the former Rodd Brothers Molasses Refinery, which dates from the 1800s. Briquette features a contemporary, yet casual restaurant interior made special by their signature OPEN KITCHEN.

Another highlight of Briquette is their 18 ft. seafood display filled with fresh Bronzino, Halibut, Faroe Islands Salmon (a group of islands in the North Atlantic Islands between Iceland and the Shetland Islands), Louisiana Redfish and many other whole fish. This fresh supply is prepared over red- hot briquettes.

The restaurant promises that you’ll feel right at home with their bar and COMMUNITY tables that offer a convivial setting – a great idea for a group celebrating a special occasion.

One diner had this to say, “I ordered the Lump Crab Meat Napoleon for an appetizer – it was the best crab cake I’ve ever eaten. The Blackened Redfish was spicy and delicious. I ended the meal with a perfectly cooked crème brule.”

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever restaurant you choose to visit.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? We’re handy to everything. Take a look, ONE – from Rathbone to: 300 Bourbon Street it’s SIX minutes; TWO from Rathbone to: 2200 Magazine Street it’s FOURTEEN minutes; THREE from Rathbone to: 724 Iberville Street it’s SIX minutes and finally FOUR from Rathbone to: 701 South Peters Street it’s TWELVE minutes – all nearby spots for great eating.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

A New Year. New Direction.

Every so often you come across a photo or copy that stops you in your tracks. This happened to me when I picked up a magazine that I subscribe to called AFAR. In an ad for AETHER that appeared in the February 2021 issue, I came across a very timely headline and copy that was so beautifully executed it took my breath away -- kudos to the ad agency’s creative team that came up with this poignant message (see below).

YOU ONLY GET ONE SPIN 

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock goes the clock. It’s so rhythmic it’s almost soothing. It lulls you into a false sense of security. Tick another coffee. Tock another meeting. Tick another lunch. Tock another quiet night in.

And before you know it, you’re so numb from the comfort of routine that you didn’t feel a thing when that great adventure called life slipped away like sand between your fingers.

But fear not, adventure has other plans. Roll with them. Embrace adventure. Grasp it with both hands until your knuckles turn pale. Don’t let comfort take you down. Rise above routine and monotony. Ride shotgun with fear and the unknown. Don the uniform of the restless. Get uncomfortable being comfortable.

And here’s the reward for the discomfort. Your heart will be fuller, your compassion deeper, your HORIZONS WIDER and your memoir way, way better. Before you die, make sure you have lived. And never forget, you only get one spin.

SO LET’S BROADEN OUR HORIZONS

For Rathbone’s blogs I usually focus on where to eat and what to see – but now I decided on a subject I’ve never written about before: going FISHING in New Orleans. I used go fishing for trout in British Columbia, Canada with my Dad when I was very young and I thought it was a lot of fun.

Heading out on a New Orleans fishing trip is right up there with one of the best things you can do. Freshwater, saltwater and brackish waters surround the city on all sides. Plus over half of New Orleans’ surface is made up of shallow bayous, marshes and estuaries as well as lakes and rivers.

FOUR TYPES OF FISH: TAKE A LOOK

ONE: The freshwater LARGEMOUTH BASS are very smart. Yes, you read that correctly. They remember and avoid a type of bait once it’s been offered to them! So bring a variety of plastic lures, crank baits and jigs. If you use live bait, small minnows or crawfish work well.

TWO: You’ll find REDFISH in abundance here. Your best bet for finding them is heading into the areas where the Gulf of Mexico’s waters meet the inland rivers and lakes. Their weight ranges from four-to-sixty pounds. They’ll reward you with their tasty flesh, but they’ll also put up a great fight.

THREE: This is a favorite of mine – SPECKLED TROUT – a really delicious fish. Local anglers call them “Specks” and they’re one of the most popular fish to catch in NoLA. They range from one-to-four pounds. In the summer, trout head into saltier waters to spawn.

FOUR: These guys give a great fight and are really delicious. You’ll find that the popular FLOUNDER is considered a staple here. They respond well to flies, so if you’re up for fly-fishing be sure to keep an eye out for these tasty flatfish.

FOUR TYPES OF BOAT FISHING

#1 Charter Boat Fishing: a trip aboard a charter boat is a surefire way to stock the cooler. Best of all, you’ll have a local and experienced captain with you who will take care of all the technical details.

#2 Party Boat Fishing: This is a very popular way of getting out on the water in New Orleans. You won’t have as much one-on-one attention from your captain – so you should know how to hook your own bait if possible.

#3 Pier Fishing: Bass, Catfish, Bluegill and Perch are just some of the fish you can expect to hook from our local piers.

#4 Shore Fishing: When things are right, nothing beats finding a spot along the bank and casting a line. Locals do this to catch Redfish.

BEST PLACES TO FISH

Kids love to fish! And the crown jewel of family fishing in New Orleans is City Park. It has over 11 miles of lagoons where you can catch anything from Bass, Bluegill, Bream or Catfish. City Park is home to the “Big Bass Rodeo” where in 2012 the winner won first place with a 4.72 lb. Bass.

Other spots to fish in New Orleans are: Lake Pontchartrain (from boat or bank); Lake Cataouatche (best place for Largemouth Bass); South Pass (roughly 100 miles south of the city and one of the best spots for world-class game fishing); Delacroix Island (southeast of New Orleans – a great spot for both beginners and experienced anglers) and again, City Park which is a 1,300-acre park that’s been around since the 19th century. You can’t beat that!

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever you choose to do.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Now, aside from fishing, what else do you like to do? Go swimming, dancing or bowling? We have a pool and hot tub at Rathbone plus you can call a cab and enjoy eating, drinking, bowling and dancing to Zydeco music at our famous Rock ‘n’ Bowl.

REMEMBER: FEBRUARY is Black History Month in the United States and Canada. It dates back to 1926 when an African-American historian named Carter Woodson founded a week that focused on celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans. In 1976 it became a month-long event.  

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Our Glorious Mardi Gras

This week I’d like to explore the traditions of NoLA’s most famous celebration of the year in a question-and-answer format.

Photo: Courtesy Travel & Leisure, February 2021

Q: What is the history of Mardi Gras?

A: You may be surprised to know that it dates at least as far back as the early Catholic church and perhaps even further into antiquity. Carnival’s pagan origins are deep. Pre-spring festivals of indulgence have always existed around the world. The church did not honor these traditions but after failing to stop them it was decided to bring these rites into the Christian calendar.

Q: Did Shakespeare have a hand in this?

A: Absolutely! His literary 1601 masterpiece, the play TWELFTH NIGHT is named for the holiday that traditionally kicks off the Carnival season – this is a day glorified by THE LORD OF MISRULE. The play, like the day itself, celebrates with costumes, satire and pokes at people in power. These actions go into Fat Tuesday (or Mardi Gras) – nothing is sacred!

Q: Did the Creole folks in NoLA join in?

A: Of course! Early generations of Creoles loved to dance and wear masks. During Mardi Gras they would wear disguises and attend balls. Carnival crossed race lines. But later, unruly behavior surfaced during Mardi Gras and those in charge became alarmed. This hasn't changed it seems.

Q. When did Mardi Gras start to change?

A: After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 (a land deal between the US and France where we purchased 827,000 sq. miles of land west of the Mississippi for $15 million) there was a lull. Then in 1857 a group of wealthy Anglos named THE MISTICK KREWE OF COMUS arrived with great fanfare, namely: horse-drawn floats illuminated by “flambeaux” torches followed by new clubs who were called “krewes” a fun take on “crews.”

Q. What krewes honored this fest in the mid-19th century?

A: In 1872 REX appeared, MOMUS a year later and PROTEUS in 1882. These old-line krewes (a private organization staging festivities – such as parades) were – and for the most part remain – highly secretive societies of the city’s wealthiest and most powerful men.

Q. When did black traditions/krewes become popular?

A: Many enduring black traditions emerged around the turn of the 20th century. The spectacular MARDI GRAS INDIANS began to appear in 1885. Today their elaborate, feathered costumes are seen as pieces of folk art. The black krewe of ZULU appeared in 1909 and today includes many of the city’s prominent black citizens.

Q. What is a “Super Krewe” and why are they special?

A: These krewes began forming in the 1960s. ENDYMION began as a small, neighborhood parade in 1967. But now its parades and floats are the largest at Mardi Gras: it has nearly 2,000 riders and one of its huge floats is a whopping 240 ft. long.

Q. What happens on Mardi Gras Day?

A: The parade season is a 12-day period beginning two Fridays before Fat Tuesday. A popular preseason night procession, usually held three Saturdays before Fat Tuesday, is KREWE DU VIEUX. It passes through the French Quarter. For Mardi Gras weekend: Saturday is when ENDYMION has its ball EXTRAVAGANZA in the Superdome.

This is a party for 20,000 folks all dressed in formal wear. Or, as it says on the invitation, “Long, ankle-length evening dresses for the ladies – black tie (and tuxedo) for the gentlemen.” You’ll dance the night away (literally) until 3 am! CLICK HERE to read about our take on Mardi Gras in the past. CLICK HERE to listen to original Cajun music.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? No one likes to look around for breakfast – it’s no fun when all you really want is a big, hot cup of java. At Rathbone we have a continental breakfast (gratis) that’s just waiting for those folks who can barely think before that first shot of coffee makes them feel as if life is worth living.    

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for  whatever idea or event catches your interest.  

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Mardi Gras in 2021

I firmly believe that thirty years from now we’ll all look back and say that the year 2020 was the time everything changed. Starting in March 2020 every day brought a news report that was alarming: rioting, marches, break-ins, picketing – the entire country seemed to be turned upside down at times.

Great floats are created at Mardi Gras World

THE DATES

So here we are: finally heading for Mardi Gras in 2021. One thing that doesn’t change are the dates, so let’s start with that – MARDI GRAS DAY falls on February 16. CARNIVAL FESTIVITIES are from Wednesday,  January 6 through February 16, 2021. The most popular time to visit and totally enjoy yourself is the long weekend before FAT TUESDAY, which is February 12-15 in 2021. Because everything seems to fade in and out these days I want to focus on a few nailed-down “this won’t change” facts.

GO CUPS

Yes, in New Orleans it’s legal to walk the streets with alcoholic drinks in plastic cups – and not just during Mardi Gras. Go cups are exactly what they sound like: “to-go” cups that allow you to take your drink with you from bar to bar (or parade to parade).

A big, soul-satisfying sandwich in NoLA hits the spot 

THE THROWS

Each Mardi Gras krewe creates its own unique “throw” or trinket to toss at parade goers, who try to catch them and keep them as souvenirs. This has been a tradition for more than 130 years and includes everything from purses to cups, toiletries, beads and colorful metal medallions designed with krewe emblems.

THE FAMILIES

Mardi Gras and Carnival season are surprisingly family-friendly affairs outside of the well-known boozy debauch in the French Quarter. On St. Charles Avenue you will find many day parades where families set up grilling posts and tents – drinking revelers are not welcome.

CARNIVAL SEASON

During the three weeks before Mardi Gras, parades kick off with more frequency each day. Large krewes stage massive affairs, with elaborate floats and marching bands that run along Canal Street -- and, as we just said, Charles Avenue where children cheer and catch throws.

You’ll hear terrific music everywhere in New Orleans 

MARDI GRAS DAY

In February or early March, the outrageous Carnival activity reaches a crescendo as the city nearly bursts with costumed celebrants on the famous Mardi Gras day itself. It all ends at midnight with the beginning of Lent.

THE QUESTIONS

What is a Mardi Gras Indian?  Which krewes have the best throws? What are your chances of catching a Zulu coconut?  Okay, the Zulo coconut is a “high demand” throw that began in 1910 as a little hairy beast with no gold or glitter. The coconut took a blow in 1987. A number of lawsuits were filed. Folks claimed they were bonked on the head with flying coconuts.

You’re not going to believe this: the state legislature passed the “Coconut Bill” to clear the club from liability for alleged injuries. And now, all the insides are removed and the shell is painted so it’s a “golden nugget.”

Okay, this story brought tears to my eyes. A spokesman says, “When we get around Lee Circle (named after Robert E. Lee and located at the intersection of St. Charles and Howard Avenues) some of the older people are in wheelchairs so I make a point of sending someone to give our golden nuggets to these folks. When I see their faces light up it makes all the work worth it.” Isn’t that fantastic?

CLICK HERE for the most recent report on “How to Celebrate Mardi Gras 2021 in New Orleans.” 

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? At our hotel no two rooms are alike. I’ll bet you can’t say that about your local Hilton! And, even though Rathbone is an antebellum mansion it’s also very much in tune with today – you’ll have access to the Internet at no extra cost. We’ve got both the 18th and 21st centuries nicely covered.   

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever location or activity that catches your interest.  

Shaun Nelson-Henrick