• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cooks and Kid
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
  • Debt Free
    • Our Journey
    • Debt Free Scream
    • Money Saving Tips for Groceries
  • Contact
  • Spotlight
  • Travel

New Orleans

May 21, 2020 by Dominique

*Note we went to New Orleans a couple of years ago, obviously pre Covid-19. I have finally found the time to document our trip and share it. When things settle down again, be sure to add NOLA to your list of places to visit.

There is only one word to describe New Orleans and that is magical. Sounds real dramatic, but to visit NOLA is to love NOLA. The city is rich in culture, full of the friendliest people, heartfelt jazz, and the most amazing food. I can honestly say of all the places I have traveled, there is no place like it. It has the feel of a beach town, but without the beach! Also, the architecture and landscape are just beautiful! I am not one to even notice things of that nature, but there you can’t help but to take in. The shot gun houses and star jasmine growing every where was interesting.

There are two reasons why I believe New Orleans is such an amazing city. First, it does not shy away from it’s complex history, it embraces it 100%. From slaves, to the French, to the practice of voodoo. While you are there you are reminded of that history everywhere, but you can also see where the city and the people have evolved to be so much more than that. That brings me to my second reason why NOLA is a city worth visiting, the people. There are a lot of passionate people in NOLA who are honing in on their craft and then sharing it with you. NOLA attracts people who love art and culture. This draw is maybe due to the city being so abundant in history that it gives people the inspiration and freedom to live their best lives. And when you are living your best life and doing what you are most passionate about, there is no doubt that you transfer that into the goods and services you provide. There are many artisan small businesses there that are completely unassuming. When you walk in to a shop you are constantly surprised by the level of craftsmanship that you are being offered and this applies to everything, not only with food and shops, but live music too.

If you or someone you know says they did not like NOLA, I would ask “Well did you see more than just the French Quarter”? The French Quarter is synonymous with NOLA, but that is the place we actually spent the least time. We traveled a lot on foot which helped us really get to know the other areas of NOLA, like the Garden District, Bywater, and Treme.  We also took the bus and the trolley around, which a local was very surprised by. Apparently, most visitors don’t get around that way, maybe due to the rise of Uber and Lyft. Getting around the way we did really allowed us to take in NOLA and appreciate its beauties and its flaws. Not going to lie, NOLA has a bit of grit to it and can be a little rough around the edges, but what major city does not? If you like your city clean, rich and white, then go to Charleston or Nashville. If you like a city that is diverse, and full of personality then you will love NOLA.

Below is where we stayed, what we did and what we ate. Guess which is the longest list?

Where we stayed:

  • The Old 77 Chandlery

Located in the Central Business Distinct, this boutique hotel was pretty enchanting. It completed our NOLA experience, as it was nothing like staying in your standard run of the mill chain hotel.  The rooms have brick walls, hardwood floors and beautiful art. Downstairs in the hotel is a cafe, art gallery and the famous Compere Lapin restaurant. From everything I have read, Compere is a must, and sadly we did not make it there for dinner. Nina Compton, Chef at Compere won the JBFA for Best Chef 2018, she won shortly after we visited

What we did:

  • The Spotted Cat

This hole in the wall is where you can listen to live Jazz artists and have a drink. There is no cover, you only have to buy a drink to listen and showtimes are twice a day. The band we saw put on a really great show, I am sure you cant go wrong with whoever you choose to see. Seeing a live jazz show was really the icing on the cake for our trip, it helped us really feel immersed in the city’s vibe. Bring cash. 

  • Rouse’s Market

When visiting New Orleans you should definitely walk around Rouses Market. It is a local grocery store chain, that carries local brands and specialties of New Orleans. You can also buy cooked crawfish there (that were actually very good) self serve in a large cooler. When I saw that I thought “only in NOLA”!

Where we ate:

  • N7

Hands down our favorite restaurant we went to in NOLA. This restaurant has a very Parisian vibe, intimate and unpretentious while serving incredible food. The food draws from French and Japanese influences, so there will be a blend of those two cultures all through the menu. The also serve a pretty decent list of tinned (canned) seafood, which is fairly common in Europe. Canned seafood may sound unappealing, but when it is done right it is delicious and N7 is persnickety about their purveyors. Overall the most memorable dining experience we have had in a long time.


  • Mosquito Supper Club

This dining experience really helped us understand what NOLA is all about. When you walk in the door you feel like you are in someone’s home, all the tables are communal and the design has that southern charm. Upon entering we were offered a selection of natural wine or cocktails, both list very well thought about it. I would also like to mention that I had my very first natural wine here and fell in love. The food was delicious and all Cajun. When we booked the meal, I was really not happy with the fact we would be eating dinner with complete strangers. 30 minutes into the evening at Mosquito Supper Club, my mind changed. Even though we were all strangers, the one thing we had in common was our love for food. This made for great conversations centered around food. The food, the drinks and the company made for a really memorable evening!


  • Willa Jean

An upgrade to southern food like Burrata Toast with BBQ Shrimp (so good) and the most delicious Monkey Bread I have ever eaten. Also, served there is a plethora of homemade desserts and baked goods.  Highly recommend for brunch.

  • Willa Mae’s Scotch House

The most amazing fried chicken and southern staples are served there. Nothing fancy, just comfort food.

  • Bacchanal

This is a laid back wine bar,  a place you can hang out for hours. They have a large outdoor patio with a stage and live music. At night it becomes so romantic because of all the hanging outdoor lights. They serve food too! 

  • Cafe du Monde

The best beignets! They really were better than the other places we tried beignets. Be sure to order a cafe au lait too. Bring cash.

  • Erin Rose

A fun bar that serves un-traditonal, but delicious Poboys!

  • Turkey and The Wolf

Food with a lot flavor and personality can be found here. You either love it or you hate it. 

  • Peche

Go there for the whole grilled fish (catch of the day) served with a salsa verde. Delicious but pricey!

 

Can’t wait to plan our next visit, this was a memorable trip!

 

 

Share the post "New Orleans"

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Click to share on Yummly (Opens in new window) Yummly

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: getaway, New Orleans, NOLA, travel

Previous Post: « Curry Meatballs
Next Post: Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango »

Primary Sidebar

About US

We are Phil, Dominique and Isaac (The Cook's). We used to eat in because we had to, now we eat in because we love to. Read More…

Follow Us!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

More Recent Posts

Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango

New Orleans

Curry meatballs served with rice

Curry Meatballs

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Cooks & Kid and receive notifications of new posts by email. ⇩ ⇩ ⇩

Join 255 other subscribers

Recent Posts

  • Food Travel a.k.a Food Tourism
  • Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango
  • New Orleans
  • Curry Meatballs
  • Short Ribs with lots of Black Pepper and Onions

Recent Comments

  • Sazon Rice Pilaf on Recipes
  • Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid on Recipes
  • Gorgonzola Stuffed Artichokes - Recipe by Cooks and Kid on Recipes
  • Blistered Long Beans - Cooks and Kid on Recipes
  • Instant Pot Curry Beef Stew - recipe by Cooks and Kid on Recipes

Categories

Archives

Savory

Curry meatballs served with rice

Curry Meatballs

Short Ribs with lots of Black Pepper and Onions

Salt and Pepper Wings

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice with Crispy Ginger and Garlic

Kielbasa Stew

Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potato Stew

blistered Long beans

Blistered Long Beans

Sambal Chicken

Grilled Sambal Chicken

Corn Salad

Grilled Corn, Tomato and Jalapeno Salad

More Savory Dishes!

Meat

Curry meatballs served with rice

Curry Meatballs

Short Ribs with lots of Black Pepper and Onions

Salt and Pepper Wings

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Kielbasa Stew

Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potato Stew

Sambal Chicken

Grilled Sambal Chicken

White Pizza

White Pizza with Sausage, Fennel, and Onions

Slow Grilled Lamb with Spicy Salsa Verde

Sticky Chicken Wings

Sticky Wings

Noodles

Pi Fasacc Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

Pi Fasacc Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

Spicy Pork and Udon Stir Fry

Spicy Pork and Udon Stir Fry

curry noodles

Curry Veggies and Rice Noodles

Marinated Kale with Buckwheat Noodles

Marinated Kale with Buckwheat Noodles

Rice

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice with Crispy Ginger and Garlic

Spam Onigirazu

Spam Onigirazu

Coconut Rice with Okra and Bacon

Coconut Rice with Okra and Bacon

Herb Fried Rice

Herb Fried Rice

bowl of sazon rice pilaf

Sazon Rice Pilaf

Pasta

Pi Fasacc Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

Pi Fasacc Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

Pasta with Guanciale and Greens

Pasta with Guanciale and Greens

Linguine with Shrimp and Tomatoes

Linguine with Shrimp and Tomatoes

Thyme Spaghetti Carbonara

Thyme Spaghetti Carbonara

ramps

Ramps – Pickles and Pesto

bucatini amatriciana

Bucatini with Amatriciana

orecchiette with chinese broccoli and sausage

Pasta with Chinese Broccoli and Sausage

Crème Fraîche Fettuccine with Roasted Vegetables

Salads

Corn Salad

Grilled Corn, Tomato and Jalapeno Salad

Celery Salad

Celery Salad with Pecans and Pecorino

Crunchy Kale Salad

Radicchio Salad

Radicchio and Satsuma Orange Salad

Apple Slaw

Apple Cabbage Slaw

Green Quinoa Salad

Green Veggie Quinoa Salad

BLT Salad

BLT Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

panzanella salad

Panzanella Salad

Sweets

Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango

Coquito

Coquito (Coconut Eggnog)

Fig Cake

Fig Custard Cake

Toffee Bars

Pecan and Sea Salt Toffee Bars

Apple Frangipane Tarts

Apple Frangipane Tarts

Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Peach Galette

Bourbon Vanilla Peach Galette

Whole Wheat Banana Bread with Toasted Coconut

Whole Wheat Banana Bread with Toasted Coconut

More Sweets!

Misc.

Getaria Spain

Food Travel a.k.a Food Tourism

Feel Good Tea

Feel Good Tea

Smoothies

Breakfast Smoothies (Vegan and Non-Vegan)

We’re On Yummly!

Copyright © 2025 Cooks and Kid on the Foodie Pro Theme

Copyright © 2023 Cooks and Kid
%d