Related Roundups

Knowing What it Means to Miss New Orleans

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 01:19:51 +0000

Things I miss: being asked "Where did you go to high school?," getting anywhere in town within 15 minutes, working street lights, normal business hours, bread pudding souffle at Commander's...

It's been a year, and we still measure our lives B.K. and A.K.--before and after Katrina.

"How did your home and family make out?" remains the "new" question of the day. Getting across the Crescent City Connection in record time seems to be but a memory. Even replacing "Gotta Have Faith" swag with "Make Levees, Not War," and other memorabilia containing unmentionable four-letter expletives (No, not FEMA) hasn't gotten old, not within my circle of friends, anyway.

But, there have been glimmers of hope (You know, the same spark die-hard Saints' fans get at the start of each season.). Rebuilding continues, people slowly are coming home, and our favorite restaurants are re-opening daily. Mosca's is back; Brennan's, too. Let's not forget, we still have sno-balls. The spirit of our community also is being strengthened--though it never really wavered.

And it hasn't gone unnoticed. Events are happening around the country to commemorate the year-long-and-counting struggle, including Share Our Strength's Restaurants for Relief II, which combines two things we do best--eating and celebrating.

Meanwhile, we're throwing parties of our own. Wynton Marsalis and Stevie Wonder jazz up the Arena, and Emeril cooks with music at the Convention Center.

Though we never need a reason to celebrate, now's the time to get out of your FEMA trailer and laissez bon temps roulez; it's starting to feel like home, again!

Click here for more Katrina events.

This blog was brought to you by Citysearch Editor and New Orleans native Jodi Cararas.

French Quarter Dining

Wed, 02 Jan 2002 01:40:41 +0000

From local favorites to tourist traps, the best restaurants in the heart of New Orleans.

Big Easy Blog

Thu, 09 Feb 2006 21:58:42 +0000

Mardi Gras: The morning-after
Aaaaah, sweet Wednesday.

Across the city, the day after a shortened but active Carnival season, residents of New Orleans celebrated the-day-after Mardi Gras in the traditional ways.

We nurse the various ailments that come with seven straight Saturday nights in a row. There's "Catcher's Croak"--ridiculously strained vocal cords from days of yelling--to float riders. Successful bead catchers wear their imaginary wealth, resulting in often-severe cases of "Beadneck"--abrasions from 10-pound necklace collections. And of course, the garden-variety maladies: chronic weeklong hangovers, long-term sleep deprivation, ringing ears, sore feet and a few additional pounds from King Cake nibbling.

And this year, we can spend Ash Wednesday thinking about how Mardi Gras 2006 helped recharge our spirits and strengthen our resolve. For all the dire predictions, New Orleans pulled off a party that paid homage to the tragedies of 2005's hurricane season while providing cultural continuity.

Despite the damage and often-too-slow recovery process, Zulu and Rex rolled down St. Charles Avenue to cap off the season. Barbecue grills sent fragrant smoke underneath the Claiborne Street overpass, tempting revelers with grilled sausages and chicken plates as a throng waited for Mardi Gras Indians to appear with a second-line parade. The anarchic St. Ann's parade made its way from the Bywater through the Quarter just like any other year, treating gawkers and other costumers to inspired satire, exquisite costume design and truly inventive nudity.

They might not be for everyone, but these traditions are both important and affirming. They'll keep us focused on next year, and the next, until life gets back to our "abnormal normal." As soon as the brain haze lifts, we'll start work on next year's Carnival.

But for now, we rest.

See you next year?

Read more: Blog archive

Spotlight: Po-boy Shops

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:27:17 +0000

Overstuffed, flavorful and gloriously drippy, the New Orleans po-boy is a mainstay in this hungry city.

Magazine Street Shopping

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 01:00:15 +0000

Uptown's shopping row holds a wide range of clothing boutiques, antique shops and home furnishings stores.

Spotlight: Ethnic Cuisine

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 22:23:28 +0000

When the taste buds crave variety, choose from this wide selection of neighborhood ethnic restaurants.

Spotlight: Burger and Pizza Joints

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 22:59:21 +0000

Here are your best bets when a burger or pizza craving hits.

Spotlight: Upscale Dining

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 21:27:39 +0000

From famed Galatoire?s to French bistro Lilette, dining in New Orleans is always a fancied affair.

Coffeeshops

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 19:01:22 +0000

These New Orleans coffee houses are the perfect spots for your cafe au lait or chicory fix.

Best Live Music Spots

Mon, 17 Oct 2005 21:26:48 +0000

Top bars and clubs that rock crowds well into the evening.

Day Spas and Hair Salons

Mon, 17 Oct 2005 22:06:45 +0000

Update your look and support the local "beauty operators" of these New Orleans spas and salons.

Garden District Restaurants and Bars

Mon, 10 Oct 2005 20:18:28 +0000

From Parasol's to Vizard's, discover some of the best places to wine and dine in the Garden District.

Spotlight: Uptown Dive Bars

Mon, 10 Oct 2005 20:46:52 +0000

Interesting back stories and colorful atmospheres: These dive bars offer more than cheap drinks and good times.

Decatur Street Bars

Wed, 05 Oct 2005 23:40:36 +0000

A steady crowd of locals and tourists are congregating at these old-school watering holes.

Restaurants and Bars Near the Superdome

Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:32:08 +0000

From pregame meals to postgame drinks, find restaurants and bars close to the Saints game in New Orleans.

Best Spots to Kiss in New Orleans

Wed, 05 Jan 2005 19:42:40 +0000

From a sexy nightclub to an intimate restaurant or bar, find New Orleans' best spots to kiss.

24/7 in New Orleans

Wed, 29 Dec 2004 23:08:19 +0000

From a 24-hour restaurant to a bar that never closes, find the best spots for night owls in New Orleans.

Getting Off: After-Work Drinks

Tue, 12 Oct 2004 22:46:44 +0000

When the quitting bell rings, head here to wet your whistle.

Thanksgiving Planner

Thu, 06 Sep 2001 17:41:00 +0000

Make reservations for Thanksgiving Day dinner, or host your own no-stress holiday with caterers and gourmet takeout for Turkey Day.

10 Ways to Show Off New Orleans

Wed, 18 Aug 2004 19:25:29 +0000

From the French Quarter to the eerie estates of the garden district, impress out-of-town guests with a truly local experience in New Orleans.

Romantic Hotels

Fri, 30 Jul 2004 19:17:15 +0000

New Orleans on a Budget

Wed, 30 Jun 2004 19:55:37 +0000

Low on cash? Get a lot for a little at these New Orleans favorites.

Kid-Approved New Orleans

Mon, 21 Jun 2004 20:17:51 +0000

We've made finding family-friendly entertainment as easy as ABC and 123.

Dog-Friendly New Orleans

Fri, 04 Jun 2004 15:13:10 +0000

We've sniffed out the city's best spots for a full day of doggie nirvana. So grab a leash and lap up the fun.

Top 10 New Orleans Experiences

Wed, 17 Mar 2004 19:44:19 +0000

From a popular landmark or attraction to a must-visit restaurant or bar, uncover New Orleans' ultimate top 10 experiences.

Fireside Dining and Drinking

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:15:21 +0000

Dine next to a fireplace at a cozy restaurant, or warm up at a fireside bar: Top New Orleans winter hot spots.

Uptown New Orleans

Tue, 17 Sep 2002 19:11:51 +0000

Home to moss-covered mansions, famous graveyards and many a Anne Rice novel.

Celeb-Rated in New Orleans: Paul Prudhomme

Tue, 02 Jul 2002 23:12:45 +0000

This "magic" chef gives us a taste of his favorite places in the Big Easy.

New Orleans 101

Fri, 07 Jun 2002 20:45:34 +0000

Experience elegance and excess in New Orleans--from the famed French Quarter to outrageous Mardi Gras festivities to decadent Cajun and Creole cuisine.

New Orleans' Top Hotels

Wed, 05 Jun 2002 16:04:38 +0000

Visiting New Orleans? Find recommended hotels.

Celeb-Rated in New Orleans: Emeril Lagasse

Fri, 07 Jun 2002 22:38:28 +0000

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse shares his Big Easy favorites.