A Short Trip to New Orleans

Recently, my hubby and I took a short trip to New Orleans.  It was a quick get away trip for us.  What’s so special about this trip?  Besides it’s my very first time visiting this vibrant city, it was also our very first time travelling without the kids.  Yup, that’s right.  It’s been 5 years+ that my hubby and I haven’t travel on our own.  Thank you to my In-Laws and my parents for watching the kids while we were away.  Although it was just a short trip, it was fun and very memorable.  Here are some pictures and highlights that I wanted to share with you.  I’ll have separate posts to review the hotel that we stayed in and a couple of restaurants that we've dined at.  Those deserve their own spotlights.  Our first stop of the day in New Orleans, the Jackson Square (see picture above), isn't it beautiful?



Of course, you can’t travel to the Big Easy without having their French Quarter Beignets at Café du Monde.  They are simply a fried pastry topped with powdered sugar.  Of course, fried dough is always tasty. 



They reminded me of a Chinese fried pastry called “牛利酥”.  With a cup of coffee or latte, it’s the perfect breakfast or afternoon pick me up.



After the quick fuel, we headed to the French Market.  What I love about the French Quarter was that everything were so closed by.   You can simply walk to all the happening places without hopping into the car.



The French Market is a market and series of commercial buildings in the French Quarter of New Orleans.  It stretches just inland from the Mississippi River in the section of the French Quarter downriver from Jackson Square, with the famous Café du Monde at the upriver end, down to the flea market stalls across from the New Orleans Mint building.



Let’s take a look at what the French Market has to offer.



From nuts, essences, health food products to fresh produces.



There were a couple of shops with all kinds of spices and sauces that you can purchase as well.



If you get hungry and want to get a few fresh raw oyster, there’s an oyster bar as well.  (Sorry, this fine gentleman might looked more like he’s constipated than trying to open an oyster).  Hey, I opened my own oysters before.  It’s not easy and I'm sure my facial expression was worse than this!




There were all kinds of snacks and local food stalls in the market.  Gator, anyone?



The weather in New Orleans was just too hot and humid.  I need a frozen drink half way through my walk.  Did you know you can drink (alcoholic beverage) in the open public in New Orleans?  Boy oh boy, I just love this city!  I was so spoiled there.



Here goes my icy drink.



It’s so refreshing.  I say, it’s more like a fruity smoothie.  You can hardly taste the alcohol in it.



Here are the flea market stalls area.  You can definitely spend half a day there browsing and shopping.



After the French Market, we then walked over to the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf down the block.



A nice and peaceful view of the Mississippi River.



All these walking got us hungry.  We got a few bites to eat at The Market Café that has an outdoor sitting area with a live Jazz band.



His voice was amazing!  The Jazz music was so calming and relaxing.  It simply put you in a good mood.



At the Market Cafe, we tried the classic Gumbo. 



And the Alligator sausage.  Yup, as people say, alligator tastes just like chicken.



On our way walking back to the hotel, we passed by The W Hotel.  It’s still under construction and not open to public yet.  But there was an outdoor patio/resting area that was open.  So we went for a peek and took a few pictures.



A fire/water fountain?  How creative!?



Nice cozy chairs for you to relax right next to the pool.







Don’t you love the details of their décor?



After dinner, we head to the Bourbon Street (see pictures below). At Bourbon Street, you can find many bars and pubs that people basically party all night long.



For the 2 nights we were there, we visited the Bourbon Street on both nights. 



A block down the Bourbon Street, here’s the night view of the Saint Louis Cathedral (picture below).



We also walked over to the Harrah’s Casino (picture below) to check it out.  We went inside for a quick peek but we didn't stay to play any games. 



On the day that we were leaving, we went to Mahony’s for lunch.  We wanted to try their famous Po-Boys!




Guess who brought us in here? Yup, Guy Fieri!  We watched one if his Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives episodes that he recommended this place along with Emeril Lagasse.



We ordered Cole Slaw.



Some French Fries.



Here comes the Po-Boys.  By the way, if you have a plane to catch, like us, you might not want to come to this place for lunch!  We were “warned” that the wait time was 40 minutes when we place our orders.  We travel so far we just gotta try them.  Heck, it really took 40 minutes for these babies to arrive!



This is the regular Po-Boy.  Very generous portion and the oysters were very fresh.  The fried oysters were crispy on the outside and very juicy inside.



Below was the “Peace Maker” recommend by Guy.  It has the same ingredients as the Po-Boy, plus cheese and bacon.  Yum!



The good news was, we were still able to catch our flight!  Phew!  It’s such a fun city to visit.  If you haven’t been there, go for it.  We definitely had a wonderful time.  Thank you for stopping by and stay tuned for the hotel and restaurant reviews.