SPICY NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

The motto of New Orleans

We’re back in the USA, specifically the jazzy and resilient city of New Orleans, Louisiana.  I see images of Mardi Gras with its boisterous festivities and colorful costumes, artistic architecture with ornate ironwork, historical cemeteries abuzz with ghost stories from long ago, funeral processions that halt sections of the city in its tracks, a cultural paradise, and, of course, incredible music served up alongside a style of food all their own called Creole.   

What better way to accompany this delicious food than with music?   Not just any music though –  New Orleans Jazz.  The kind of music that seeps into your pores and stirs your soul.   I can distinctly hear the lively beat coming from the endless party right this minute.     

THE PERFECT STORM

Hearing the story of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, one might think that this would have done this wonderful city in with no possibility of recovery. Thoughts such as those could only stem from people not familiar with the true spirit of this city and all that it means to them.  

Hurricane Katrina was definitely devastating and a trying time in our nation's history as a whole; however, after a long and difficult road with efforts still continuing, New Orleans has fought to come back and they are more than ready for our arrival here today. 

HISTORY

New Orleans celebrates influences from Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa, etc. that are evident in the culture, the architecture, the music, and the food.  Founded by the French in 1718, it was originally named Nouvelle-Orleans after the Regent of France.  It then came under Spanish rule before being returned to the French.  

The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory, which actually encompassed several present day states including Louisiana, in 1803.  Previously the capital of Louisiana, New Orleans remains an important city in Louisiana and also the United states due to its tremendous volume as a port city, its draw as a tourist destination, and its rich cultural and historical offerings.  

WHEN TO VISIT

I would have to advise that the best time to visit New Orleans would be during Mardi Gras (fluctuating annual dates in February - March) as this is the piece de resistance of this flamboyant city.  One who doesn't appreciate crowds, though, may not enjoy this time of year. 

Temperatures are mild during the months of February to May, so an ideal visit should be planned during this time - whether that includes Mardi Gras or a quieter period during that time frame. 

WHAT NEW ORLEANS HAS TO OFFER

New Orleans - The Crescent City
Nicknamed after its shape

I was amazed at all that New Orleans has to offer.  Visitors can experience activities including visiting historical sights, taking a haunted tour, visiting countless museums, taking in the nightlife, and so much more - all while enjoying the food and music it's so famous for.   

New Orleans is divided into several districts - the most famous include the French Quarter where one of the oldest streets, Bourbon Street, is located as well as Jackson Square; The Garden District which contains some of the most historic mansions in New Orleans; and the Central Business District in Downtown which includes the Arts & Warehouse Districts as well as Canal and Julia streets.

WHILE YOU'RE THERE, TRY TO DO & SEE:

• A haunted city tour (Several to choose from)
• An evening of theater or opera
• Dance the night away with exciting nightlife
• Tour of the different districts listed
• Audubon Aquarium / Zoo / Insectarium (maybe not)
• Mardi Gras (Don't forget to bring your shiny beaded necklaces)
• A parade or funeral procession
• Southern Food & Beverage Museum (Perfect for foodies!  Closed temporarily, but reopening later this year)
• New Orleans Museum of Art 
• Louisiana Civil War Museum
• National World War II Museum 
• African American Museum
• Cabildo (18th Century Building)

What an unbelievable list – and that only scratches the surface.   There's certainly no shortage of museums or cultural attractions to see while you're there.

MUST TASTE FOODS OF NEW ORLEANS

• Gumbo (A must. Okra simmered with Creole spices and vegetables with a variety of meat variations such as Chicken Gumbo)
• Jambalaya (Sausage, vegetables, & meat)
• Red Beans & Rice (Creole classic traditionally made with leftovers)
• Andouille (Smoked pork sausage)
• Crawfish Etouffee (spiced up Gumbo!)
• Po' Boy Classic sandwich (Variations include shrimp, fried oyster, or even gator!)
• Shrimp Creole (Tomato-based shrimp dish)
• Mufaletta Italian Sandwich 
• Oysters Rockefeller (their home town)
• Beignets (Mini French doughnuts with powdered sugar - a signature item here)
• Bananas Foster (I would like to personally shake the hand of the person who came up with this - flambeed bananas, brown sugar, spices, rum & ice cream.  Thank you!)

WHAT IS CREOLE CUISINE?

Not to be confused with Cajun Cuisine, Creole Cuisine is a style of cooking that was born in Louisiana and can be found all over New Orleans.

Creole is heavy on the spices and seasoning and full of flavor.  Traditional foods from France, Spain, Portugal, Italian, Native American, African, and Southern cooking are combined to create these incredible flavor combinations.  This unique combination of flavors are the heart of New Orleans food.  Make sure to savor every bite, keeping in mind your tolerance for spicy foods. Better have some Bananas Foster on hand just in case to extinguish that fire you're sure to have burning inside!

New Orleans has proven to be a sumptuous feast not only for the belly, but for the eyes, mind and soul as well. Thanks for coming along with me.   It’s been a wonderful adventure. 

It’s time for this journey to come to a close.   We’re headed back to my hometown of Portland, OR where we’ll talk about some of the great things you should see and do here before you head back to your hometown.