New Orleans: the soul of Louisiana
It’s not necessary to visit the city during Mardi Gras to experience the vibrancy of the American Deep South.
New Orleans is a city where jazz and Cajun cuisine intertwine. Let’s start with a café au lait and beignets, perhaps at the historic Café du Monde, a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, always bustling and always spacious (800 Decatur St).
The legacies of French and Spanish culture are evident at every corner.
Despite the French Quarter’s name, the architecture is largely Spanish, from when the Spanish took over from the French. Balconies characterize the entire Vieux Carré (or French Quarter), with airy wrought-iron structures. At street level, large windows create open spaces that seamlessly connect with the outside, making the streets lively lounges throughout the day and even more enchanting at night.
Jazz can be heard on every corner.
Equally enticing are the aromas of contemporary Creole cuisine. Be sure to stop at the Palace Café (605 Canal Street), where Dickie Brennan and his team continually reinvent traditional dishes with vibrant twists. Among their creations are the unique and delicious Crab Meat Cheesecake, Blueberry Gentilly Cake, and White Chocolate Bread Pudding. In New Orleans, jazz and Cajun cuisine are an absolute must.
Speaking of music.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum is a must-visit, celebrating jazz in the city of its birth. You can explore the neighborhood on your own or join a Historic New Orleans Tour, offering highly knowledgeable local guides to help you discover otherwise hidden corners.
The NOPSI Hotel.
We experienced the NOPSI Hotel, located at the edge of the French Quarter in a 1920s building beautifully restored in 2017, preserving elements that hint at its origins. NOPSI stands for New Orleans Public Service. The façade and neoclassical stuccoed lobby capture the charm of a bygone era, while welcoming guests into an atmosphere of elegance, service, and comfort. Rooms and suites are among the largest in the city, and with a classic-contemporary style, they provide a high-end lodging experience.
The Public Service Restaurant is a highlight.
Set in an archeo-industrial ambiance with exposed brick and wood, the restaurant offers a varied contemporary menu. Guests and visitors, after a stop at the bar, can enjoy oysters, crab cake ceviche, and other dishes closely tied to Cajun traditions.
