This past weekend was spent in New Orleans, a city that has quickly made its way to the top of my list of favorites.  Even though I've never visited the South before, I've always felt a deep connection to it.  Through various books and movies, there has always been something so enchanting about the illustrious culture; and after this past weekend's adventures, it certainly lived up to my expectations.  I was enamored by the rich culture, southern hospitality, and not to mention the pride and hope regained post-Katrina. I spent most of the time eating my way from north to south, east to west, but there are far more things to do there than eat and drink.  If you're like me you'll probably also enjoy relaxing strolls through the quieter parts of NOLA, shopping for vintage goods, people watching, and not to mention a fair share of partying and dancing.  Here are just a few things I'd recommend:

1.   Try the the crawfish and tasso alfredo at COOP's place; don't forget the spicy bloody mary. 2.  Take the tram from Canal straight to the Garden District and enjoy the breeze (exact change for 2 people is 6$ for a day pass). 3.  Experience a crazy night on Bourbon Street (but avoid shots girls). 4.  Take a break over some Cafe Au Lait and Beignets at Cafe Du Monde. 5.  If you like BBQ, take a quick taxi ride out to The Joint on Mazant Street. 6.  Jazz and Bourbon on Frenchman Street. 7.  Buy a bottle of Dave's Gourmet hot sauce (Temporary Insanity is plenty spicy) 8.  Photo-ops in the French Quarters, (less tourists and crowds east of Decatur, north of Dumaine) 9.  Visit the antique mall on Magazine Drive in the Garden District. 10.  Make a reservation to try John Besh's restaurant August.

For more recommendations, just send me an email... there's an extensive list.