to New Orleans and back

My goal in New Orleans was to get some good fish and biegnets and I'm happy to report I accomplished both.

The first day I was there, I took Vanessa, a work friend of mine from Ohio, to Cafe du Monde. She had never been to New Orleans and it's a must for a first-timer. It's situated so perfectly on Jackson Square in the French Quarter and I just don't think you could feel the same about the trip if you hadn't visited Cafe du Monde. It's one of those places that Rachael Ray would definitely put on her $40/day show. 3 biegnets cost $1.82, so it's really only a drink that would set you back.

I apologize in advance for the poor picture quality. Someone had messed with my settings and I didn't realize it until too late.

I really think eating beignets is one of the least graceful things you can do. I wore navy blue pants and regretted it even before I took the first bite. There was powdered sugar everywhere!

The first night we were there, we had a very late dinner at Bayona's. It was such a nice little setting with fantastic cuisine. I ate the scallops with risotto and it was seriously the best I've ever had. Then, for dessert, I had a strawberry/chocolate torte.

The second night, we ate at Olivier's. It was so incredibly suffocatingly hot in the restaurant, but the food was great, so I was okay with it. I ordered the crab/salmon cakes and they were served with carrots and potatoes. The carrots were so sweet and the crab cakes were the best I've every had. Then, for dessert, one of my friends and I split two. I ordered the bread pudding and she, the cheesecake with praline topping (pronounced PRAH-leen, if you live in Lousiana). Again, the dessert was fantastic!

I can't say enough about dining experiences in New Orleans. They really know how to do restaurants. The meals are so well-prepared, the service is impeccable, and you don't feel rushed. It's nothing for a meal to last 2-3 hours and hey, you're in the BIG EASY, so you don't care.

My plane was delayed getting home tonight and I really wanted to post some more sneak photos, but the sun was gone by the time I pulled into my driveway. So, at least that gives me something else to show you tomorrow :)