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New Orleans Trip Report - Dec. 2014

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New Orleans Trip Report - Dec. 2014

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Old Dec 17th, 2014, 03:24 PM
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KVR
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New Orleans Trip Report - Dec. 2014

New Orleans, LA – December 1 - 5, 2014

We go somewhere every year in either November or December and call it "Our Christmas". Since our passports are now expired, and I haven't gotten around to renewing them, we decided to return to New Orleans. This is our 3rd trip. First trip was in November 2004 and then April 2013. In November, 2004, we stayed at the Holiday Inn French Quarter on Royal Street, which was a good hotel in a fabulous location. It is now the Wyndham French Quarter. Our trip in April, 2013 we stayed at the Bienville House on Decatur. DH has been having sciatica/walking issues for the past 9 months, so we thought the Wyndham French Quarter would be a good choice due to location and price, and it was.

Wyndham French Quarter Hotel - I booked a Southwest Vacation Package and found a $75 off promo code. Unfortunately, the only room that could be booked with their offer was a standard room with 2 double beds. Whatever. I asked when we checked in for a king bed and was told no, so we made do with the double beds. We were given room 1011 with a small view of the river to the left. The room looked exactly like the room we had back in 2004 with a few upgrades. I know it was on the same floor; the 10th with the indoor swimming pool. For all I know it was probably the same room. The room/hotel was just fine and the location is excellent, so I wouldn't mind staying there again.

Restaurants -

Ole Saint Kitchen & Tap - This restaurant is attached to the Wyndham hotel. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's also a sports bar and has a wide selection of craft beers on tap and several TV's. We ate breakfast there one morning before a tour. Had the Country Omelet, which was pretty good. On Thursday night, we returned and watched the second quarter of the Cowboys vs. Bears game.

Felix Oyster House - We ate here on our last trip twice. Just love their char grilled oysters. We went about 4pm and there was only a handful of people in the restaurant. Also, had the roast beef Po' Boy, shrimp gumbo and pecan pie.

Acme Oyster House - We have eaten here twice in 2004. In 2013, we could never get in because it was so crowded and had people lined up down the sidewalk. This trip that wasn't an issue. It was still more crowded than Felix. Again, had the char grilled oysters. I liked Felix's oysters better. Their butter sauce was just more flavorful. Also, had the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, which was yummy and the fried catfish that was wonderful. Overall, I would say if you want char grilled oysters go to Felix. If you want something else go to Acme.

Muriel's - Ate here in 2004 and loved it. This trip, we were just not that hungry when it was time for our reservation, so we had an appetizer and salads. Had the shrimp remoulade. It was good, but I have yet to find any that beat Arnaud's shrimp remoulade sauce. Also, had the Jumbo Lump & Avocado Salad, which was good and the Spinach & Granny Smith Apple Salad, which was fabulous. That had to be one of the best salads I have ever had. Had the crème brulee for dessert and it is one of the best.

Antoine's - We went for lunch. They had 2 set priced menus and their regular menu. We chose the $20.14 lunch menu that included a .25 cent cocktail. The cocktail consisted of their drink of the day and could not be substituted. That day is was some kind of tea mixed with vodka served in an traditional champagne glass. I thought it tasted terrible. DH drank 3 though. We had the char grilled oysters, strawberry salad, shrimp creole, roasted chicken breast, cheese cake and chocolate Sunday. It was all very good. We have done the Commander's Palace .25 cent martini lunch on 2 prior occasions. I liked Antoine's' food, location and atmosphere better. They need a better selection of thier .25 cent drink offerings though.

Mr. B's Bistro - We ate here on our last trip and just loved the bar-b-cue shrimp. We went about 7:45pm and the place was packed. We had a 45 minute wait for a table. When we were finally seated it was right next to a large group of obnoxious, loud patrons. Definitely ruined the entire dining experience. I swear their voices and laughing could have peeled paint of the walls. The waiter keep apologizing to everyone sitting around them for their rude behavior, but didn't have the nerve to tell them to knock it off. We had the gumbo ya-ya, bar-b-cue shrimp and the pecan pie. Food was good, atmosphere horrid. Would not go back during such a busy time again. We ate as quickly as we could and left.

Richard Fiske's Martini Bar - Our last 2 trips we ate at the Bombay Club and just loved it. The Bombay Club had closed and re-opened as Richard Fiske's Martini Bar in another location. I like the set up of this restaurant better. It's bigger and has more room with a separate bar area from the restaurant. They still have the enclave dining sitting, which we love. The drink menu was the same as the Bombay Club. I love their champagne cocktails. The food menu had changed. We had the Caesar salad, which was OK. The dressing could have been better. I liked how the Bombay Club prepared their Caesar salad better. Also, had the shrimp gumbo, Shepard's pie and the Fried Eggplant Pirogue with Ratatouille. I have to say the Fried Eggplant Pirogue was the best entrée of the entire trip. Too bad we ate here on our last day as I would have gone back just to eat that again. Also, had the crème brulee and it's still one of the best. The bar area was big enough for a small band. They had live music playing when we went. However, the music was too loud and the singers not that great. Would have preferred a jazz set like they had at the Bombay Club. I understand that the Bombay Club at the Conti hotel will eventually re-open.

Bourbon Street Oyster House - We had the soup of the day, which was andouille sausage, mustard greens, potatoes and white beans in broth. It was very good. The fish tacos, which were good and the char grilled oysters. The oysters here were bigger and more plump than Felix or Acme, but they used a Creole bordelaise butter sauce on them, that was OK, but I didn't really care for it. I rather have the garlic butter sauce.

Court of Two Sisters - We went for the jazz brunch. I have read many questionable reviews of their food, but on our last trip we did a walking cocktail tour that stopped here, so we decided we would try their brunch this trip. The food offerings was a huge selection. To us though it was like most any buffet. It was good. I found several sections that were pretty good. We sat outside in the court yard by the jazz trio, so the atmosphere was very nice.

Entertainment -

Frenchman Street - We didn't make it to Frenchman Street our last trip, so wanted to make sure we did this time. Truthfully, I didn't see the draw. We probably went at a bad time as it was on a Monday night during a slow time of year, so nothing was really going on. We walked up and down the area twice and popped into a few places and left. We'll have to try again during a better time.

Carousel Bar - On our last visit, this place was so crowded I swore I would not return in the future. Since it was on the way back to the Wyndham from Frenchman Street, we stopped in for a night cap. It was not crowded or loud, and we had a much better experience. The Hotel Monteleone lobby and the bar was beautifully dressed for Christmas.

Pat O'Brien's - We went for the dueling piano's. The place was packed, but we were able to get a seat. Seating was with whatever chair was available, so it meant sitting at a table with other people. We stayed for about an hour and a half. I swear the drinks were watered down. It was a fun diversion though.

Riverboat Cruise - Booked the Chalmette Battlefield Mississippi Cruise on the Creole Queen riverboat. The riverboat cruised down the Mississippi River for about 30 minutes with an informative narrative and then stopped at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park at the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. We disembarked for an hour to roam the grounds, visitor center and small museum. There was a park ranger that gave history of the site. Then we returned to the river boat to cruise back to the waterfront area. The riverboat had a full bar and snack area for purchase. It was a very good tour and we were glad that we booked it.

Planation Tour - We wanted to do this last trip, but ran out of time. We decided on touring the Houmas House Planation. We were picked up from our hotel in a shuttle van and taken to the planation. There were 12 people on this tour. It takes about an hour to get to the Planation and then we are given about an 1 hour guided tour of the house and grounds. The house is occupied by the owner, so we weren't able to see every room. The rooms we did see were set up museum style. Lots of period furniture, artifacts and collectibles. There is a full restaurant and bar on site. After the tour we ate in the restaurant, looked around the gift shop and it was time to head back. The food at the restaurant was fabulous. We had the smoked salmon with cucumbers, fried shrimp Po' Boy and raspberry puff pasty for dessert. This was a great tour and we were glad we did it. Our tour guide for the house was very informative and had a great personality.

Taste Buds Food Walking Tour - We did a similar tour on our last trip, which was the French Quarter Culinary History and Tasting Tour. We enjoyed both tours. They are each a little different as to the establishments that they go to. The Taste Buds tour goes to more local/casual restaurants while the Culinary tour goes to more of the higher end restaurants. This tour we went to Serio's for a muffaletta, The Old Coffee Pot for jambalaya and shrimp gumbo, Spices and Tea shop, which I purchased Jamaica Jerk Spice and Tuscany Spice. They have spices, salts, teas, custom blends, and herbs. Each packet I bought was $6. I would have bought more if it wasn't so expensive. It would have been great for Christmas gifts. Johnny Po' Boy's for a roast beef Po' Boy and Laura's Candies. They have a variety of candy and pralines. There are several out for tasting and being on the tour we got a whole praline patty. I bought a box of Mississippi Mud and Cajun Bark candy, which were $20 a box. Got a 10% discount for being on the tour. Last stop was Café Beignet for chicory coffee and beignets at the New Orleans Legends Park. Afterward, I ran into Arnaud's Remoulade's Restaurant and bought a bottle of their remoulade sauce for $10. We also walked through the Royal Sonesta Hotel, which was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Witches and Brew Ghost Tour - We did a similar tour in 2004 and really enjoyed it. On this tour we met at the Courthouse and then walked through the French Quarter. The guide provided history of various places and houses related to ghosts, witches, vampires and voodoo. It was a fun and informative tour. It was only us and one other couple with the guide. After the tour, we went to Jean Laffite's Bar and us and the other couple spent another hour drinking and talking. Next time I would like to do a cemetery ghost tour.
Summary - Another great trip and we will definitely return. The weather was absolutely perfect. Low to mid 70's during the day with full sun and no wind. Didn't even need a jacket at night. I like this time of year better than when we went in April. Less crowded.
I have pictures posted including everything we ate and drank at:

https://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfly.com/pictures/9956

Just click "all" at the top to scroll through them.

 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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Old Feb 5th, 2015, 05:09 AM
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I'm doing research for a 3-generation family trip to NOLA in June. This information is great! Thanks for posting and for all the detail. I'll definitely look at your recommendations. I've been to New Orleans a couple of times but not for a few years.
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Old Feb 5th, 2015, 11:01 AM
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I am going again for a week in mid-March, over St. Patricks day weekend, there will be parades, very psyched. Was there for a 5 day trip in Oct. By far the best meal was at Tableau, Dickie Brennan's newest restaurant overlooking Jackson Square. Balcony seating is wonderful, overlooking the park and cathedral. Food was awesome. Turtle soup was the best I have ever had. Lots of half-portion entrees if you want to eat lighter, which was great for us.

French Quarter Phantom tours had a fantastic tour of Treme area. It is the only tour of that area offered, and it was rich in interesting history. We also did a St. Louise cemetery tour with them, very good.

I think Acme is way way overrated these days. It was great for oysters years ago. It has gotten too popular. Oysters on half shell and food in general at Bourbon House at the corner down from Acme are much much better than Acme.
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Old Feb 5th, 2015, 11:07 AM
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Thanks, emd3, for the additional info. I'll make note of your restaurant advice as well as the tour of Treme. I haven't heard of a tour to that area so I'll definitely look into it.
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Old Feb 5th, 2015, 11:59 AM
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Thanks for the report!

We're thinking of doing that battlefield tour when we go to New Orleans, so I'm glad to read a good review.

Lee Ann
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Old Feb 6th, 2015, 11:31 AM
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Great shots!
I HAVE to work a return to NOLA trip in soon.
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Old Feb 18th, 2015, 07:32 AM
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"I think Acme is way way overrated these days. It was great for oysters years ago. It has gotten too popular. Oysters on half shell and food in general at Bourbon House at the corner down from Acme are much much better than Acme."

I don't necessary agree with this comment. I did not like the butter sauce at the Bourbon House they put on their oysters. I do agree that the oysters at Acme were just OK. The ones at Felix's are better than both Acme and Bourbon House. However, the general food at Acme we really did like. Guess is just depends on the person. Try all 3 and make the determination yourself.

Sharona, I have another trip report of New Orleans posted here from April, 2013. It has other restaurants and tours that we did. Hope you have a good trip. We look forward to returning in the future. We are heading to Puerto Rico in May.
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Old Feb 19th, 2015, 05:28 PM
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While we enjoy Acme in other locals (Covington, Baton Rouge), in the French Quarter we always go to Felix's. The wait at Acme in the FQ just isn't worth it when you can walk across the street to Felix's.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2015, 06:44 PM
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Not sure what kind of oysters you are referring to, but they do not put butter sauce on the oysters on the half shell at Bourbon House. My comment regarding oysters was about oysters on the half shell.
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Old Feb 23rd, 2015, 09:14 AM
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My comment was regarding the grilled oysters. My comparison was the grilled oysters at Acme, Felix and Bourbon House as noted in my trip report. I haven't had the raw oysters on the half shell since I discovered the grilled oysters with garlic butter. Either way I would still go with Felix.
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Old Mar 18th, 2015, 05:18 AM
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Hi,
we were there primo March this year. The weather was fine except for some rain showers during the day, one day or two I think. Sunshine and great weather.Many visitors because of the spring break. If you enjoy talking to people, it´s the right time of the year. You can meet many people from all over the world.
Riverboat Cruise: the Natchez steamboat offering a Sunday jazz brunch tour. You spend on the boat listening to live jazz music and eating brunch, displayed on tables lined across the far end of the room. No excursions on land included, but plenty of chance to get info about the river and the 1815 battle of New Orleans site.
Shopping: There is the Riverfront Outlet just at the wharf behind the Westin hotel and Harrah´s Casino.
If you want something to eat there are many possibilities inside the mall, (no view though).
Else one can enjoy the riverfront from 3 restaurants just on the Plaza de Espagna, just outside the mall.
I liked the Crazy Lobster, where the price was reasonable, the view was magnificent, the oysters and crawfish were fresh, but theservice was just adequate.
Tried many times the streetcars, 3US for a daypass.
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