travelinggourmand

I'm back after my culinary adventure. Thanks for all the tips. I was there for just 4 days including the weekend. Found out that many restaurants are closed Sundays and some Monday and many without lunch so planning is important. Here goes:
Cochon was upscale casual. Had 3 apps. Fried rabbit livers on pepper jelly was really good with nice contrast in flavor and texture. Fried boudin balls were ok. Alittle mushy. Pig cheeks were good. I'd go again.
Had raw oysters at Felix's. Acme was too crowded. Oysters were plump but lacked any salty flavor.
Mulates was near my hotel so I ate there twice. Gumbo thin but very tasty and loaded with stuff. Fried platter of crawfish, catfish, grilled frog legs, crab claws and stuffed mushrooms was ok. Too much fried stuffed. had to dip in sauce for added flavor. Nice casual atmosphere with zydeco music.
Pascal Manale was in Garden District neighborhood. Pleasant area. Place is 97 years ole and evidently legendary. Visited by many celebs years ago. Had seafood stuffed ravioli with sauteed shrimp on top. Good but not great. Friendly bartender.
Mr B's Bistro was upscale and did remind me of a French bistro except the tables were all separated and not cozy like in Paris. Guess we like our privacy more. Had their famous BarBQ shrimp which were excellent. Pull off the heads and suck the juice out. Also had Pork Belly with some kind of jam on top. Very tasty but small portion. Had to try it because pork belly is all the rave now. I guess you can only eat so much pork fat.
Attended a Congo Rhythm festival in Armstrong Park which was exciting. Lots of drums, singing and dancing. Had gumbo, red beans and rice and fried chicken. Yum.
Of course did Cafe DuMonde and to be honest the cafe au lait is too much au lait. Bagniets were hot, sugary and do again.
Couldn't find NOLA food to take home from the French Market like they used to sell but I found Fisherman's Seafood in the Garden District and bought lots of sausages and seafood in order to make a great cajun meal soon. Oh, yes, if you want any of the seasonings and packaged mixes, just get them at the typical grocery store and pay less than half of what you'd pay in the French Quarter.
All in all it was a good solo trip. Of course, it'd be a different experience with a gang of people who like to really booze it up on Bourbon St. Aside from a Pimm drink I stuck mostly to Abita beer which was very good.
By the way, I stayed in the warehouse district and found it quite quiet and acceptable. Close to streetcar and buses.
If you go, I highly recommend the National WW II museum. It was an emotional experience.
Carol