J_Correa

It looks like I am going to be going to New Orleans early next month for work and I am looking for some updated information on the area - open restaurants, hotels, etc.

Normally I would probably stay in the CBD and head over to the FQ in the evennings to eat and hang out. Still a good idea? Any recommendations?

Normally I would be beside myself with glee at the prospect of going to New Orleans, even if I had to work while I was there. With the hurricane and everything being so recent, I am not sure what things will be like.

Thanks.

mah1980

There are a good amount of restaurants reopening, and a lot that are already open. My husband works in the CBD on Poydras Street and they have gone to many places for lunch.

I think that your idea of staying in the CBD and hanging out in the FQ is still good. Those are the areas that were relatively unscathed. Also consider uptown for restaurants as many of those are apparently open for business.

I just pulled up the link for the list of restaurants open: http://www.nola.com/openforbusiness/...?category=4088

And here is the list of hotels open:
http://www.nola.com/openforbusiness/...?category=4098

The hotel list, at only 11 supposedly operating, does not seem accurate. Of the hotels listed I would highly recommend the International House and the Intercontinental, both in the CBD.

likeswords

To get an idea of what's open and what's not, I've been checking in with www.villaconvento.com periodically; I recommend them as a hotel (in the FQ) and as a reliable source of information.

neworleanslady

I agree that staying in CBD is still your best bet. I went to the city for the first time yesterday. We had lunch at ACME in Metairie b/c we were in that area, but there are several restaurants open - most with limited menu's, but I'm sure you still can't go wrong. Your hotel will be best for suggestions on which restaurants are open once you get there.

J_Correa

Thanks everybody.

MzPossum

Dear neworleanslady
Do you know if Drago's in Metarie is open?
Thanks

nmlhats

You can find good updates at these sites to see who's open for business:

http://www.fqba.com
http://www.frenchquarter.com
http://www.neworleanscvb.com

also check the forums at
http://www.nola.com/forums

Sincerely,
Your friendly neighborhood Katrina victim

J_Correa

Thanks for the links nmlhats. They are really helpful.

mah1980

i like your closing- "your friendly neighbrohood katrina victim." nmlhats- where do you live exactly?

nmlhats

I live part time in Texas, part time in the French Quarter. I commute to my job in N.O. 3x a month (only once since Katrina). But I start flying there again regularly next week!!!!

mah1980

i would love to live in the french quarter. we live in the northshore (Mandeville/Covington) although my husband commutes to a law firm in the CBD.

drh

Yes, Drago's is open but if you are going there for their chargrilled oysters they are not serving them right now. They do not have the oyster shuckers hired they need.