Hello Fodor's Community! Looking for your advice once again.

Heading to New Orleans 2nd week in Dec. This will be our first trip there, so we are open to ideas from veteran NOLA fans. We already have rooms (Hotel Provincial) but would love to hear current restaurant & activity ideas. Searched the boards, but most threads are several years old.

So, what is YOUR "can't miss" in New Orleans?

We go annually for JazzFest. We always eat really well. This past May we had four terrific dinners, but without question, the favorite (among all 8 of us) was Saba. I'd go back just to eat there again!

There's so much good food in NOLA...but so many mediocre tourist traps if you don't know where to go!

I have family from the area and know it well. Here's my restaurant short list:

- Parkway Bakery & Tavern for po'boys. Or try a local dive like Parasol's.
- Casamento's for oysters. Skip Acme...the saying is "Casamento's is for purists, Acme is for tourists." Note the quirky opening hours.
- Of the grand dames, Commander's Palace is my favorite. Brunch is especially fun and a bit less formal.
- I like the beignets at Cafe Beignet better than Cafe du Monde.
- Mother's has its detractors, but it remains the only place I have ever had seafood gumbo that tasted like my Cajun grandma's.
- Try Ya-Ka-Mein (ask locals where to get it near where you happen to be)...delicious!
- New Orleans has a vibrant Vietnamese community and you'll find great Vietnamese food. Lilly's Cafe is a good option.
- Get a muffaletta at Central Grocery and take it down by the river to eat and watch the boats go by.

As far as sightseeing, my favorite things to do include the WWII Museum (outstanding), the Ogden Museum, riding the streetcar through the Garden District and Audubon Park.

Have a wonderful time!

Oh, and if you're shoppers, stroll down Royal Street, which is a quick walk from your hotel. Lots of eye candy!