tamryn

Just back from another great trip to New Orleans with my family-DH, 13 year old son and 17 and 19 year old daughters. Stayed at the W French Quarter and loved it. Very nostalgic for me as I used to stay in the Hotel De La Poste with my family. Great service and loved our small but well appointed room. Best is the great location on the "quiet side" of the Quarter. Quick walk to everything but much less commotion when you don't want to see it!
Took a big group to Acme Oyster, which was fun. Brunch at Court of Two Sisters had a huge display of many NOLA favorites, although I find myself less excited about shlepping back and forth to buffets. My third return visit to NOLA did not disappoint-something for everyone and all at the highest quality. Of course lots of beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
New highlight of the trip was the French Quarter Culinary tour with Albert. My aspiring foodie daughter and I basically had a private tour of many of the best kitchens in the city. Best of all were the explanations of the history of the Quarter and all the peoples who have influenced it and its delicious cuisine. Highly recommend!

1jan1

tamryn, I am so very glad to hear that NO is up and ready to go. It is one of our very favorite destinations and it sounds like you like some of the same places to eat that we do. Always have to hit Acme Oyster bar as soon as we get to town. We were last there for just two days while on our way to a wedding in Florida about two weeks before Katrina. We had a wonderful dinner at August and stayed at the Ritz Carlton.

The tour with Albert sounds great - can you give me some more information?

1jan1

tamryn

I booked the tour online through Verve.com. There are 2 tours on alternate days. The other has just started back again post-Katrina and includes small tastings at several restaurants. The problem has been that most of the restaurants have not reopened for lunch, so that makes the tastings difficult. We were not available on the tasting day and our tour was only 2 hours. Our tour guide Albert is a retired architect, so he was SO resourceful We went all through the kitchens and private rooms at Antoines and Arnaud's. Went to a preserved large home where the original 1800 courtyard cooking is on display by docents. Went through Brennans and TuJaques and peeked in the back window at Cafe Du Monde. The best part was the story behind each nationality's contribution to the food that we love so well. Highly recommend!
By the way, Jan, our friends were staying at the Ritz and said it is in top notch shape!

norrisken

Would that web site be http://www.zerve.com ?

tamryn

Yes, Ken, the site to order tickets and get reveiws/info is www.zerve.com/culinary . Good luck!

norrisken

Thanks. We just purchased airfare to NO for March 2-6. This will be my second trip. The first was from May 7 to May 10 1995. I spent 2 days in my hotel room in St Tammany Parish. Any guess as to why? I hope this trip works out better. I've been checking the many threads and there is some great advice. Thanks to all!