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Big Easy guide A few tips for New Orleans visitors
Posted: Saturday January 01, 2000 07:59 PM
By Rich Loup, CNN/SI If you're headed to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, you shouldn't have a hard time finding something to do. They don't call it "The Big Easy" for nothing because it seems there's always a party going on. Throw in some good food and New Orleans is a unique city to anyone that has never visited. Having lived in South Louisiana for most of my life, I have a small idea of what to do in New Orleans. I don't qualify as an expert, but here is a nudge in the right direction as you look for things to check out in the Crescent City. Most of these places are in the French Quarter, just blocks away from the Louisiana Superdome. With a city map in hand, you should be able to find these establishments with little problem. Jackson Square: Located on Decatur Street in downtown, this is a five-story shopping center that also includes a virtual reality arcade. The building was once a brewery for Jax beer, but now consists of a number of shopping and specialty stores. Riverwalk: This is another mall with about 120 stores, restaurants and pushcarts. The Riverwalk is located on Poydras, Canal and Julia streets along the Mississippi River. The building is connected to the New Orleans Convention Center and is near the Aquarium of the Americas, another place worth visiting. Café du Monde: This coffee shop also features beignets, a soft, floury breakfast-type bread that goes great with powdered sugar on top. Located on Decatur St. K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen: Famous Cajun restaurant founded by chef and Dom DeLuise look-alike Paul Prudhomme. If you've never had crawfish etoufee, I highly recommend it, even though the new crawfish season doesn't start until the spring. Any type of gumbo (chicken, sausage or shrimp) is also a good call. Located on Chartres St. Tipitina's: Features a variety of music, including jazz, reggae, funk, blues, rock and Cajun. Located on N. Peters St. House of Blues: A chain nightclub that is still worth the visit. Located on Decatur St. Pat O'Brien's: If you choose to stay and hang out a while, you can listen to the sounds of the piano and make requests, or lounge in the outside patio. Pat O's, as it's called, is known for its "Hurricane", a cherry-flavored alcoholic drink. You can also get your Hurricane to go, if you choose. Located on St. Peter St. Tropical Isle: The "Hand Grenade", a drink with a fruity flavor and a heck of a kick, is the beverage of choice here. Located on Toulouse St. Cat's Meow: This is a more up-tempo establishment and is usually packed. However, if you like to sing, warm up the lungs and try your voice on the Karaoke machine. Located on Bourbon St. Last, but not least, be sure to try a Lucky Dog from one of the street vendors in the French Quarter. The stands shouldn't be hard to find as you hear cries of "GET YOUR LUCKY DOG, HERE!" One more tip: Act like you know where you're going (even if you don't) and you shouldn't have any problems with crime. New Orleans is just like any other big city. If you're smart and try to stay in a group, you'll be fine. Have fun, or as they like to say in South Louisiana, "Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler (Let the Good Times Roll)!"
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