At the Lalaurie Mansion

In Pirates Alley

Shooting video for the book trailer

TAKE A BREAK FROM GHOSTHUNTING

A few more favorite spots in and New Orleans' French Quarter

Last week I wrote about my favorite haunted places in NOLA.  Here are a few other spots that may not be haunted, but which haunt my memories because of their superior quality and service.

SEAFOOD:

When I was first inspired to write L'immortalité, Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen, Anderson Cooper was in New Orleans covering the oil spill.  Night after night, he would remind viewers that the seafood in NOLA was safe and delicious.   It still is.  If you like oysters, stop in at the Desire Oyster Bar at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street for some of the best.  Across the street at 739 Conti Street, Oceana Restaurant serves great seafood, delicious turtle soup, and even gator tail bites.

If you want to see gators rather than eat them, look at Hollywood artist John Weston's illustration in my book or for the real thing, call Cajun Encounters Tour Co at 1-866-928-6877 for an "as seen on TV" swamp tour.

FRESH PASTRIES:

Visit Antoine' Annex at 513 Royal Street.   This place has good coffee, too. Good walking tours start next to this place.

STEAK:  

Probably the best steak I ever had was at Dickie Brennan's at 716 Iberville Street.  My personal experience here was great food and fantastic service.  I wish that whoever trains the staff would visit every other restaurant in America and train them the same way.

COLD  DRINKS:

To enjoy the music that made New Orleans, Maison Bourbon at 641 Bourbon Street offers live jazz that is a refreshing change from the otherwise uninspired and uninspiring music found on Bourbon Street.  Decent drinks at a decent price.

For that old French Provincial feeling and, during the day, a light bite to eat with your drink, try Flanagan's Pub at 625 St Philip Street.  Open 24 hours. Good walking tours start from here.

To beat the heat, visit Harrah's New Orleans at 228 Poydras Street.  The refrigerated mug well that runs the length of the bar will keep your beer cold as long as you are there.  Judge Jean Canonge, a historic character in my book who enjoyed gaming, would have loved this place.

  No consideration was offered or accepted for inclusion on this list.  There are many other great places to visit in New Olean's and this unsolicited list merely reflects the personal opinion of the author.