Being in New Orleans recently, the differences between The Big Easy and The Windy City were too numerous to count: a stark difference in temperature ( at the time ) ; flora and fauna ( ranging from lizards to palm trees ) ; and New Orleans' quintessential slow Southern style, exemplified by the older women who greeted me with the phrase "How ya doin', my baby?"—something that made me blush every time I heard it.
Here are some of the places one should experience ( with a friendly group of other writers ) in the Warehouse and Garden districts as well as in the French Quarter:
—Harrah's New Orleans ( www.harrahsneworleans.com ) : This hotel offers a ton of pluses, including a view of the Mississippi, a spacious exercise room—and, of course, the Harrah's casino. The casino ( which is open 24/7 ) has more than 2,100 slot machines, roulette wheels and related items, all in an area measuring more than 115,000 square feet. By the way, the hotel's staff is among the nicest this writer has ever encountered.
Another reason to visit the casino and stay in the hotel is Besh Steakhouse. The double-cut Berkshire pork chop with crabmeat and orzo risotto is one of the best dishes around, without a doubt. Other offerings include the 38-ounce cowboy steak; Louisiana shrimp with Jacob's andouille; and Pére Roux Cake with bananas, Creole cream cheese and white chocolate.
—Arnaud's Remoulade ( 309 Bourbon; www.remoulade.com ) : It's a casual Creole restaurant along the famed Bourbon Street—and the food is enough to knock off your socks. Whether you want jambalaya, crawfish pie, po boys, blackened catfish or turtle soup ( far tastier than I expected ) , this is the place to go.
—Pop City ( 940 Decatur, 3109 Magazine; www.popcitynola.com ) : Calling itself a "pop-culture emporium," this shop offers unique fashion, music and art items.
—Garden District tour: There are several reasons to tour this historic area, not the least of which are the impressive mansions that boast many architectural styles ( including the Brevard-Rice House, which is where writer Anne Rice resides ) . Also be sure to explore the Lafayette Cemetery and the Garden District Book Shop ( 2727 Prytania; www.gardendistrictbookshop.com ) , which carries a huge collection of regional titles and autographed books.
—Sucre ( 3025 Magazine; www.shopsucre.com ) : This eatery offers scrumptious macaroons, heavenly gelatos, salted caramels and, oh, so much more.
—Crescent City Farmers' Market ( www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.org ) : Sorry, Chicago—this market is far more expansive than the ones here. With everything from crabs and crayfish to soap to jewelry, this market has something for everyone. ( By the way, be sure to tell Oscar—he of Oscar of New Orleans—hello. )
The photos accompanying this piece will provide an even more vivid picture of what this stunning city has to offer.
P.S. I actually came out ahead in the casino! I put $5 in one of the slot machines, and came out with $40. People often go on to try to parlay their winnings into something more, but you know what I did? I cashed in, my baby.
