5/29/2010

New Orleans

The month of May has flown by faster than I could process - between traveling to New Orleans to present my research data at a medical conference, helping my mom decorate and furnish her new house and working on a big sewing project with my aunt - I have barely had any time for ... anything!

I am excited to have some more free time now and I wanted to start by sharing with you some pictures from my New Orleans trip, I spent almost 2 weeks there and although the conference took up most of my time, I was still able to see some beautiful parts of the city, and eat some incredible meals.  Some of the best meals I had were at John Besh's restaurants - August and Luke - the chicken and matzo ball soup I had at Luke is one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten.  And their French 75 cocktail made with cognac, fresh lemon juice and champagne has become a staple in my drinking repertoire.

I spent a lot of time sitting in the lush and green parks in the French Quarter, watching the vibrant city dwellers and eager tourists.  I also had a great afternoon walking through the Garden District streets and seeing all the beautiful southern mansions on my way to having brunch at Martinique Bistro (some of the best yet simple French/Creole food I've ever had)

Here is a short list of some of my favorite pictures I took while there:


Art on Jackson Square.


An old Facade on Gravier Street.


 A courtyard in the French Quarter.


Jackson Square - Plaza de Armas.


Jackson Square - Quiet on a weekday.


Monteleone Hotel Facade.


Incredible local blues/jazz band "Tuba Skinny" performing in the Quarter.


Walking around near the canal.


A vintage Jaguar XK150 in the Magazine Street shopping area.


Karla Katz Antiques - A chic and eclectic antiques store on Magazine Street.


Pirate's Alley in the French Quarter - Home to the amazing Faulkner House Books store and ex-home to William Faulker (it's where he wrote Soldier's Play). With a charming and friendly propietor and some rare first edition books - it's a place one could spend all afternoon in.


Old Facade in the French Quarter.


An adorable kitten on Royal Street.


Garden District streets.


Jasmine hedges in the Garden District.


"The Mansion" on St Charles Avenue.


Gardens in the Garden District.


St Charles Avenue Trolley.