All Jazzed Up
(FORTUNE Small Business) – This city may be known as the Big Easy, but deciding what to do in it can be pretty hard. Should you hop aboard one of the fabled streetcars, or amble around Uptown, where oak and magnolia trees provide shade by day while gas lamps flicker in the evening? Or meander through the French Quarter, where the shops and the pace are Old World, not new economy? Bite on a beignet, or feast on Cajun or Creole fare? Stand on the corner listening to a street band, or duck into the Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro? Then again, why choose when you can do it all? Restraint is a Northern thing. In New Orleans, indulging is a pastime for locals and visitors alike. --WENDY MARTIN STAY Hotel Provincial: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and just two blocks from Bourbon Street, this family-run hotel's 100 rooms are furnished with Creole and New Orleans Victorian antiques. Rates: $189-$375. (504-581-4995) Suite Jazz Bed & Breakfast: This B & B's huge, plant-filled balcony overlooks the city's newest music scene. Whirlpool baths, fully equipped kitchen. Rates: $75-$300. (504-949-9869) The Soniat House: Built in 1829 by plantation owner Joseph Soniat Dufossat, this restored respite in the French Quarter has maintained its Greek Revival character and lace ironwork. Rates: $195 and up. (504-522-0570) EAT Brigtsen's: Tucked amidst the charming buildings in the Riverbend area, this home-turned- restaurant has three dining rooms and an outdoor porch. Don't miss the outstanding butternut shrimp bisque for $6.75. (504) 861-7610 Irene's Cuisine: Locals and regulars mix in this moderately priced and cozy "Creole Italian" restaurant with a piano bar. Don't leave without sampling Irene's best appetizer, escargots aux champignons. (504) 529-8811 Uglesich's: This Uptown dive serves classic Cajun-Creole fare such as seafood po-boys and fried green tomatoes topped with Creole shrimp remoulade. One catch: It's only open until 4 P.M. and just serves lunch. (504) 523-8571 |
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