The NOLA I Haven’t Experienced: Part 1

This post was written by the Experimental Mommy.  This was a press trip therefore hotel and meals were provided.  All opinions remain 100% honest.

With the 8th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina just two days away, my Facebook and Twitter feeds are full of memories and throwback pictures of the days and months after the horrific event.  I have my own memories and experiences to share which are forever engrained into my brain, but as the years pass the bad days become fainter and we become NOLA Strong.

It is for this reason, that I love to share the good and positive things about My City to prove that New Orleans is back…bigger and better than ever.  Recently, I was honored to take part in a blogger event hosted by the NOLA Collection Hotel group in which I got to explore sections of the City that I have never experienced before.  Living in New Orleans makes it super easy to play tourist in your own hometown!

On night one, we were welcomed by a New Orleans legend, Dickie Brennan, to his newest restaurant, Tableau.  Set in the historic Jackson Square next to Le Petit Theatre, the sheer ambiance of the place makes it worth visiting.

After being escorted to a beautiful private wine room, we listened to stories about the origin of the historic building and it’s new partnership with Le Petit Theatre while munching on authentic French Bread.  The truffled crab finger appetizer was delicious as were the shrimp remoulade.  But the pièce de résistance was my entree, the Filet of Beef Bearnaise.  Simply put, it was perfection.  Best.Steak.Ever.

Friday, I checked into the Bourbon Orleans hotel with my roomie Renee from What Mommies Need.  The location of the hotel is within walking distance of many popular attractions including Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Cafe du Monde, and the French Market.  The lobby was impeccable and decorated with many fresh flowers but the ice tea bar was definitely my favorite part!

Our room on the third floor was very spacious, clean and comfortable.  The view of the pool and greenery made it hard to believe we were in the middle of New Orleans.  At night, I heard little to no street noise which is a great feature for a hotel in the French Quarter.  While our night was quiet, one blogger did have a paranormal experience…did I mention this hotel is haunted?

We finished up the day with dinner and dessert at the new restaurant, Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails.  Chef Greg Sonnier, who studied under world-renowned Chef Paul Prudhomme, has created some delicious dishes with very creative presentations (see my chicken dish below).

But beyond the food, there are the cocktails.  Oh so many cocktails.  Head Bartender Chris McMillian, named Best Bartender 2012 by New Orleans Magazine, serves up some New Orleans classics such as the Sazerac but is known for his trendy modern drinks as well.

The first 24 hours just proved to me over and over again why I love living in New Orleans.  I can’t wait to share Day Two!