"Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler" a New Orleans Travel Page by SFHulaGIrl

I just returned from my NINTH (yes, you heard me correctly!) trip to New Orleans. There's just something about this city that I can't stay away from. This was my fourth trip visiting alone.

From my first bite of my first return meal (at Muriel's), I knew exactly what it means to miss New Orleans! Though I live in San Francisco which has quite a reputation for its restaurants, I truly believe that New Orleans tops it. I prefer food with CHARACTER -- something that jumps out at you and amazes you with its unique combinations, its textures, and even its traditions -- much more than food that's overly "refined." The service in any New Orleans restaurant puts that of San Francisco to shame; it's that Southern hospitality. As a testament to how much New Orleans food appeals to me, let me assure you that I gained five lbs. during four days there!! Now I'll be hitting the gym immediately!

Have you ever been to the Rock N Bowl? If not, you simply must go. It's an experience not to be missed. I first went in July, 2002, to this bowling alley featuring live music in the Mid-City area. Thursdays are Zydeco Night and the place is always jumping. On my initial visit, I wasn't brave enough to attempt any dance steps. This time around, however, several men insisted that I'd never learn without trying. I danced many times with various partners (all of whom possessed very different styles) and had a BLAST!! If I lived in New Orleans, they'd find me at the Rock N Bowl every Thursday night!

VT member, Upward, and I had agreed to meet for drinks on a Friday night. We started out at The Kerry, then moved on to Molly's on the Market, had a pizza at Angeli on Decatur, and ended at dba on Frenchmen Street. There's nothing quite like having a local to show you around, and give you their own unique perspective on their town. Upward shared his tales of traveling in China and South America, and I shared mine of previous New Orleans trips and Europe. I spent a very enjoyable evening with him.

I love "trolling" the antique stores along Royal Street. One can find antique furniture, coins, fire arms, walking sticks, porcelain, silverware, estate jewelry, rosaries, prints, paintings, and on and on. Once I found a beautiful loose cameo, which I later had made into a gorgeous pendant. I also ventured out to Magazine Street on this trip to check out the antique and boutique-y shops in that area.

New Orleans is full of things to do during the month of December. There are art shows, caroling, bonfires along the river, Reveillon menus, steamboat races, tours of historical homes and cooking demonstrations. I attended one of the free Christmas concerts at St. Louis Cathedral on a Saturday evening. They were featuring the Greater Antioch Full Gospel Choir. The cathedral was filled to capacity, with many standing in the aisles. Hearing such pure voices sing the praises of God and the glory of the season really made the meaning of Christmas stronger.