by Danielle Nava
There’s something about the Fall that just makes everything better. After the EXTRA long summers in New Orleans, the first cool snaps in October can make you want to skip down the street with a plaid shirt and a scarf on and hug everyone in sight. We need that extra energy because it’s the beginning of a long holiday and festival season here, and it’s time to make your schedules!
Since moving to Esplanade Avenue, Bayou St. John is quickly becoming a new favorite neighborhood of mine. It’s a small historic neighborhood in between City Park and Broad St. along Esplanade. The homes, street names and bayous give it beautiful character. Bayou St. John is just a 10 minute cab ride down Esplanade from the French Quarter, so I recommend venturing out. You’ll find many hidden treasures, but none quite as charming as the French Restaurant, Café Degas.
I get asked pretty often what my favorite restaurant in New Orleans is. My response goes something like this: “oohhhh that’s a tough one. What neighborhood slash category are we talking about?” Yes, I have a working list of favorites, but it’d be wrong to just pick one. Unnatural even. I can, however, stomach picking a favorite from each area in the city.
First up, is Uptown.
i’m gonna admit right now that this blog entry is as much for me as it is for you. those who know me well know how much i love “decorating” my calendar and making lists. it gives me ridiculous pleasure to map out my near future…especially during my favorite season, which is spring! i’ve had it up to here with this crappy weather. i am ready for warmth and sun rays and margaritas and floral dresses and music festivals and the smell of a crawfish boil for crying out loud! i know you’re with me on this, so feel free to take a few minutes to whip out your calendar and daydream about the warmer days ahead.
everyone should have a neighborhood bar. st. joe’s is mine. it’s not the most popular or swankiest bar, but it’s got three essentials: a signature drink, friendly & divey atmosphere and a nice back patio area. other pros are that it’s just a few blocks away from my home and has a pool table & juke box. i also heard through the grapevine that ryan gosling stayed here til 3am this one time, sooooo i’m pretty sure he’ll be back one day. reason enough to pop in a few times a week, right? just in case.
brunch. it really is the most loveliest of meals. wouldn’t you agree? mimosas, bacon, waffles, eggs benedict, and of course, good company. nola takes brunch to a whole other level. […] Read more…