I’m finally getting to the pictures I snapped two weekends ago when we took a small family trip to New Orleans. My brother-in-law was visiting from England, so it was a first for him as well as for my parents-in-law! Last Mardi Gras season I was on the verge of utter despair at seeing everyone’s posts and photos of the season’s happenings, revelry, and food. I was somewhat appeased by the fact that I’d be visiting the beloved city a few months later for Jazz Fest, not to mention my friend and previous landlord who kindly mailed me a King Cake from Sucre!

This year we arrived about a week and a half before the major Mardi Gras parades, and this was a nice way to show our family members around town, unimpeded. Everyone should experience Mardi Gras at least once in all its glory (and aside from Bourbon Street, it is quite family friendly). But for a first-timer, being a tourist and soaking in all the goodness without all the crowds and blocked roads is the way to go. We were able to show them one parade on St. Charles after an amazing meal of red beans and rice and homemade King Cake prepared by my friend Erin! Our hearts and bellies were certainly full that day. We also did a great deal of French Quarter walking (one of my favorite things to do whenever I visit), antiques window shopping, wine drinking, beignet eating, and laughing with dear friends.

As far as good eats, we hit some old familiar favorites like The Gumbo Shop, Juan’s Flying Burrito, and even Canseco’s grocery store (walking distance from our old place). We tried a few new places including 1000 Figs (food truck turned restaurant and the best falafel I have ever tasted) as well as Donald Link’s newish restaurant Peche, winner of two coveted James Beard Foundation awards. It had been way too long since I had some delicious oysters on the half shell! Our last night in New Orleans was spent at Bacchanal, one of my absolute favorite places. We enjoyed a few bottles of wine and listened to some gorgeous, upbeat Jazz by The Roamin’ Jasmine. All in all, it was a wonderful trip! This is definitely a city that I have a constant pull towards, for so many reasons.

Below are a few shots from our trip. Happy Carnival, ya’ll!