In a return to New Orleans, a search for what's new and affordable
New Orleans' French Quarter is a labyrinth of wrought iron and stucco, with paths leading to hidden talents, quaint courtyards and liquor-induced heartache. Day and night, life springs from its streets, which provide the connective tissue for a city that refuses to die.
The entire city engages the senses, from the wafting aroma of fresh-baked bread pudding to the putrid smell of Bourbon Street revelry.
Ten years and one monster hurricane had passed since my last visit to New Orleans. My goal was to discover what was new or affordable, in the aftermath of Katrina's destruction and Wall Street's meltdown.
AFFORDABLE EATS
Creole restaurants such as Commander's Palace, Arnaud's Restaurant and Emeril's New Orleans are legendary. But with one eye on our wallet, we decided to forgo upscale ambience in favor of value.
Johnny and Betty De Grusha started Johnny's Po-Boys (511 St. Louis Street) in 1950, and the small eatery remains a popular lunch spot. French bread that's crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside is stuffed with a choice of more than 50 fillings. Adventurous eaters might opt for alligator sausage or boudin, but the traditional breaded shrimp po-boy ($10) dressed with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and pickles will not disappoint. Simply put, it's the best I've ever had.
At the Camellia Grill, bow-tie clad waiters serve famous omelets ($7.49) and ice cream freezes ($3.69), along with a good dose of camaraderie. The original location (626 South Carrollton Avenue) opened in 1946, and it's still a treat to ride the St. Charles street car to enjoy a greasy burger ($3.99) or piece of apple pie ($3.69) warmed on the grill. Tourists won't be disappointed by the new, larger French Quarter location (540 Chartres Street), which opened late last year.
The courtyard of the Gumbo Shop (630 St. Peter Street) is a great place to try a combination plate of crawfish étouffée, jambalaya and shrimp creole ($12.99). Reasonable prices and a rollicking atmosphere make this a good place to sample New Orleans cuisine. End the meal on a sweet note by trying the hot bread pudding with whiskey sauce ($4.99).
Our culinary adventure came to a crawl when we indulged in entomophagy, or bug eating, at the Audubon Insectarium (423 Canal Street). A bug's life and yours will cross paths at the Bug Apetit cafe, where visitors choose from delicacies such as hoppin'-herb dip or six-legged salsa. A crunchy, vanilla-covered cricket had me picking my teeth for the next hour.
D Day Museum New Orleans - News
The National World War II Museum (945 Magazine Street) expanded in 2009 to include the new Solomon Victory Theater, which shows "Beyond all Boundaries," an impressive 4-D film. Snow falls during the Battle of the Bulge and seats vibrate while the
During the heat of the day, escape to a museum, typically so cool you may need a sweater. A new permanent exhibit, "Living With Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond," opened last fall in the Presbytere building of the Louisiana State Museum (adults, $6;
In the plans to renovate the original D-Day Museum, where exhibit space showcased both airplanes and tanks, the design included an 18-by-18-foot sliding door built directly into the curtainwall. The engineering and fabrication teams at New Orleans
In his feature-length documentary humorist and New Orleans resident gets the inside story of a disaster that could have been prevented from the people who were there. 7:30 pm July 6. $9; discounts available. 795-0844. Tucson Chapter of PFLAG - Ward 6
Traditional New Orleans brass band leads procession from the Speedway Corridor to the Wabash Ballroom in the Wabash Corridor, 1:30 to 2 pm Seminar with Mardi Gras Indian Chief, 2 to 2:45 pm; stage performance, 2:45 to 3:30 pm Included in $10 general
National WWII Museum offers overnight experience for families ...
This November, Press will be 2, and I already can see a major difference in him. He can make it through an entire event, depending, of course, on the length and time of day. He's dancing and cheering to music, and even has begun to make his own food selections at festivals. I love all of this.
Babies are cute, but they don't say or do anything. Toddlers talk and totally enjoy the most mundane things: Checking the post office box is an adventure for him.
Unfortunately, though, there still are some things Press is too young for just yet. This week, I got an invitation to spend the night at the National WWII Museum. I can't even imagine how Press would react to sleeping under the museum's C-47.
Children have to be at least 7 and no older than 12 to take part in the sleepover. I am certain this wouldn't be my husband's idea of fun, but I am hopeful that when Press gets old enough we can check out this cool event.
Families arrive July 9 at 6:30 p.m. and are invited to take part in war games, a USO-style show, midnight movies, a PX snack bar and morning reveille. Spaces must be reserved in advance.
Even if your child is too young to take part in the sleepover, I strongly suggest taking them to the WWII Museum. Our family is particularly fond of the food in John Besh's American Sector restaurant.
The WWII overnight experience is $55 per person, $45 for members. At least one adult per three children is required. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Call 504.528.1944, ext. 229, or visit www.nationalww2museum.org/education to reserve your space online.
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Maria Montoya is a mother of three and online coordinator for features at The Times-Picayune. Send suggestions for Family Affairs to mmontoya@timespicayune.com or call 504.826.3446.
D Day Museum New Orleans - Bookshelf
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The National D-Day Museum is located at 945 Magazine Street in New Orleans. ... The museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, ...