New Orleans, also know as the Crescent City, is one of my favourite places to photograph on the Gulf Coast. The city is full of interesting people and I never find it hard to capture an interesting shot. While we have been in Mississippi I have visited the city well over a dozen times, and it never gets old. In a month we will be moving back to Vancouver and I will miss my adventures to the Crescent City.
Fried Alligator and Jazz in the Crescent City!
In New Orleans, I had my first taste of alligator, and yes, it does taste like chicken! And I experienced the birthplace of jazz in some of the greatest jazz bars in the country. I fell in love with Creole cuisine here. A blend of flavours from French, Spanish, Indian, Caribbean, African, German, Italian and Irish influences. Gumbo and shrimp and grits are two of my favourite Creole dishes. And don’t confuse Creole cooking with Cajun cooking! Cajun food is based on French and Southern cuisines. A hearty helping of jambalaya, dirty rice, étouffée or boudin will hit the spot!
The French Quarter
The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is probably the best know neighbourhood in New Orleans. And although it is a tourist trap, you have to visit it once. And to experience it in all its grandeur, go there on a Friday or Saturday night!
Frenchman Street
Once you have your fill of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, which won’t take too long, venture a little bit to the north-east. Here you will run into Frenchman Street. Located in the Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood, it is best known for the city’s lively music venues, eclectic restaurants, bars, bookstores, and coffee shops. Of all the neighbourhoods, this one is the one I frequent the most. If you love live music, you have to stop at Frenchman Street.
I have many great memories of the Crescent City! And I hope that one day I will be able to photograph here again.