Jean Wines Photography | Your Hampton Roads Photographer
Over New Years Eve, my family and I visited New Orleans, Louisiana. Nola greeted my family to cold wet weather. Apparently, winter does exist in parts of the south. We ventured out as much as possible, with umbrellas in hand. Thoughts of authentic creole cuisine kept our spirits up. And promises of Café du Monde beignets added a pep to my step. Together we walked everywhere visiting popular tourist attractions such as: The French Quarter, Jackson Square, The Aquarium of the Americas, and The National WWII Museum. Our favorite was the National WWII Museum. It has a fantastic layout, interactive exhibits, and kept my children busy!
Of course, there was a parade for entertainment: The Sugar Bowl New Years Eve Parade 2016. Despite the rain, colorful floats rolled by and crowds of people fought for beads. We were proud to support my daughter’s high school as they marched in the parade. Later on Jan. 2nd, along with other schools from all over the U.S., they marched at the halftime show during the Sugar Bowl. Way to go Hawks!
Jean Wines Photography
I have to be honest and admit my favorite task when planing a trip is researching places to eat. Admit it, you do too! Second, I research things to do and if I can bring my camera along or not. This trip was no different. Our favorite restaurants in NOLA were Mother’s, Restaurant des Families (Crown Point, LA) and Café du Monde. Mother’s had a long line but was worth the wait. Po-Boys are a must there! A Louisianan friend of mine recommended, Restaurant des Families. It is a drive away from downtown. But, sometimes a break from the noise and crowds is welcomed. The service was excellent, they have beautiful marsh views and the best gumbo! Seriously this restaurant is worth every penny.
Café du Monde, was étonnamment sucré. There is nothing more rewarding than the first bite of warm beignets dusted in a heaping powder of confectioners sugar. Memories of your long wait, outside and in the rain, will fade away instantly. Gladly so, you will remember only the sweet experience. Sips of the robust chicory coffee, almost cleanse your palate as you go in for another bite of sugary bliss and help ground your wandering thoughts. Don’t worry about the mess of sugary dust falling in your lap, on your clothes, and sprinkled all over your nose. This is the mark of heaven in your mouth. Relish in it. Go more than once, prices are more than fair and take a souvenir mug home like I did.
Truth be told, I have dreamt of warm beignets on pillowy clouds of confectioners sugar since. Maybe next year, the hubs and I can go alone. And, do more adult things….like take a walk on Bourbon street.
Xx