Friday, March 7, 2014

Swans at Mardi Gras 2014

We made it through Mardi Gras in New Orleans and had a great time. JoJo was with us most of the time and I can't thank her enough for taking the majority of these pictures. She got some great shots. 

The twins were really great travelers.  They kept up with their own backpacks and roller bags most of the time even though we changed gates three times and eventually changed flights moving to an entirely different terminal. They were exhausted by the time we landed in New Orleans and got our car.






But they snapped out of it pretty quickly and were ready to hit the town. 
Of course the first thing we did was go eat. We stayed at Aunt Debbie's awesome apartment with the best location. One street over is St. Charles and a great restaurant called Lüke.



Besides eating, the parades were a big hit. The kids caught on to yelling and waving for throws, but Connor liked to say, "Throw me something mens" instead of the traditional, "Throw me something mister!"


It was so easy to walk everywhere from Aunt Deb's apartment. One evening we walked by the river and the kids loved seeing the riverboat. Next visit we'll have to get tickets for a ride.

We ate at a ton of great places. I've provided review of restaurants at the end of this post for anyone planning a trip to New Orleans soon.

The trip was great and the weather was lovely, until Mardi Gras morning. It was rainy and cold. The boys went in pretty early, but Chloe was determined to catch some good throws. 

She wasn't ready to come in until she finally caught a stuffed bear. Then she was happy, Mardi Gras complete!


Restaurants to consider in New Orleans:
Lüke  504-378-2840
333 St. Charles Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70130

Great food but most expensive place we ate. They do have a kid’s menu.


Domenica 504-648-6020
123 Baronne Street
(between Common & Canal in the Roosevelt Hotel)
New Orleans, LA 70112

Happy hour daily, 3-6 half price drinks & gourmet pizzas.
Loved this place. Ate there for lunch one day and ordered take-out for dinner another night.


Mr. B’s Bistro  504-523-2078
201 Royal Street

New Orleans, LA 70130 


$1.25 bloody mary’s
$1.25 martinis
We always make an effort to go to Mr. B’s. Everything I’ve ever ordered has been delicious. Save room for dessert. They serve a bread pudding by which to judge all others.


Sainte Marie              504-304-6988
930 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

Good food, cozy atmosphere-small place so reservations are a good idea. Amazing service. Not really a place for kids.


Other places we love or that have been recommended to us but we didn't get to try this trip:

Café Adelaide & the Sizzle Stick Bar            504-595-3305
300 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

  
ACME              504-522-5973
French Quarter
724 Iberville Street

New Orleans, LA 70130


Café Du Monde         504-525-4544
800 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116


Palace Café    504-523-1661
605 Canal Street   (Canal at Chartres)
New Orleans, LA 70130


Peche  504-522-1744
Warehouse District, corner of Magazine & Julia
800 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

And just as I was finishing this post, I came across this article, "10 Restaurants New Olreanians Don't Want You to Know About" from Epicurious.


No comments: