New Orleans

Katrina: A Year in Remembrance

As we approach the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, newspaper articles and documentaries on television will bring back the vivid memories of how New Orleans was devastated by the worst natural disaster in US History. We will be reminded of the levee failures and who are to blame, that 80% of New Orleans was flooded, and that looting and crime were out of control. We will be reminded of… Read More »

Andreas: A Great Dining Experience

This past Saturday night my wife and I had dinner with good friends at Andreas Restaurant in Metairie. I've enjoyed great meals there before but, in this post-Katrina world, I now have a greater appreciation for extra special experiences and realize what a gem we have right here in Jefferson Parish. The atmosphere was very cozy and friendly, and even at capacity, I still felt very comfortable because tables are… Read More »

Dungeness Crabs and The IMPROV at Harrah’s!

This past Friday night, my wife and I went to Harrah's with friends for dinner and to attend the IMPROV comedy show. Friday night at Harrah's for dinner is very popular because it's "Dungeness Crab" night. We met at 6 pm and the lines for this special buffet were already wrapped around the restaurant area. Within 30 minutes we were seated for what was about to be a mouth watering… Read More »

Katrina FAQs

Your site says that New Orleans is open for business...what about the hurricane? Didn't it destroy most of New Orleans? Everyone in New Orleans has been or knows someone who has been affected in some way but no, Katrina did not destroy most of New Orleans. Just neighborhoods you would not see if you did not look for them. You'll see from pictures on this site and the news that… Read More »

$1.50 Chocolate Snowball Please!

Several nights a week, my wife and I cool off with a snowball from Casey's on West Esplanade in Metairie! Many nights, it's the meeting place for several of our friends.Snowballs are a tradition for locals all around the New Orleans area. For me, it's as New Orleans as Red Beans & Rice or even Mardi Gras! Many towns across the country have "snow-cones" but they are nothing like our… Read More »

Our July 4th Celebration: This year is special

For the last 15 years, I have spent my July 4th evenings working the Go 4th on the River Celebration. Each year, the entire Riverfront is crowded not only with locals but also with visitors from the Essence Festival, an annual July 4th weekend event which produces sold out hotels and very happy restaurants and retail businesses. But there was a different scenario this year...the year after Katrina set our… Read More »

Rediscover New Orleans!

I have spent the last 30 years of my life promoting New Orleans. After Katrina, besides my home flooding, I was not called back to work. My job was to promote an attraction in New Orleans. Much has changed in my life in the last 10 months, but the one thing that has not changed is my love for New Orleans. I find myself thinking of all the reasons visitors… Read More »

Thank you, 17,500 Librarian Visitors!

If you were Downtown this past week it felt so good to see convention delegates in mass numbers walking the streets, shopping, eating (spending money) and having fun. The American Library Association's annual conference was a huge success in more ways than one. Besides the normal benefits to an association to have a smooth and successful event, it was so beneficial to our tourism economy. Additionally, with 17,000+ delegates returning… Read More »

The Librarians Are Here!

At last, the wait is over. The American Library Association, the first major citywide convention post Katrina, begins today through June 28. The exhibits will be open June 24-27 in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The conference features a wealth of famous speakers such as First Lady Laura Bush, Madeleine Albright, Cokie Roberts, Anderson Cooper and many more. Local retail shops, restaurants and tourist attractions have been eager to… Read More »

Now is a Great Time to Visit New Orleans!

From the New Orleans CVB: The historic areas and tourism core of New Orleans have enjoyed the reputation for being a safe place to be for residents and visitors alike, and more so in the months following Hurricane Katrina. During this time, the city has seen a major reduction in crime. Visitors have enjoyed a high degree of safety and security while touring America's most walkable city. Read more...  … Read More »