New Orleans Dining and Creole Cooking in Louisiana
Mon, Aug 6th 2007, 00:00
New Orleans is the capital of Creole cuisine. In fact, New Orleans has had a reputation for fine restaurants since the early 19th century: Antoines Restaurant opened in the French Quarter in 1840.
New Orleans experienced food shortages and economic disaster following the Civil War, yet Creole cooking flourished. The first Creole cookbook was published in 1885.
The population of New Orleans reflects its cosmopolitan past. A French colony until 1763, it was transferred to the Spanish for a spell. During this time the Acadians began migrating to the area, settling mainly in the eastern prairies around the present site of Saint Martinville and later along the Lower Mississippi and Bayou Lafourche. New Orleans was ceded back to France in 1800, but Napoleon I then sold the entire Louisiana Purchase to the United States in 1803. Louisiana became the 18th State on 12 April 1812.
New Orleans Music and Good Times
There was some antagonism between the Creoles and the new American settlers. Canal Street became the neutral ground between the old French Quarter and the new American part of town.
The more relaxed and liberal attitudes of the French and Creole meant that the community of free persons of colour prospered in the French Quarter. Slaves were allowed to gather in public and play their native music. African beats, with Creole and Haitian influences, intertwined with the city's trained musicians and now famous brass bands. This fascinating mix gave birth to jazz.
At the turn of the last century, the undisputed centre of good times was Storyville. The vision of Alderman Sidney Story, the city established an experimental district for legalised prostitution. Storyville flourished for 20 years and its lavishly decorated bordellos were legendary. The best bordellos hired a house pianist to greet visitors; the citys most talented musicians would get together to perform for bordello patrons.
Music and good times are the legacy of short lived Storyville. Decades later, a distinctive brand of rhythm and blues emerged from New Orleans. And this in turn influenced the growth of rock and roll.
New Orleans has since expanded, but The Quarter remains the cultural hub. Bourbon Street is the star attraction ... quiet during the day, it comes alive at night for the citys legendary restaurants and night life.
People flock from all over for the festivals. Mardi Gras sees thousands of revellers throng Bourbon Street each Fat Tuesday to view the outrageous costume contests. Celebrations go on until the stroke of midnight, which signals the end of Carnival and the beginning of the penitential season of Lent.
There was much devastation to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, August 2005. But the locals did not waste time regenerating the city. Restaurants and clubs reopened even when it meant grilling on the sidewalk and keeping the beer cold with a generator. Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest are back. After all, this is a city that loves its parties!
February to April is the best time to visit ... the milder weather coincides with the citys two most spectacular events, Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.
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- Scully's Crab Shack (2010-02-04)
Located in Midland, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada
Scully's Crab Shack brings the French Quarter to Midland, experience true New Orleans in the French Quarter dining room with it's perfect atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Enjoy a cocktail in the Mardi Gras bar and listen to the finest entertainment in the blues lounge. For the daring and brave enjoy that Cajun feeling in the Bayou room.
read more » - Sleep Inn (2009-09-23)
Located in Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, United States
Sleep Inn, a Slidell hotel near the French Quarter in Louisiana offer Business facilities, non-smoking rooms and handicap accessible rooms. Nearby attractions include: French Quarter, Stennis Space Center, Audubon Nature Institute, Jackson Brewery and activities such as boating, sailing, water-skiing and swimming easily accessible from the Sleep Inn hotel in Slidell.
read more » - French Quarter
Located in Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Come dine with us and experience the flavor of New Orleans. Stay inside and enjoy our air conditioned dining area and bar. Or dine out on our patio and take in all the sounds of Cozumel. Either way you will have a dining experience that is unforgett...
read more » - Memphis French Quarter Suites
Located in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States
The Memphis French Quarter Suites is a historical hotel which sits in the heart of Overton Square and Midtown Memphis in the United States, and is only four miles from the downtown area. Memphis French Quarter Suites is a charming, classical French ...
read more » - McDonald's (2009-04-24)
Located in Willits, Mendocino County, California, United States
McDonalds Willits needs no introduction being part of the global McDonald's franchise, dig in to a big mac or a double cheese with fries, quarter pounder anyone? Burgers are guaranteed 100% pure beef - kids love it and this McDonalds has a drive thru and playground option. For the more health conscious there are salads or wraps.
read more » - Catalina Bar & Grill (2012-03-22)
Located in Hollywood, Broward County, Florida, United States
Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood is a wonderful supper club with superb food, and they live up to their slogan of nothing but the best in live jazz. Catalina Bar & Grill is a great venue for events and parties, have a gift shop with hats and tees which can also be ordered on-line, and guarantee an unforgettable lunch or night out.
read more » - Douglas Ballet Academy (2009-05-27)
Located in Burnaby, Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Douglas Ballet Academy in Burnaby is proud of its Performance Division which consists of dedicated dancers who wish to expand their dance horizons by performing at many different venues throughout British Columbia, as well as the world.
read more » - Dakota Jazz Club (2009-02-18)
Located in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States
The Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, is a favorite club among many of jazz´s top players. Now having said that, we can say much more. Some of today’s finest musicians actually request a gig at The Dakota.
read more » - Jax Bar & Grill (2012-03-19)
Located in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Jax Bar & Grill in Glendale, California is a premier jazz supper club that offers live jazz seven nights a week, promising wonderful entertainment and dining options. Enjoy a great and varied menu with something for everyone, and large portions at affordable prices, Jax Bar and Grill is rated one of the best jazz supper clubs in the Los Angeles area.
read more » - Aka Doudou Restaurant De La Baie
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Welcome to Aka Doudou Restaurant De La Baie which is located on and facing the beach of the bay in Le Moule, on the Island Guadeloupe.
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New Orleans Dining and Creole Cooking in Louisiana reviews
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