Sweet Visit: New Orleans

I can't think of a much better way to spend three short days than Passover/Easter in New Orleans.  Matt had a much-needed weekend off and we meet at the restaurant of our hotel on Friday night. Any vacation that starts off with a Sazerac (the local specialty) and a plate of prosciutto served with something I can only describe as "savory beignets" is bound to be a good one.

We woke up Saturday morning and took a walk around the French Quarter, where I could not stop taking pictures of darling houses:

Along with some friends, we had Saturday afternoon cocktails next to the pool- I had a pink gin fizz:

pink gin fizz

Dinner Saturday was at Cochon, a Cajun-Southern restaurant where I had oyster roast, soft-shell crab, and strawberry pudding. This all served as very good padding for a night exploring the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. We begin Bar Tonique, made our way down Bourbon Street, and ended at the bar at the The Saint Hotel. Somewhere along the way, Matt bought me a Mardi Gras mask. It was a very, very good night.  

The clock in our hotel lobby

We had Sunday brunch at Atchafalaya, off Magazine Street. I had deconstructed oysters casino on top of a corn cake. Delicious. 

Matt and I split a beer while waiting for our table.
No open container laws= quite the party on the sidewalks while waiting for a table. 

I'm planning on reading Beautiful Crescent: A History of New Orleans as soon as I can take it out from the library to learn more about the history of New Orleans. I'm so fascinated by this gorgeous, decaying, deeply weird city. 

* an administrative note- you can now follow Sweet Heartland on Instagram!