August 11, 2011
Eating in the Marigny
In our most recent edition of Journeys we explored Adolfo’s Restaurant, an Italian Creole style eatery just steps from the front door of Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans. What’s exciting about the Frenchmen Orleans is Adolfo’s Restaurant is just one of the many great establishments within walking distance of the resort, making this destination a food lover’s paradise. Grab your fork, spoon and appetite and let’s take a look at some of the other mouth watering meals just outside the front door of the Frenchmen Orleans.
Cake Cafe: Sitting at the corner of Chartres Street and Spain Street, the Cake Cafe is a five minute walk from the Frenchmen Orleans, making this neighborhood hot spot the perfect stop for breakfast. A simple yet charming atmosphere is accompanied by some of the most decadent pastries and cupcakes imaginable, filled with everything from champagne to rum. More than just pastries, the cafe also offers a large selection of omelets and sandwiches, all made with the freshest local ingredients available. Menu standouts include the the crab, spinach and brie stuffed omelet, shrimp and grits, and any of the many dishes that include the Boudin sausage which is made daily on site. (Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Praline Connection: The Praline Connection is a New Orleans staple with various locations throughout the city. Luckily the original is on Frenchmen Street just a
few doors up from the Frenchmen Orleans. While the Praline Connection originally garnished fame for their sweet caramel and pecan concoctions, it’s the southern soul food that brings patrons back time after time. The menu reads like a southern dinner bible: fried chicken, meatloaf, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and of course peach cobbler. In addition to southern classics they also serve up some of the best Cajun and Creole dishes around such as etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya and a personal favorite the traditional shrimp po-boy. (Open Mon-Sat 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Mona’s Cafe: You can’t eat Cajun or Creole every night – well maybe that is debatable – however for those of you looking to change the flavor palate up a little 
there is Mona’s Cafe, a short stroll across the street and two doors down from the Frenchmen Orleans. Consistently listed in multiple local publications as a “best of” in the Mediterranean category, Mona’s serves up some of the most mouth-watering hummus, falafel, lamb and chicken I have ever eaten. The aroma of turmeric, paprika, cumin and cardamom permeate from the kitchen as specials like beef shawarma, lamb kabab and stuffed grape leaves come pouring out. Be aware though, Mona’s cafe does not sell alcoholic beverages, however if you’re in need of a cold beer you’re more than welcome to cross the street, grab one, and bring it back in to enjoy. (Open Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sun noon-9 p.m.)
August 1, 2011
Satchmo SummerFest 2011
The city of New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz, and beloved native son Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong is the most notable forefather of the jazz movement that started it all. In honor of the man who helped birth jazz, the city will host the 11th Annual Satchmo SummerFest from Aug. 4 – 7 at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. The four day festival will feature an extensive array of musical artists, food, speakers and special events.
Started as a one-time salute to Armstrong to commemorate his 100th birthday in 2001, Satchmo SummerFest now averages 26,000 guests a year. The event features four stages of live music in the French Quarter and seminars by leading Armstrong historians at Maison in the Marigny. New Orleans has plenty of local jazz legends that will be paying tribute to Armstrong including Shamarr Allen, the Rebirth Brass Band, the Soul Rebels and most notably Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers. Also performing will be international jazz star Yoshio Toyama, who formed a jazz band called the Dixie Saints after falling in love with Armstrong’s music.
Best of all, for the first time ever all of the performances will be held under 40-by-80-foot tents providing protection from the early August heat. Other new additions to the 2011 Satchmo SummerFest include extended hours for more music (noon-8 p.m.), and an impressive new menu provided by some of the best local restaurants including Lasyone’s, The Three Muses, The Bombay Club and Royal House.
In addition to an endless selection of live music the free community event will feature a variety of
alternative activities. Saturday and Sunday the NOLA Jitterbugs will be giving free jazz and swing dance lessons at the Cornet Chop Suey Stage in between sets while just down the road at Maison, located in the Marigny, an array of speakers will present seminars that include discussions, music and movies all relating to the importance of Armstrong and his influence on the revolution of jazz. The weekend festivities will conclude with a traditional “Trumpet Tribute” and second line parade down the musically rich Frenchmen Street.
For a Satchmo SummerFest schedule of events visit www.fqfi.org and for additional information on lodging in the area be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans, located within walking distance to all of the activities of Satchmo SummerFest.
[MSOffice1]Since that phrase was already used in the first sentence.
