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.)
April 26, 2011
42nd Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2011, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is a 7-day cultural feast of unforgettable music, delicious Louisiana cuisine and artisan crafts. Also known as “Jazz Fest,” this year’s festival will be held from April 29 – May 1 and May 5 – 8 at its traditional home, the Fair Grounds Race Course.
This year’s impressive lineup of musicians includes local and national
recording artists from a wide spectrum of musical backgrounds including jazz, blues, zydeco, R&B, rock, Latin, folk, and much more. Some of the headliners that will grace the 12 stages at Jazz Fest include Jimmy Buffet, John Mellencamp, Bon Jovi, Robert Plant, Tom Jones and Willie Nelson. Of course local favorites like Dr. John, Trombone Shorty, Allen Toussaint and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band along with many others will represent the sounds of Louisiana and the Bayou.
Of course there is much more to the heritage of New Orleans than just music. The festival also celebrates the art and culture of the people who have come to define the region with four cultural exhibits and three craft areas. The Contemporary Crafts area, Congo Square, and the Louisiana Marketplace all pay homage to the distinct paintings, sculpture and jewelry of the African American, Cajun and Native American people of Louisiana.
Four cultural villages, the Grandstand Exhibit, Haitian Pavilion,
Louisiana Folklore Village and the Native American Village will all feature a variety of special events including seminars, dances, traditional food samplings and much more. In honor of one of the most influential cultures in Louisiana, this year’s Jazz Fest is hosting a Haitian celebration which is billed as the largest Haitian cultural event in the U.S. since the devastating earthquake a year ago. The event will include appearances by music artists such as Wyclef Jean, Boukman Eksperyans and Tabou Combo.
No Louisiana festival would be complete without an endless supply of Cajun and Creole classics like etouffe, gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish. Three expansive food courts will offer up an endless supply of local specialties being dished out by the best New Orleans has offer.
For a full list of the food vendors, cultural activities and musical artists performing at this year’s Jazz Fest visit online at www.nojazzfest.com. For accommodations be sure to check out the Frenchmen Orleans situated in the heart of the lively Faubourg Marigny neighborhood.
March 10, 2011
28th Annual French Quarter Festival
Every spring for four days the city of New Orleans celebrates the vibrant music and food that make the Big Easy one-of-a-kind with the French Quarter Festival. This year’s festival, the 28th installment, will run from Thursday, April 7 through Sunday, April 10 and will feature a variety of musicians and chefs as they bring the streets of the Vieux Carre alive.
Starting off this year’s French Quarter Festival is the newly added TGIF “Thank Goodness it’s Festival” Kickoff Party which is to be held Wednesday, April 6 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the House of Blues. Tickets for the event are $55 with the proceeds going to support the free four-day main event. Local blues legend Little Freddie King along with Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. from the royal family of Zydeco will be providing the music as the NOLA Jitterbugs swing dancing throughout the venue. Patrons at the kickoff party will also enjoy an endless supply of local Abita beer, house drinks and plenty of Cajun food.
Due to the success of the festival this year’s event will comprise of four full days for the first 
time. Eighteen outdoor stages at various locations in the French Quarter will be showcasing multiple genres of music including gospel, jazz, funk, classical, Cajun, Zydeco, brass bands and much more. With the exception of a few European bands who specialize in jazz, all of the nearly 800 musicians that comprise the 120 bands performing are located in New Orleans or the surrounding Bayou region, making the musical experience truly unique and one-of-a-kind.
The community festival also features the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” which is located in the heart of the Quarter 
at Jackson Square. Operated by nearly 60 local chefs and restaurants, the food court alone is worth attending the festival as the smell of Creole favorites like jambalaya, gumbo and etouffee permeate the air. Families attending the event can head west of Jackson Square to the Audubon Aquarium Riverfront Plaza where the Children’s Headquarters will be stationed. Interactive activities such as face painting, hands-on cooking demonstrations and karate lessons will keep the little ones content while parents learn about “healthy kids” programs.
For a unique and authentic New Orleans experience be sure to check out the 28th Annual French Quarter Festival. A complete listing of music schedules, menus and events can be found at www.fqfi.org. For lodging be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans, a short walk to the festival and all of the stages.
November 18, 2010
Christmas New Orleans Style
During the month of December the magical mystique that draws visitors to the city of New Orleans is spiced up a notch with a little additional kick of holiday cheer. Courtyards, iron-clad balconies and mossy oaks are all adorned with festive lights as the sound of holiday music echoes through the historic streets of the French Quarter, Arts District, Garden District and downtown. Escape the mundane and quench your seasonal appetite by celebrating Christmas New Orleans Style.
Recognized as a culinary melting pot and foodie destination, New Orleans and her chefs’ seem to exceed expectations during the citywide Reveillon Feast. Renowned chefs at 34 restaurants showcase traditional French and Creole techniques while preparing 4 and 5 course meals featuring masterpieces like Absinthe Oyster Soup, Fig Glazed Duck Breast and Eggnog Crème Brulee. Heighten your New Orleans culinary experience at the free cooking demonstrations being held daily at 1 p.m. in the French Quarter at Le Petit Theatre. Learn the secrets of the local cuisine and sample savory dishes as guest chefs perform their culinary magic.
Cooking up a feast for the ears, local musicians pound out their own blend of musical 
ingredients throughout the month long celebration. A melting pot of musical styles including jazz, rhythm & blues, gospel and Cajun can be heard at varies locations throughout the city. Step inside one of the country’s most recognizable churches for the Cathedral Concerts. Taking place in the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, the concert series features a wide range of musical styles and artist all performing for free. Only a few minutes’ walk from Jackson square, Hotel Monteleone will also be hosting a free concert series open to the public. The decadent Victorian style lobby is the stage for choirs from area schools performing classic and modern holiday favorites.
The 3rd Annual Treme Creole Gumbo Festival combines the best of both the music and food worlds and offers visitors to the area a more localized experience. The Treme neighborhood is legendary for the brass bands and musicians spawned from the jazz that permeates the air. The 
streets will be filled again on Dec. 11-12 from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with local musicians and a large selection of regional gumbo as the residents of Treme celebrate the holidays.
One of the main highlights during Christmas New Orleans Style is the Celebration in the Oaks at the New Orleans City Park. Running Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, 2011, the Celebration in the Oaks consist of multiple lights displays including a 20 minute state of the art musical laser show that illuminates the Botanical Gardens nightly. A variety of amusement park rides will keep the children happy while adult preview parties featuring live bands and alcohol will be available for the older crowd.
Come experience Christmas New Orleans Style this December and be enchanted by the twist the city adds to the holiday experience. For accommodations be sure to check out the fully equipped condominiums at Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans.
November 28, 2009
Finding the Green Faeries in New Orleans
