A Taste Of.....New Orleans

Did I say New Orleans?  Did I say good times?  New Orleans is a great city, with something to offer everyone, food, culture, jazz, ALCOHOL, drinking, boat rides, casinos, and of course, Mardi Gras.  This was my first trip post Hurricane Katrina, and I must say the French Quarter and Bourbon St have made a remarkable recovery.  

During this trip, I spent the majority of my time in the French Quarter, lots of walking and sightseeing.  The cuisine in New Orleans is rich and abundant, with southern dishes and seafood.  N.O. is known for gumbo, shrimp etoufee, jumbalya, oysters, alligator, beignets, bread pudding, and so much more. I spent time at Deenie's, Red Fish Grill, and Felix's, all on or around Bourbon Street.  The most amazing BBQ shrimp from Deenie's, with fresh baked French bread.  They give large plates, so you must go hungry.    Red Fish Grill, was amazing as well, fried shrimp, gumbo, and BBQ oysters with blue cheese.  Felix, is a local hangout, excellent food, tons of oysters at a great price.  And last, but not least, beignets (fresh fried donuts with powdered sugar) from Cafe du Monde....to die for.  Also found a small treasure called Loretta's, with sweet potato pies and pralines, one of the best sweet potato pies I've ever had.  I ate way too much, but this trip was undeniably a great time, it's a great city, and I will go back soon.

Here's a glimpse of the sights and sounds of New Orleans....

24 Hours in Vegas.....

It's now the day after Christmas....and I finally have time to report on two of my recent trips....Starting, with one of my favorite cities.   Sin City, otherwise known as Vegas.  I have been traveling to Vegas for the last 15 years, at least once a year.  No matter the time of year, it's a guaranteed fun vacation.   Gamble, drink, gamble, eat, shop, GAMBLE....the strip has a lot to offer, even if you don't gamble.

My most recent trip was to see the Michael Jackson, the Immortal Tour at Mandalay Bay.  The show was awesome, would highly recommend it.   The music and dancing was phenomenal!   This trip was spent primarily on the South end of the strip, near Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and MGM.  Toured the new City Centre, first time viewing the Cosmopolitan and ARIA hotels.    The Cosmopolitan was hip, young, contemporary, with chandeliers everywhere...check it out.

Celebrity sighting of radio personality and entertainer Steve Harvey.  Here are a few sights and sounds of Vegas, all I can say is GO....it's a great time.