unforgettable night on frenchman street // new orleans

Mrs. H and I just got back from a weekend couples trip to New Orleans. Being from Mobile, I went to New Orleans several times a year growing up. I have always loved the city, but this trip gave me the opportunity to see New Orleans from a different angle.

We crashed at the home of some friends - on Bourbon Street no less. People watching from their balcony could be a weekend getaway in itself (i.e. the across the street neighbor who sat indian style and stared at us as if we were invaders to [his/her???] space). 

A highlight of the weekend was exploring Frenchman Street, the authentic first cousin to Bourbon Street. We started our time by exploring the Frenchman Art Market, the refreshingly uncluttered street market with art you might actually want to display in your home. 

Frenchman Art Market

Everybody needs light-up furniture

The Spotted Cat took the crown as my new favorite bar in New Orleans. I'm no bar critic, but I have well defined opinions of what I don't like. Upon entering The Spotted Cat, I could tell we were in for a treat. 

Meschiya Lake and The Little Big Horns were playing, and we all were rapt from the first note. After doing a little research, I discovered the Meschiya has quite the story to tell (she was a light-bulb eating burlesque clown in a former life - no lie). I don't think I have ever seen a group perform at a bar with so much passion. The musicians were like school boys who had just held a girls hand for the first time. Needless to say, The Spotted Cat can expect to have a repeat visit from Mr. and Mrs. H.

The Spotted Cat Music Club // Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns

-mr.h

la petite grocery | new orleans

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Clearly, we love traveling and we love food. Needless to say, traveling to a food city makes our hearts sing. On a recent trip to New Orleans, I finally got to try La Petite Grocery. I'd been trying to make it there during our last few trips to Nola, but hadn't been able to. Fiinnnallllllyyyyy, I was able to tastes the delights of this wonderful place. And, I was not disappointed!! In the midst of restaurant greats (Galatoire's, Commander's Palace, etc), it totally holds it's own. In fact, it may be my no. 1 pick in New Orleans right now. I loooooved it. 

The Blue Crab Beignets are one of the best appetizers I've ever put in my mouth. I was with a group of friends and every entree ordered was amazing. I love the restaurant's design -- it feels classically New Orleans with a little freshness added to the mix. It's housed in an old grocery store (hints the name). And, you know my love for historic architecture... I was in heaven. To sum La Petite Grocery up in a phrase: "what's not to love?" My only regret was that I waited this long to try it. 

-mrs.h

perch - nola

My husband has many amazing passions; however, like most guys, shopping is not one of them. Thus, his overview of NOLA didn't include my favorite place to stop in The Big Easy... Perch. Girls, this post is for you. If you're going to New Orleans this Spring or Summer, it's worth pulling your guy in there for a little interior inspiration--and leaving with a goody wouldn't be so bad (smirk). Plus, Coquette (mentioned here) is only a few blocks away, so you can lure your man to Magazine Street with promises of good food after a quick trip to Perch.

day trip to new orleans

To celebrate our third anniversary, Mrs. H and I decided go to New Orleans for a quick getaway. Growing up on the Gulf Coast, trips to New Orleans were a fairly frequent occurrence in my family, so I certainly have my favorite memories and spots (esp. Cafe du Monde and high tea at the Windsor Court Hotel).

Apparently the rest of the world was celebrating something too because they were all in New Orleans, meaning the line to be seated at Cafe du Monde was obnoxious. So we improvised - our specialty - and went to Cafe Beignet. Great choice! The beignets were a bit more substantive, and I liked how the texture changed from the outer layer to the inner layer. For a husband who's trying to be sugar free at the request of his wife, it was a great way to spend a splurge.

Lovin' some Chicory Coffee

After breakfast we decided to head Uptown to escape the beautiful chaos around the French Quarter.  We went to Mrs. H's favorite store - more on that later - and a great lunch spot recommended by a former resident - Coquette. The bread was delicious, and I could've eaten the warm homemade butter by the spoonful. Everything else was great too!

Mrs. H got butternut cavatelli

Amazing burger. Bun was the best part.

After lunch, we took a walk and talked about our favorite - and least favorite - houses. In heaven we might be stellar design team, so we like to practice now. The creole cottages in New Orleans are my favorite, so simple and beautiful. 

La Divina was the perfect way to finish our day, with gelato made from scratch. I had vanilla and Mrs. H had mango. My favorite thing though was that they served tastes on a steel spoon - much more humane than a opaque plastic spoon.