It was nice to be at a place when you don't feel like a tourist. Thanks to Jeff's recommendations, I got to try some of the local places (all mom and pop businesses.) He was quick to answering questions I may have about the places in the Uptown neighborhood. He even answered a trivial question I had on where to find antique outdoor furniture in New Orleans (Ricca's, The Bank). Although my family and I did not meet him, Jeff was very friendly and helpful and made sure we were having a good time in New Orleans.
The neighborhood was quiet and calm -- it was nice to be able to walk everywhere, even when it was dark out. Jeff's house was also interesting -- a Victorian double shotgun house built in the 1890's. As you walk in, you'd come across very tall ceilings with beautiful wide plank heart pine floors and millwork. You feel like you're walking into a New Orleans historical site.
Places we went to in the neighborhood (a matter of a couple of blocks from the Airbnb):
1) Octavia Bookstore, just down a couple of blocks, next to New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club. Helpful staff there.
2) Cherry Coffee Roasters (a woman owned/run business) -- great coffee there.
3) Domilise's Po Boys -- oyster po boy was to die for. According to Jeff, the late Anthony Bourdain dined there.
Aubudon Park is right across the street from Tulane/Loyola campuses. The Tree of Life was a wonderful site -- a majestic beautiful live oak. It was also cool to see a pair of white ibis walking around. Both campuses were 8 minutes away by car. Freret Street by Tulane has plenty of restaurants, including the colorful Dat Dog joint (there are a couple of others in town.)
Overall, it was a great New Orleans experience, thanks to a great host!