NOLA Speak: The New Orleans Neutral Ground - GoNOLA.com GoNOLA.com No, thanks Get the LOCAL Perspective! Find hidden gems and get insider information on NOLA’s best restaurants, bars, attractions, and events every week. Go By Amanda Raborn March 5, 2013 If you’ve made your way down to the Big Easy for Mardi Gras, you’ve probably heard what you thought was the middle of the road called the neutral ground – and then you probably wondered about all the other odd sayings we have here in New Orleans. Don’t test us, we have plenty! But that’s why we have the NOLA Speak series – to help you out and keep you from calling the streetcar a trolley, or the neutral ground a median. On this episode, prominent New Orleanians including Fleurty Girl, Bryan Batt , 610 Stompers and Jeremy Davenport attempt to explain why the patch of grass in between the streets is called something different around here and where the term came from. Like this NOLA Speak video on the New Orleans neutral ground? Check out the GoNOLA TV YouTube channel for more great videos about New Orleans!

Video Transcript: Fleurty Girl: The neutral ground in New Orleans. I love that we still call it a neutral ground. Everywhere else it’s a median, but here it’s a neutral ground. It’s just this patch of grass where the streetcars roll and the cars pass through and between. Jeremy Davenport: I actually learned this kind of recently, but the significance of the neutral ground was, I guess the French, and the… Is that it? Slab: Some kind of history, about you know… Fleurty Girl: The part of the street that was neutral to-what the French and the Spanish? Do you know what the…? Bryan Batt: The French really hated the English. Neutral ground, I think came out of that. You know there was- out of property, out of what section you were from. I think. Jeremy: I guess they would meet on what would be known as the neutral ground between the two areas. So now anytime you have a road with two sides to it and there’s like a grassy area, we call it the neutral ground. Bryan: I knew sometimes when I have a guest in from out of town, I just say, you know median.

We call it the neutral ground. Mr. Jerome: There’s no such thing as a median. Slab: No. It’s a neutral ground. Mr. Jerome: It’s a neutral ground. Up Next: New Orleans travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC-6/-5 In New Orleans [1] , you'll find the roots of jazz and a blossoming culture that has been long described as being unlike anything else in the United States . Founded in 1718, it is one the nation's oldest cities and has an atmosphere rich with a mix of French sophistication, Creole , African-American, Caribbean , Irish , Haitian , German , and Vietnamese , all creating an energy that can be described as something greater than the sum of its parts. Though hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city continues to rebound, and it remains the largest city in Louisiana and one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

Overview[ edit ] Bourbon Street, French Quarter at night New Orleans is known for a host of attributes like its famous Creole food, abundant alcohol, music of many styles, nearby swamps and plantations, 18th & 19th century architecture, antiques, gay pride, streetcars, museums. Nicknamed the Big Easy, New Orleans has long had a reputation as an adult oriented city. However, the city also offers many attractions for families with children and those interested in culture and the arts. It is a city with a majority Roman Catholic population owing to its European origins. Famous festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest bring in tourists by the millions, and are the two times of the year when one needs to be sure to book well in advance to be sure of a room. The city also hosts numerous smaller festivals and gatherings like the French Quarter Festival, Creole Tomato Festival, Satchmo SummerFest, the Essence Festival hosted by the magazine, Halloween parading and costume balls, Saint Patrick's Day and Saint Joseph's Day parading, Southern Decadence, and so many more.

The city takes almost any occasion for an excuse for a parade, a party, and live music, and in New Orleans most events often have a touch of Mardi Gras year round. Like they say, New Orleanians are either planning a party, enjoying one or recovering from one. Party down! History[ edit ] Jackson Square is the historic heart of the French Quarter In the late 1600s, French trappers and traders began settling in what is now New Orleans, along a Native American trade route between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain via Bayou St. John. In 1718 the city was officially founded as "Nouvelle-Orléans" by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, Governor of the French colony of Louisiana, with the intent to build it into a provincial capital city. The early French city grew within the grid of what is now the French Quarter. Louisiana was transfered to Spanish rule in the 1760s, but much of the population retained French language and culture. After briefly returning to French rule, Louisiana was purchased by the United States in 1803.

At first the new "American" settlers mostly built their homes and shops upriver from the older French parts of the city, across wide "Canal Street" (named for a planned canal that was never built). Canal Street was the dividing line between the Anglophone and Francophone sections; the street's wide median became a popular meeting place called "the neutral ground" -- and "neutral ground" became the common phrase for the median of any street, still in use in the New Orleans dialect today. A British attempt to seize the city in 1815 was repelled downriver from the city in Chalmette by local forces led by Andrew Jackson, whose equestrian statue can be seen in the square named after him in the center of the old Quarter. Early New Orleans was already a rich melting pot of peoples and cultures. French Spanish African and Anglos were joined by immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and the Caribbean. While a center of the slave trade before the American Civil War, New Orleans also had the USA's largest population of free people of color. The city grew rapidly as a major trade center on the mighty Mississippi River.

In the American Civil War of the 1860s, New Orleans fell to the Union early in the conflict without battle within the city, sparing the city's rich historic architecture from the destruction suffered by much of the American South. At the start of the 20th century, the then largely neglected old French Quarter started gaining new appreciation among artists and bohemians for its architecture and ambiance. Around the same time, a new musical style developed in the city; the music developed and swept around the world under the name of "jazz". Although far from the big battlefronts, New Orleans is proud of its contributions to the Allied victory over Fascism in World War II, especially the development and construction of landing craft such as "Higgins Boats" which made rapid landing masses of troops on hostile beaches possible. This legacy is why America's National World War II Museum is located in the city. Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath[ edit ] In August 2005 New Orleans and the surrounding area was hit by Hurricane Katrina. Much worse than the hurricane was the failure of the federally designed levee system; in what has been called "the worst civil engineering disaster in U.S.

history" when some 80% of the city flooded. New Orleans was not destroyed, but the flood was a severe blow, perhaps the worst disaster to hit a U.S. city since the great San Francisco earthquake 99 years earlier. Nearly 10 years later, many visitors might notice little or no sign that anything bad happened. For locals however, in many parts of town rebuilding is still an ongoing process. The French Quarter and other oldest parts of town most popular with visitors were built on comparative high ground, and were less damaged and have been more quickly restored. However, not everything is back to normal in the city; scenes of devastation can be still seen in many neighborhoods. More than two-thirds of the city's pre-Katrina population is back living in the city; most of them have a fierce love of their city and have faced many hardships in their continuing efforts to rebuild it bit by bit. The city's public services - especially police - have struggled to return to their full strength, and are dealing with a city where decades of neighborhood stability have been disrupted. The city overall has experienced an increase in crime as a result.

(See "Stay safe" below.) While some visitors decide to confine their trip to the more fully intact parts of the city or just visit the worse hit areas as part of a half-day "disaster tour", for others the historic events of Katrina and its aftermath are the focus of their visit. Volunteer projects such as “New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity” [3] which builds new houses has attracted volunteers doing good work. Organizations such as Levees.org [4] are vigilant in encouraging further investigation into the flooding and hurricane protection issues surrounding New Orleans, and visitors to the city are encouraged to tour ravaged areas and help keep alive the attention needed to restore New Orleans to its original grandeur. 5.3 Check New Orleans's 7 day forecast at NOAA A local joke has it that New Orleans really does have four seasons: Summer, Hurricane, Christmas, and Mardi Gras. Summer is certainly the longest; for about half the year, from about late April to the start of October, the days are usually hot, or raining, or hot and raining. Winters are generally short and mild, but subject to occasional cold snaps that may surprise visitors who mistakenly think the city has a year round tropical climate.

The high humidity can make the cold snaps feel quite penetrating. Snow is so rare that the occasional light dusting of flakes will make most locals stop what they are doing to stare; they'll excitedly show the phenomenon to local children too young to remember the last time snow visited the city. If you happen to be visiting town during a rare freezing event, be forewarned that most locals have no idea how to drive on iced or snowy roads. The Atlantic hurricane season (which includes all of the Gulf of Mexico) is June 1 through November 30. The most active month is September. Between October and April the temperatures are more comfortable. Although heat and humidity can be intense in the summer, a rewarding visit can be made even during this season: start your day early, and do your outdoor sightseeing in the morning. The lush local flora can display a wealth of colorful flowers. In the afternoon, retreat to air-conditioning by visiting a museum, having lunch at a cafe or restaurant, or take a siesta at your hotel. Come back outside when the sun gets low.

After dark the night shift of flora comes on duty; especially in older neighborhoods such as Esplanade Ridge, Carrollton, the Garden District, etc with an abundance of night-blooming jasmine, the sweet deliciously scented air can be almost intoxicating. Creoles, Cajuns, and New Orleanians[ edit ] Despite what many visitors expect, the population, food, music, and traditions of New Orleans are not predominately Cajun. The Acadian or Cajun (from 'Cadien, pronounced kay-juhn) people developed their rich culture to the west of the city, in the Acadiana section of Louisiana. While there are some good places for Cajun food and music in the city—some are branches of famous Southwest Louisiana Cajun places that opened up locations here—understand that Cajun food and culture are a recent import that has no roots in New Orleans. Unfortunately a number of businesses in the most tourist heavy parts of town decided to profit by selling visitors what they thought they wanted, slapping the term "Cajun" on dishes and products with little to do with Acadiana.

The oldest aspects of New Orleans culture are Creole, which designate the people that were already here before the city became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. French, Spanish, and African are the primary ethnic and cultural groups in old Creole culture, with additional input from Native Americans and early German immigrants (who became much more numerous later in the 19th century). Since the Louisiana Purchase, other major immigrant groups and influences on local cuisine and culture have included Italian (mostly Southern and Sicilian), Irish, German, Caribbean and Central American. Hondurans are traditionally the largest Hispanic group in the metro area, but after Katrina, there is now an influx of Latinos, mostly hailing from Central America and Mexico that have decided to stay after helping in the construction boom in the aftermath of Katrina. Smaller populations of Cubans, Dominicans, and Puerto Ricans are also sparsely located throughout the area. In the late 20th century a sizable Vietnamese community was added to the New Orleans gumbo. They can be found in greatest concentrations in New Orleans East and portions of the Westbank suburbs (Marrero, Harvey, & Gretna).

By air[ edit ] Louis Armstrong International Airport (IATA: MSY, ICAO: KMSY) [5] is the city's largest and primary airport. It located in the suburb of Kenner. Following a dip in service after Hurricane Katrina, the airport has since continued to rebound, hosting 10 million passengers in 2012. It is currently the 6th busiest airport in the southeast. Louis Armstrong International serves 37 destinations throughout North America along with international flights. It is one of only four cities given permission to fly to and from the country of Cuba . Additional flights are continuously being added and the airport in currently preparing for one its largest expansions by building a new terminal. European vacation packages are available from the UK on several British airlines who offer charter/cruise services nonstop to the Crescent City. Airlines with regularly scheduled service to New Orleans: Jet Blue (Boston, New York-JFK) Southwest (Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, Dallas-Love, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Nashville, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, St.

Louis, Tampa, Washington-National) Spirit Airlines (Chicago-O' Hare, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Houston-Bush) United (Chicago-O' Hare, Denver, Newark, San Francisco, Washington-Dulles) To get into town a taxi ($36 for one or two people, $14 per person for three or more) is quickest; that's the flat fee from the airport to any spot in the French Quarter or Central Business District. Limo service is also available for rates starting at $35, and the airport shuttle [5] is $24 ($44 return). See the airport website [6] for other options. A cheap way to get to town is the Jefferson Transit Airport Express route E2-Airport [7] , which is only $2 (But be warned: The bus has no luggage racks and sometimes the driver won't leave until the aisle is free of luggage). On weekdays, the bus runs straight down Airline Highway (US 61) to "Tulane at Loyola" in the New Orleans Central Business District; the trip takes 45 minutes.

(From this intersection, you can take the Loyola-UPT Streetcar down to the French Quarter. Or simply walk toward the river, deeper into the central business district, and take a left, crossing Canal Street and into the French Quarter.). On weekends the bus terminates at "Airline at S Carrollton" which is far from downtown. From there you can walk 7 blocks northeast until Canal St. from where you can take a streetcar. The Airport bus stop is on the second level of the airport, outside door #7 near the Delta counter on the west end of the terminal, in the median (look for the sign and bench); the stop is a fair walk from the east end baggage pickup, and you'll probably have to ask at an information desk to find it. Many major hotels have shuttle buses from the airport. Even if you're not staying at one of those hotels, the shuttles can often be a value for those getting in to town if their destination is near one of the hotels. In April of 2015, Uber was introduced to Orleans Parish. It is a great and affordable way to get around town.

Be aware that while you can Uber to the airport from Orleans Parish, you cannot be picked up at the airport unless you use an Uber Black/SUV. New Orleans Lakefront Airport (IATA: NEW[2], ICAO: KNEW, FAA LID: NEW) is a primarily charter and private airport, however commercial flights are available to destinations within the Gulf South Region. By car[ edit ] The primary artery into and out of the city is Interstate 10, which travels east to west. Principal north and south bound arteries are Interstates 49, 55, and 59. By train[ edit ] Greyhound [8] and Amtrak [9] service the Union Passenger Terminal, an intermodal facility located at 1001 Loyola Avenue in the Central Business District. It is within walking distance of the Super Dome and Champions Square. Three Amtrak routes pass through New Orleans: City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited. The new Loyola Avenue Streetcar line links the Union Passenger Terminal with Canal Street. Get around[ edit ] Bourbon Street If you are visiting the French Quarter, casinos, or just the Central Business District, a car may be more of a burden than an asset.

Most hotel parking is valet/remote/expensive/difficult at best. New Orleans is ready for visitors, and the rapid transit, streetcars and buses are plentiful 24/7. Walking is fun and healthy during daylight and early evening. After midnight, you may want to call a taxi, but likely it will be a short trip at reasonable cost. For a great way to see the city, try renting a bike from one of the several bike rental companies in the French Quarter or Marigny. With a car[ edit ] Be alert that the streets of much of the city were laid out before the automobile, especially in the older parts of town of most interest to visitors. There are many one way streets, and in some neighborhoods two-way side streets may be so narrow that cars going one way may need to pull to the side to let vehicles going the other way pass when someone has parked on the street. Due to consolidation of the underlying soils, potholes are common and road conditions are often poor for a developed country. Street signage is sometimes unclear or missing, and some signage lost in Katrina not yet replaced, although the situation has been improving significantly.

Parking is often hard to find around many areas of interest to tourists, but there are generally pay lots in the area. Hotel parking can cost over $30/night downtown and in the French Quarter. Those who don't know how to parallel park may wish to just leave their car in a pay lot when visiting much of the city. Without a car[ edit ] New Orleans streetcar network ( interactive version ) Those staying in or near the French Quarter can easily get around by foot, with optional occasional trips by streetcar, bus, or cab if they wish to visit other parts of town. Bicycle rentals are available on Bienville and on Decatur Streets in the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street in the Marigny among other places. The Riverfront, Canal Street and St. Charles streetcars travel to or near many of the sites listed here. In 2013 a spur streetcar line opened on Loyola Avenue, linking Canal Street to the main branch public library and Union Terminal. Fares for buses or streetcars are $1.25, 25¢ extra for a transfer (good only on another line but not a return trip on the same line). Express buses are $1.50.

Day passes are available for $3. Have exact change ready; operators do not provide change. Public transit is by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority ("RTA") [11] . Note on Mardi Gras: During Mardi Gras in February or March (check calendar since it changes but the final day known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday), transportation of any sort will be a challenge. If you decide to get your own car, parking will be exorbitant (as high as $10 per hour) in the French Quarter and the City Area. Should you try to get a taxi, chances are you will have to call more than one company, and several times each, before you get a booking. After that, you will probably have to wait an average of 45 minutes to one hour. If you wish to travel from across town during Mardi Gras, is strongly recommended that you do get a car and park close to the streetcars or just outside the city area. Knowing which way is up[ edit ] The older neighborhoods of the city, (which comprise nearly 45% of the city), were laid out along the banks of the Mississippi River.

Except for the grid of the French Quarter, streets were laid out either following the river's curves or perpendicular to them, not according to compass directions or a grid. For this reason, locals in these parts of town often don't give directions according to "north, south, east, and west". The four directions, instead, are "up" (or "up river" or "up town"), "down" (or "down river" or "down town"), "river" (or "towards the river" or sometimes "in"), and "lake" (or "towards the lake" or "back" or sometimes "out"). Don't be daunted, this makes sense when you take a moment to understand it. Look at a map of the city. If, for example, you are taking the streetcar that runs along Saint Charles Avenue from the French Quarter to Carrollton, you see that the route starts off going south, then over some miles gradually turns west, and winds up running northwest. This is because Saint Charles reflects a bend in the river. From the local perspective, the entire route goes one way: up (or on the return trip from Carrollton to the Quarter, down).

Know that Canal Street is the up river boundary of the French Quarter. (Keep going further "up" away from the Quarter and you'll be in "Uptown".) Some streets are labeled "North" and "South", this reflects which side of Canal Street they are on (despite the fact that Canal Street runs from southeast to northwest). The part of Rampart Street on the French Quarter side is North Rampart Street; the part on the Central Business District side is South Rampart. Also, a good map of the entire city is a must, as people from out of town may have to learn to simply match letters on signs to letters on the map. You see, most street names are French and Creole in origin and may be hard to pronounce. For instance, try to pronounce these example street names : Urquhart, Rocheblave, Dorgenois, Terpsichore, Tchoupitoulas, Burthe, Freret. (For the record, locals say "Urk-heart, Roach-a-blave, Der-gen-wa, Terp-sic-cor, Chop-a-two-lis, B'youth, Fa-ret.") Now you understand.

Many major New Orleans streets are divided, with a "neutral ground" (median) running down the middle. For this reason, the traffic lights have no dedicated cycle for a protected left turn. On streets with a wide neutral ground, there is a solution. Imagine turning from an avenue to a street; the solution is to turn left on green, queue in the stretch of the street between the two halves of the avenue, then proceed once the traffic light on the street has turned green. On streets with a narrow neutral ground, there is not enough room for cars to queue. In these situations, left turns are often prohibited; the solution is to go straight, take the next U-turn, then take a right turn when you arrive back at the intersection. Streets such as Tulane Avenue famously have "No Left Turn" signs posted for miles. In these situations, the adage "three rights make a left" comes in handy. Detailed listings of attractions are mentioned in the Districts sections listed above.

Highlights include: Historic architecture in neighborhoods Ornate colonial French and Spanish in the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Bywater and Tremé Victorian mansions Uptown and other historic architecture citywide Historic cemeteries are in the Uptown, Tremé, and Mid-City areas Superdome, in the Central Business District Museums and Aquarium, Central Business District Audubon Zoo in the Audubon & University District New Orleans Museum of Art [12] and City Park [13] in Mid-City the Mississippi River - great views from the French Quarter, the Algiers ferry, and the Audubon Zoo "Butterfly" park uptown St. Louis Cathedral [14] holds regular celebrations of the Catholic Mass The National WWII Museum [15] tells the American story of the war that changed the world. Louisiana Childrens' Museum, Central Business District Storyland Amusement Park, City Park, Mid-City Streetcar rides -- many children from cities without trams find riding on an old streetcar an interesting novelty in itself -- and parents can enjoy the scenery and historic architecture. Occult and Voodoo destinations[ edit ] Tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau in St.

Louis Cemetery #1, Treme The Alombrados Oasis [16] hosts the Gnostic Mass and frequent classes on Magick; Bywater Island of Salvation Botanica [17] distributes Voodoo goods and holds Voodoo ceremonies in the Marigny Esoterica [18] supplies wares, herbs, and oils in the French Quarter . Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Stroll historic neighborhoods look at the architecture and businesses, and people watch in the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Faubourg Tremé, Bywater, Esplanade Ridge, Uptown, Algiers Point and Carrollton Streetcar rides St. Charles Avenue (green cars) is the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the U.S.; the Canal Street route also provides a pleasant ride Riverboat cruises - short or long cruises, some of which have quite good jazz bands on board. Enjoy the Steamboat Natchez Riverboat Cruise. Great way to enjoy 3 attractions-in-one...New Orleans food and music during a cruise down the Mississippi.

Aquarium-Zoo Cruise - riverboat cruise package is a great way to see the Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Zoo The Natchez Riverboat provides sight-seeing and entertainment River ferry - the budget alternative to riverboats, take the pedestrian ferry ($2 each way) from the foot of Canal Street across the Mississippi to Algiers Point and back for a great view of the river, downtown, and the Quarter Walking tours including voodoo, jazz history, French Quarter, or Garden District ones Bicycle Tours for history, architecture, or hurricane damage. Casino gambling at Harrah's next to the Quarter in the Central Business District. Voted "Best Casino" by the readers of "Casino Player." This "world-class" casino offers over 2000 of the newest slots and over a hundred action-packed table games along with a buffet, Besh Steakhouse and many other food options. Antique shopping up & down Royal St in the Quarter or Magazine Street Uptown Cooking classes - learn how to cook meals like a local when you return home. A four-course meal is demonstrated by excellent chefs, who will entertain you as well as teach you the secrets of Creole and Cajun cooking.

Carriage rides - Take a carriage ride while you're in New Orleans ... and enjoy a tour of the French Quarter (Garden District tours available, too!) Quaint mule-drawn carriages take you past many landmarks of New Orleans, including Bourbon Street, the mighty Mississippi, and Jackson Square. Celebrate Mardi Gras - The two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday is a period of celebration in the city, with parades and parties throughout. Mardi Gras World - with thousands of sensational sculptured props and giant figures -- it's the place where Mardi Gras floats are made. A great place to get the Mardi Gras spirit year-round; at the edge of the Central Business District Museums - Museum highlights include: National World War II Museum (formerly D-Day Museum), Central Business District. New Orleans Museum of Art, Mid-City; Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Central Business District; French Quarter museum highlights include the Cabildo and Presbytere history museums, The Old Mint, and several house museums. Cities of the Dead - Historic cemeteries Run.

there are great road races such as the Mardi Gras Marathon, and the somewhat more whimsical Red Dress Run (everyone wears a red dress and running shoes, men and women). Day trips outside of town[ edit ] Swamp tours - those with a car can make an easy day trip to the Jean Lafitte Nature Preserve, a free park, with as good a view of local swamp flora and fauna as various pay tours. Honey Island Swamp Tours Inc. - nearly 70,000 acres of the Honey Island Swamp is a permanently protected wildlife area. Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours - Cajun-style boat tour takes you out on an 1 hour and 45 minute trip through the heart of Southern Louisiana's swamplands. Some swamp tours also have vans that can pick you up at your hotel and take you to the swamp tour location, though this can be significantly more expensive option than driving yourself. Plantation tours - the Great River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge has several fine plantations, "Laura"and "Magnolia Mound" (Creole Plantations) and "San Francisco" are of special interest.

Battle of New Orleans Site - Battlefield history fans will want to visit the site of the famous battle where Andrew Jackson defeated the British at the end of the War of 1812. It didn't actually happen in New Orleans, but in the nearby community of Chalmette, Louisiana . Drive there or take a riverboat. Volunteer[ edit ] Although the city has made great strides in its post-Katrina recovery, many neighborhoods like Gentilly and the Lower Ninth Ward remain in need of help as their residents rebuild their lives. Volunteers and work groups do much of the work for organizations like the St. Bernard Project [26] or Rebuilding Together, working alongside homeowners to restore their lives. Annunciation Mission [27] links volunteers to work projects and provides lodging and meals to individuals, mission trips, and groups of all faiths and sizes. Listen[ edit ] New Orleans is justly famous for the music it produces. In some other places live music may be thought of as occasional luxury; in New Orleans live music is an essential part of the fabric of life. Parades from the grandest Mardi Gras spectaculars to small neighborhood club events have to have bands to get the locals dancing in the streets.

Hey, New Orleans is the birthplace of the "jazz funeral". There are usually several good performers somewhere in town even on a slow night. Understand that most of the good stuff is not along the tourist strip of Bourbon Street (though a couple of genuine good music venues exist even there). Most sections of the city have at least one (and often several) venue offering great live music. Budget travelers should know there are usually at least a few free live music events every week in various parks and galleries around town. More often than not, on Sundays there will be a brass band "second line" parade somewhere in town. The best ways to keep informed about who is playing where and when: Gambit's Best of New Orleans [28] , Gambit, the city's free local newsweekly has features on arts and entertainment and whatever else is going on. Gambit also produces the de-facto local restaurant guide and listings. Offbeat Magazine [29] is a free monthly local music magazine with extensive listings. Can be picked up at most music venues, coffee shops, and other places around town, or ask your hotel concierge for a copy. WWOZ 90.7 F.M.

[30] is the community radio station dedicated to local music. At the top of each odd numbered hour they play a listing of the live music happening around town for the day. WWOZ is also good for finding out about special events like "second line" parades and "jazz funeral"s. WTUL 91.5 FM [31] is the Tulane college radio station, playing mostly progressive music, but also jazz, classical, and numerous other specialties. At the top of each hour they announce concerts and other events going on around town. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Individual listings can be found in New Orleans's district articles Okay, so you're hungry. You've come to the right place. New Orleans is a culinary delight, but don't look too hard for healthy food; some would say don't look at all (although those demanding vegetarian, vegan, or kosher food can, with effort, find some). You're on vacation, so take advantage of what they prepare best here. New Orleans has good food for people on any type of budget. While most places take major credit cards, "cash only" restaurants are perhaps a bit more common here than other places, so plan in advance.

The main culinary tradition in New Orleans is Creole - which means the culture and its cuisine already flourishing when Louisiana was purchased by the U.S. in 1803. The Creoles were the peoples originally in New Orleans from its founding. Creole has a mixture of influences, including French, German and Spanish with a strong West-African foundation. Creoles cook with roux and the "trinity," a popular term for green pepper, onion and celery. These are the base for many savory dishes. 19th century southern Italian immigrants added increased appreciation for garlic -- an old local joke calls garlic the "Pope" to the culinary "Trinity" -- along with tomato based sauces and other dishes. (The influences went both ways; some New Orleans "Italian" restaurants have their own take on the Italian tradition, sometimes called "Creole Italian".) Eastern European, Latin American, Vietnamese, and other immigrants have added to the New Orleans mix. Thus New Orleans cuisine is rich in tradition while open to new ideas, and culturally inclusive while still uniquely distinctive. The seafood is fresh and relatively cheap compared to many places. Some think it is often best fried, but you can try seafood of a wide variety cooked many different ways here.

Note: Some visitors have recently expressed concern about the safety of local seafood due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Seafood that makes it to the markets and restaurants is safe. Oil affected areas are closed to fishing, and catches from unaffected areas are being inspected in even more detail than usual. Some items, such as oysters, may be in shorter supply. "Po-boy" shop on Magazine Street, Uptown Oysters are a popular specialty, gulped down raw, battered and fried, in a po' boy sandwich, or elegant Rockefeller style. There may on occasion be some exotic items on the menu. Yes, you can have alligator if you’d like - it mostly tastes like chicken (but chewier). The softshell crab can be excellent. If it's on the menu of a good restaurant, it's probably pretty good -- when in doubt, ask. Crawfish (don't say "cray" fish) is a popular dish here, usually boiled in a huge pot of very spicy water and served in a pile with corn and potatoes. If cracking open the shells and sucking the heads isn't your thing, try them with pasta or in sushi or any other way they’re prepared.

Po-boys (don't say "poor boys") are the distinctive New Orleans variation of the sandwich. Unless you request your sandwich put on something else like sliced white bread (while you're in New Orleans, don't bother), it will be served on a po-boy loaf, similar to French bread; bread pundits debate whether the New Orleans po-boy bread is the same thing as the baguette of France or qualifies as its own unique type of bread (some say it actually IS French bread but because of the humidity, the bread ferments very quickly and gets its distinctive taste and texture). Either way, it's good, but only part of what makes the sandwich tasty. The rest is what is put on it, of course. Roast beef with "debris" gravy, fried shrimp, oysters, etc. You'll probably be asked if you want it "dressed". In New Orleans, "dressed" means with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and sometimes pickles, depending on the restaurant. Every neighborhood in New Orleans has its favorite po-boy places; the better ones butcher, slow cook, and season their own meats. The po-boy is a great and filling taste of New Orleans at a reasonable price.

The Muffaletta is a sandwich served on a big round airy Italian loaf (also called a muffaletta) which is similar to focaccia, it consists of a variety of sliced meats such as capicola, salami, and mortadella as well as cheeses topped with olive salad. Unless you have a very big appetite, half a muffaletta will probably be plenty for a filling meal. It was created in New Orleans around 1906 at Central Grocery on Decatur where you can still purchase them. Gumbo is a tasty Louisiana traditional soup, originating in West-Africa and comes in numerous varieties. The vegetable base is traditionally okra (in West-Africa, the Wollof language word "gombo" means okra) with filé (sassafras leaves) used as a thickener. Seafood is the most common meat; but one will just as often find chicken, duck, smoked sausage or "andouille" sausage, the ages-old "gombo d'zherbes" (vegetarian) and other types of gumbo on many a menu. Gumbo is universally served with rice.

Red beans and rice with a side of cornbread Red beans and rice sounds bland, but is a tasty, comforting treat prepared in the New Orleans way. The beans are slowly cooked until they reach a creamy texture, with a mix of onions, bell pepper, celery, and spices. Especially traditional on Mondays. It can be vegetarian but may not be; ask. It is often served with spicy, smoked or "andouille" sausage. Local fresh produce: Have you heard of Louisiana strawberries, satsumas and creole tomatoes? If not, it's probably because they're so good that locals eat most of them right here! The strawberries come in around Jazz Fest time, satsumas in December and the creole tomatoes in early summer. You may spot "mirliton"; on the menu, a vegetable not common in most of the United States. In Mexico and the Southwest , it is called "chayote", though travelers to Guatemala may recognize it as the same thing that's called "hisquil" down there. Of course, when the first crops come in, there are parties, festivals, and parades commemorating the strawberries, creole tomatoes, or mirlitons.

Bananas Foster might be the most well known Orleanian delicacy served at the end of a fine meal. Consisting of warmed bananas mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and rum poured over vanilla ice cream; it is usually made flambe style in front of the customer just before serving. There are a number of restaurants in the French Quarter that specialize in combining the show of making it and serving it as well. Snow balls or sno-balls are the New Orleans take on the northern "snow cone" or flavored ice done with more finesse. Ice is not crushed but shaved into microscopically fine snow in special machines, and flavored with syrups, fresh made at the better places. New Orleans sno-balls are often topped or layered with sweetened condensed milk, but this is optional. The flavors need not be overly sweet, and can come in a wide variety ranging from striking to subtle, including such treats as wild cherry, lemonade, chocolate cream, coffee, orchid vanilla, and dozens of others. Locals almost worship the better neighborhood sno-ball stands during the city's long hot summer; try the refreshing treat as a snack or desert and find out why.

Note, many snow ball shops will close in the winter, as New Orleans is surprisingly chilly between November and February and the demand dies down. Beignets (pronounced "ben-yays") are a deep fried square donut covered with powdered sugar. Most famously found at Café du Monde, they are a traditional New Orleans treat enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. They are traditionally served in orders of three with café au lait. Pralines are a candy made with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cream, butter, and pecans. They are most famously found at Loretta's [32] . Café au lait is a coffee served half brewed coffee and half hot milk. Coffee in New Orleans differs from any other coffee in the world. During the Civil War, coffee beans were very scarce. The local French extended their coffee supply by adding ground roasted chicory (the root of endive lettuce) to the brew. New Orleanians became very accustomed to the new beverage, noting that the chicory softened the bitter edge of the coffee while enhancing the robust flavor. Many taste a slight chocolate flavor while drinking café au lait, due to the addition of chicory. But what about Cajun food?

As mentioned, New Orleans isn't a Cajun city. Cajun people, culture, and food are centered in Acadiana , a different part of Louisiana. Cajun food was almost totally unknown in the city until about 1979, just slightly before it was discovered by the rest of the USA. Some locals are still puzzled why so many visitors come to the city looking for "Cajun" food — you're in New Orleans, why not try some local New Orleans food? That said, yes, you can find good Cajun food here. Mulate's and Michaud's in the Central Business District are the most popular places for a real taste of Cajun Country right in New Orleans. A few others are in the local listings.

Be warned, however, that for every place in New Orleans where one can find real Cajun food, there are a dozen places with the word "Cajun" slapped on them to take advantage of what some visitors think they should find here; often just serving the same Creole dishes as always under a new name, or offering interpretations of Acadian cuisine that many Cajuns would consider as unauthentic as ersatz "Cajun" dishes sometimes seen on menus in the US East or West Coast. Many restaurants will have hot sauce as a condiment on the table (even Chinese and fast-food restaurants). Louisiana is the creator of Tabasco sauce after all. Although always flavorful, not all New Orleans food will be very spicy hot. Many locals do like to add hot sauce to many dishes. If you can take it, give it a try. In many of the fine restaurants around town, people take their clothes as seriously as their food. Despite the obnoxious heat and humidity in the summertime, don’t go to these restaurants dressed in shorts/jeans; they won’t let you in.

This applies only to the nicest (and some say best) restaurants in town but there are plenty of places that you can wear shorts to (many of which are great too). This is what you've been saving your pennies for. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Individual listings can be found in New Orleans's district articles New Orleans has no "blue laws" or mandatory closing times; there is always somewhere to get alcohol any hour of day or night every day of the year. You can head out the door with an open container of alcohol-- but not in a bottle or can; to try to keep broken glass and jagged metal from filling the street, local laws mandate you use a plastic cup while on city streets and sidewalks. These are known locally as "go cups", and every local bar provides them, usually has a stack of them by the door and the bouncer will take your drink from you and pour it into the cup because bars can be held liable if they don't. Use them, because New Orleans Police are watching for it, especially on Bourbon Street.

Some drinks are noted for their potency, such as the tourist favorite "Hurricane" (a fruit punch and rum drink), which originated at Pat O'Brien's bar but now common in the Quarter. However, drinking does not have to be about quantity. Popular refined local cocktails include the "sazerac" and the "Ramos gin fizz". New Orleanians also love wine. Beer lovers should try local brews like "Abita" on tap, from light Wheat to dark "Turbodog" to the quirky "Purple Haze", a raspberry beer loved by some. "NOLA" (New Orleans Lager & Ale) Brewery opened Uptown in 2008 and has become a favorite of local beer lovers as well. Listings of some top choices of the city's bars, from friendly neighborhood dives to elegant cocktail palaces, can be found in the neighborhood articles. Tales of the Cocktail is an annual event each July in the Quarter and CBD with seminars, tastings, and other events, drawing in people from master bartenders to casual cocktail lovers.

There's even a "jazz funeral" procession for the cocktail which top bartenders would most like to see buried (past "funerals" have included "sex on the beach" and the "appletini"). Those not accustomed to the Southern heat and humidity should be sure to drink more water or other drinks without alcohol than they usually do during the day to avoid dehydration. New Orleans is also a coffee loving city. A good portion of the USA's coffee beans are imported through the Port of New Orleans and roasted in local factories. Locals tend to take a good cup of coffee seriously, and in New Orleans coffee tends to be a bit stronger and more flavorful than in most of the USA. Café du Monde in the French Quarter is probably the city's most historic coffee destination, serving café au lait with chickory since 1862. Popular locally based coffee house chains, "Mojo," PJ's and CC's have locations around the city serving good hot and cold coffee drinks. New Orleans also has a wealth of local neighborhood coffee shops; the best are listed in the individual sections articles.

Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Individual listings can be found in New Orleans's district articles The numerous hotels in the French Quarter and Central Business District are most centrally located for most tourists, but there are good accommodations in many other parts of town as well. Hotels on or near the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line in Uptown are popular with many visitors, and the smaller hotels and guest houses in neighborhoods like Marigny and Mid-City can provide an immersion in New Orleans away from the larger masses of tourists. Individual hotels are listed in the parts of town sub-articles. Hurricanes[ edit ] Hurricane Katrina alerted the world to the danger of hurricanes in this part of the world. However if one visits a place vulnerable to natural disaster, at least hurricanes give warning. During the height of the hurricane season, from July through October, be sure to check with the weather service before going to New Orleans, and if a large storm is threatening the Gulf Coast, consider a change of plans. If one threatens the city while you're there, play it safe and leave early; don't wait for an evacuation order to head away from the coast.

If you cannot get out of the area you should at least be sure to get to a hotel located on high ground (as a rule in New Orleans, the older the neighborhood, the higher the ground). Health[ edit ] Worries about health risks in New Orleans remaining after the post-Katrina cleanup were fortunately unfounded. The main health concerns are the same for the rest of the U.S. South: If you're not accustomed to the sub-tropical heat, drink plenty of liquids and pace yourself in the sunshine. Crime[ edit ] The majority of the city's notorious crime problem is manifested away from the parts of town of interest to most visitors, but always be aware of your surroundings. The Central City neighborhood is having the worst problem, and at present should be avoided by casual visitors. The "Back of town" sections of the 7th 8th and 9th Wards have also been having serious problems. Visitors are advised to check on current local conditions before visiting these neighborhood and take extra care if they go. St. Louis Cemetery #1 should only be visited with a tour group. The city's housing projects should generally be avoided.

While the French Quarter and attractions most visited by tourists are some of the safest areas from violent crimes, beware opportunistic thieves looking for a chance to snatch something from visitors who are not keeping an eye on their valuables. A famous 19th century sign from the Quarter reads: "Beware Pickpockets and Loose Women." Not much has changed. Tourists can be so distracted that they are separated from their common sense and, theoretically, other things. Keep things in your front pockets, and be careful with your digital on Bourbon Street. Don't mess with the cops or the bouncers. Around parts of the French Quarter and nearby areas with many tourists, visitors can encounter hustlers who will try to get a few dollars from visitors offering anything from a flower to a hat, a foot massage, or even to clean your shoes. Another popular tourist scam is to bet a tourist $20 that the scammer knows where the tourist got their shoes. If the tourist takes the bet, the scammer responds, "You got them on your feet" and demands the $20.

Remember that you are under no obligation to talk to people and it's just best to ignore them; the same with the "gutter punks" sometimes congregate on lower Decatur Street. All and all, though, the government and police are aware of the problem and are there to help you, but you can help them (and yourself) also by using one simple rule: use your common sense (as one would do in any other sizeable city). Being alone and utterly drunk is not the the best state to be in when walking through a deserted alley in downtown New Orleans on a regular busy Saturday night, and during massive crowd-drawers like Mardi Gras or Southern Decadence, one should be more careful than on an average Wednesday afternoon. Last but not least: looking for drugs or illegal activities will not only expose you to danger; if someone you just met is trying to lure you into a strange part of town for something decadent, assume you're probably being set up for a robbery or worse. Also be advised that Louisiana has the harshest sentencing laws in the country as most felonies carry a mandatory prison sentence, so conduct yourself accordingly.

Respect[ edit ] It is very important to remember that Hurricane Katrina, a 2005 hurricane that devastated the city and flooded so many neighborhoods, is a very emotional subject for many New Orleanians. Many jokes regarding the Hurricane and the evacuees of Katrina will get a negative response in New Orleans. Also some people in the city have had relatives, friends, co-workers that have lost everything in that storm and some of their loved ones may have died, and as result don't pressure anyone to tell tragic stories if they don't want to. Contact[ edit ] The telephone area code for New Orleans and its suburbs is 504. There are cyber-cafes throughout the city, with the greatest number in the French Quarter and Central Business District. Many coffee houses and some bars offer wireless internet connection. The New Orleans Public Library [33] has branches around the city. Out of towners can get one hour of free internet access on library computers upon presenting photo ID; try to go at a time when school is in session to minimize risk of long waits. They also provide unlimited free wireless internet access.

Check out the website for current special events held at various branches, which can range from children's storytime to lectures authors, presentations and exhibits on local history, and more. As of early 2013 branches are open in almost every section of the city. Get out[ edit ] If you have a car and want a short adventure, drive north on the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway bridge for a thrill. As soon as you get to the other side, start looking for the plentiful seafood offerings: fresh crab and shrimp out of the lake at very reasonable prices. You're now in St. Tammany Parish , with which has various small cities, towns, and attractions. I-10 runs east west through the city, I-55 dumps into I-10 West of the city and Pontchartrain; I-59 outflows into I-10 on the East side. Travel west on I-10 out of Greater New Orleans to Acadiana or "Cajun Country". While there are a few places to get good Cajun in New Orleans, for authenticity go to the source. River Road [53] is home to a stretch of Plantations.

The plantations are scattered along the River Road on both sides of the Mississippi between Greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge . Sugar plantations brought in a nice bit of income back in the 18th and 19th centuries, and there are some lovely homes with the archetypal oak collonades at the entrance. There are also plantations in the French Creole style. The most popular plantations include Oak Alley [54] , Laura [55] , and San Francisco [56] . You can also arrange for a swamp tour. Spring at Jean Lafitte swamp is a lovely time to see the swamp iris. Also, the first and longest running prison rodeo is just up the way at Angola [57] . Before and after the rodeo, the inmates sell crafts, such as belt buckles, wallets, original paintings, and the inmates earn money for their families. For a taste of the less urban aspect of South East Louisiana, continue further down river to Saint Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish . Routes through New Orleans NOLA NOLA Shoreditch × London Shoreditch based cocktail bar, inspired by the culture and rich history of New Orleans, Louisiana (or NOLA for short).

laissez le bon temps rouleR NOLA opened in May 2013 and was hidden inside a historic warehouse building for the first four years. Since then, the international award-winning bar has moved onto bigger a better things! Always serving quality interpretations of classic New Orleans libations; as well as daring new ventures with our signature cocktails, barrel-aged libations and Hurricanes cocktails menu. NOLA's interior takes its inspiration from the historic architecture in the old Shoreditch Courthouse building as well as classic cocktail bars the Crescent City is famous for. With a unique blend of oak paneled walls, Tiffany lamps, a blues soundtrack, access to a rooftop cigar terrace, and comfortable down-home sophistication NOLA is able to transport it's guests away from the bustling Bourbon Street vibe of New Orleans, and into the grandeur deep inside the Vieux Carré for a night you'll never forget. Subject * The Long Story Short... * Thank you for your inquiry. We will do our best to answer your questions within a few hours. We reopen next week Y'All! Sun-Thurs 6PM-1AM Fri-Sat 6PM-3AM "NOLA is not what we tell our guests we're trying to be.

NOLA is what our guests tell their friends we are." ~ J Triffo, Founder Born from aN Overdue Idea... Folks say this has been a long time in the making, seeing as we've been involved in almost every capacity of the drinks industry. Through this network we've been fortunate to recruit some of the drinks industry's top talent to share our vision; bringing an authentic New Orleans inspired bar to East London... Truth of the matter is, we're just happy to serve a few great drinks from a great bar for some great people and we hope ya'll join us. the first Bar Anywhere Outside North America To be Awarded 'the Seal of the Sazerac' by the New Orleans Culinary & Cultural Preservation Society (NOCCPS) The Importance of the Sazerac Cocktail. Named for the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac that was its original prime ingredient; sometimes called the oldest cocktail in America with it's origins dating from pre-civil war. New Orleans, LA. circa 1850: Sewell T. Taylor sold his bar, The Merchants Exchange Coffee House, and went into the imported liquor business.

He began to import a brand of cognac named Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils. At the same time, Aaron Bird took over the Merchants Exchange and changed its name to the Sazerac House and began serving the "Sazerac Cocktail", made with Taylor's Sazerac cognac and, as legend has it, the bitters being made down the street by a local druggist, Antoine Amedie Peychaud. The Sazerac House changed hands several times and around 1870 Thomas Handy took over as proprietor. Around this time the primary ingredient changed from cognac to rye whiskey due to the phylloxera epidemic in Europe that devastated France's wine grape crops. At some point before his death in 1889, Handy recorded the recipe for the cocktail, and the drink made its first printed appearance in William T. "Cocktail Bill" Boothby's 1908, The World's Drinks and How to Mix Them though this recipe calls for Selner Bitters*, not Peychaud's.

*at NOLA we proudly use Bitter Truth Creole Bitters blended from the same recipe as Selner's £11.5 BARREL AGED BIJOU Plymouth gin, green Chartreuse and sweet vermouth create a bouquet of herbs and sweet spices; aged to accentuate the texture and create a lingering that’ll make you want another sip. £11.5 £12.5 BARREL AGED CREOLE COCKTAIL Bulleit Rye whiskey blended with sweet vermouth, Amer Picon and Bénédictine. This drink is rich in complexity and has a subtle, sweet bitterness. It’s balanced by resting in American oak barrels before it reaches your glass. £12.5 £13.5 BARREL AGED VIEUX CARRÉ Courvoisier Exclusif Cognac and Bulleit rye whiskey paired with sweet vermouth and Bénédictine help to create a delightfully punchy drink. The aromatics from oak barrel ageing and the additions of bitters adds to its character.

£13.5 £14.5 CLAY POT RESTED MEZCAL NEGRONI The bitterness from Campari and the smokey finish of Del Maguey Vida Mezcal harmonized with red vermouth and bursts of flavour. The clay pot interaction enhances this drinks depth providing a lively and unique mouth-feel. £14.5 £12 LEATHER RESTED SAZERAC The fruitiness of Courvoisier Exclusif Cognac matched with bitters makes this cocktail a must-try! The addition of leather accentuates the cognac and absinthe giving it an impeccable length of finish. £12 £13.5 BANANA MANHATTAN Diplomatic Reserva Exclusive rum, sweet vermouth and Briottet Creme de Banane married with bitters and a hint of La Fee Absinthe. Created by Nick Detrich, Partner at Cane & Table, Cure and Cafe Henri. £13.5 £9.5 BYWATER Vanilla notes of aged Havana Especial rum are matched by the richness of bitter amaro, vibrant herbal Chartreuse and the spicy citrus of falernum and Amer Picon.

Created by Chris Hannah, Head Bartender at Arnaud's French 75 Bar. £9.5 £10 PARIS BETWEEN THE WARS Abigail has brilliantly paired JW Gold Reserve Scotch Whisky, Campari and Honey with pear cider which is then balanced with fresh lemon juice to make it crisp and refreshing. Created by Abigail Gullo, Bartender at Compère Lapin, New Orleans. £10 £10 SAINT – VICTOIRE Noir Saint Jean Walnut wine married with Amontillado sherry, Rittenhouse BIB rye whiskey and Galliano L'Autentico to fortify and add sweet herbal notes to this affluent and complex drink. Created by Ian McIntyre, General Manager at NOLA, London. £10 £12.5 PEPPERCORN 75 Delectable and sophisticated presentation of Beefeater gin, champagne and lemon. The addition of pink peppercorns helps lift this drink and adds fresh spice and fruity notes. £12.5 £10 PINEAPPLE JULEP Fact: A julep is delicious no matter the time of year.

We have added herbal sage, Bols honey infused Geneva, pineapple and Maker’s Mark bourbon to create a spicy and seasonal libation. £10 £12 WATERMELON FIZZ Does what it says on the tin! A refreshing combination of watermelon, punchy clove tincture and sour lemon, laced with Absolut Elyx vodka and lengthened with soda. Tall and tasty. £12 £13.5 SQUALL Unlike our bigger, traditional Hurricane this drink is served short. Don’t let the size fool you. Its tangy with a slightly bitter finish. Beautifully balanced with a measure of Diplomatico Mantano rum, vanilla and passion fruit infused Galiano L'autentico and the bitter orange of Amer Picon. £13.5 £11.5 WILD BERRY CRUSTA Our version of this New Orleans classic is fruit lead, wonderfully balanced and bursting with flavour. Hennessey Fine de Cognac & Rutte Old Simon Genever shaken with Port. The added zing arriving through our homemade berry shrub and cherry bitters.

£11.5 £10.5 B'LOMA #2 A NOLA classic gets updated with this reinvented Olmeca Altos Plata tequila based drink. Lengthening the flavours of the original with our homemade ginger beer and finished with grapefruit-violet foam. £10.5 £10 CLASSIC HURRICANE Pat O'Brien's Hurricane is known the world over. We've tried to be faithful to the original 1940's recipe. Havana Especial dark rum, Havana 3yr white rum are mixed with lime, passion fruit and a touch of Wray & Nephew overproof rum, served over crushed ice. £10 £13 NUCLEAR HURRICANE We hope Gregor de Gryther would be proud. Our hurricane has Wray & Nephew Overproof overproof rum, green Chartreuse, Velvet Falernum and lime, all topped with Ting. Easy to drink but packs a punch! *Strictly limited to two per guest. £13 £12 RAMOS GIN FIZZ Tanquaray Gin shaken hard (very hard!) with lemon, sugar, orange flower water, cream & egg white.

A frothy rich and decadent New Orleans classic. £12 £12.5 LA LOUISIANE A fabulous combination of Bulleit rye whiskey and vermouth with sweet herbal notes from Benedictine and a touch of absinthe for complexity. £12.5 £11 SAZERAC The official cocktail of New Orleans sees Bulleit rye whisky or Courvoisier Exclusif cognac stirred down with sugar and bitters, served in an absinthe rinsed glass. £11 *Heck, we're so good at making them, we're the only bar outside North America to have ever been awarded the 'Seal Of The Sazerac' from the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society. £9 GRASSHOPPER Created in the New Orleans restaurant Tujaques the Grasshopper is a delicate balance of cream, white cacao and crème de menthe. Truly a guilty pleasure! £9 £11.5 FRENCH 75 Not just the name of our favourite New Orleans Bar, also an elegant cocktail. Your choice of Courvoisier cognac or Beefeater gin, lemon and sugar, topped with champagne.

£11.5 £70 / £145 CAFÉ BRÛLOT DIABOLIQUE This cocktail needs to be experienced to be believed. Classic recipe from the Arnauds’ French 75 bar. Courvoisier Exclusif/XO Cognac and coffee brought to your table, lit on fire and carefully ladled over peeled orange and cloves until the essential oils and exotic scents marry in the liquids held in our antique silver chafing dish. £70 / £145 FOOD Our downstairs neighbours TuJacks has a late night kitchen open until 2AM on the weekends and 12AM weekdays. Go on, treat yo’self! £8.5 New Orleans, Louisiana Local News NOLA.com New Orleans Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy © 2016 NOLA Media Group. All rights reserved ( About Us ). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of NOLA Media Group. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.

Nola (NA), Campania, Italy Email Nola, Province of Napoli, Region Campania, Italy Pleasantly situated in the plain between Mount Vesuvius and the Apennines, 16 miles ENE of Naples, is served by the local railway Naples-Baiano. History Of the ancient city, which occupied the same site as the modern town, hardly anything is now visible. In the days of its independence it issued an important series of coins. Nola was one of the most ancient cities of Campania, variously said to have been founded by the Ausones, the Chalcidians and the Etruscans. Its territory was very fertile, and this was the principal source of its wealth. A large number of vases of Greek style were found in the neighbourhood. The Etruscans were certainly in Nola about 560 BC when it sent assistance to Neapolis against the Roman invasion (328 BC). The Romans conquered Nola in 343 BC, and it was thenceforth faithful to Rome. Nola was a municipium with its own institutions and the use of the Oscan language. It became a Roman colony under Augustus, who died at Nola.

Sacked by Genseric in 455, and by the Saracens in 806 and 904, captured by Manfred of Sicily in the 13th century, and damaged by earthquakes in the 15th and 16th, Nola lost much of its importance. The revolution of 1820 under General Pepe began at Nola. Info The Big Easy Dictionary - Crescent City - New Orleans What the locals call an avocado. Andouille - "An Doo E" This is a traditional New Orleans style, spicy sausage. Usually, andouille is used to make jambalaya, red beans and rice and other New Orleans dishes. Banquette - "Ban Ket" In New Orleans, this means, simply, a sidewalk. Beads Beads refer to plastic necklaces that are thrown from floats and balconies during Carnival. Plastic beads become a kind of currency during Mardi Gras. People trade and collect beads. People also are known to do some rather outrageous things to acquire beads during Mardi Gras. Beignet - "Ben Yeah" These are French style donuts that are drowned in powdered sugar.

Usually, beignets are served with cafe au lait. Stop by Cafe Du Monde for the cities best coffee and beignets. Big Easy This is an euphemism for New Orleans, like the "Crescent City," that is attributed to Betty Guillaud, a gossip columnist for the Times Picayune, in the '70s as a term of endearment and an answer to the then I Love New York City hype. If it's the "Big Apple" then New Orleans is the "Big Easy," where everything is slower, simpler and easy-going. Cafe au Lait - "Ca Fay - Oh - Lay" This is New Orleans traditional coffee. Cafe au Lait is made from coffee and chickory mixed with boiled milk. Cafe au Lait is certain to give you a start for the new day. Cajun - "Kay Jen" There are a three meanings for this word. The first refers to the French Acadians who settled into the bayous of Louisiana from Novia Scotia in the 1700's. The second meaning, which involves a rather hot debate, refers to a style of cooking.

The last meaning describes a unique dialect of French spoken by the "cajuns." Chickory This is actually a root that is ground and roasted to add flavor to coffee. Cafe au Lait is made with Coffee, chickory and boiled milk. Crawfish Crawfish are sort of like little lobsters. Locals have "crawfish parties" where friends gather to feast on pounds and pounds of crawfish that are highly seasoned and boiled with onions, new potatoes, whole garlic cloves, sausage and anything else that adds flavor to these delicious crustaceans. Yankees sometimes call crawfish "crayfish." Locals often refer to crawfish as "mudbugs." Creole - "Kree Yol" This word has a rather complicated history. Creole refers to the French and Spanish descendents in New Orleans. Creole also describes a style of cooking. The debate regarding the differences between "creole" and "cajun" cooking rages on... Doubloons From the tradition of the Spanish pirates comes the doubloon. Doubloons are aluminum coins that are imprinted with the name of a Krewe and the theme of its parade and are thrown from floats during Carnival.

Over the years, people have begun to collect and trade doubloons as if they were actual coins. Doubloons are one of the most popular Mardi Gras throws. Etoufee - "A Two Fay" There are many variations to this dish. Most etoufees start with a roux and consist of rice, shell fish or meat and vegetable Flambeaux - "Flam Bo" Before there were electric lights, Mardi Gras parades were lit by fire torches called flambeaux. Today, the tradition of the flambeaux and their mysterious illumination is carried on by some of the old line Krewes. Grillades - "Gree Yods" This is broiled veal served in gravy. Usually, grillades are served for breakfast with grits. Gumbo The word "gumbo" comes from an African language that means okra. Gumbo is a traditional southern soup like dish. It can be made with just about anything. But, all gumbos start with a rich roux and usually include either sea food or sausage. Jambalaya - "Jam Ba Lie Uh" This is a very popular party dish as it can be made in large quantities !

Usually, jambalaya is a spicy dish made with rice, tomato and either sea food or meat is added for flavor. See the recipe in this guide ! Krewe Legend has it that the word "Krewe" came from the old English spelling for the word "crew." A Krewe is an organization or club that parades at Mardi Gras. Lagniappe - "Lan Yap" This is what New Orleans call something you get for free. For example, if you go to the butcher and he gives you a bone for your dog, it's called lagniappe. Locker If the bellman at the hotel asks if you would like your bags placed in the "locker," he is asking if you would like to have them placed in the closet. Muffaletta - "Moof A lot a" Said to have been invented at "Central Grocery" on Decatur Street in the french Quarter- A Muffaletta is a very large sandwich served on an Italian bread loaf. The muffaletta is made from ham, salami and provolone cheese and garnished with an olive relish.

Neutral Ground In most cities this is called the "median-" You know, that little strip of ground in the middle of a road. Legend has it that the neutral ground got its name from early New Orleans when the French and Spanish could do business between sections of the city standing on the "neutral ground." Po'Boy This is any sandwich that is made with a loaf of french bread. It's called a Po'Boy because one sandwich can feed an entire family. Roux - "Rew" A roux is the base for many popular New Orleans dishes. It is made from flour and oil. Throw Most parades require the crowd to politely sit and applaud as each float passes by. Not in New Orleans ! In New Orleans a parade is a "sport." The crowd is expected to participate in the action by catching stuff that is "thrown" from a passing float. At Mardi Gras, the most popular throws are beads, doubloons and plastic cups. Snowball New Orleans gets real hot in the summer and people cool off with this local version of a snow cone.

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Question: What city is sometimes called "Nola"?
Answer: New Orleans