re: New Orleans trip - help please

1.) I really like Toast, which is Uptown off of Laurel.

2.) We've been to the Davenport Lounge in the Ritz a few times and really enjoyed it. See answer for question 3, too.

3.) My favorite spot to hangout and relax with a bottle of wine is Bacchanal. There is also live music here daily. It can get pretty crowded at night, so you may want to get there early.

4.) I don't really frequent the French Quarter very often, so I can't really help you here.

5.) The only rooftop bar that I've been to is in the Ace hotel. There is a rooftop pool/bar on the 9th floor that is open to the public. They make pretty good drinks, too. That rooftop overlooks Lafayette Square. Not sure if that is the vibe you're going for, though.

6.) Do you like muffulettas (or olives)? If so, I'd go for it. If not, you can't go wrong with a po-boy from Parkway.

7.) I like the Merchant downtown and Corner Muse in the Lower Garden district.

8.) I'd go with Herbsaint.