re: NOLA for my first time

Hogs for a Cause March 31-Apr1, if you're in town for that, one of the better fest's in NOLA

FQ Bar musts- Lafites, Chart House, Pat O's, Carousel Bar, French 75

other bars

Bacchanal. Outdoor wine bar, great live music
Sazerac bar- inside the Roosevelt hotel. very old, great, proper cocktails
Rusty Nail- solid all around, outdoor seating, laid back


food in downtown/FQ area

Cochon (maybe the best sampling of "local" food)
Cochon butcher (casual sandwiches & other fare)
Compere Lapin (carribean influenced/hot new restaurant)
Domenica(pizza/italian)
Peche( greatest seafood restaurant in the south)
Galatoires (old school new orleans stop)
Cafe Amelie (courtyard brunch is nice)
Mr B's
Verti Mart for po boys
Central Grocery for Muffalettas


others

Commanders Palace (top 3 NOLA restaurant experience)
Shaya (beard award, best new restaurant)
Steins Deli (best sandwiches in NOLA)
Bevi Seaffod (old school fried seafood joint)




if you fall on a Tues, go see Rebirth Brass band at Maple leaf