As the first big festival after Mardi Gras, Saint Patrick’s Day is welcomed by all as both an homage to the Irish Culture and an indicator that spring is just around the corner!  Common celebrations include block parties and parades, often based around neighborhood and community organizations.  Of course, the French Quarter boasts multiple parades to honor the Irish, and you may even see some floats from Mardi Gras reused during the parade.  During these processions, do not be surprised to catch a potato or cabbage thrown from the floats!

The NOLA annual Irish Channel St. Parade begins at 1pm on Saturday, March 17, 2011, and passes within only a few blocks 0f our New Orleans bed and breakfast, so guests have easy access for a great spot on the parade route during their stay!

Traveling to New Orleans before Saint Patricks Day weekend?  You can still partake in some of the fun!  A Saint Patricks Day Parade will be held on Metairie Road on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at noon.  Just 6 miles NNW of the inn, you can easily take a streetcar up for the event.  There may be other events happening throughout the week prior to the holiday, and we can let you know more about these during your stay.

No matter what you do for the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, be sure to wear your green, as this tradition is actively upheld in the city – no green, and you are likely to find yourself pinched!

So come to enjoy a stay with us at the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast for your Saint Patty’s day, New Orleans vacation!

Of course, honeymooners are frequent guests to our charming New Orleans bed and breakfast.  Everyone knows that this romantic and historic city is the perfect place to plan your post-wedding getaway.  Our Jazzy Honeymoon, Do Not Disturb, Rendezvous on the Avenue, and Sex in the City packages are perfect choices for your honeymoon stay with us!

But weddings, ah, weddings!  If you are planning a destination wedding, Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast is the perfect New Orleans wedding location for your intimate event.  For family and friends from 2 to 30 people, we can offer a complete per-person or per-room package, depending on your preferences and selections.  Some of the wedding amenities we can provide include:

• Flowers, including arrangements, corsages, bouquets, and boutonnieres
• Ministerial services by a state-licensed non-denomination minister who will assist you with your marriage license
• Professional photography at a reasonable cost
• Food and beverage catering for an intimate reception
• Music support from a harpist, violinist, or Jazz quartet
• Transportation via limo, private streetcar for a group, or horse-drawn carriage for two in the French Quarter
• Event planning for you and your guests at local attractions and destinations

More information can be found at our website.

We take pride in providing a romantic and memorable event for you and your loved ones.  There is no greater joy than to see two people married in our Bed and Breakfast!  So please let us know how we can help plan your special day at our New Orleans bed and breakfast!

Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is actually a French Catholic tradition in relation to Lent.  It is the practice of eating richer, fattier foods in excess on a final night before Lenten season fasting begins on Ash Wednesday in remembrance of the Holy Week before Easter.  Mardi Gras is slowly spreading throughout the United States as a reason to celebrate, but Mardi Gras actually arrived in Louisiana with the Le Moyne brothers in 1699.  Sent by King Louis XIV to defend France’s claim on the area of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana in America, the brothers traveled up the Mississippi River and made camp about 60 miles downriver of where New Orleans is today.  The day they made camp happened to be France’s Mardi Gras day.  So you could say that the New Orleans area had a hand in starting Mardi Gras, even though the actual celebration wasn’t established until Mobile was settled in 1702.

Mardi Gras has since become synonymous with New Orleans itself.  And festivities begin long before Lent.  The Mardi Gras parade season begins on Saturday, February 4, 2012, and continues to Mardi Gras day itself on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.  Celebrations can range from simply jovial to downright risque, and experiencing them is like nothing you’ve ever done before!

Our inn is the perfect place to be during Mardi Gras!  All 26 Mardi Gras parades march down St. Charles Avenue and in front of our front door, making Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast the perfect place to stay while safely and conveniently enjoying event festivities!  If you do feel the need to celebrate at “ground zero,” we are just minutes away from the French Quarter via the streetcars which stop just outside the house.

Come down for the Mardi Gras events themselves, or better yet, plan a longer visit and combine your February, 2012 New Orleans vacation with one of our great celebration packages and kill two birds with one stone.  New Orleans is the perfect place for you to get away from the norm, celebrate the occasion, and enjoy the unique!

We still have a few choice rooms available so call now to reserve your spot.  Its a five-night minimum stay during Mardi Gras, but the visit is the experience of a lifetime!

Featuring handmade jewelry collections, original sculptures by local artists, and traditional sculptures from Bali, you are sure to find something for the art-lover on your shopping list.  Bring your Tulane student ID and get an extra 10% off (not valid with any other offers).

While at the Gallery, enjoy “In the Spirit of Shozo” – the first posthumous exhibition of Japanese-American master painter Shozo Nagano, on display until December 31, 2011.  Also on display are a selection of photographs from New Orleans’ annual PhotoNOLA event.  Also on display are items from the Gallery’s Collection.

Gallery Veriditas is located at 3822 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.  Gallery Hours are Tues-Thurs 11-6, Fri 11-7, Sat 12-7.

If you would like further information about the shopping event, feel free to contact us at the Avenue Inn!

What is PhotoNOLA?  The event is an annual festival of photography consisting of photo exhibitions, workshops, benefits, artist talks, and more.  Events take place throughout the city between Saturday, December 3, 2011 through Tuesday, December 13, 2011, and many are open to the public.  Most events are free, however some require a preliminary sign-up.  Events take place near the Central Business District.

PhotoNOLA is presented by the New Orleans Photo Alliance each year, in partnership with city galleries, museums and photographers.

Choose one of Avenue Inn’s eight beautiful rooms to stay in during your PhotoNOLA experience.  We look forward to hosting you!

The exhibit will run through January 29, 2012.
533 Royal St.
New Orleans, Louisiana

Gallery hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

This year we have New Orleans Bed and Breakfast guests that have already made plans to visit the festival to enjoy the great food, beverages and the full line-up of local music legends.

The Louisiana Seafood Festival celebrates New Orleans food culture with some of our city’s finest restaurants and catering companies contributing.  And its all for a good cause. Money from the event goes to the hospitality industry to sponsor educational opportunities for high school and college students. Restaurants and caterers this year include:

Acme Oyster     Shrimp Poboys, Oyster Poboys
Remoulade        Shrimp Cajun Eggrolls; Crawfish Pie; Meat Pies, Fried Fruit Pies
Café Giovanni   Voodoo Shrimp, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, Strawberries and Sweet Cream
Drago’s               Charbroiled Oysters, Bread Pudding
Galatoire’s         Shrimp remoulade, Fried Shrimp BLT Poboy
Saltwater Grill  Cochon de lait poboy, Crabcake Salad with Remoulade, Crawfish & Spinach boat
Mr. B’s Bistro    Seafood Stew in Puff Pastry; Creole Gazpacho with Louisiana Lump Crabmeat
7 on Fulton        Seafood Gumbo, Seafood Sausage Poboy
Pigeon Caterer  Shrimp Creole & Rice; Crabcakes or Crawfish Cakes with Remoulade Sauce
Luke                    Chile Crunch Shrimp & Spicy Pork Belly Poboy with Pickled Hahnville Cabbage
Serrano’s Salsa  Grilled Fish Tacos; Crab Cake Sliders;Passion Burger Sliders
MrMudbug/KingCreole Shrimp and Crab Penne Pasta; Red Beans & Rice
Royal House      Zydedo Stick;Gator Sliders
Ninja Rest.         Soft Shell Crab Poboy served with spicy mayo; Catfish Poboy served with spicy mayo
Grand Isle Rest Spicy Shrimp, Crab Fritters
TJ Gourmet       Crawfish Bread, Crawfish Sausage Kabob, Mango Sorbet

Besides all the wonderful seafood dishes to select from there will also be snowballs, ice cream, daiquiris and full bars.

Music will be provided all weekend by some great local performers with national acclaim:

Vivaz
Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys
Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers
The Wise Guys
Jon Cleary¹s Philthy Phew
The US Navy Jazz Band
The Revivalists
Paul Varisco & the Milestones and special guest Luther Kent

You still have time to make plans to be with in September. Our Uptown Garden District Bed and Breakfast as some great rates and packages from which to choose.

The Crescent City is gearing up for one of the largest Decadence celebrations in the history of this event expecting to bring in over 135,000 revelers in 2011. This “end of summer Celebration of Gay Life, Music and Culture” has received much acclaim in recent years throughout the United States due to the national marketing efforts of local and national businesses who support the event.

We have found over the years, that you don’t have to be Gay to enjoy the fun. There are parades through the French Quarter that every visitor to the city can enjoy. Keep in mind, that these are generally “adult viewing” events and may not be appropriate for young kids and teens.

So if you are looking for something a bit over the top for Labor Day this year, then New Orleans and Southern Decadence may be just festival for you.  The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast supports all of the city’s events and invites you to come on down and participate in the last big weekend of the Summer. Ask about our rates for Labor Day weekend in New Orleans.

If you are into Jazz music, have we got a festival for you! One of our favorite events of the year, and a favorite of guests at our New Orleans Bed and Breakfast, will kick off next week in the French Quarter. Satchmo SummerFest, a multi-day celebration of the music and life of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, runs from on August 4-7, 2011.  And August 4 just happens to be the exact day 110 years ago that the King of Jazz was born. His life began in a poor, run-down section of New Orleans to an unwed mother. But by the time of his death at age 70, he had completely revamped American pop music and showcased it to the world. Satchmo SummerFest, in its 10th year, is a tribute and highlight of summer in the city that the great one always called home.

The festival features four days of music – with a focus on jazz – plus educational music history seminars and other Louis Armstrong tribute events. Scheduled concerts on the grounds around the Old U.S. Mint will delight visitors and locals, a sure reminder to everyone that New Orleans was where jazz began. The cadre of participating musicians is “local,” representing some of the best talent New Orleans has to offer. As Innkeepers, we try to get out to one or more of the concerts. Our guests make all of them.

Add plenty of great New Orleans food, arts and handicrafts to the mix and you have the recipe for a lively festival that celebrates the joys of music and good times.

We heard through the grapevine that this year’s musical lineup includes many  well-known names.  A must see are 100 year old trumpeter Lionel Ferbos; drummer Jason Marsalis; trumpeters Kermit Ruffins, Shamarr Allen, Jeremy Davenport, Glenn David Andrews and Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown; and vocalist Leah Chase. Brass bands include Treme, Soul Rebels, Hot 8 and the Preservation Hall All Stars. For a complete list of performers and the schedule of when they are performing go to www.fqfi.org. And for a complete seminar schedule click here.

If you are not familiar with the life and times of the man, you can click here to read a more detailed biography of Louis “Satchmo” Armstong.

The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast still has rooms available for the festival week. Go to our website for more detail or call toll free 800-490-8542 and ask for Satchmo rates.

Of course, the cocktail has taken on many exotic incarnations since Antoine did his thing, the most imaginative beverages, we believe, were invented here in New Orleans. Famous drinks such as the Absinthe Frappe, the Ramos Gin Fizz, the Obituary Cocktail, the Hurricane, the Hand Grenade and many others owe their beginnings to the imagination and creativity of New Orleans bartenders.

Now in its ninth year, Tales of the Cocktail is being held from Wednesday, July 20-Sunday, July 24 2011 at various locations throughout the French Quarter, with headquarters at the elegant Hotel Monteleone.  Some of the city’s best-known mixologists – along with noted bartenders from around the country – can be counted on to shake, stir and pour each splash, dash and mash of their colorful (and tasty!) concoctions for thousands of grateful and happy guests. The occasion also features authors on the subject, “Spirited Dinners,” lectures, demonstrations, and all things “cocktail” (luncheons, parties, competitions and cocktail hours). Close to two dozen of the leading restaurants from around the city participate in the various events. So whether guests  have a craving for drinks mixed with scotch, gin, vodka, cognac, brandy or even the long-forbidden but now-legal absinthe, it’s all here for the choosing – and sampling. A full slate of seminars, tastings, lectures and more is on tap for an event that just keeps growing and going!

New this year are beverage fam trips outside the city to scenic and historic places like Metairie Cemetery and Laura Plantation in Vacherie (St. James Parish), about forty miles upriver from New Orleans. These excursions are not included with the packages offered by the festival and must be booked separately from the dinners and other Tales of the Cocktail related events. 

Guests at the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast have already planned to attend many of the events in the city. There are still some great rooms available at the Inn and you should call and ask for the T-ot-C promotional rate now.

This coming weekend, most locals and visitors plan to be in the New Orleans French Quarter for the fifth-annual Vieux to Do: a bonus weekend of three festivals in one (vieux is reference to the Vieux Carre, or old village, i.e.the French Quarter.) Two events, the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival and the Louisiana Seafood Festival will be set-up in the Old U.S. Mint from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 11 – 12, 2011. Also on the weekend, The Creole Tomato Festival will be located only a few yards away, just around the corner in the French Market.

New Orleans French Quarter Food Festivals

Free concerts hosted by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is a feature of the Cajun-Zydeco Festival plus you’ll find cooking demonstrations and craft tents. Performing artists scheduled to perform will include Grammy Award-winners BeauSoleil & Michael Doucet, Terrance Simien and Chubby Carrier, as well as Sunpie & the Lousiana Sunspots and Bruce Daigrepont.

In celebration of one of Louisiana’s food favorites, the Creole Tomato Festival honors the plump yet firm tomato you can eat like an apple. The festival will offer live music and cooking demonstrations based around the red jewel. The Seafood Festival highlights the abundance of Louisiana seafood products.  Participants will be serving up the World’s Largest Seafood Dish and you can enjoy a real crawfish boil with plenty of mud-bugs, boiled corn and potatoes. Yum!

There is no one reason to come to New Orleans.  This weekend is but three of hundreds. Plan a trip now or in the near future!

We never have a shortage of entertainment and things to do in the Crescent City. There’s a festival almost every weekend. New Orleans Bed and Breakfast guests at the Avenue Inn flock to these events like pigeons in the park. It’s all good!

Despite reports from last year’s oil issues in the Gulf, the current oyster harvest from waters just South of us are as abundant and the mouth watering mollusks are as tasty and safe to eat as they’ve always been.  The Annual New Orleans Oyster Festival confirms New Orleans’ reputation as “The Oyster Capital of the World.”

The two-day, outdoor event will be held next to Jax Brewery, in the French Quarter. It will feature live music, contests and competitions, and tasting events starring the festival’s honored guest, the Louisiana Oyster. Visitors will see and perhaps participate in oyster shucking and oyster eating competitions sponsored by some of the city’s leading seafood restaurants.

Listed among the entertainers for this year’s event are Zydeco superstar Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., New Orleans “Soul Queen” and Grammy Award-winner Irma Thomas, Treme star trumpeter James Andrews, plus brass bands and other house rockers.

The festival itself opens Saturday, June 4 at 11:45 a.m. and runs through 7:30 p.m. that evening. Sunday will have the same schedule. If you can plan a last minute trip to the Big easy, this would be a great weekend for some free fun at the festival. Yes, along with your room at the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast, you can enjoy the festival for free.  Come on down for some awesome shuckin’ and jivein’ See you here!

Vendors at the 4th Annual New Orleans Seafood Festival

Fourth Annual New Orleans Seafood Festival took place this year at Lafayette Square on September 10th, 11th and 12th, 2010 across from Gallier Hall in downtown NOLA. Proceeds from this event benefited the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. The festival was only a 10 minute ride on the streetcar line, so our New Orleans lodging venue was very convenient for our guests. Innkeepers at the Avenue Inn B&B made sure that their New Orleans Bed and Breakfast guests were aware of the “seafood party” and encouraged attendance. Innkeepers Joe and Bebe Rabhan even set the example by joining them there for the festivities.

The festival, which was free and open to the public, featured live music and cuisine from many famed, local restaurants. Visitors and locals alike feasted on oysters, shrimp, snapper, tilapia, scallops and yes, alligator, in all forms and recipes. The 20 local restaurants who participated offered at least two speciality items. Alligator sausage on a stick was our favorite as we sampled as much of the fresh catch that was available in each booth.

Besides all the wonderful seafood dishes to select from there were snoballs, gelato, kettle corn, daiquiris, draft and full bars.  Here’s a listing of what we found at the Festival:

• Acme Oyster House-     Shirmp poboys, Catfish Poboys
• Remoulade Restaurant-     Shrimp Cajun Eggrolls; Crawfish Pie
• Café Giovanni-   Voodoo Shrimp Grits, Creole Shrimp and Corn Bisque
• Pigeon Caterers – Crab and crawfish cakes on lettuce, seafood gumbo, bread pudding
• Drago’s –   Fleur de lis Shirmp, Charbroiled Oysters
• Galatoire’s-   Shrimp remoulade  Fried Shrimp BLT Poboy
• Mr. Mudbug-    Shrimp and crab penne pasta
• Serrano’s –    Grilled Fish Tacos, Ceviche, Fried Oyster wraps
• Oceana Restaurant -    Blackened Shrimp, Blackened Catfish with a fire roasted red pepper sauce
• Salt Water Grill –   Cochon de lait poboy, alligator sausage on a stick, crawfish & spinach boat
• Ninja Restaurant-   Softshell Crab Po-boy, Catfish Poboy
• TJ Gourmet -  Crawfish Sausage Kabob, Shrimp Pirogue, Crawfish Bread
• 7 on Fulton -  Seafood Gumbo, Grilled Amberjack
• Cafe at the Square-   Gulf shrimp and mushrooms in puff pastry, Shrimp Roll
• NO Hamburger & Seafood-    BBQ Shrimp Po-Boys, Thin Fried Catfish Plate
• Royal House Oyster Bar- Crab & Shrimp Remoulade Po-boy, The Zydeco Stick (skewered shrimp wrapped in bacon w/ jalapeno sausage & veggies, corn battered & deep fried
• Cafe Hope -  Shrimp Salad
• Grand Isle-  Seafood Salad, Shrimp Carrinada Mini-Poboy     Louisiana Specialty Drinks ~ Daiquiris
• Broussards-  Corn & Shrimp & Sweet Potato Bisque
• Sweets and Such-  Original NO Snoball
• Luke- Jumbo Stiffed shrimp w/ Blood Orange Hollandaise
• TA Dowd / Blue Bunny Ice cream

New Orleans Seafood Fest main stage

In addition to the seafood, there was plenty of entertainment scheduled throughout the weekend on the big stage. New Orleans bed and breakfast guests rocked out to the sounds of  Wiseguys, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr, Revivalists, Vivaz, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Rebirth Brass Band, Amanda Shaw, The Boogiemen and Luther Kent.  There were about 40 booths of Louisiana artists and craftsmen selling original works and 10 celebrity chefs demonstrated the fine art of cooking fresh Louisiana seafood.

The festival was testimony to locals and the guests at our New Orleans bed and breakfast that eating seafood from the Gulf is perfectly safe and very tasty. When was the last time you indulged in a shrimp poboy? Plan now to come on down to the Big Easy. You can have your own seafood festival anytime. This one will be back in September of 2011.

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Have you been to the New Orleans seafood festival? Please make a comment about your experience below.

The scheduled festivities are family-friendly and include the following: Oyster eating contest, Oyster shucking contest, and a children only Root Beer float eating contest. On Saturday, the kickoff day, the festival runs from 11 am-7 pm, and on Sunday starts at 11 am and wraps things up around 6 pm.  If you want more partying, or oysters, consider coming a little earlier and making a long weekend of the event. On Thursday is the unofficial start to the Oyster series with the Bourbon House Wine and Oyster Pairings Contest. And don’t forget to pack your party hat because Friday is Acme’s VIP Party. Need a place to stay in New Orleans? Not a problem! A standout in New Orleans lodging, the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast, would love to play host to your New Orleans Oyster Fest weekend.

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Have you been lucky enough to attend a New Orleans Oyster Festival? We would love to hear your stories, feel free to share your comments here.

The Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival is held every June in the old U.S. Mint located in the historic French Quarter. It’s three days of the ragin’ Cajun and Zydeco music that made New Orleans famous. In attendance-and hitting all the right notes- will be Grammy winners Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet and Terrance Simien & crowd favorite, the Zydeco Experience. Past entertainers include the Lost Bayou Ramblers as well as Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys.

For the devout jazz junkies, the US Mint building may be enough to tweak your interest. The Old U.S. Mint houses the largest collection of early and modern jazz artifacts in the city.

Another intriguing tidbit about the building? The Louisiana Seafood Festival lands on June 12-13, overlapping the Cajun-Zydeco fest. So if you are thinking of mouthwatering shrimp, succulent trout, spicy crawfish, and oysters galore, you’ve got the right idea.

But that’s not all…the third festival falling on the same date is the Creole Tomato Festival. The unique Louisiana veggie has been honored for 20 years with this fun fest. Held at the nearby French Market, the nation’s oldest city marketplace, the festival is a celebration of the Creole Tomato, an important ingredient in many local specialties. At this venue, not only will you find more live music, but cooking demonstrations, organic produce, a plethora of dishes featuring the vegetable of honor, and even a parade!

And when the festival ends, it does not mean guests have to leave the Big Easy. Festival-goers can treat themselves with an extended getaway courtesy of the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast. Located in the Uptown/Garden District, the charming mansion is just steps away from the streetcar for easy transport. After a long day of festival revelry, kick off your shoes and put up your feet at the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast for some summertime rest and relaxation. Go to our website for information on the New Orleans Bed and Breakfast Inn, and for information on the Cajun-Zydeco Festival.

So take three festivals playing the music that put NOLA on the map, throw in the freshest seafood, and more killer cuisine and what do you have? A summertime festival trifecta that is pure New Orleans.

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Have you attended a Cajun-Zydeco Festival? How about the Louisiana Seafood Festival? Please leave your comments and share your experiences here.

NOWFE makes the list as one of the world’s top ten wine-and-food festivals, and as the last scents of spring mingle in the warm summer air, New Orleans is a haven of sights and smells to feast on.  Speaking of feasting, you cannot mention the Big Easy without talking about the culinary delights widely available. In fact, some of the Avenue Inn’s favorite restaurants are participating in the fest, including: Commander’s Palace, Café Adelaide & The Swizzle Stick Bar, and Pascal Manale’s. Get ready to taste the morsels that made New Orleans cuisine famous!

The festival is so popular, you can play a fun game of spot the celeb! Highly acclaimed Chef John Besh, a New Orleans local who owns four restaurants in town, will be in attendance, along with food critic Lori Gaudin, Chef Donald Link, internationally acclaimed Chef Susan Spicer, Ziggy “The Wine Gal” Eschliman, wine educator Michael Green, Bravo’s Top Chef Season 5 Contestant Chef Jeff McInnis, and you may just catch a peak of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 5 Winner Hosea Rosenberg hanging out. It is safe to say guests should be armed with a camera- and possibly a wine bottle for autographs!

Tickets for festival events will need to be purchased for each guest, and can be done so  here . If you want to go big, try the Grand Taster package for VIP treatment. Guests will be reassured knowing that NOWFE is a non-profit organization, making a point to donate much of the ticket revenue in giving back to the New Orleans community.

Want to make your May getaway over the top?  Enjoy a bed and breakfast experience. The Avenue Inn B&B has availability in May and would love to show you the beautiful town of NOLA that we call home. For information, click here.

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Have you attended a New Orleans food and wine festival? Please leave your comments and share your experiences here.

 Admission is free to all the goings-on, with food being sold from twenty vendors. It sort of like the French Quarter festival except that many of the vendors will have roadfood from other parts of the country. Seafood chowder from the Maine Diner, for example, and barbecue from Texas. Lots of stuff from Cajun country. Part of the fun includes the making and subsequent eating of the World’s Longest Oyster Poor Boy.

Photo courtesy of http://www.neworleansroadfoodfestival.com/

 Along the way, Anthony and Gail Uglesich will be honored. These famous local restaurateurs will come out of retirement to cook and serve Shrimp Uggie–one of their legendary dishes. All of this runs from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. till 6 p.m. Sunday. The oyster loaf will be assembled Saturday midday, and be ready for eating by about 12:30. On Sunday, there’s a beignet-eating contest at noon in the 400 block of Royal (near Brennan’s).

For more information, visit the festival’s site here! 

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Have you attended one of New Orlean’s festivals? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

 Photos courtesy of  French Quarter Festivals, Inc

A whole weekend full of great food, good tunes, and fun for all hits NOLA on April 9- are you ready? It’s not too late to plan your weekend- or extended stay if the circumstances are right. With the jazz music starting in the morning and going strong into the night, a pair of comfortable shoes may be your best friend over the three-day fest. If you’re ready to get “foot loose,” check out the featured event!

Fleur de Lindy and French Quarter Festival present social dancing  at the FQF: Whether you’re a swing dance specialist , or an amateur two-stepper, these half-hour all-level dance classes will have you moving!  On Friday April 9, The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage will feature classes in the following styles: Second Line, Charleston, Swing, Fox-trot, Traditional Jazz and Lindy Hop. And with teachers reigning from the NOLA Jitterbugs, Dancing Man 504, Dance Quarter, as well as other guests, you will be dancing like the pros in no time. But don’t tire yourself out on Friday, because the classes will continue through Saturday and Sunday! On April 10 and 11, the Children’s Headquarters on the riverfront plaza at Audubon Aquarium is hosting classes for even the tiniest dancers. The best part? All classes are free and open to the public. See the itinerary for details.

Offering the best of what the Big Easy has to offer, the French Quarter Fest is the perfect whirlwind taste of New Orleans culture. A popular weekend for the locals, it’s a great way to not only “visit New Orleans, but live it!”

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 If you’ve been to a French Quarter Fest, we’d love to hear about it! Share your experiences here.

Presenting a full marathon (or a half marathon if you please), this is the perfect excuse to splurge on calories on Friday and Saturday in the city where the food never gets boring! Beignets, po-boys galore, glorious gumbo, need I say more? If you’re not one to overindulge, the marathon also showcases some serious talent to keep you rockin through the marathon. With a live band for musical motivation at every mile mark, alongside with cheerleaders and themed water stations, the event is less of a marathon than it is a block party. What’s at the finish line you ask? A live concert of course! An opening act by Sister Hazel and a performance by Cowboy Mouth will surely keep you rocking even after you go the distance.

The concert is free to the public and will be located at the City Park finish line following the race on Sunday. For 26 miles of music, family-friendly fun all in New Orleans, book your weekend getaway now before it’s too late!
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Have you attended a Rock’n’Roll Mardi Gras Marathon? Please leave your comments and share your experiences here.

        Travel alone or bring a girl/boy pal for a relaxing 3-night stay in the Big Easy. This package includes a one hour massage, enticing shopping discounts, Mardi Gras beads (of course), Southern Comfort souvenirs, a copy of the V-day classic “He’s Just Not That Into You,” two pints of frozen heaven from your favorite guys, Ben & Jerry, unlimited riding on the historic streetcar system all around town, tickets to the Gray Line Cocktail History Tour, and a Voo Doo Doll complete with pens and permanent marker (you supply the victim). Enough swag to make you forget…what’s his name? Sounds about right.

         While the promotion is sweet, the reality may be sweeter. With New Orleans at your fingertips for three full nights, forgetting your ex may be easier than you ever imagined.

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Have you stayed at the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast recently? Please share your thoughts/comments here

            Because it’s still early in the game, you are at a great advantage. With Mardi Gras just around the corner, and a whole SLEW of events yet to come, make 2010 a great year by planning a trip to NOLA as soon as possible.

            The quintessential French Quarter Festival arrives in April- a few months away- but never underestimate the art of good planning.  This April 9, the fest will kick off, and entertain the city of New Orleans until the 11^th. This includes 150 musical performances on 16 stages all through the French Quarter for the span of three days. To add to the party, more than 70 food and beverage booths will keep the refreshments coming all the while, from camp in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the U.S. Mint.  Restaurants throughout New Orleans cook up their famed mouthwatering dishes specifically for this event- meaning more crawfish pie, jambalaya, red beans & rice, and po-boys than you can imagine!

            More than an awesome party, the FQF (French Quarter Fest) is a good time with a mission: supporting local music. The talent on its eighteen outdoor stages will showcase some of the best homegrown Jazz, funk, gospel, classical, Cajun, zydeco- you name it.  The lineup this year boasts names like The Radiators, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Irvin Mayfield, Soul Rebels, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. the Wild Magnolias, and many more.

            Entertainment, food, good times (and great intentions), the French Quarter Fest is annually a fabulous time. With rooms available at the Avenue Inn, booking a room now will pay off this April when the FQF is set to rock the Big Easy.

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Have you been to a French Quarter Fest? Post your comments/ share your experiences here! Don’t wait, book your stay at the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast today!

Mardi Gras Basics: Master these facts and you’ll be a professional Mardi Gras-goer.

-Colors: The official Fat Tuesday colors are purple, green and gold. Rex, King of Mardi Gras,  selected these colors himself back in 1872. Purple stands for justice, gold represents power, and green for faith. This color palette even influenced Louisiana State University and Tulane University when picking their official school colors.

-Costumes: Don’t be afraid to dress up on Mardi Gras Day! With costume contests in every part of the city, you have to join in on the fun! When you’re not decked out in costume, make sure to wear purple, green and gold somewhere on your body (you’ll see some interesting placements)!

-Score some beads: Just a heads-up- watch out for beads, doubloons, cups and trinkets that may be airborne during parades. Otherwise, enjoy the snag! If you don’t walk away with at least 50lbs of beads that you caught, then you didn’t attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans!

-Plan, plan, plan! Planning ahead is of the utmost importance if you’re planning to attend Mardi Gras. Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts usually fill up pretty fast, but don’t lose total hope if your’re reading this post the first week of February! Persistence pays off and sometimes there are last minute cancellations of non-refundable bookings. Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts will try and help customers re-sell the rooms. So call and ask as late as January and into February.

So you can’t make it this year? Then now is the time to inquire about 2011. Start your search on February 17th and see what’s available. Its never too early for Mardi Gras. “Let the good times roll!”
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Have you experienced Mari Gras? Please add your comments below for our readers.

About New Years Eve in New Orleans

Known for its all-night parties, loud music and outdoor festivities, what better place to celebrate New Years Eve than beautiful New Orleans? The city thrives on its nightlife, and on the biggest party night of the year the best nightclubs in New Orleans definitely know how to ring in the New Year right. Though there are plenty of clubs, hotels and other events to accommodate everyone, ensuring you get to the hottest parties in the city will definitely require some planning. The city sees an incredible influx of visitors throughout the holiday season and anyone looking to celebrate New Years Eve in New Orleans should plan weeks in advance. To beat the rush, do everything from planning your flight to booking accommodations in a hotel or bed and breakfast like the Avenue Inn B&B on St. Charles Avenue. And be sure to order  New Years Eve event tickets. As clubs and bars become packed to capacity, you may have only a slim chance of getting in at some of the most popular concerts and events. If you don’t have a ticket, be prepared to pay cover at some of the best clubs in the city. Dress code at many venues is often determined the by the cover charge, though on New Years Eve it is never a bad idea to dress your best.

Other Things to do on NYE in New Orleans

Celebrating New Years Eve in New Orleans is unlike any other city in the world as the city gears up for the big night with options for all party-goers. The biggest outdoor celebration in the city is located in Jackson Square where thousands of people go to ring in the New Year like only New Orleans can. The city celebrates by dropping the famous Baby Bacchus from the top of the Jax Brewery building in the Quarter. Extravagant fireworks displays are then featured over the Mississippi River. Bourbon Street on New Years Eve is reminiscent of Times Square in New York.

For things to do during the day, family-friendly activities are scheduled at Louisiana Children’s Museum and Audubon Zoo, the new Insectarium and the Aquarium. Adults can take a Swamp Tour or Plantation trip to river road, enjoy a cemetery tour or haunted history tour of the French Quarter. Just riding the streetcar system from end to end is a great way to see the sights for only a few dollars. 

Speaking of the streetcar, its a great way to get around the city. You will need $1.25 for the fare each time you get on, or you can buy a day pass or three day pass for unlimited riding. Ask the Innkeepers at the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast for details. Taxi service late night is recommended. Most rides will cost under $15 +plus a tip. With four party persons riding, the cost per rider is economical.

The List

With so many clubs and restaurants in the city, the full list would take a year to read. We have selected a variety of nightspots which in the past have proven to have had great parties and or NYE dining experiences. Check them out, from formal eateries to casual clubs. You will find links to their home pages and many have already posted their New Year’s plans. Others will do that shortly, so be on the look out for one that appeals to your taste and budget. Keep in mind that these are suggestions of places that have been popular in the past. You should research your choice for quality, reputation and security on NYE.

Coyote Ugly New Orleans 

Cats Meow

Bombay Club

Bourbon Pub Parade

Palm Court Jazz Cafe

Pat O’Briens

Tiptinas

Carollton Station 

Coops Place 

Crescent City Brewhouse 

d.b.a 

Foundation Room /House of Blues 

Howlin’ Wolf

Maple Leaf Bar 

Blue Nile 

Snug Harbor 

Rock And Bowl 

Bourbon Street Blues Co. and Famous Door

Atikki Bar and Grill 
 

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Are you coming to New Orleans for New Years, or have you stayed in New Orleans for New Years in the past?  Please share your tips and feel free to ask questions in the comments section below.

There were also some unexpected names and unusual entires in the competition to determine the best of the best. Here is the official list of the winners:

Best in Show: Grand Isle’s Shrimp Caminada: Caminada, a fishing town west of Grand Isle, was wiped out by a hurricane in 1893. The sandwich consists of shrimp, sautéed in a spicy citrus butter sauce topped with herb slaw.

People’s Choice: New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Co.’s Shrimp-Zilla: Roast beef, fried shrimp and coleslaw. Say what? Shrimp and roast beef together? The People’s Choice award was voted on using cellphones.

Best Pork Poor Boy: Dong Phuong Bakery’s Vietnamese Po-Boy: Dong Phuong in New Orleans East bakes the best bread and makes fantastic sandwiches out of mystery meat at prices that seem insanely low.

Best Roast Beef Poor Boy: Gattuso’s: Great little place in old Gretna, near the courthouse.

Best Shrimp Poor Boy: Boucherie’s Barbecued Shrimp Po-boy

Best Special Seafood Poor Boy: Acme Oyster House’s Fried Oyster Po-Boy

Best Special Non-Seafood Poor Boy: Mahoney’s Fried Chicken Livers & Cole Slaw Po-Boy

The Po-Boy Festival will return again to Oak Street the weekend before Thanksgiving next year; mark your calendar and plan to be in New Orleans to enjoy this most unusual event dedicated to saving the po-boy sandwich (from the chain sub sandwich purveyors.) The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast will have special rates for Festival goers. Call 1-800-490-8542 for details.

The 2010 festival will feature over 250 hours of free music across 17 stages throughout the historic French Quarter. With over 700 local musicians, every genre of music is represented, from traditional and contemporary jazz, to rhythm and blues, New Orleans funk, Zydeco, to brass bands, folk, opera and gospel, there is truly something for everyone.

Festival-goers are also invited to participate in other free activities throughout the three-day weekend and are encouraged to explore all that French Quarter Festival has to offer. Special events within the festival include the Opening Parade, the World Championship Oyster Eating Contest, Battle of the Bands, Dancing at Dusk, historic courtyard tours, the International Music Colloquium, family-fun activities at Children’s Headquarters, the World’s Largest Jazz Brunch, and free admission all weekend long at Preservation Hall – the newest stage of French Quarter Festival. In addition, the kickoff party and fund raiser ‘TGIF’ (Thank Goodness it’s Festival!) party takes place the evening of Thursday, April 8th. Tickets are only $50 and the event is open to the public.

Attendees can also expect to see more great food and drinks, as there will be over 70 food and beverage booths located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. Participants in ‘The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” will be showcasing local cuisine from the area’s finest restaurants, some of which have been loyal vendors since the festival’s inception 26 years ago. And as a bonus, there is no finer time to visit New Orleans as the spring, April marks the start of the festival season in New Orleans and a month of beautiful weather.

Out-of-town festival goers are encouraged to book their travel accommodations now; as many area hotels and bed &breakfasts have reported that they are already experiencing strong reservations as repeat guests book ahead. The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful choice for festival lodging. Only a 10 minute ride via streetcar to the festival; you can experience the fun all day and come home to a peaceful rest at night in the Uptown /Garden District of the city.

For more information on French Quarter Festival, call 504-522-5730 or visit online at www.fqfi.org. To book an accommodation, click here for online reservations.

Beneath all the multi-sensory whiz-bangery, behind the smoke, the simulated snow, the special effects, the World War II Museum’s new “Beyond All Boundaries” is, at its root, a documentary about World War II – a film on the war’s cause, its execution, its tragic toll.

  Allied bombers zoom toward the audience in the World War II Museum’s new ‘Beyond All Boundaries’ show.

  A magnificent and moving spectacle that explodes onto the over-sized screen of the museum’s luxurious new 250-seat Solomon Victory Theater on Friday (Nov. 6), “Beyond All Boundaries” is far more than a film. It is a world-class, theme park-style attraction combining education and entertainment in a stirring and inspiring package — one that gives New Orleans yet another reason to be proud of hosting the museum.

The show is billed as a “4D” experience, but you can take your pick as to exactly which element you think constitutes that fourth dimension. It could be the stage props – a 1940s’-style radio, a gun turret, and a concentration-camp guard tower – that rise from the floor on cue. Or it could be the snow that falls from the ceiling during the Battle of the Bulge.

It could be the rumbling seats. It could be the simulated pyrotechnics. It could be the multi-planed screens that create a unique (and glasses-less) 3-D effect, or any number of other surprises that effectively transform the film into an overwhelming and awe-inspiring experience. In reality, though, it’s the sum all of those elements, which combine to stir patriotic feelings and lodge lumps in the throats of viewers.

The show cranks up even before visitors enter the beautifully appointed theater — part of the museum’s sparkling new expansion — as a six-minute “preshow” video sets the stage. Narrated by Tom Hanks, it provides a peek at life in prewar America, a time when, Hanks tells us, the U.S. armed forces had more horses than tanks, and when its military might ranked 18th in the world — behind Romania’s.

Visitors are then invited into the Victory Theater, where a 1940s-era radio sits alone on-stage and begins at the real beginning: Dec. 7, 1941 — “a day which will live in infamy.”

  American servicemen storm the beaches of Normandy in a segment from ‘Beyond All Boundaries.’

  From there, the audience is taken on a global tour of what it took to fight the war, from the bustling factories of the home front to the shores of Iwo Jima, from the bloody beaches of Normandy to the snowy fields of the Battle of the Bulge, from the fiery skies over Japan to the horrors of Jewish concentration camps.

Along the way, some of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars give voice to the words of American warriors and war correspondents. In addition to Tobey Maguire, Viola Davis, Gary Sinese, Neil Patrick Harris and Kevin Bacon, a full complement of New Orleans actors takes part, including Brad Pitt, Patricia Clarkson, John Goodman and Wendell Pierce.

Although the film celebrates the bravery of America’s armed forces, it’s not all flag-waving and sailors kissing nurses in Times Square. The overwhelming sentiment is one of grim reverence for the staggering human toll of the war and the sacrifices made to end it.

 Some 65 million people died in World War II, the film reminds us, underscoring that figure with ghastly wartime images, including graphic concentration camp photos, as well as some taken on bloodied battlefields. Sensitive viewers and parents of young children are strongly cautioned before entering the theater.

It all ends up being powerful, gut-punching stuff.

In the preshow, visitors are told that “Beyond All Boundaries” took five years to produce, involving the work of 500 historians, artists, craftspeople and technicians. As the movie ends, the attraction is “dedicated to all those who sacrificed to preserve liberty.”

In the cases of both of those groups – the men and women who fought the war, and the historians and show people who toiled to bring their stories to the screen – the Victory Theater more than lives up to its name, as “Beyond All Boundaries” succeeds beyond all expectations.

WAR PREPARATIONS ?A tip sheet for those heading to the new “Beyond All Boundaries” attraction at the National World War II Museum:

   A tank rumbles through the North African desert in ‘Beyond All Boundaries.’ During the 6-minute preshow, stand in the back and leave the benches in the preshow area to veterans and others who might need to take a load off – they’re too close to the monitors to give you a comfortable viewing angle anyway.

  Want to be among the first into the main theater? During the preshow, stand near one of the two sets of double doors flanking the monitors. After the preshow ends, they’ll swing open and you’ll be invited to enter the theater.

Want a great seat in the Victor Theater? A staff member recommended the center of the first elevated row. He was right.

Want to be snowed on during the Battle of the Bulge segment? Sit in one of the three front rows.

Parents of young children should get a babysitter. The movie is unrated by the MPAA, but it warrants a PG rating for frank images of war atrocities and battlefield scenes that include dead bodies.

A warning posted outside the theater: “‘Beyond All Boundaries’ is a 4D experience which includes loud noises, flashing lights, fog effects and sudden chair movements that may aggravate certain medical conditions.”

Ticket prices for show (and for show and museum) are: adults, $9 ($20); seniors, $7 ($15); children and students, $7 ($11); military, $9 ($10).

The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast, located in the Uptown Garden District of New Orleans, offers special WWII rates for anyone coming to city the venue. Call us now and mention the WWII museum for a 10% discount off of posted website rates (some restrictions apply, not valid on Holidays, special events and city wide convention periods). Click here to check availability and rates.  Or call 800-490-8542.

Created in 1929 by the Martin brothers in their hole-in-the-wall coffee shop, the sandwich was their way of supporting the striking streetcar workers during heated negotiations for better working conditions and wages.  

The Martin Brothers had both worked for the union prior to opening their restaurant and vowed to support their fellow members.  In order to maintain their promise, they provided large french loaf sandwiches filled with sliced beef and gravy to the hungry strikers. Bennie Martin said, “We fed those men free of charge until the strike ended. Whenever we saw one of the striking men coming, one of us would say, ‘Here comes another poor boy.’” And thus the sandwich acquired the now infamous name of Po-Boy.

In the Big Easy, the Po-Boy is serious business, pleasing the most scrutinizing taste buds with a variety of fillings and signature ingredients. Every restaurant has it’s own version and style of preparation.

For the novice, the best time to sample & enjoy these over the top creations is during the Annual Po-Boy Fest coming to New Orleans this November 2009.

Make plans now to be here for all the fun!

When: Sunday November 22, 2009

Where: Oak Street between Carrollton and Eagle. Take the St. Charles street car to the Fest. Stop #46.

What:

*Acme Oyster House: Offers a variety of Po-Boys ranging in catfish to crawfish and of course, the fried oyster variety.

O’Henry’s Sizzling fried shrimp or catfish

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant: BBQ shrimp, oyster, roast beef- you name it, and Drago’s serves it.

*Grand Isle: Sample a traditional po-boy like fried shrimp or oyster, or enjoy a signature sandwich such as their  award-winning alligator sausage creation.

Boucherie: The traditional po-boy gets upgraded with culinary creative toppings, such as their duck confit po-boy with pickled carrots and candied pecans, or their pulled pork po-boy with purple cabbage cole slaw.

Chateau Orleans Po-boys: Ham, hot sausage, artichoke, beef taco style, ruben, and even meatball, the crew at Chateau Orleans PoBoys take the classic Po-Boy to new heights!

Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant: Munch on boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, fried veal cutlet, fried catfish, fried redfish, or even soft shell crab (seasonal item.)

Other restaurants serving their own style of Po-Boy:

Bear’s Grill, *Bourbon House, *BOZO’s Restaurant, C&J Catering, Carnival Brands of N. O., Catering Connection, Co Co Red’s, Creole Delicacies, Crepes a la Cart, Crescent Pie & Sausage Company, Di Martino’s Famous Muffulettas, Emeril’s Restaurant, Gattuso’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, Koz’s Restaurant, Little Tokyo, *Mahoney’s Po-boy Shop, Mat & Naddie’s, Michael Joyner Catering, Ninja Restaurant, NO Hamburger & Seafood Co., NO Original Po-boys, Palace Café, Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Pascal Manale’s, Red Fish Grill, Saltwater Grill, Sammy’s Deli on Elysian Fields, T.J. Gourmet Foods, Vaucresson Sausage.

* denotes Avenue Inn B&B favorite for a Po-Boy

Here is the complete menu!

Dig in to the complete menu for the 2009 Po-Boy Fest

The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast, located in the Uptown Garden District of New Orleans, is only a short streetcar ride from the festival. Special Po-Boy Fest rates are available. Call 800-490-8542 for details.  Make your reservation today!

October 30 – November 1

Get ready for a music experience you will never forget! New Orleans Magazine is proud to announce Eminem’s first concert performance in four years and only scheduled show in 2009 will take place at the Voodoo Experience, Halloween weekend (October 30, 31 & November 1, 2009) at City Park.  Eminem will be joined by a line-up of over 150 artists including a little band by the name of KISS, and the recently reunited original members of Jane’s Addiction- hope you are ready to rock! New Orleans’ signature fall music event will offer three days of music including sets by Widespread Panic, The Flaming Lips, Justice, Gogol Bordello, Wolfmother, Eagles of Death Metal, The Black Keys, The Pogues,  Ween, Silversun Pickups, Janelle Monae, The Cool Kids, Meat Puppets, Mutemath, Q-Tip, Fischerspooner, Brand New, D12, Black Lips, All Time Low, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, The Knux, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, JJ Grey & Mofro, Alejandro Escovedo, Shooter Jennings, Down, Drive-By Truckers, and Eric Church. Not to exclude New Orleans icons like the Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Preservation Hall-Stars with Special Guests and many more will all be there.? ?Three-day weekend tickets are on sale now for $169 and Lounge VIP pass are $475.  Both are ALL IN prices with no additional fees. 

And who says the fun should stop when the curtains close?

Each day as the festival ends, the Voodoo Experience invades the city of New Orleans! With a series of over 20 events at 10 different hotspots, there is no better way to keep the fun going. Hit all the major clubs of New Orleans where top-notch local talent and the Voodoo artists plan to jam. Go to  www.ticketmaster.com and the www.thevoodooexperience.com. ? ?Learn more about the 2009 Voodoo Experience and receive the latest information and updates first by following Voodoo at www.twitter.com/voodooexp2009

The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast still has a few great rooms available for a two or three night weekend. October 31, Halloween, is a true holiday experience in the Crescent City, one of the most haunted cities in America. So bring a Halloween costume for parading down Bourbon street, enjoy the Voodoo fest or both! Call now for details and to book. Or go on-line to check out rates and availability.