french quarter

Crackberry

Crackberry

Valentine’s eve is upon us. It’s cold, rainy and all I can think of is Pinkberry. Or as it’s known on the streets, Crackberry.

Pinkberry has no need for one more iota of press or undying confession of admiration. It probably scoffs at my undeterred crush.

For whatever reason I haven’t researched more thoroughly yet, I feel as though their frozen yogurt is a superior quality and if they would let me, I’d position myself with an unhinged jaw directly under the pineapple/coconut flavor levers. One shining difference between them and other mainstream froyo places is that you buy a size and then have the opportunity to fill the space with any of the available toppings (versus paying per ounce). I made my mom eat their glorious frozen yogurt with all the toppings the container could hold twice in one day.

The nearest Pinkberry is in New Orleans or Birmingham and I haven’t decided whether that’s actually a good thing or not. Right now, not. To get your Pinkberry fix, there are two locations in New Orleans – one near the French Quarter on Canal and one on Magazine in the Garden District/Uptown.

Pinkberry
French Quarter
300 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone 504-899-4260

http://www.pinkberry.com

Uptown
5601 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 7011
Phone 504-899-4260

A French 75 at French 75

The French 75 at French 75

When all else fails, have a cocktail.

If the city of New Orleans ever needed a new tagline, that could be a strong contender. Appropriate for a place where there are daiquiri bars with drive-thru windows. A city known for it’s passion of the never-ending party has an equally impressive number of bars, restaurants and signature drinks to indulge in.

Ever striving for the quintessential experience, I try and hit Crescent City landmarks on every annual trip with my mom. Thanks to the He Said/She Said NOLA blog, I can now cross #30 off the Only in New Orleans: The 100 Essential Experiences list.

Following a long day of shopping on Magazine street, po’boys at Parasols and a heart wrenching Saints football game at Pat O’Briens, we were dragging our feet but didn’t quite want to call it a day just yet. Meandering away from the loud, neon noise of Bourbon street we ducked down a dark street in search of a cocktail.

Adjacent to Arnaud’s restaurant, French 75 bar is the perfect quiet side-stop to sip on it’s namesake drink, the French 75. Having no knowledge of the actual ingredients,  it includes champagne which is all I needed to hear. It was delightful, bubbly and just sweet enough topped by a twist of lemon.

There are two window tables, mirrors lining the walls and a very polished, classy bar feel. We slowly savored our drinks with a cone of salty, warm gougères. The cocktails aren’t cheap, but in lieu of a beer on Bourbon I’d take a French 75 at French 75 any day.

To learn more about the French 75 cocktail, read the articles below:

• French 75 history and recipe: Esquire
• French 75, a little history and basic recipe: Gourmet magazine
• French 75 recipe: Epicurious

French 75
next to Arnaud’s restaurant
813 Rue Bienvilles
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone 504-523-5433

http://www.arnaudsrestaurant.com/french-75/

Johnny’s Po-Boys

One Fine Roast Beef Po'Boy

Better late than never.

I’ve had this draft post since February 22, but a good po’boy is never old news.

Way back when I ran the Rock-n-Roll Mardi Gras race in New Orleans this po’boy was pictured on the list of what not to eat before a half marathon, not because it wasn’t a delicious sandwich, but rather it’s not ideal fuel for running 13.1 miles. Otherwise I recommend it for those looking for tasty, reasonably priced eats in the French Quarter.

Since we stayed near the quarter, we ate in the area and found our way to Johnny’s Po-Boys on a local friend’s suggestion. Tucked a couple blocks over from Jackson Square, Johnny’s sits on a side street off Decatur.

Upon entering, you place your order at the end of the deli case. You gotta wait for your food and get your own drinks. The dining space consists of a small front room or even tinier back room.

Yes, it feels like a place where people say gotta, whadda want and where yat. They have red checkered table clothes, disposable table service and 51 different po’boys. In addition to the plethora of sandwich choices they also feature cajun dishes, red beans and rice, gumbo and seafood.

We were hungry and excited, which means the two of us ordered enough food to feed the cast of Kate Plus 8. (I used to watch those adorable mixed Asian kids when the show was Jon & Kate Plus 8, sad.)

Between Ben and I, we shared demolished a roast beef po’boy, fried shrimp po’boy, french fries, a cup of gumbo and french bread.

The beef was savory and juicy, the shrimp were lightly breaded and plentiful, both sandwiches were fully dressed – the only way to eat a po’boy. The french fries were standard, crispy and salty. The only downfall was the watery gumbo which was left on the table. And like most serious Louisiana po’boy purveors, the french bread is given careful consideration and comes from a local baking company.

If you are looking for a place in the quarter to get fresh, local flavor, Johnny’s is most likely right around the corner. It’s the meal of champions.

Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 Saint Louis Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone 504-524-8129
www.johnnyspoboy.com

Two Hidden Gems Near the Quarter

Royal Street Courtyard Bed and Breakfast

For ninety-nine percent of our trips to New Orleans, we crash at a friend’s house in Metairie. It’s nice to see him, convenient, and free. The softened the blow on accommodation costs in turn increases the food budget, a win-win.

When my mom came to town it was the perfect opportunity to try something new and be closer to the action. After some intense research, I decided on the Royal Street Courtyard Bed and Breakfast and we couldn’t have found a better place to stay. (Thank goodness for Tripadvisor.com)

Located in the historic Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, the Royal Street Courtyard sits a couple streets over from Frenchman, the French Market and is a short walk from Jackson Square. It’s in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood with ample parking and local coffeehouses.

We stayed on the second floor in Room #12 which is comprised of two adjoining rooms, one queen bed, one futon, and a bathroom with a shower. There was plenty of space to spread out and the futon was surprisingly comfortable.

Although we never partook, breakfast is included and they have a large variety of items to choose from including bagels, toast, cereal, granola bars, fruit and the like. I did take advantage of the beverage options which ranged from hot teas, cocoa, coffee, filtered water and juice.

We interacted with only one of the owners, Phillip, who is very knowledgeable of the area and patiently addressed all of our silly questions. Between the location, charming owners and extremely reasonable room rates, singling out the best attribute is difficult to pin point. It was a pleasure to stay at the Royal Street Courtyard and we will be back.

On on very last day, we checked-out and swung by The Orange Couch for coffee before hitting Camellia Grill. This sleek coffee shop is literally ten steps away from the bed and breakfast, and it does have an orange couch.

We had excellent cappuccinos and lattes (respectively), but they also have baked good, ice cream and mochi – random, yes.

If you are in the area, or staying at the Royal Street, it’s worth stopping in for a drink or snack from a real, neighborhood joint outside of the French Quarter.

Royal Street Courtyard Bed and Breakfast
2438 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone 504-943-6818
Toll-free 888-846-4004

http://royalstcourtyard.com

The Orange Couch
2339 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70117
www.theorangecouchcoffee.com