"Some people think second line bands are just for Mardi Gras. We use second line bands here in New Orleans for everything. You know, funerals, birthday parties, some people use it for divorce," said New Orleans native Kenneth Garnett. "Any type of celebration. I think from where I have been, we're the only city that does that."
"Some people think second line bands are just for Mardi Gras. We use second line bands here in New Orleans for everything. You know, funerals, birthday parties, some people use it for divorce," said New Orleans native Kenneth Garnett. "Any type of celebration. I think from where I have been, we're the only city that does that."
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Oak Street, located in the Carrollton neighborhood Uptown, is home to a host of local businesses, including Jacques-Imo's restaurant and the Maple Leaf Bar. Musician Khris Royal recommends that restaurant/bar pairing for a great night out.
Oak Street, located in the Carrollton neighborhood Uptown, is home to a host of local businesses, including Jacques-Imo's restaurant and the Maple Leaf Bar. Musician Khris Royal recommends that restaurant/bar pairing for a great night out.
Channon Hodge/CNN
Jacques Leonardi opened Jacques-Imo's on Oak Street in 1996. The restaurant serves a range of creole dishes, including this New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp over rice.
Jacques Leonardi opened Jacques-Imo's on Oak Street in 1996. The restaurant serves a range of creole dishes, including this New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp over rice.
Channon Hodge/CNN
The cornbread alone is worth the trip. Cornbread muffins come warm to the table, topped with an addictive mixture of parsley, garlic and butter.
The cornbread alone is worth the trip. Cornbread muffins come warm to the table, topped with an addictive mixture of parsley, garlic and butter.
Channon Hodge/CNN
Khris Royal, left, plays a regular Sunday night gig with Pat Casey and the New Sound at The Spotted Cat on Frenchmen Street. The club-lined stretch is adjacent to the French Quarter in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood.
Khris Royal, left, plays a regular Sunday night gig with Pat Casey and the New Sound at The Spotted Cat on Frenchmen Street. The club-lined stretch is adjacent to the French Quarter in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood.
Channon Hodge/CNN
On Mondays, after a busy Sunday of playing organ at church, kickball (in summer) and his gig at The Spotted Cat, Royal heads to Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a shrimp poor boy. "Here's the thing, you gotta get it dressed," Royal said. That's lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Then add hot sauce.
On Mondays, after a busy Sunday of playing organ at church, kickball (in summer) and his gig at The Spotted Cat, Royal heads to Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a shrimp poor boy. "Here's the thing, you gotta get it dressed," Royal said. That's lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Then add hot sauce.
A ride on the St. Charles streetcar is the start of a stroll through the Garden District. "I specifically suggest that if guests are willing to have a cocktail-to-go -- which you should, it's part of the fun, free way of life here in New Orleans -- is to get a Bloody Mary at Igor's," said Chris Hannah, head bartender at the French 75 bar.
A ride on the St. Charles streetcar is the start of a stroll through the Garden District. "I specifically suggest that if guests are willing to have a cocktail-to-go -- which you should, it's part of the fun, free way of life here in New Orleans -- is to get a Bloody Mary at Igor's," said Chris Hannah, head bartender at the French 75 bar.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images
The Mardi Gras Indians pay homage to Native Americans who helped escaped slaves in the 19th century. Tribe members create elaborate hand-beaded and feathered suits and march several times a year.
The Mardi Gras Indians pay homage to Native Americans who helped escaped slaves in the 19th century. Tribe members create elaborate hand-beaded and feathered suits and march several times a year.
Mario Tama/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Spring is crawfish season in Louisiana. "You get a big table out in your backyard ... and you put the newspaper all over the table. Then you take the crawfish as they're boiled, strain them, and put them in piles on the table," said Ella Brennan, a nonagenarian restaurateur whose family has long been at the helm of Commander's Palace. <br />
Spring is crawfish season in Louisiana. "You get a big table out in your backyard ... and you put the newspaper all over the table. Then you take the crawfish as they're boiled, strain them, and put them in piles on the table," said Ella Brennan, a nonagenarian restaurateur whose family has long been at the helm of Commander's Palace.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America
Oysters are another must in New Orleans. Royal House oyster bar serves Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Royale, raw oysters on the half shell and chargrilled oysters with parmesan butter.
Oysters are another must in New Orleans. Royal House oyster bar serves Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Royale, raw oysters on the half shell and chargrilled oysters with parmesan butter.
Channon Hodge/CNN
Studio BE houses graffiti muralist Brandan "Bmike" Odums' one-man show, "Ephemeral Eternal," in a 35,000-square-foot warehouse in the Bywater neighborhood.
Studio BE houses graffiti muralist Brandan "Bmike" Odums' one-man show, "Ephemeral Eternal," in a 35,000-square-foot warehouse in the Bywater neighborhood.
Brandan "Bmike" Odums