harpcrab
63 posts
Mar 22, 2011
5:41 AM
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I'm taking my first trip to The Big Easy in a couple of weeks. My primary reason is for: 1. the music, and 2. the food.
Looks like there are some folks here either from N.O. or who have spent some time there- I'm sure someone can offer some suggestions.
I hear the places on Frenchman street, and maybe Tipitina's are good for music. I would guess good local restaurants abound most anywhere? Mudbugs and oysters are a "must have" for us. NOT looking for the tourist traps, definatly looking for local type dives-
Any advice appreciated- thanks
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Bluesharp- If you don't blow you suck...
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toddlgreene
2773 posts
Mar 22, 2011
5:50 AM
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Excellent. Give me dates, and where you plan to stay, and between myself and Harvey, we can give you tons of ideas. Foodwise, you'll be in heaven, especially as far as seafood goes. Crawfish are prime now, and everything else is kickin'. You might be here during FQ Fest too, which is a plus. There's sooooo much to see and do here, it's crazy. Also, any kids coming, or just adults?
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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harpcrab
64 posts
Mar 22, 2011
6:40 AM
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Cool! we'll be there thursday 4-14 thru monday the 18th.- 4 adults- none of us has been there before- really looking forward to it-
You playin' somewhere that weekend? Would love to come have a listen.
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Bluesharp- If you don't blow you suck...
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toddlgreene
2774 posts
Mar 22, 2011
6:47 AM
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Yeah, we have a gig on the 16th, in Metairie, which is about 5-10 minutes from downtown via interstate. I assume you'll be renting a car. If not, cabs aren't too expensive here, unless you're going to the airport.
That's the weekend after FQ Fest, and two weeks before Jazz Fest, so it won't be super hectic, which is good.
Where will you be staying?
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Mar 22, 2011 6:51 AM
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harpcrab
65 posts
Mar 22, 2011
7:03 AM
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We're staying at Le something or other- a french name (go figure) a block or so off Bourbon- I don't have the info here.
Not planing to rent a car- hope to be able to walk, or cab it if need be.
We usually do Savannah each spring- decided to go "big time" this year.
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Bluesharp- If you don't blow you suck...
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toddlgreene
2775 posts
Mar 22, 2011
7:35 AM
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Ah, so probably in the Quarter. There are a few hotels that are French-named beginning with 'Le', and the only one I can think of that isn't in the Quarter is Le Pavillion, which is on Poydras and Baronne, a short walk to the Quarter.
You'll be close to the street car line, which is a good thing, and a nice, scenic way to see the heart of Uptown and the Garden District. I think it's still a 1.50 to ride, and from Canal to Carrollton, there's a lot af photo ops, restaurants and bars to see. Downtown and FQ area and Marigny(where Frenchman Street is) could easily keep you busy for 4 days, but there's a lot to see and do elsewhere. Magazine Street has lots of antique stores, and will take you to Audubon Park(which is beautiful)and the zoo, which is one of the best anywhere. Several good po-boy shops and restaurants along the way.
Music clubs are everywhere. The crappiest, mostly tourist-trap ones are on Bourbon-unless Bryan Lee is playing. I don't know your playing level, but if you want to attend a jam or sit in, I can help you there, too.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Mar 22, 2011 8:26 AM
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harpcrab
66 posts
Mar 22, 2011
8:37 AM
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I'm taking notes.
Hotel is recently re-named, Le Maris or something- nothing too classy-
I'm prolly adv. beginner to begining intermediate player- I sit in when I can, but I'm not really road worthy (sometimes after a few beers I think I am). Probly best if I just let the pros do their thing this trip.
Thanks for all the good info- if you think of anything else do chime in. We are really looking forward to this trip!!!
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Bluesharp- If you don't blow you suck...
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toddlgreene
2776 posts
Mar 22, 2011
8:48 AM
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No prob. I can give you club names by area, restaurant names, etc., depending on how much you want to discover on your own. Hopefully you won't get any rain, but the temparature should still be nice and comfy(not too hot)then. Where are you coming from?
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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harpcrab
67 posts
Mar 22, 2011
9:05 AM
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http://www.nola.com/sites/liuzzas/ -
oh crap...I've got to read this menu and here it is lunch time- looks like my kind of place-
coming from eastern VA- we'll try to get all the cowshit (actually crab and oyster shit- were on the Chesapeake) from between our toes before we leave. Don't know much about big cities.
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Bluesharp- If you don't blow you suck...
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145nE
4 posts
Mar 22, 2011
11:20 AM
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toddlgreene, No longer living in NO. I lived in NO in the mid-70's and still miss the place at times. Brother in law (lives in Baton Rouge) mentioned the good places to eat. Wonderful thing about NO is some of the best food is in the inexpensive places. toddlgreene are you going to HCH, if so look me up.
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145nE
5 posts
Mar 22, 2011
11:22 AM
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There is a Liuzza's and a Liuzza's By The Tracks and they are not owned by the same people. They are probably both good food.
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toddlgreene
2782 posts
Mar 22, 2011
11:32 AM
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I've been to the one by 'the tracks', and it is killer. Never eaten at the other, nor did I realize they were different folks.
Yes, I will be at HCH. Very much looking forward to it!
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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145nE
6 posts
Mar 22, 2011
12:18 PM
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Did you go last year? I can't wait either.
I lived on Freret Street between Broadway and Carrollton.
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toddlgreene
2783 posts
Mar 22, 2011
12:27 PM
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Nah, I had to miss it last year, but won't this time around. Several other folks from the CCHC(Crescent City Harmonica Club) made it, though
I've lived in several places in an around the city over the years. I currently have a house on the River Road on the West Bank.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Mar 22, 2011 12:28 PM
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bonedog569
275 posts
Mar 22, 2011
5:53 PM
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I just got back a few weeks ago after my third trip there. I feel like I am just starting to discover the place in a deeper way. My 'outsider' recomendations :
Stay away form Bourbon Street - or check it out briefly, then move on.
Unless you really want to study drunk Americans on vacation in depth.
Frenchman Street - yes yes yes - You could spend a few nights there easily. Perhaps the best street in the world for live Blues and Jazz of all sorts - some Reggae and Rock? too. No cover charges! Come and go as you please.
Tipitina's uoptown. Yes - if someone good is playing
Candle Light Lounge in the Treme on a Wednesday night when Treme Brass Band is playing
Mid City Lanes Rock n Bowl - a great spot for live music and dancing -mostly locals and some visitors - yes it's in a bowling alley and it's not near the Quarter - but it is worth the ride or cab.
There are some good old timey bands on the streets of the Quarter and Frenchman too.
Anyplace Todd and the locals point you.
Yes even cheapy tourist area food places seem to take quality seriously.
We where pleasently surprised a number of times.
fave breakfast
Elizebeths http://www.elizabeths-restaurant.com/home.html
Fave dinner Baru (not Salu) on Magazne for tapas (we are not big crawfish eaters)
Go with local recommendations for more traditional New Orleans food.
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