2008 Woodie Awards
Road Trip: New Orleans
Susan Trawick
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Features
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Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," is the day before Ash Wednesday and the final day of Carnival. Forget what you may have heard about New Orleans Mardi Gras being all about drunken debauchery, flashing and bead throwing. Even though these activities do take place and are why most tourists flock here, celebrating Mardi Gras in a city that is devoted to its rich history and traditions can be much more satisfying.
Regardless of your stance on Mardi Gras partying, Bourbon Street is a must-see area of this city. Two of the most entertaining night clubs on Bourbon Street are Fat Catz and Funky 54, coincidentally owned by the same partners.
Fat Catz offers a club experience for the younger crowd, playing mainly hip-hop music. The dance floor is small, but the atmosphere is very inviting and the house DJ Jesse is a non-stop ball of energy and a breath of fresh air. Funky 54 is a club that features seasoned live bands playing a wide variety of funky blues songs and group party favorites. Bourbon Cowboy also offers good live music, non-stop drink specials and a mechanical bull, which should ideally be ridden before you drink.
On the corner of Bourbon and St. Phillip streets, you will encounter a rustic candle-lit bar that screams New Orleans mystery and intrigue. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is said to have been frequented by pirates in the late 18th century, and if you are brave enough to try its mystery "Obituary Cocktail," it will definitely leave you pleasantly puzzled.
If you are looking to stray away from Bourbon Street and towards something a little classier, stop by Arnaud's Restaurant on Rue Bienville and grab a Scarlett O'Hara cocktail at the famous Richelieu Bar.
While in New Orleans, make sure you fill up with great regional cuisine, as well. Located right off Bourbon Street on the corner of Dauphine and Iberville streets, Deanie's Seafood offers great-tasting grub, from crawfish to calamari, at very reasonable prices.