New Orleans… where the streets are paved with food!

As an avid traveler, I always enjoy the excitement that a new culture and new area can offer a person, and New Orleans wasn’t any different. When I had the opportunity to lose myself in New Orleans for the weekend, I just couldn’t resist. Because it was a last minute decision and the Saints were playing at the Superdome, I opted for a hotel stay at the Westin New Orleans Canal Place, one of my favorite Marriotts.

With only a full day to conquer the city, I knew I was there for one thing… food.

Oh Brunch, How I Love Thee.

Louisiana has this way with food, and their brunch is no exception. Friday morning began with The Ruby Slipper Cafe‘s Bacon-Infused Vodka Bloody Mary because how could I resist! Known for their delicious Bloody Mary’s, The Ruby Slipper Cafe has created their own spicy homemade bloody mary mix which prepares your tastebuds for more of that Louisiana spice when the food comes.

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I could have drank those Bloody Marys all day, but my stomach was craving some of their Benedicts. From a Hot-Smoked Salmon Benedict, that hosts salmon on top of their delicious buttermilk biscuits, to The Trifecta which shows off their Eggs Cochon, Chicken St. Charles, and Shrimp Boogaloo Benedicts, the Ruby Red Slipper Cafe is an egg lover’s dream. I opted for the Eggs Blackstone Benedict which has applewood smoked bacon and a grilled tomato on it, clearly showing I was in a bacon mood that morning.

With my appetite satisfied, I headed out to explore what New Orleans had to offer on a Friday afternoon.

French Quarter. Jackson Square.

Walking off the well worth it calories from The Ruby Red Slipper Cafe, I made my way through the French Quarter, stopping in antique shops and gift shops along the way. My favorite unique souvenir I was able to pick up was a signed copy of a cookbook by Poppy Tooker called Drag Queen Brunch. CLEARLY I was still reminiscing about the brunch I just finished, but this cookbook included both food and drinks for me to (attempt to) make when I made it back home and the photographs alone are well worth the price tag! From information about the fabulous New Orleans’ drag queens, to some of their favorite dishes and drinks, this cookbook has it all.

After stopping at a few stores here and there, I finally made it to Jackson Square. Located in the French Quarter, Jackson Square is not only historically significant, but also currently hosts local artists as a place to immerse yourself in the culture. From the Mississippi River right across the street, to the beautiful Saint Louis Cathedral at the other end, and all the artists surrounding the square, Jackson Square is a hub for all things New Orleans.