The Big Easy

Hi, everyone! Well, after a two-hour delay in Westchester, followed by a missed connection in Atlanta, Jaithan and I finally made it to New Orleans! We're here with our good friend, the ever-crafty Jordan Perry, doing a spring-inspired dining room for the New Orleans Home & Garden Show. Doors open this Thursday at 2:00 pm, so if you're in the area this weekend, come on down and see us! And in the meantime, be sure to check out this great article in the Times- Picayune from journalist and blogger Stephanie Stokes. In the paper version, there are plenty more pictures, so when I get copy, I'll definitely post it! Oh, and please tell me if you know of any great stores, flea markets, or restaurants we should be hitting up while we're down here! 

  

Comments

[Mr. Carriage Clocks]

It is amazing of what you can find and redo at used places its like night and day tranformation.

[Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS]

I hope your trip was wonderful, Eddie, and that you'll head back to New Orleans soon! There will always be a soft spot in my heart for the Crescent City. It's where I got married! To relive your trip just a little, check out this Mardi Gras-inspired posting:

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-orleans-inspired-style-its-mardi.html

[LC]

Eat a poboy @ Magazine Street Poboys on Magazine & First Street.

Then while you are in the area go to Oops, a designer home consignment store. The owner Katie Koch also does custom window treatments (all hand sewn & fabulous!)... when her clients get tired of their curtains or furniture she sells it in her little shop or if God forbid the measurements are wrong or the client hates the way they turned out...she can sell them...hence the name of her shop Oops...

Oops
1119 Josephine Street
N.O. La 70130
phone: 504-410-1446

[SkitzoLeezra]

If you want to go JUNKIN', wake your ass up early and get to Carrollton Lumber and Wrecking. They close at noon on Saturdays. It is an architectural salvage paradise! The dirt is still on it so you know you'll get a DEAL!
Be nice to the down home guys and they'll be nice to you.

[Allison Summerour]

Hey Eddie...I love your blog and read it religiously. Knowing your love of all things silver, I thought you might enjoy this fairly new blog from Beverly Bremer of Beverly Bremer Silver Shop (an Atlanta landmark and THE place to buy silver in the south). The shop has everything one's silver loving heart could desire and is stunning to be in. The next time you're in Atlanta, stop by and ask for Sara Summerour (I'm biased, she is my MIL!!) or any of the great people who work there. My husband and I registered there this summer for our wedding and love getting to open boxes for our wedding, Christmas and birthday each year (how lucky are we?)!
Enjoy
http://beverlybremersilver.wordpress.com/
http://www.beverlybremer.com/

[Erin]

My husband and I live in the Garden District in uptown New Orleans, just off the parade route. Too bad you missed Mardi Gras! On this trip, you definitely don't want to miss walking around this incredible neighborhood. The weather isn't supposed to be too good this weekend, so it might have to turn into a driving tour.
As far as dining is concerned, I will tell you like I tell every visitor I meet – you have to go to Arnaud's in the French Quarter. Since Katrina, we have been to most of the perennial New Orleans favorites, and Arnaud's is serving the best food by far. Plus, the atmosphere in the main dining room is hard to beat. Enjoy your stay, and please come back again!

[Jennifer]

I'm in Jackson, MS and go to NOLA a fair amount...Lilette's on magazine street...DON'T MISS IT! The pulled pork for lunch will make you die!!! The atmosphere is also fabulous!!

http://www.liletterestaurant.com/

[Tambry]

Hey Eddie! Here are a few recs from a native - Galatoire's, Mothers, Parkway Bakery & Tavern (quite frankly the best po-boys in this world) and Jacques-Imo's Cafe.

[Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality]

Have a great time in New Orleans! I'm sure you'll come back with lots of fun things to share.

[ralphie]

Hi Eddie!
Welcome to Louisiana! And I know "New Awlins" welcomes you as well! New Orleans has some fabulous antique shops, even post Katrina! Hope you have a "bon temps roulet" in the Big Easy and find lots of super deals and treasuree! Unfortunately I am on the opposite side of the state. (You came down and didn't tell me! or maybe I just missed it :-( )
Thanks Eddie
Ciao

P.S Don't miss all the Creole cooking its great.

[betsey]

Hey Eddie!! You must go to Cochon - so good. Dick & Jenny's is another great restaurant - but it's not in the Quarter...
Bottom of the Barrel Antiques is in the Quarter (i think Royal) and it's actually affordable. also u should check out Perch Home on Magazine St. and there's nothing like Friday lunch at Galatoires on Bourbon St!!!
Have a great time in my fabulous city!! :)

[Stephanie]

I saw your cover on the home section last weekend. I recommend Lucullus in the french quarter for culinary antiques. It's pricey but worth a look. There are lots of stores on Royal and Chartres streets. For food in the french quarter, my favorite is Galatoires on Bourbon.

Lilette on Magazine Street and Cafe Degas near the museum are also nice places to eat.

Magazine street has many stores. I like Bush Antiques.

[Anne]

Galatoire's. Emeril's. Definitely Brennan's for breakfast. Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets! Heck, you can't go wrong eating anywhere in New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps roulez!

[Samantha Lanier]

Eddie!

I hope you enjoy NOLA. One of my favorite places to shop is Renaissance Interiors a wonderful consignment shop about ten minutes from downtown.
http://www.yourrenaissance.com/
As far as places to eat, it's pretty hard to go wrong here. My favorites are Dick and Jenny's uptown on Jena and Tchoupitoulas and Muriel's at Jackson Square.

xo
Sam

[Courtney]

Not so much shops, but you'll need to fuel up to keep going in that city! I just did a post on my personal favs: http://www.insidetheloopblog.com/2009/03/wish-you-were-here-new-orleans.html

Enjoy New Orleans -- it's like no other!

[Julie Neill]

Eddie! You must come see my shop Julie Neill at 3908 Magazine Street for the most fabulous lighting and other wonderful decorative things! Also looking forward to meeting you at Valorie's on Saturday night! Enjoy your stay in our beautiful town!
Julie

[Chaz]

Hi Eddie,

Vintage & Antique Pieces
If you want really great vintage and antique pieces without the touristy prices you have to hit the Northshore. That's just a 20 minute drive across the Causeway. The first stop would be Patinas Interiors in Mandeville. The second stop would be a street in Covington called Lee Lane; there are a few antique shops owned by the cutest ladies there and great places for browsing like “The French Mix”. If you don’t mind driving in a little more, there is a town called Ponchatoula that has really inexpensive pieces.

Auction Houses
Since I’m no millionaire, the only place I would purchase antiques or vintage pieces in New Orleans would be at the auction houses. Great Great Deals!! That’s all I can say. I believe the same people who sale at the local shops in and around New Orleans, purchase items at these auctions houses. Crescent City Auction and Neal Auction are my spots... but you just missed Crescent City's auction, they had an auction the past Saturday (I personally hit jackpot). Not sure how long you’ll be here but Neal Auction is in a few weeks.

Food
On food. Jacques-Imo off Carrolton is great www.jacquesimoscafe.com... Umm... really and truly anywhere in New Orleans you’ll find great food

To make your stay officially New Orleans though, just be sure you have a 1) Po-boy 2) a Daiquiri 3) a Bloody Mary 4) some crawfish (it’s in season) and 5) a snowcone or snowball. The snowball just opened up for spring.

Hope you enjoy!

Ohh. Check out Habitat for Humanity stores(like a Goodwill) again there's a few in the Northshore.

[RR]

Some of these are already mentioned but worth it. Must go to Stella!, NOLA, Mother's, Acme Oyster House, August, Luke. Let me know if you want to stalk Brad Pitts house and I will tell you where it is :)

Also, I am headed to Pinehurst tomorrow, any good shopping recommendations?

[Michael D.]

Go to Commander's Palace in the Garden District. Their Bread Pudding is the best. Also Mr. B's Bristo in the French Quarter is nice. Enjoy your time there and do not drink to many hurricanes!

[Diane@A Picture is worth....]

http://www.yourrenaissance.com/

Me again...here is the website of the place I mentioned in the other comment.

Haven't been there myself, but heard good things about it.

Diane

[Diane@A Picture is worth....]

Hi Eddie,
There's a place in Metarie- a suburb-that does consignment of antiques and art. I don't know the name of it, but I'll try to google it for you. Found out about it from my son, he thought there were great prices.

Also, the Magazine Street shops are the best in my opinion.

[Erin]

Don't miss Sucre on Magazine Street to satisfy your sweet tooth - amazing artisan chocolatier

[Sasha]

If you needs beautiful sweets (chocolates, pastries, gelato and fabulous French meringues) then go to Sucre on Magazine St.

[Shawn]

Well not a restaurant or a store, but the D-Day museum there is a great experience, and of Smithsonian standards. My husband enjoyed it more than the NOLA food!

[Mimilee]

Wow! You and Jaithan are on the go!!! Good luck in Nawlins' ......wanna see pics!!! xoxo

[Sally Williams]

This goes back to yesterday, but pleeeeease consider Renniger's in Mount Dora in November!
You would love it.
And, of course, sign me up for shopping there.

Sally Williams

[Clara]

Hey,
You must go to the Garden district where Tulane University is. Beautiful Homes.everyone else has given all the good places.
Enjoy.

[lindsey]

Oh Eddie! You are so close to me in NOLA! I wish I'd known about your trip...we could have met up for a flea market trip or two. Next time!

{ Lindsey }
www.coveiter.com

[leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville]

Have a wonderful time! I cannot wait to read all about it!

[Samantha Lanier]

Eddie!

Hope you enjoy NOLA! My favorite shopping is not far from downtown at Renaissance Interiors, an awesome consignment shop. http://www.yourrenaissance.com/
As for restaurants it's pretty hard to go wrong here. My favorites are Dick & Jenny's, uptown on Jena and Tchoupitoulas, and Muriel's at Jackson Square.

xo
Sam

[Jackie O.K.]

Huuuuunnnnnnnssss! Quince on Magazine Street is a great little shop. H.Rault, Inc. at 3207 Magazine is outstanding for antique door and furniture locks, actually picked up a door knocker for Quogue. The older gentleman who owns it is a character. Have a po boy for me xx!

[Viera]

Eddie, have fun at H&G show. I will wait for the photos.
XX
V

[Laura]

Hey Eddie and Jaithan..
It's Laura...
I am sooooooo jealous you are in NO!!! I Love, Love, Love it there.. Ok .. you MUST go to Petunia's.. its a lovely restaurant in an 1820's or 30's townhouse.. trust me you will love it.. great food!! The address is 817 St. Louis St..its between Bourbon and Dauphine St... I think they only serve Breakfast and Lunch.. can't remember.. but do try to get there!! ENJOY!!!! Don't forget to go to Pat O'briens' for a Hurricane!!! So many places.. so little time!! Have Fun!!

[Dana]

Go to Anne Koerner Antiques. Heard it fab On Magazine St. Think it's still there.

[PJ]

You're always on the go! It's great fun to read. Can't wait for photos!

[amy]

have dinner at stella!

[jimboni]

Nadine Blake on Royal and Ursulines in the Quarter is my favorite. A couple of other cool stores nearby are The Living Room and Tommy's Flowers, both on the 900 block of Royal.

[Robyn]

Must go to Commander's Palace!! Miz V can direct you. Enjoy the cocktail party Friday night! When are you coming to Alabama?

[sprizee]

Go find Cochon in the warehouse district. Walking distance from the French Quarter and so tasty. I recommend the oyster bacon sandwich. Divine.

http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/

[Liz]

Things have shifted a bit in post-Katrina NOLA, so many of my faves haven't come back. But Magazine St. is still one long string of not-to-be-missed shops (antique and antique junk), eateries, and stuff to see. Any local friends you have will also have a set of places to see, shop, and munch.

Stop by Central Grocery and get a muffalotta for the flight home. Better than anything you might possibly get on the plane.

[Jennifer]

You must go to Napoleon House and have a Pimm's Cup after a full day of shopping...very refreshing!

[LaurelStreet]

Don't forget to stop by Lucullus Antiques in the French Quarter, Eddie. You'll be wild about the culinary antiques!

[Jan Jessup]

Hi, Eddie and Jaithan! These recommendations are pre-Katrina, so you'll have to check to see if the stores are still on Magazine Street--great antiquing area:
MARIO VILLA creates fabulous metal furniture that's like sculpture for the home: he was at 3908 Magazine St. (504) 895-8731.
Nearby were AUX BELLES CHOSES at 3912 Magazine St. (504) 891-1009, and EMPIRE ANTIQUES at 3420 Magazine St. (504) 897-0252, also worth visits.

RESTAURANTS: I know that BAYONA is still there as I saw a magazine article recently about the chef. It's at 430 Rue Dauphine, tel. (504) 522-0588. The food was outstanding.

Of course, there are the classic spots to dine, GALATOIRE'S where everyone waits in line (it's worth it) at 209 Bourbon St. and COMMANDER'S PALACE which has a wonderful jazz brunch on Sunday. If you go to Commander's Palace, be sure to order the Bread Pudding Souffle for dessert--it's divine! I bought their cookbook just for this one recipe--you make a bread pudding, then cut it up and fold it into a souffle and bake it again. Let the good times roll!
Best,
Jan Jessup
Calico Corners

[Jessie]

Eddie! Welcome to Nola! What neighborhood are you staying in? I am happy to give you some recs as I am a native...I live right near the Starbucks on Washington and Magazine (I read you guys were there before hitting Perch, one of my faves!)

[Bridgett]

That is one amazing candlestick... at least I think it's a candlestick... You need to photoshop in a funny word balloon on that pic. :)
I absolutely adore the new pic of you in the right sidebar with the tulips. Too cute!
Have a great time in the Big Easy! I hope it's a successful weekend.

[C. Marriott]

I was in NOLA for New Year's this year. Go to Mothers Restaurant, 401 Poydras St for Po-Boys! Sunday Brunch at Court of Two Sisters is fabulous! You have to go to Cafe De Monde and get beignets and cafe au lait (if there is a long line- get it to go and stroll around the area) Great people watching in the French Quarter area.

[seleta]

I just know those Southern Belles in New Orleans will love you to pieces. Have fun!!!

Your Westchester layover is a replay of what happened to us on our way back from our visit. So tiring!

Can't wait to see your pretty results at the Home and Garden Show.

xoxo

[Kathysue]

Eddie you are a man on the move. I can now see why you moved to the country. With your busy lifestyle you need the peace and quiet it can offer you. I just read Seletas post on her weekend with you and Jaithan.Sigh!!!! It looked wonderful and she described you as the perfect host. I had to admit to her I was in envy.Enjoy New Orleans looking forward to the picts. Hugs Kathysue

[EM]

Eddie, please show us the "after" pictures of those metal chairs you bought months ago at the Salvation Army! Please!