Pub Food
Sylvain: The focus at this rustic yet elegant gastropub is on Southern haute cuisine and excellent cocktails, and its chefs are passionate about using local ingredients. Rich, refined and delicious dishes such as duck confit served on a bed of black-eyed peas are indicative of the gastronomic experience.
Mimi’s in the Marigny: Mimi’s is a late-night institution that draws neighbourhood crowds for Spanish tapas and beer. It’s attractively dishevelled with a house-party vibe and dim, brown lighting like a fantasy in sepia. The food is surprisingly gourmet, with dishes such as crab gazpacho, and mushroom and goat’s cheese empanadas.
Nola Brewing: It’s a bit of a meat-fest in Nola Brewing’s Uptown taproom, where the award¬winning McClure’s BBQ has set up shop, serving pulled pork, burgers, brisket and ribs galore to soak up the two dozen craft beers on tap. Every Tuesday, there’s a pop-up restaurant (11am – 11pm) serving more refined small plates.
Sleep
There’s an Alice in Wonderland feel to La Belle Esplanade – a B&B in the historic Tremé District. Furnishings in the five themed suites vary, but claw-foot tubs are givens.
The French Quarter location and Creole ambience of Soniat House are hard to beat. Some rooms open onto a courtyard, and winding stairways lead to elegant quarters.
Audubon Cottages offers luxury suites in restored French Quarter houses. Wrought-iron loungers around a saltwater pool and exposed-brick rooms exude a period charm.
