New Orleans, you beast. You wild, unpredictable, crazy fun, wholly overwhelming place. New Orleans isn’t just a city… it’s a spirit and culture. It’s a lady and a trouble-maker. It’s palpable and irresistible, and will not be ignored. New Orleans, you excite me. New Orleans, I’m hungry. New Orleans, I love you.
I’ve lived for the past year as a new New Orleanian. Fresh in this world. Wide eyes. Lost in the streets. Enamored by the sights and sounds. And sometimes… well, I’m a little overwhelmed by new city. There’s a lot for this California girl to learn about the Deep South. A lot to learn about Southern hospitality, being a neighborly neighbor, oyster eating, and brunch. Those are all the easy things to learn.
I’ve spent the past year living smack-dab in the middle of the French Quarter. It’s been nutty: filled with music and art and always new tourist friends. I’m saying goodbye to the French Quarter and moving my kitchen, all my cookbooks, and TronCat… Uptown. Let’s go cook in a new kitchen! I can’t wait to share my new space with you. It’s quaint and you’re invited over for cookies, always.
Here are a few things I’ve learned so far in New Orleans:
• When passing strangers on the street: Say hello / Say good morning / Say good day / Nod and smile / Smile and wave. Always acknowledge. There’s no such thing as ignoring a stranger. They will not be a stranger for long.
• The summer months are hotter than blue blazes. If you’ve don’t know how hop blue blazes are, ask my mom… she gave me that expression. Also steamy. So incredibly steamy. Keep telling yourself it’s good for your skin.
• The ladies at (the grocery store) Rouses don’t play. Come correct or don’t come. They do not play.
• Wear a bike helmet. People drive crazy for real and the cracks and bumps in the road can jump up and bite you. Whomever it was in Los Angeles that told you bike helmets are uncool doesn’t respect their own head and brain.
• Don’t wear headphones. Listen to the music and feel the pulse. It’s everywhere.
• It’s important to find your people. Moving to a new city is hard and, for me, finding my footing is linked to finding my people. Because New Orleans is the South… amazingly enough, your people will find you, email you, invite you over for coffee and pie… and because you’re in the South, you say yes to coffee and pie with strangers and you make new friends. It’s very good.
• Drink a lot of water because you never know when one glass of champagne at happy hour will turn into one bottle of champagne.. on a Tuesday. There’s always a reason to celebrate.
• In New Orleans you can be who you are… and why not throw on a wig while you’re at it.
• It’s important to know the best:
Coffee: Hi-Volt / Oysters: Peche (also get a sazerac!) for fresh oysters and Cochon for grilled oysters / Daiquiris: Cane and Table / Beignets: Cafe du Monde / Wine and bites: Bacchanal
More of my New Orleans suggestions here!
Come visit wouldya? I’ve got more to learn and a house full of cookies.
Girl Named Allyn
Ugh, you’re making me miss the South so much, especially the food and the friendly people (slightly biased, since I am a Southerner). So much harder to find your people in other places. So glad you’re staying there!
New Orleans just keeps moving higher and higher on my list of trips to take.
Denise Orgeron Perez
Lived in New Orleans for many many years but now live on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. My husband has a big band that plays for carnival balls etc. First ball is coming up soon! There is no better food than in NOLA. No one is a stranger is NOLA. You automatically become family.
Lindsey
Joy! My Fiancé and I are planning to go to New Orleans for our honeymoon in November! We just love jazz and blues music & southern food! I would love nothing more than to meet one of my baking idols! I am a baker from Las Vegas, have been following you for years even before culinary school. Loved this post!
Suzonne Stirling
Uptown! Welcome to the neighborhood! I’ll see you at Rouses.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
Love this post! I’ve been to New Orleans twice in my life–during very different circumstances: once in 7th grade with my best of friends, and once to do community service after Katrina. It is such a strong, resilient city full of amazing culture.
Ruth
My husband spent his first year of law school in NOLA and loved every crazy minute of it.
thebhivetexas
You are making me miss New Orleans so much. Its been years. Which is sort of a crime since I live In Austin, TX! I’m so glad you are enjoying & embracing your new city.
Caroline Starr Rose (@CStarrRose)
We used to live in Houma and would swing on over to visit. Such a city! Rouses always made me think of the R.O.U.Ses. :)
DessertForTwo
I knew the South would do right by you! It’s such a friendly place :) I’m so glad you’re taking the time to enjoy it truly. Less internet, more real life. That’s my motto lately :)
XO
practicingveteranspreference
Your happiness is delightful…good life ahead for you, blue blases and all..
Stay safe, healthy and happy. You are well loved.
Lynda @Me and My Pink Mixer
My husband has a conference there next month and I’m tagging along – can’t wait! Wish you were still going to be in the French Quarter because I would LOVE to meet you Joy! I’m clicking over to read more of your New Orleans suggestions now, so I can start planning all of my free time! Have a great weekend!
Lydia Lane
Lovely Post! My family is from New Orleans and you made me miss home. Visiting New Orleans is a magical experience and it would be amazing to live there again. It is a special place, thanks for sharing.
hriley
Ditto! Ditto!! So glad you are moving Uptown. We’ll have to meet at PJs sometime!
lisa
I just love you Joy!
thefoodieteen
I would seriously love to visit New Orleans at some point – it looks and sounds so full of energy and fun! Hope you have a good move and enjoy your new place!
Rena
You show again that New Orleans is full of life! Although I personally have never been there I’m convinced that this is really a wonderful place and it was a pleasure for me to read that even the people on the streets are greeting the other people. Wish you further many fun in your new home there <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com