Guide to New Orleans | Travel + Leisure

Guide to New Orleans

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When to Go

The city is most pleasant between November and April, with high temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s. In 2008, Mardi Gras falls on February 5, Jazz Fest from April 25 to May 4.

Where to Stay

Many New Orleans hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton, offer voluntourism packages for those who wish to help directly with the city’s recovery. Check hotel Web sites or call for details.

GREAT VALUE International House This boutique hotel between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District has a chic lobby bar and stunning penthouse. 221 Camp St.; 504/553-9550; ihhotel.com; doubles from $189.

Ritz-Carlton New Orleans The city’s top hotel straddles the Quarter and the Central Business District. 921 Canal St.; 800/241-3332 or 504/524-1331; ritzcarlton.com; doubles from $409.

Where to Eat

Café Minh Vietnamese chef Minh Bui’s latest venture joins Asian and French flavors to winning effect. 4139 Canal St.; 504/482-6266; dinner for two $70.

Cochon At Donald Link’s loftlike new restaurant, a hearty Cajun menu highlights the namesake roast pig and rustic charcuterie. 930 Tchoupitoulas St.; 504/588-2123; dinner for two $56.

Cuvée Bob Iacovone’s inventive reworkings of Creole and Southern classics include a delectable foie gras boudin and, no joke, chicken-and-waffles (coq au vin, really, with crispy pancetta and fluffy Belgian waffles spread with Boursin). Like the food, the setting is equal parts homey and refined, all bare brick, warm burnished wood, and wrought iron. 322 Magazine St., Central Business District; 504-587-9001; www.restaurantcuvee.com; Dinner for two $90

Domilise’s The "best po’ boys in town" argument usually boils down to two places. Franky & Johnny—more bar than restaurant—has better bread; Domilise’s has fresher toppings. Try them both. 5240 Annunciation St.; 504/889-9126; dinner for two $34.

Franky & Johnny 32 Arabella St.; 504/899-9146; dinner for two $36.

Iris Dining room as boudoir: celadon-green walls and bordello lighting create an intimate setting for Ian Schnoebelen’s clever seasonal cooking, emphasizing fresh seafood and local produce. 8115 Jeannette St.; 504/862-5848; dinner for two $79.

Lüke Acclaimed chef John Besh’s eight-month-old brasserie channels fin-de-siècle Vienna: rattan café chairs and belt-cranked ceiling fans are a convincing backdrop for a classic European menu. Hilton New Orleans, 333 St. Charles Ave.; 504/378-2840; dinner for two $84.

Restaurant August A decidedly old-world setting for Besh’s robust, ingredient-driven, contemporary cooking. 301 Tchoupitoulas St.; 504/299-9777; dinner for two $110.

Stella! Scott Boswell is the city’s most imaginative chef, and his Asian ingredients and preparations of such dishes as sake-and-miso–glazed sea bass are always compelling. 1032 Chartres St.; 504/587-0091; dinner for two $180.

Where to Go Out

For music & entertainment listings, pick up free copies of the local monthly Offbeat (offbeat.com) or the Gambit, the city’s alternative weekly (bestofneworleans.com).

Napoleon House The sepia-toned landmark has perfect Sazeracs and Pimm’s Cups, and more atmosphere than 20 of your hometown bars. 500 Chartres St.; 504/524-9752.

Spotted Cat 623 Frenchman St.; 504/943-3887.

Vaughn’s Local legend Kermit Ruffins and his BBQ Swingers light up this down-home bar every Thursday night, when Ruffins himself also cooks up a communal barbecue feast for the audience. 800 Lesseps St.; 504/947-5562.

Safety Advice

Is New Orleans safe to visit? Yes. However, this is not a city where travelers should venture off the beaten path hoping to discover some cool hidden corner or hip under-the-radar joint. Even in well-trafficked parts of New Orleans, keep your wits about you, avoid isolated areas, and do not walk alone after dark.

Copyright © 2008, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.