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To get to the city unfortunately, means going through our airport for most visitors. A more disappointing experience would be hard to imagine, since the food and leisure space there is pitiful. On top of that, the politics of the selection process for the concession contracts give us a constant reminder of the old boy corruption that we live with here.
I say the corporation that runs the airport should be advised by the entrepreneurs that run places in the French Quarter, who work constantly to serve the locals and tourists. Okay, maybe not the folks who run the French Market, but those little shops and restaurants that actually work to bring joy and pleasure to travelers and residents alike.

To get started, let’s get at least 1 place in each concourse that is open before 7 a.m. and serves a decent cup of coffee in a city that loves the stuff.

Concessions

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Back home in the French Quarter

If you’ve read this blog before, then you probably know why I am so attached to this little village, having spent my teenaged and early twenties here learning about history and community.
I have lived in the Quarter 4 different times, and am now alternating between the house on the North Shore that my grandparents white-flighted to in the early 1960s, and a week or so every month at a little pied-a-terre on Orleans Street – not avenue, as friend Greg has pointed out- Orleans only becomes an avenue after it crosses Basin Street. When it gets a neutral ground.
The location is ideal, the neighbor (friend Greg again) is welcoming and even Maddie the Cartoon Dog seems to be comfortable so far.
This will be the vantage point that I write about the village a few days a month. It will also be my trial apartment for a possible full move to the Quarter next spring.

The one room with excellent bathroom by the way – often hard to find in the Quarter – is nicely furnished and with all of the modern amenities. When I sit in the courtyard with the bubbling fountain, typing on the iPad, everything seems right and to scale. Friends and family, food and drink, life and drama happening nearby.
Really, what else is necessary?

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French Quarter holiday food and music

2 of my favorite holiday events:
Reveillon, a Creole Dining Tradition
Participating Restaurants
Throughout December (dates vary)
Creole families of yesteryear celebrated this traditional dining custom twice during the holiday season – on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Today’s Reveillon has been expanded to include various dates during December so that everyone can share in this special holiday meal. Menus have been adapted to combine ageless Creole cuisine along with more contemporary New Orleans dishes, but the spirit of the past remains. Reveillon menus and featured dates for participating restaurants may be found here
St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert
St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square at Chartres Street Free.
The 2011 Concert Schedule

Thursday, December 1 — Ellis Marsalis
Sunday, December 4 –Tom McDermott and Connie Jones
Monday, December 5 — Friendly Travelers
Tuesday, December 6 — Ronnie Kole
Sunday, December 11 — Rachel Van Voorhies
Monday, December 12 — Philip Manuel & the Shades of Praise
Tuesday, December 13 — The Faubourg Quartet
Wednesday, December 14 — The Preservation Hall Allstars Present a Creole Christmas
Sunday, December 18 — St. Louis Basilica annual Christmas Concert ( at 5 p.m.)
Monday December 19 — Dan Vappie
Tuesday, December 20 — Irvan Mayfield
Wednesday, December 21 — St. Peter Claver Gospel Choir

and more events here:
Events

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Don’t get caught traveling.

The 8th district has a large amount of citizens that utilize bicycles on a daily basis. We would like to remind the public of some laws regarding bicyclists. These laws allow for the safety of the bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles, all of whom must share the roadways.
Sec. 154-1412. – Obedience to traffic control devices.
Any person operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs, and other traffic control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right, left, or “U” turn is permitted, no person operating a bicycle shall disobey the direction of any such signs, except when such person dismounts from the bicycle to make any such turn, such person shall then obey the regulations applicable to pedestrians.
Sec. 154-1416. – Riding on sidewalks.
No person 15 or more years of age shall ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk in the city nor will bicycles be allowed on sidewalks in the business district.
Other Important Reminders
* Parking on the sidewalks is illegal. This behavior damages the sidewalks, which negatively impacts the quality of life of our citizens and visitors.
* Walking tours are limited to 28 participants and shall be disbanded by 10:00pm nightly.
* Carriage drivers should pull to the side of the road to allow vehicular traffic to pass, when space is available.

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Shop Historic online

Great selection of maps and books. I can’t speak for the other merchandise…

Shop Online

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Group Wants Main Gates To Armstrong Park To Open

The closed park gates (and city hall’s response in this story) is a perfect example of the bureaucracy misusing the city’s assets rather than encouraging the use and care of them by allowing citizens to feel ownership.

Group Wants Main Gates To Armstrong Park To Open.