THE BIG EASY
New Orleans is famous for its bustling nightlife. Bourbon Street in the French Quarter is the irresistible center of action of this capital of jazz music – back in full swing now after the Hurricane Katrina disaster, which left an indelible imprint mostly on the outer parts of town.

A CITY NAMED DESIRE
Founded on May 7, 1718, Nouvelle Orléans was named after Philippe II, prince of France. Ever a wonderfully evocative city, it’s a classic favorite among artists, from Truman Capote to Angelina Jolie. Over the decades it has inspired writers of the caliber of Mark Twain, Lafcadio Hern, John James Audubon, Tennesee Williams (whose celebrated play A Streetcar Named Desire is set in the French Quarter).

While inoperative since 1948, we can still identify ourselves with Blanche DuBois hopping on the St. Charles Avenue Line which from Canal Street led to the luxurious Garden District – now a pole of attraction for Hollywood stars. The absolutely charming architecture in a Spanish-French-Creole-American style with large courtyards and wrought-iron balconies dates back to Baroness Pontalba, a businesswoman who brought great prestige to the French Quarter. Her style became all the rage after 1850.

Other important landmarks include the Gallier House (built by the eponymous architect), the Eastlake and Gingerbread mansions, as well as the Cabildo estate which served as the government seat during the Spanish colonial period.

NOLA DAILEY: ultimate adresses
Music, food, architecture, culture, spirit of the people: all meet and merge to make the city truly unique. One of the most famous places not to miss is the award-winning Galatoire’s restaurant, a.k.a. “la Grande Dame” of New Orleans, established in 1905 in the heart of the Vieux Carré. Prominent U.S. Senators and Presidents figure among the guests who make sure to enjoy the specials on the Friday menu. Another must for foodies when in town are the dishes master chef John Besh prepares at the August restaurant. Then for visitors who want to try genuine Creole fare there’s the Vine & Dineè. Other fine options? The Club 300 Jazz for seafood, or The House of Blues bistrot for the fun Gospel Brunch. In terms of accommodations, the Hotel Maison de Ville (www.hotelmaisondeville.com)

offers the same rooms where in earlier days the playwright Tennessee Williams lodged or where two centuries ago the ornithologist John James Audubon painted most of his legendary bird pictures. The charming five-star Windsor Court Hotel (www.windsorcourthotel.com) is also excellent. Clearly, both are in the French Quarter.
Bon voyage!