In Today's Time-Picayune
I found this on the NOLA website... For out of towners this is a great starting point for where to go asnd what to do...
The Freshmen 115: Our guide will have you living like a real New Orleanian
Posted by amaloney August 31, 2007 5:00AM
By Kat Glass
Staff writer
They told me the summers inflicted misery. They told me post-Katrina New Orleans would be depressing. But now with less than a week left in New Orleans, I'm telling them I don't want to leave.
I arrived in New Orleans for a three-month internship at The Times-Picayune as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as they come, proudly wearing both my fleur de lis earrings and fleur de lis pin as I exited the plane and readied myself for a full-blown summer love affair with the city. I had visions of mint juleps, of sultry jazz, of strange characters.
Sure, my romanticizing of the city was just about stifling. But it's a town that encourages you to over-romanticize. New Orleans fantasy and reality intermingle so much that sometimes it's hard to tell one from the other.
The other day, a co-worker forecasted a grim picture of my post-New Orleans self. "Kat, you're going to get back to Chicago, and on the first night, you're going to put your head on that pillow and cry."
I'm sure she's right.
Now, imagine how I envy any college student just arriving here for a four-year stay...
Here's a little of what I learned about this great town.
CHEAP EATS WITH PALS
1. Juan's Flying Burrito: Tex-Mex, 2018 Magazine St., Uptown, (504) 569-0000; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., Mid-City, (504)¤486-9950. Closed Sunday.
2. Jacques-Imo's Cafe: Creole and Cajun, 8324 Oak St., Uptown, (504) 861-0886. Closed Sunday.
3. Slice Pizzeria: pizza, 1513 St. Charles Ave., Garden District, (504) 525-7437. Open seven days.
4. Camellia Grill: diner, 626 S. Carrollton Ave., Uptown, (504) 309-2679. Open seven days.
5. Parkway Bakery & Tavern: po-boys, 38 Hagan Ave., Mid-City, (504) 482-3047. Closed Tuesday.
No. 1 - Juan's Flying Burrito is just one of the many places with cheap tasty eats.BIG DATE NIGHT
6. La Crepe Nanou: French, 1410 Robert St., (504) 899-2670. No reservations. Closed Sunday.
7. Dick and Jenny's: Modern New Orleans, 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., Uptown, (504)¤894-9880. Closed Sunday and Monday.
8. Irene's: Italian, 539 St. Philip St., French Quarter, (504) 529-8811. Closed Sunday.
9. Bayona: New American, 430 Dauphine St., French Quarter, (504) 525-4455. Closed Sunday.
10. Cafe Degas: French, 3127 Esplanade Ave., Faubourg St. John, (504)¤945-5635. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
WHEN THE 'RENTS ARE PAYING
11. Galatoire's Restaurant: French Creole, 209 Bourbon St., French Quarter, (504) 525-2021. Closed Monday.
12. La Provence: French, 25020 U.S. 190, Lacombe, (985) 626-7662. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
13. Gautreau's Restaurant: New American, 1728 Soniat St., Uptown, (504) 899-7397. Closed Sunday and Monday.
14. Restaurant Cuvee: New American, 322 Magazine St., Central Business District, (504)58 7-9001. Closed Sunday.
15. Commander's Palace: Modern New Orleans, 1403 Washington Ave., Garden District, (504)899-8221. Open seven days.
REAL NEW ORLEANS DEAL
16. Po-boy: a sandwich made with French bread that is crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with meat or veggies, such as roast beef, shrimp, ham or green tomatoes. Domilise's, 5240 Annunciation St., Uptown, (504) 899-9126. Closed Thursday and Sunday.
17. Muffuletta: a round loaf stuffed with olive salad, Italian cold cuts, provolone, and olive oil. Central Grocery, 923 Decatur St., French Quarter, (504) 620-0174. Closed Sunday and Monday.
18. Etouffee: a spicy, roux-thickened stew, usually of crawfish or shrimp, served over rice. K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen, 416 Chartres St., French Quarter, (504) 524-7394. Closed Sunday.
19. Beignet: a deep-fried solid doughnut sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. Cafe du Monde, 800 Decatur St., French Quarter, (504) 525-4544; Morning Call, 3325 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 885-4068. Never closes.
20. Snowball: a glorified snow cone, made of super fine ice shavings saturated with sugary syrup flavors. Plum Street Snowball, 1300 Burdette St., Uptown, (504) 866-7996. Open daily 'til 9 p.m. Closes in late fall.
STUDY WITH JAVA
21. Neutral Ground Coffee House: 5110 Danneel St., Uptown, (504) 891-3381, Monday to Sunday 7 p.m.'til.
22. Cafe Envie: 1241 Decatur St., French Quarter, (504) 524-3689, Monday to Sunday 'til midnight.
23. Coffea: 3218 Dauphine St., Bywater, (504) 342-2484. Closed Tuesday.
24. Rue de la Course: 3121 Magazine St., Garden District, (504) 899-0242; 1140 S. Carrollton Ave., Uptown, (504) 861-4343. Open 'til midnight.
25. CC's Gourmet Coffee House: 900 Jefferson Ave., Uptown, (504) 891-4969; 941 Royal St., French Quarter, (504) 581-6996; 2800 Esplanade Ave., Faubourg St. John, (504) 482-9865; 2917 Magazine St., Suite 104, Garden District, (504) 891-2115; 503 Decatur St., French Quarter, (504) 962-5603. Hours vary.
MUSIC FOR THE COLLEGE CROWD
26. Tipitina's: 501 Napoleon Ave., Uptown, (504) 895-8477, must be 18.
27. Snug Harbor: 626 Frenchmen St., Faubourg Marigny, (504) 949-0696, all ages.
28. House of Blues: 225 Decatur St., French Quarter, (504) 310-4999, must be 18.
29. Mid City Lanes Rock'n'Bowl: 4133 S. Carrollton Ave., Mid-City, (504) 482-3133, all ages.
30. One Eyed Jacks: 615 Toulouse St., French Quarter, (504) 569-8361, must be 18.
SAVE THE DATE
31. New Orleans Film Festival: Catch independent as well as New Orleans- and Louisiana-made films from Oct. 11 to 18 at various theaters, $8 per movie for non-New Orleans Film Society members, $35 annual membership for students to join Film Society.
32. Voodoo Music Experience: The three-day festival is in City Park from Oct. 26 to 28 and features New Orleans musicians and nationally known bands, such as Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco and Common. A list of announced acts is available at www.voodoomusicfest.com. Weekend passes are $115, but will increase as the festival gets closer. Daily tickets are not yet available.
33. Carnival and Mardi Gras: This one needs no explanation. It runs Jan. 25 to midnight on Feb. 5 (Mardi Gras), with revelry throughout the city and major parades along various routes in the city and Metairie. Free.
34. French Quarter Festival: This annual event features musical performances and food throughout the Quarter from April 11 to 13. Free.
35. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival: For many, Jazzfest embodies New Orleans even more than Mardi Gras. Jazz legends, local favorites and national acts converge on the city for a two-weekend music concert from April 25 to May 4 at the Fair Grounds in Mid-City. Advance tickets, $35; $45 per day of festival.
No. 32 - Sisters Jenny, Jackie and Julia Rohde dance to the music of Juvenile at last year's Voodoo Music Experience in City Park.GET YOUR FINE ART FIX
36. Monthly art gallery crawls: Drink in local art at galleries, which host receptions on the first Saturday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. on Magazine Street and in the Warehouse District, Julia Street between St. Charles Ave. and Tchoupitoulas St. Free.
37. Ogden After Hours: Weekly concerts at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., Warehouse/Arts District, (504) 539-9600. Thursdays 6 to 8:30 p.m., $25 student rate buys 50 After Hours shows and museum membership for a year.
38. Contemporary Arts Center: 900 Camp St., Warehouse/Arts District, (504) 528-3800. Closed Monday to Wednesday, $3 for students.
39. Besthoff Sculpture Garden: One Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, (504) 658-4100. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Free.
40. New Orleans Museum of Art: One Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, (504) 658-4100. Closed Monday and Tuesday, $7 for full-time students with ID, free for Louisiana residents with ID.
CHEAP THEATER
41. One Eyed Jacks: 615 Toulouse St., French Quarter, (504) 569-8361, www.oneeyedjacks.net, 18 and older to enter, $10 to $20 for tickets.
42. Actor's Theatre of New Orleans: 4539 N. I-10 Service Road, Metairie, (504) 456-4111, www.actorstheatreofneworleans.com, $16.
43. Cripple Creek Theatre Co.: Convergence Center for the Arts, 2130 Magazine St., Garden District, $10; St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1130 N. Rampart, French Quarter; two-day Louisiana playwrights' workshop five times per year, (504) 891-6815, www.seeaplay.org, $5.
44. Le Chat Noir: 715 St. Charles Ave., Warehouse/Arts District, (504) 581-5812, www.cabaretlechatnoir.com, $15 to $45, some include $5, age-appropriate bar credit. (The company is offering a free student preview on Sept. 6 of "The Beignet Plays," a collection of eight, new 10-minute plays by New Orleans playwrights.)
45. Running With Scissors: Company that typically performs at One Eyed Jacks and Le Chat Noir, (504) 606-9903, www.norunningwithscissors.com, $15 to $20.
GET OUTTA TOWN
46. Westwego Swamp Adventures: Get up close and personal with alligators at this swamp tour, about a half-hour from New Orleans, at 501 Laroussini St., Westwego, (504) 581-4501. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday tours at noon and 2 p.m., $24. (Tours on hiatus until Sept. 5.)
47. Grand Isle: For a day at the beach and some great fishing, head to Grand Isle, a small town about two hours south of New Orleans. Katrina took a swipe out of the island, but it's on the upswing two years later, www.grand-isle.com.
48. Ship Island: This Mississippi beach provides bluer waters, but is still close enough to fit in a day trip. Enjoy swimming, a boardwalk, and a Civil War fort; www.msshipisland.com, (866) 466-7386, (228) 864-1014; beach is only accessible by a one-hour ferry ride departing from Gulfport, Miss., $22 round-trip.
49. Jean Lafitte National Park: Take hikes on the boardwalk and canoe trips through the bayou at the Barataria preserve outside Marrero, (504) 589-2330 ext. 10, www.nps.gov/jela. Free.
50. TH Farms: Dirty your knees as you get your fill of strawberries from March to May and pumpkins in October; 11215 Lee's Lane, Hammond, (225) 567-3493, www.thfarms.com.
No. 48 - Ship Island off the coast of Mississippi makes a great day trip. NEW ORLEANS GRAB BAG
51. Tchoupitoulas Challenge at The Creole Creamery: Only those with a hearty appetite should attempt this gastronomical feat: 8 scoops of ice cream, 8 toppings, as well as whipped cream, cherries and sprinkles. Finish it alone and before closing time, and your name is immortalized on the store's wall. 4924 Prytania St., Uptown, (504) 894-8680, Monday to Thursday noon to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 11 p.m., $18.
52. Hookah Cafe: Chill at this restaurant and lounge and choose from more than 30 flavors of hookah pipes. 500 Frenchmen St., Faubourg Marigny, (504) 943-1101, Tuesday to Sunday, 5:30 p.m. ¤'til, closed Monday; $15 or more buys about 45 minutes worth of hookah; 18 or older to smoke, 21 or older after 9 p.m.
53. The Bead Shop: Pick out your beads and create your own personalized jewelry. You can create on-site or design a piece and have them make it for you. 4612 Magazine St., Uptown, (504) 895-6161, Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Costs vary, but start around $10.
54. The National World War II Museum: Visit the country's official World War II museum for stories about the Normandy invasion, the war in the Pacific, and life on the home front. 945 Magazine St., (504) 527-6012, Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday, students with ID $8.
55. Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center: Catch obscure and artsy films at New Orleans' underground theater. Temporary location at Tulane University, School of Architecture, Richardson Memorial Building, Thomson Hall, Rooms 201 and 204, (504) 827-5858, www.zeitgeistinc.net, $6 for students, often free for Tulane students.
BIKE THE CITY
56. Levee ride: Start at Audubon Park near the Magazine Street entrance and head upriver, following the paved path on top of the levee. Then, explore riding along the levees throughout the New Orleans area, such as Kenner's Rivertown.
57. Lakefront tour: Start at the old lighthouse at the end of Lakeshore Drive and pedal to the Sen. Ted Hickey Bridge (formerly the Seabrook Bridge).
58. Follow the streetcars: Streetcars haven't returned to service on St. Charles Avenue since the storm, so follow the streetcar route along the avenue through the Garden District and Uptown.
59. City Park: The roadways within the Mid-City park and its now defunct golf course are popular routes for bikers.
60. The Tammany Trace: This scenic 31-mile recreational corridor makes its way through five communities along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
FIVE NEW ORLEANS MUST-READS
61. "A Streetcar Named Desire," Tennessee Williams.
62. "A Confederacy of Dunces," John Kennedy Toole.
63. "New Orleans, Mon Amour: Twenty Years of Writings from the City," Andrei Codrescu.
64. "French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia," Joshua Clark ed.
65. "Breach of Faith: Hurricane Katrina and the Near Death of a Great American City," Jed Horne.
FIVE NEW ORLEANS MUST-HEARS
66. "Mardi Gras Essentials": Sixteen classic Carnival cuts from the likes of Professor Longhair, the Rebirth Brass Band, the Hawketts and Al Johnson. Hip-O Records, 2000.
67. "Neville Brothers Yellow Moon": The Brothers cast a bewitching spell with the assistance of producer Daniel Lanois. A&M Records, 1989.
68. "Funkify Your Life: The Meters Anthology": The best of the band that defined slinky New Orleans funk and supplied countless samples for rappers. Rhino Records, 1995
69. "Fats Domino Greatest Hits: Walking To New Orleans": Thirty essential tracks from a founding father of rock¤'n'¤roll and the Lower 9th Ward's most famous resident. Capitol/EMI, 2007
70. "Juvenile 400 Degreez": The album that introduced New Orleans-style " "bounce" to the nation via the rapper's smash "Back That Azz Up." Cash Money/Universal, 1998
SECOND-HAND MUSIC
71. Louisiana Music Factory: 210 Decatur St., French Quarter, (504) 586-1094. The store also offers free Saturday afternoon concerts.
72. The Mushroom: 1037 Broadway St., Uptown, (504) 866-6065, open daily 'til midnight.
73. Vieux Carre Vinyl: 1214 Decatur St., French Quarter, (504) 561-5683.
74. World Famous Jim Russell Records: 1837 Magazine St., Lower Garden District. Closed Sunday.
75. Music Express: 119 South Cate St., Hammond, (985) 542-1055. Closed Sunday.
THRIFT AND VINTAGE CLOTHES
76. Buffalo Exchange: 3312 Magazine St., Garden District, (504) 891-7443.
77. Funky Monkey: 3127 Magazine St., Garden District, (504) 899-5587.
78. Miss Claudia's: 4204 Magazine St., Uptown, (504) 897-6310. Closed Tuesday and Sunday.
79. On the Other Hand Exclusive Resale Boutique: 8204 Oak St., Riverbend, (504) 861-0159. Closed Sunday.
80. Red White & Blue Thrift Store: 6001 Jefferson Highway, Harahan, (504) 733-8066; 5050 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, (504)¤347-1512. Both closed Sunday.
CHEAP CLOTHES
81. Frock Candy: 3112 Magazine St., Garden District, (504) 301-9864.
82. Blink: 3260 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 883-8054. Closed Sunday.
83. Sweet Pea & Tulip: 3313 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 883-8002. Closed Sunday; 618 Chartres Ave., French Quarter, (504) 523-4119; 802 Nashville Ave. (at the corner of Magazine Ave.), Uptown, (504) 899-4044, (location includes spa services).
84. C Collection: 8141 Maple St., Uptown, (504) 861-5002. Closed Sunday.
85. All About Me: 3256 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 888-6463; 1201 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, (504) 278-3400; 4632 Louisiana 22, Mandeville, (985) 845-2424. All closed Sunday.
GET IN THE GAME
86. The Saints: Gear up in your black, gold and fleurs de lis and catch Saints mania if you expect to live in New Orleans. Superdome, bordered by Poydras and Julia streets and Claiborne Avenue, www.neworleanssaints.com., regular season starts Thursday and continues to Dec. 30.
87. Hornets: New Orleans' basketball team hasn't had the best run recently, but optimistic fans say they're on the upswing. New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St., downtown, (504) 525-HOOP, www.nba.com/hornets, 2007-2008 regular season runs from Oct. 31 to April 16.
88. Zephyrs: Hang out at this old-time stadium to catch games from the AAA-league baseball team. Zephyr Field features an elevated pool in the outfield, which can be rented for a more unusual vantage point on the game. Zephyr Field, 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, (504) 734-5155, www.zephyrsbaseball.com. Baseball season runs from April to August.
89. Sugar Bowl: New Orleans hosts one of the premier annual college bowl games at the Superdome on Jan. 1.
90. Greater New Orleans Women's Soccer League: Want to kick the ball around? Try this 17 and older soccer league during the fall and spring. Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, (504) 957-3477, www.gnowsl.org/, $60 for individual registration per season.
THE LAY OF THE LAND
91. Because of the crescent curve of the Mississippi River, the city's streets follow a winding path, leaving a patchwork of curved roadways. Nobody here uses north, south, east, or west. It's uptown, downtown, lakeside or riverside. Ask for directions and you'll likely hear: "It's Uptown on the lakeside of the street." After a quick study of a map, you'll be able to orient yourself this way as well.
92. Post-Katrina, navigating the city can be even trickier. A lot of neighborhoods still have no street signs. It's a good idea to check a map and count blocks before you venture out.
93. The French Quarter is the only part of the city where streets run on a grid from Canal Street to Esplanade and Decatur Street at the river to Rampart Street. The Garden District is bounded by St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street, between Louisiana and Jackson avenues.
94. If you get lost, find a nearby business and ask an employee for assistance. New Orleans has some of the friendliest folks around, and they don't tend to be snooty about helping newcomers.
ADOPTING LOCAL CUSTOMS
95. It's "New OR-luns," with the accent on the first syllable. Don't get caught saying you live in "New Or-LEENZ."
96. Chivalry is alive and well in the Big Easy. People use "Miss" and "Sir," and smile at one another on the sidewalks. Men open the doors for women.
97. Even funerals in New Orleans turn into joyous affairs. A "jazz funeral" will start with a somber march, but after the deceased is buried, everyone gleefully dances in a "second-line."
98. The Freshman Fifteen will probably be a bit harder to avoid in this city. Here, food is one of life's great pleasures. As one native said, "If you haven't gained 10 pounds in your first three months, you're going to the wrong restaurants."
99. Getting your po-boy "dressed" means with lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and pickles. The "neutral ground" is the median or grassy area between the paved areas on an avenue or boulevard. "Throws" are the things you catch from the "floats" during Carnival.
100. Pick up the Lagniappe section of The Times-Picayune each Friday to find out about fun events. The daily paper is available by subscription and in boxes on the street.
CALL THE DOCTOR
101. On campus: Start at your universities. They provide health services that are included in tuition, but if you're not comfortable going to the doctor at school, or your campus clinic doesn't offer complete services, there are other options.
102. Ochsner Health Center, Uptown Clinic: 3423 St. Charles Ave., (504) 842-7400, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In late October, the clinic plans to start offering emergency-care hours: Monday to Friday, 3 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center offers primary care, internal medicine, family practice, radiology, lab services, emergency care without the wait of the ER; the clinic is for insured patients; uninsured patients must pay a deposit.
103. Covenant House: 611 N. Rampart St., French Quarter, (504) 584-1111, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., clinic for insured and uninsured patients.
104. Planned Parenthood: 4018 Magazine St., Uptown, (504) 897-9200, Monday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday by appointment, closed Sunday; reproductive health care, STD testing, pregnancy testing, birth control; both insured and uninsured patients.
105. NO/AIDS Task Force: 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, Mid-City, (504) 821-2601, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., testing Wednesday 5 to 7 p.m., Friday 1 to 3 p.m.; 507 Frenchmen St., French Quarter, (504) 945-4000, testing Monday and Saturday 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 4:30 to 7 p.m.; free, anonymous HIV testing at both locations, results within 30 minutes, no appointments necessary; other resources for HIV+ at Mid-City location.
HELP REBUILD THE CITY
106. Common Ground Collective: (504) 218-6613, commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com. Apply to volunteer at www.commongroundrelief.org/node/314.
107. Relief Spark: (504)¤377-7854, volunteer@reliefspark.org. Apply to volunteer at www.reliefspark.org.
108. Emergency Communities: 6030 St. Claude Ave., Lower 9th Ward, (504) 428-5016. Apply to volunteer at www.emergencycommunities.org/volunteer.htm.
109. Habitat for Humanity: (504) 861-4121. Register to volunteer at habitat-nola.org or e-mail info@habitat-nola.org.
110. Operation Helping Hands: (504) 821-7230, sjohansen@archdiocese-no.org, www.ccano.org. E-mail volunteer coordinator for application information. Organization includes faith-based and non-faith-based individuals.
SAFETY TIPS
111. Be alert: When walking around, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods, stay off your iPod and cell phone. These distractions make you less aware of your surroundings and more vulnerable.
112. Stay sober: New Orleans is a 24-hour town and bars and restaurants will give you a plastic "go cup" when you leave, but no open containers are allowed in cars or boats. Obnoxious intoxicated behavior is not tolerated and you can expect to be arrested. Also, keep an eye on your drink at a frat party or bar off-campus. It only takes a second for someone to slip a drug in the drink.
113. Beware of strangers: Nobody wants to be unfriendly, but it's better to walk away from strangers who offer to take you to a great club or a hot party. Never leave on foot or in a vehicle with someone you just met. Never give a stranger a ride.
114. Keep car safe: Never leave valuables in your vehicle or park in areas that are dark or deserted. Best bet: Park at a lot that has an attendant. Think your car has been towed? Call (504) 565-7450. Pick up vehicles at the auto pound at 400 N. Claiborne Ave. Penalties range from $120 to $175.
115. Thwart "piggybackers": When you're entering your dorm or apartment building, don't open the door for people you don't recognize. Dorm intruders often find it easy to "piggyback" into the otherwise-secure building by following a group of students.
posted by Noah at 5:50 PM
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