New Orleans has a flare for bringing fine diners to a culinary cornucopia of spicy, sweet, decadent, and aromatic eats. My best friend and I visit Nola twice a year to satisfy our finicky palate for Southern food. Each bite tastes so much richer when eaten in a courtyard. The narrow brick streets host restaurants and bistros swelling with tantalizing scents of exotic spices and savory desserts. From bananas foster to seafood gumbo, the mouth watering smells tempt every person passing by. 

A day in the life of a returning visitor holds a different itinerary for each person. The restaurants that I will discuss are our favorite places to kick back, have a drink, and enjoy great food. There are many great eateries to discover as you stroll along peeking into the window to see the paintings of the blue dog or hop into one of my favorite stores, Forever New Orleans. Whichever place you choose to stop for a meal several things are guaranteed. Great service, a laid back atmosphere, and a new friend around every corner.

The day starts at ten a.m. with breakfast at The Old Coffee Pot.

This restaurant is magnificent from the murals lining the quaint courtyard to the lavish inside dining area, boasting a beautiful cascading floral chandelier. The talented wait staff have voices that rival the great Aretha Franklin! From R.E.S.P.E.C.T to happy birthday...dear baby...happy birthday to...you. Every note is carried with love and pizazz. As for the food. Knock me out with a plate of lost bread loaded with powdered sugar and a healthy splash of warm maple syrup. A sweet breakfast to start the day.
On to the afternoon. By one p.m. we are sitting by the crumbling wall of the Napoleon House. Named as such because this is where Napoleon hid when he came to the States. 

The table on the left is where we usually sit. The cheese and fruit platter pairs well with a glass of wine or a cold beer. The afternoons get warm and a light lunch is perfect to keep you energized for shopping and sight-seeing.
Preparing for the rambunctious nightlife can be fun and full of choices when deciding where to eat. The first choice for us is always Yo Mama's. By nine p.m. you can find us sitting in the back booth.

They are most famous for their mouth watering burgers, but I love to load up a giant size potato with cheese and bacon. Anne loves to bite into a burger loaded with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. There's nothing better to start the evening than washing down a savory quick meal with a cold seven and seven. The juke box plays great old hits while laughter echoes throughout the narrow building.
The night ends on a high note...well, maybe low if you've indulged a bit too much. The Clover Grill will not only serve great diner food, but give you a colorful insight into life's lessons.

For instance...Anne and I were sitting at the counter when our waiter told us about how his girlfriend ran off with his savings and skipped town. He laughed and told us he was wearing his "save-a-hoe" cape when he met her. That was another great time in the quarter we'll never forget. Whether a grilled cheese and fries is what you need at three a.m. or a plate of eggs and toast, the Clover Grill is just what the doctor ordered.

Whether we are waiting for our table at Emeril's NOLA or walking into The Gumbo Shop, food in The Quarter is always served with a warm smile and a story to tell.

"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!"