126784 Fri Aug 01 14:35:32 -0700 2003 9 9 New Orleans 0 687991 I will be visiting New Orleans for three days. Staying in the Garden District and going back and forth to the Convention Center. Are there a few awesome local inexpensive spots that I shouldn't miss? The only thing on the list so far is Central Grocery. Thanks! Wade p.s. Last time I was in New Orleans, I was biking and accidentally wondered out of the french quarter. Almost got in trouble. Can someone explain (or direct me to a map) of the areas to stay away from? Fri Aug 01 14:35:32 -0700 2003 0 wade 1 687992 You won't be too far from Parasol's at Constance and First Streets. A classic New Orleans joint, it serves one of my favorite roast beef po-boys (some people feel it has declined in recent months, but I've not had this experience). Get it with Swiss cheese and put Tabasco on it. What kind of trouble did you almost get into, if you don't mind my asking? There are people who will tell you that almost any area of the city other than the French Quarter and the Garden District is fraught with peril, but I think the danger to visitors is highly exaggerated. Of course I'd hate to tell you that and then hear about you getting hurt, but the vast majority of New Orleanians do not want to hurt you even if they look a little scary. Fri Aug 01 14:44:44 -0700 2003 687991 0 Doc 2 687993 Amen, Doc, amen. While our fair city has its fair share of drugs, guns, & violence, it's also an extremely friendly place where most folks are more likely to take you home for dinner than car- (or bike-) jack you. General city smarts will take care of you here, just as in NYC, DC, or Chicago. Fri Aug 01 16:37:11 -0700 2003 687992 0 Hungry Celeste 3 687999 Yeah, but be safe. Don't do stupid things. Don't walk down dark streets alone at night not knowing where you are, etc. Take the same precautions you would take anywhere else. Cabs just about anywhere in the Qtr are cheap -- know where they are going, and will drop you off at the door. Use 'em Fri Aug 01 16:49:50 -0700 2003 687993 0 NolaFoodie 4 688012 I've been staying in the Garden District for years when visiting New Orleans. There's a joint on St. Charles near the Avenue Plaza that has a really good Caesar's Salad - Igor's Garlic Clove Restaurant. For breakfast, try the St. Charles Trolley Stop Cafe down the street. Sun Aug 03 18:43:13 -0700 2003 687999 0 Helen 2 688001 Hey Doc, thanks for the tips. I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it on this forum. I love new orleans, just had some bad luck last time I was there, probably 96. Was exhausted after a week of working a trade show, and playing at night. The afternoon of Haloween, just before dark. I was biking, had picked up a muff at central groc and picked up a bottle of wine there (or somewhere else). I was heading back to my hotel which was further NW on Canal. I was on the East side of canal a couple of blocks generally Parallelling canal (I think) heading back. Seems like all of a sudden, I was in an area that I was uncomfortable in. Near Some projects?? There was a small truck with two young guys. They had a stop sign, just as I passed right in front of the truck, they floored it and ran over (luckily) the back end of the bike. I was bleeding a little, and sore and really shook up but nothing major. The rental bike was totaled. I love NO and look forward to my next visit. Just want to know where not to be. I look forward to any food suggestions you guys may have. Thanks in advance. Fri Aug 01 20:57:32 -0700 2003 687992 0 wade 3 688002 Good God! I'm sorry to hear that this happened, and glad you weren't seriously hurt. The area you were in, as far as I can figure (we don't really understand compass directions here), is more bleak than dangerous. I don't want to make excuses for people trying to run you over, but it *could* be attributed to our dubious driving skills rather than actual malice. Fri Aug 01 21:58:41 -0700 2003 688001 0 Doc 1 688004 Sorry to hear about your bump up in '96. I fall into your catagory as a visitor for a convention once or twice a year. I would like to give a suggestion that has been a great success for me. Take a half day cooking class. The best was when Joe Cahn was running the NO School of Cooking in the bottom of Jax brewery but he and his wife parted ways a few years ago. It's cheap ($20-25), you get a meal, a few beers and a little education. I just take an afternoon off from the show or get there late one day after taking a morning class but it's really fun. Sat Aug 02 09:38:20 -0700 2003 687991 0 Michael B 1 688020 Forgot to talk about the food in my previous post-- --Horinoya on Poydras (quiet, zen atmosphere) japanese with lunch specials and often has fresh gulf fish --La Boulangerie (Magazine St, Carondelet St. at Lafayette Square--on streetcar route, & Esplanade locations) has good croissants and some cooked stuff, too (pain bagnat, pizzas...) --Le Petit Paris; Common St. betw St. Charles & Carondelet 1 block off of Canal). Tiny little french place with homemade quiches, stuffed croissants, and excellent roasted chicken, homemade lemonade. &5.25 for a plate lunch with salad, veggie/potato, & bread. Open only for lunch. --Taqueria Corona, Warehouse District (Peters St.); affordable taqueria with tasty food. --Ernst Cafe (Peters St); inexpensive bar food, burgers, wings, salads. Mon Aug 04 11:32:21 -0700 2003 687991 0 Hungry Celeste 1 688034 Check this out: http://www.nopd.com Click "crime maps" and correlate it to your particular area. Wed Aug 06 13:58:13 -0700 2003 687991 0 sal