-
If you’re planning coming to New Orleans for one of its top-rated festivals, you should know that it can be difficult to get around in the city. Getting the right taxi can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best taxi services you can use to get where you need to go around New Orleans.
Continue Reading… -
Who doesn’t enjoy a good food fight? Well, a big one is headed to New Orleans this spring, courtesy of Top Taco, a New Orleans taco and cocktail events brand.
Food Fight is a food and cocktail competition that will take place at the Mandeville Shed & Ellipse Lawn at Crescent Park (2300 N. Peters St.) in the French Market District. The one-night-only event will feature over 40 restaurants and 30 spirits competing to see who can create the Top New Orleans dishes and cocktails.
When Is Top Taco’s Food Fight?
The Food Fight is set to take place from 6:00-10:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022, on the New Orleans Riverfront.
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
General admission tickets are $75.00 for Food Fight. Early entry and First Tasting tickets are $95, with VIP tickets $125. Once inside the festival, all food and drinks are included. Information on ticket purchases is available at www.foodfightnola.com.
What Restaurants Are Participating In Food Fight?
The following restaurants will be on hand for Food Fight:
Emeril’s, Meril’s, Saint John, Otra Vez, Misa, Josephine Estelle, Boucherie, Johnny Sanchez and Silk Road. Spirits competitors include Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniel’s, Ford’s Gin, Skrewball Whiskey, Jagermeister, Who Dat Spirits, Jameson’s, Fistful of Bourbon, Bayou Rum, Casamigo’s and El Buho Mezcal.
Final Word
Food Fight will benefit the PLEASE Foundation, a nonprofit that provides mentorship, leadership training and scholarships for at-risk teens to attend local college-preparatory high schools in the New Orleans area. This is an over 21-year-old event.
Find out what’s cookin’ in New Orleans by checking out our Food & Drink section.
More Articles:
-
After a two-year hiatus, the Crescent City Classic is back in New Orleans this year. The event promises to be a fun time for walkers and runners alike.
What Is The Crescent City Classic?
The Crescent City Classic is a 10k road race that is a New Orleans tradition. The race is typically held annually on the Saturday before Easter Sunday.
Produced by The Crescent City Fitness Foundation, the event beckons athletes from all over the Southeast, but especially those who live in the local area.
How To Register
To register for the Crescent City Classic, click here. Entry fees range from $45 to $60.
Aside from a family-oriented race, there are a lot of things happening around the city.
If you really want to take things to the next level, you can go out to one of New Orleans’ notable dining spots.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
Do you like donuts? The Underground Donut Tour is coming to the Big Easy. For the past seven years, the tour has been launching in cities in the Northeast and Midwest, like Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston. Now it’s time for New Orleans to get the sweets treatment!
Underground Donut Tours Launching in New Orleans
The Underground Donut Tours have attracted millions of people throughout the years to the best donut shops in the respective cities.
Attendees get to learn about the history of the business as well as taste the goodness of their donuts. Unlike the other cities, donut tours in New Orleans will include beignet shops as well.
“New Orleans is home to some of the best food, culture, nightlife, beignets, and donuts in the country. How could we not add it to our roster? Our team visited New Orleans just prior to COVID-19 and we were planning on opening this location in 2020, but those plans got postponed with everything going on. Thankfully, it looks like things are opening back up and we’re ready to welcome both locals and tourists alike to come and join us for a donut and beignet celebration!” said Jeff Woelker, founder of the Underground Donut Tour.
What Local Shops Will Participate?
Underground Donut Tours is undeground for a reason! Some shops are kept hidden until the day of the event.
Some of the locations include District Donuts and The Vintage with two other secret locations you’ll only learn about on the tour.
“I can’t wait to share the history of Magazine Street and the Garden District along with meeting many amazing guests. And how can I forget eating some fantastic donuts and beignets along the way?” said Jenn Johnson, tour manager for the Underground Donut Tour New Orleans.
When Do Tours Operate?
The Underground Donut Tours will start on Friday, April 15, 2022, and run year-round. Tours run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 a.m. and 10 am. to 12 noon. In the near future, more days and times will be added.
How To Get Tickets To New Orleans Underground Donut Tours
Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for kids 10 and under. Tickets can be booked at ndergrounddonuttour.com.
Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, so don’t miss out.
Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans
More From NolaFi.com:
-
Who of us doesn’t want to save money at the pump? You can do just that by filling up your car on a certain day.
It may sound strange, but which day you choose to put fuel in your car can make a big difference.
What Is The Best Day To still Up in New Orleans?
GasBuddy says the best day of the week to get gas in New Orleans is Saturday. That means if you tend to spend more gas money early in the week, you should at least try to have enough in the tank to last until Saturday. After that, it’s time to fill ‘Er up.
How To Keep More Of Your Gas Money
Now let’s go over some ways to save gas money in New Orleans:
Use Less Expensive Gas
If your car can stand it, use a lower grade of gasoline. Many cars can perform just as well if they use gas that isn’t premium. At the same time, if your car’s manual recommends premium petrol, that’s what you need to use in your car.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
When your tires don’t have enough air, it throws off your fuel economy, which wastes your gas.
Final Word
The key to saving money at the pump is to get gas on the days when the prices are lowest: For New Orleans, it’s actually on the weekend on Saturday. Make your dollars count by taking advantage of this hack.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
Carnival is one of the most celebratory times in not only Louisiana, but across the South. If you’re headed to New Orleans for the festivities, you should have a plan on what you’d like to do (and eat).
Mardi Gras 2022: What To Do And Where To Eat
This article will show you some of the best places to visit and the top restaurants to eat at during your visit to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
Table of Contents:
When is Mardi Gras 2022?
Mardi Gras 2022 is Tuesday, March 1, aka Fat Tuesday. But in the city, related events such as shows, parties, pageants and parades stretch two weeks before and after. Sometimes, events can go until Easter.
Where To Visit New Orleans For Mardi Gras
Now that we’re straight on the dates, let’s talk about some must-visits for your trip.
French Quarter
One of the most famous districts in the world, New Orleans’ French Quarter is where you’ll find street dancers, a second-line band playing into the night and strong hurricane drinks. While there’s no big “thing” to visit or see in the French Quarter, just being around the area can yield some treasures for the observant person.
Pitot House
1440 Moss St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-0312
If you want a dose of antebellum history, the Pitot House in New Orleans fits the bill. The historic landmark is an 18th-century Creole colonial country home and makes for a great weekend stop.
Take A Swamp Tour
When you come to Nola, there are few things as bayou-authentic as a swamp tour. You’ll enjoy the time outdoors, get a real taste of the bayou and even get to see some alligators.
Here are some top swamp tour companies:
- New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours | (504) 571-9975
- Bayou Swamp Tours | (504) 370-8771
- Gators & Ghosts: A New Orleans Tour Company
Eat Some Beignets At Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is known around the world as having some of the best powdered dumplings — beignets — you can find outside of France.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cafe Du Monde. “What else can I say that hasn’t already been said. This place is an absolute must despite the touristy crowd. The jazz band that sits on the sidewalk out front adds the perfect level of cover from the hustling and bustling sounds of the street.”
Where To Eat In New Orleans For Mardi Gras
Now let’s get into some great places to eat in New Orleans right now.
Brennan’s
417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-9711
Here’s what one reviewer says about Brennan’s: “Design of the restaurant is really good. Service was decent. However I did not like the food. Whether that was my fried rabbit particularly or the oil they use, I just stayed hungry.”
Cochon Restaurant
930 Tchoupitoulas St suite a, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 588-2123
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cochon: “Our experience at Cochon was pleasant. Service was quick and food was delicious. Drinks are also well crafted. The oysters on garlic chili oil was a winner. The alligator was different. If you don’t mind eating alligator then it’s probably good. Just not for me.”
Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 899-8221
Here’s what one customer says about Commander’s Palace: “Commander’s Palace was a lovely dining experience- the ambiance was great, our waiter had a dynamite personality, and we had fun having an excuse to dress up! I forget the details but I believe the sourcing of the meat was local/organic if they possibly could which I thought was nice. Also, the bread pudding was delicious!”
Doris Metropolitan New Orleans
620 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | : (504) 267-3500
Here’s what one customer says about Doris: “This place was incredible. The service was excellent. The food was… I swear I died and am presently a ghost. The desert was so so so rich, but so incredibly good.
Absolutely hit this place up if you are looking to dine high quality.”Final Word
New Orleans is known as a party city, but a celebratory city is a much more accurate word. Mardi Gras marks one of the largest celebrations in the world and it happens every year right here in New Orleans.
More Articles:
-
With Mardi Gras gearing up around the city, you may be down for a more tamer celebration of New Orleans. It’s called Family Gras and we’re going to tell you all about it.
What Is Family Gras?
Like its name implies, Family Gras is a celebration that mimicks the wilder Mardi Gras, but it’s more age-appropriate for children.
Family Gras celebrations typically take place the weekend before Mardi Gras, and that’s the case this year.
When Is Family Gras?
Family Gras is the weekend of February 18-20, 2022 around New Orleans. The family tradition stretches back several years as a way to give the kids something to do while the grown-ups party up.
Where Is Family Gras This Year?
This year the big Family Gras celebration is back in Metarie. Here are the details.
Metairie: Friday through Sunday, come out to Metairie’s Family Gras celebration, which takes place at Mardi Gras Plaza on the 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
Come watch to Elite Redfish Series Mardi Gras Cup weigh-ins at the Berkley Fishing Experience Tanks at 4pm, followed by the New Orleans Artists’ Tribute to Allen Toussaint at 5pm, the legendary Marie Osmond at 6pm, & the Krewes of Excalibur and Symphony parades closing out the night. Learn more.
Final Word
Family Gras is a great event to spend some time with your family. Come out for the live music, crowds and big fun. Looking for more to do in New Orleans? We’ve got you.
Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans
More From NolaFi.com:
-
One thing you need to make a great meal is a trusty cast-iron skillet. IF you’re the designated cook among your friends, you know that it takes effort to whip up with the perfect meal.
One accessory that will make your job easier is a cast iron skillet.
I don’t know if you’ve ever used a cast iron skillet, but it is one of the most durable pots you can buy.
In this article, we’re going to go over some of the best cast iron skillets you can find online.
Continue Reading… -
adventure / Air Travel / COVID / culture3 Min Read
Thinking about visiting New Orleans? If so, you should know the ins and outs of the city’s COVID restrictions.
The pandemic has severely curtailed business as usual in the city. As a result, many of the things you would expect just aren’t there. The city and surrounding municipalities is taking several measures, including opening more COVID testing sites.
This article will tell you the details on New Orleans’ COVID restrictions.
What Are COVID Restrictions For New Orleans?
The COVID Restrictions for New Orleans are as follows:
Because COVID infections continue to rise, New Orleans is expanding the COVID-19 vaccine/testing mandate.
All locations where city residents who are adults are currently required to show proof of vaccine or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours will remain the same, and will now apply to children starting January 3, 2021.
- Beginning Monday January 3: For everyone age 5+, the City of New Orleans is requiring proof of one dose of the COVID vaccine, or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours at restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
- Beginning Tuesday, February 1: For everyone age 5+, the City of New Orleans is requiring proof of two doses of the COVID vaccine, except for those who have received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours at restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
Under the new expansion of the mandate, no exceptions have been made for conventions and large gatherings.
Although there is no mask mandate currently in effect, the use of masks indoors is strongly encouraged at this time.
The information below reflects the guidelines that are currently in effect.
Does New Orleans Have A Mask Mandate?
The City of New Orleans does have a mask mandate, which requires people to wear face coverings in the following settings:
- While passengers and operators of public conveyances, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, buses, taxis, ride-shares, and the corresponding transportation hubs.
- In all healthcare facilities, including physician’s offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities;
- All K-12 educational institutions, unless the institution has adopted an isolation and quarantine policy for students, faculty and staff consistent with the protocols set by the Louisiana Department of Health.
- All individuals over the age of 2 and without breathing complications (i.e. use of oxygen) are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in public indoor spaces;
- Businesses must comply with all safety requirements as set forth herein. Nothing in these guidelines shall prevent private businesses from requiring masks or social distancing to conduct operations;
- Movement around the City should be limited so as to minimize interaction with large groups; and live entertainment is only allowed following the rules set forth on pages 8-13, in addition to the specific directives below, when applicable.
What Happens If I Lose My Vaccine Card?
If you lose your vaccine card, you may be wondering what you can do. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Contact the location where you were vaccinated and request a replacement card.
- If you are not able to contact your original provider, contact your state’s health department.
- In Louisiana, here’s how to request a replacement copy from the state.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
New Orleans parks have some of the most beautiful greenspaces in the Southeast. The best parks are just a short distance from downtown New Orleans, which is a good thing.
These beautiful urban greenspaces can be found scattered across the city. If you want to visit a New Orleans park, where should you go?
We’ll show you some of the best New Orleans parks you can visit. All of these places are family-friendly and are located either in neighborhoods or in the city’s center.
What Is The Most Famous Park In New Orleans?
The most famous park in New Orleans is without a doubt City Park, which holds the distinction of being one of the oldest parks in the country and is an emerald gem.
Spread out across 1,300 acres, City Park is also New Orleans’ largest park. If you can make it, please visit!
Now let’s look at New Orleans’ top parks.
City Park
1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 482-4888
View this post on InstagramHere’s what one family says about City Park: “Beautiful amazing park… Trails to walk, a butterfly garden, a pretty bridge to walk over and a pond with swan peddle boats and kayaks… The Louisiana Children’s Museum is here too, it’s an absolute must do when in New Orleans!! One of the best city parks I’ve ever been to.”
Jackson Square
701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200
View this post on InstagramHere’s what one park lover says about Jackson Square: “Absolutely beautiful. Would recommend a visit. And if your there in time I recommend going to the mass and the church right on the square. They have daily mass at 12:05.”
Louis Armstrong Park
701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200
View this post on Instagramhere’s what one parent says about Louis Armstrong Park: “I really liked the artwork in the park and it was also beautiful there. I wish there was a splash pad for the kids somewhere in the park though…it is sooooooo very hot in New Orleans and it would be nice if we could cool off somewhere. A little playground would be nice too. The kids still enjoyed themselves running around and looking at the statues. I sat under a tree on the grass to try and cool down.”
Confetti Park
451 Pelican Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114 | (504) 658-3201
View this post on Instagram
Here’s what one park lover says about Confetti Park: “Cute, little neighborhood park. The gate can be a bit tricky/difficult, but my toddler enjoyed playing here. There isn’t too much shade over the playground area, but there are plenty of seating areas and trees throughout.”Crescent Park
Crescent Park Trail, 2300 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117 | (504) 636-6400
View this post on InstagramHere’s what one parkgoer says about Crescent Park: “Very nice park with clean, well kept grounds. It is a cool place to see tucked between a set of train tracks and the Mississippi River. Superb for running, walking and features a decent sized Dog park so the pups can get their hooman(s) out of the house! Definitely worth stopping by on a nice afternoon.”
Final Word
New Orleans’ parks offer a lot of things for you to do, including a family activities like miniature golf, basketball, soccer and even fishing (yes, you’ll need a Louisiana fishing license).
One of the things that makes New Orleans a treasure is the people, who are eager to show you a good time via parties and authentic New Orleans cuisine.
More From NolaFi.com: