Mr. and Mrs. in PARIS: J'adore Nouvelle Orleans

After a Nashville wedding (Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Dick!) the Mr. and I landed in New Orleans. A week of delicious food, morning strolls through Audubon Park and quality time with family and friends leaves us sad to say goodbye to the Crescent City. Most memorable, the fabulous little French Chateau we called home for the week (complete with a breathtaking rose garden run by the nicest couple). We loved every moment of our stay in the suite on the third floor with a little window overlooking the park. With roses from the garden adorning every little table in the Chateau and French antiques overflowing from each room, we felt like we were back in France.

A few favorites.

My favorite part of the whole experience were the french lace roses embellishing every room.

The Chateau is enclosed by two beautiful side yards, one a French inspired garden and the other a veranda overlooking a pool.

I am dying for this bistro table at 26 Rue.

And the adorable wire planter...

And the French marquise...

I could go on and on....

They even set up a beautiful table for dinner on the terrace. What a treat!

Unfortunately, they only open up the Chateau for very special guests so I can't promise anyone contact info for reservations, but I've heard the Soniat House in the French Quarter provides a similar experience.

On to food. Needless to say, the food in the Big Easy never disappoints. From homemade meat pies at Charley's to the unmatchable Sunday brunch at Patois, New Orleans is still truly a culinary heaven. Here are a few of our favorite stops from this trip.

Herbsaint for lunch in the CBD. I had the lamb and goat cheese ravioli and it was delish. We've yet to try Cochon (same owner) but based on the experience at Herbsaint, I am expecting big things.

Coquette is another favorite after a day of shopping on Magazine. It has a great atmosphere. (We especially love their dinner menu).

And of course our very favorite restaurant in town, Patois. From the perfectly appointed ambiance to one of the best bread baskets around, it scores a 10 in every single category. Nestled on a small street Uptown, it is a must if you are in New Orleans. (Try the pork and poached egg biscuit with their spiced tomato hollandaise).

Need I say more?

For a more casual neighborhood seafood joint, head to Charley's for fried seafood and homemade meat pies.

Our friends Mike and Beth took us to a great place in the French Quarter called Irene's. The place oozed with character and made one of the best cheesecakes I've ever tasted. The soft shell crab pasta was dynamite.

And finally, of course you can't get out of Nola without imbibing in a libation or two. We loved Bouligny (upscale wine bar), Henry's (dive bar with the coldest beer in town) and of course the oldest bar in Nola, Lafittes.