A Creole Christmas

Life Is Merry in New Orleans!

By Belinda Clarke

Finally, when you're planning your meals in New Orleans, it's imperative to save a morning for brunch at Brennan's. This large (500 people can eat at once), bustling restaurant has been around since 1946 and still gets the highest recommendation from the New Orleans Times-Piscayune newspaper. To say that breakfast at Brennan's is an event is an understatement. From the turtle or oyster soup appetizer (yes, soup for breakfast) to the hollandaise-loving egg dish entrees, you'll think you're full until your waiter prompts you to try the Bananas Foster, Brennan's world-famous creation and the most requested item on the restaurant's menu.

Music

With a plethora of clubs to choose from, it's easy to find great music in the French Quarter. Purists will love Preservation Hall, where it's standing room only for most in this centuries-old building. For $5, visitors get to see third-generation musicians play New Orleans jazz for an amazing 35-minute set.

Another hot spot is Tipitina's, which was made famous in the movie The Big Easy starring Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin. Aaron Neville and The Neville Brothers call Tipitina's home, but you never know who might show up on the stage.

For grownups and kids, New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind city with a unique culture. From great food to great things to do and see, it's worth the trip any time of year. During the holiday season, when crowds are thinner, it's a perfect weekend getaway.

Photos courtesy of New Orleans Tourism Marketing and www.neworleansonline.com.

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