FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Mandina’s Restaurant & Preservation Hall & More: True Southern Experiences

by Yasser Ogando

Feb 14, 2022

Friday started with Starbucks for breakfast and a slight chance of rain. As I mentioned in my last blog, this was the busiest day of our amazing but short stay.

New OrleansNew OrleansAfter our slow — and needed — start to the morning, we headed to Chartres Street to meet with our French Quarter walking tour guide, Muriel. We started the tour at Jackson Square Park, a National Historic Landmark formerly known as Place d’Armes and renamed in the early 19th century in honor of Major General Andrew Jackson, a hero of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

New Orleans New OrleansThe square was first used as a trading post with French crusaders and is now surrounded by artists, fortune tellers, music and more. Directly across from St. Louis Cathedral and a couple of short blocks from Café du Monde, Jackson Square now serves to remind visitors and locals alike of the city’s connections to a darker past, as it was used to hold executions of criminals and slaves. From Jackson Square we meandered through the French Quarter, winding our way up and down the historic streets until we reached St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Louis Armstrong Park. It was fantastic to learn the history of the buildings and architecture around us as well as learn about the current city from a proud resident. Muriel was great to talk to and not only recommended us a local favorite place to dine after the tour but even dropped us off on her way home — talk about Southern hospitality!New Orleans

New Orleans New OrleansFrom first glance, the pink exterior and neon signs of Mandina’s Restaurant create a cozy, homey feel that continues as you walk up the ramp, through the doors. Opened in 1932 and based in the rooms of an old house, Mandina’s delivers the goods. Although the menu was filled with Southern staples and all of it looked delicious, I finally settled on the fried shrimp and French fries, and my boyfriend opted for a cup of gumbo and a good, old-fashioned shrimp po’ boy. But the true star of the lunch was dessert. Part of its holiday special menu, Mandina’s bread pudding was a treat for our taste buds; equal parts cinnamon and spice and warm, gooey sweet bread, I can’t recommend it enough!New Orleans

New Orleans New OrleansAfter lunch, we headed back to Le Pavillon, riding the city’s famous Street Car system (whatever you do, do NOT call them trolleys), hopping on the Canal line to St. Charles Ave. A quick change of clothes was all we had time for at the hotel, and then it was on our way to Preservation Hall. Performing that night were four members of the Preservation Hall House Jazz Band, and let me tell you, there was nothing quite like it! Standing in such a historic space and feeling the floors sway with the bass as the band riffs over classic jazz and ragtime staples took the music to new levels. The band themselves were having a great time playing together, and their joy spread to the audience as well. If you decide to book, don’t bother paying extra for the seating area unless you really need it — everyone ends up standing and dancing anyway!

New OrleansWe decided the night was off to a great start and headed to another New Orleans classic institution for a drink — the one and only Pat O’Brien’s, home of the Hurricane. Now, neither of us are big on drinking liquor, so we were quite content with one Hurricane each. Thankfully, New Orleans offers cups to go; so after we settled the bill, we took our Hurricanes and strolled around the French Quarter at night, quite a different scene than during the day! The evening was quite warm, and we had dressed to impress for Preservation Hall, so we returned once more to the hotel for another quick change of clothes and popped right back out onto the streets, as it was still barely 8 p.m. at this point.

New Orleans New OrleansWe had one-track minds when we set out walking our now-familiar path back to the French Quarter — it was time to finally try some beignets from Café du Monde. Walking with purpose, we still managed to get distracted by the colorful rows of impeccable macarons lighting the windows of Sucré on Magazine Street. It was the perfect sweet appetizer for the beignets, if you will. And luckily, we did grab those macarons, for we happen to be perhaps the only two people in the world completely underwhelmed by Café du Monde. Maybe we hadn’t had the proper number of Hurricanes prior, but we have had better beignets at our local coffee house. We walked through Bourbon Street but decided that was not our scene — it felt overwhelming and like more of a spring break scene.

New Orleans New OrleansBy this time, we were ready to find some real food and eat dinner, and as it was a Friday, we had a lot more options open, even though it was later at night. Intrigued by a restaurant we passed with our tour guide bordering Jackson Square Park, we decided to give Muriel’s Jackson Square a shot (ironically, no relation to our tour guide, though she highly recommended it), and we are so glad we did! My boyfriend ordered the Crispy Onion Salmon, a generous cut of Faroe Island Salmon with a sweet onion panko crust and a wild mushroom cream sauce, and I chose the Shrimp and Grits. For what is really a pretty simple meal, Muriel’s elevated it to a true fine-dining experience. The shrimp was so fresh and slow-cooked to perfection, while the grits were creamy and cheesy with a pleasant firmness to the bite. I can’t lie, I might never be able to order shrimp and grits again after Muriel’s — nothing will ever live up to it!

Finally, exhausted, from Muriel’s we walked back to home base, taking our time and burning off the exquisite meal. What a day!

When you’re vacationing, do you prefer action-packed days or total relaxation?

— Yasser Ogando, advertising & production manager

 

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Nov 4, 2024

Have an Autumn Wine Soiree The SLO Way in San Luis Obispo

Yes, it’s harvest time — and that means great fall wine festivals, including the third annual Autumn Soirée The SLO Way Nov. 9 on California’s Central Coast. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Garden Courtyard at luxury boutique Hotel San Luis Obispo, recognized as a MICHELIN Guide One Key property.

Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet

Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

7 Hotel Restaurants Worth the Travel

Book a reservation at one of these hotel restaurants around the country, providing excellent dining experiences you won’t soon forget.

Slideshow
Nov 4, 2024

7 Reasons to Put Strasbourg, France, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Strasbourg, France, with us.

Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever

Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

8 Must-Have (and Must-Pack) Perfumes for 2025

Still on the search for your next favorite perfume? Whether traveling, heading out to a fancy dinner or simply spending the day at home, finding the scent that works for you and lasts for hours is essential. These are our eight perfume recommendations for 2025:

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Ananda in the Himalayas Unveils New Deluxe Suites, Renovations

The Ananda in the Himalayas, a wellness retreat, recently debuted new additions to its luxury accommodations and a series of stylish renovations to its premier suites.

Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems

Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Denver International Airport Completes Concourse Expansion

The expansion and renovation of Concourse A-East Ground Load at Denver International Airport was recently completed as the final phase of a $2.5 billion program to accommodate passenger growth as DEN is currently the third-busiest U.S. airport. The renovation was led by WSP.