The sign hit me like a ton of bricks as I walked through the French Quarter during my first trip to New Orleans – – Bon Jour Y’All. It literally summed up the unmistakable fusion of French influence and Southern charm that only NOLA can offer.
I’m not sure how it took me 34 years to visit this city, as rich in history as it is in debauchery. However, had I come here at any other stage of life, I’m not sure I would have appreciated it as much as a I do today…as a wife, a Mom, a business owner and most importantly, a seasoned 10+ year veteran of multicultural marketing. It’s difficult to believe that in 2001, fresh out of Indiana University, when I was offered a job with Hyatt Hotels as a Human Resources Management Trainee, that New Orleans was one of the cities they offered to start my career. I opted for San Diego. Not for a minute do I regret my decision; however, I can’t help but think of how different my life’s path would have been had I chosen New Orleans.
I literally knew a handful of things about New Orleans heading into this trip. I knew my husband and I would be in great hands at The Roosevelt Hotel and ESSENCE Festival activities as guests of Coca-Cola. Tho our visit did not fall in the Mardi Gras time frame, I knew a Fat Tuesday parade took place every year, and that there were plenty of beads involved. I was told to be on the lookout for Huge Ass Beers, the Cat’s Meow Karaoke Bar and Hurricanes as I walked down Bourbon Street. I knew that the entire city was devastatingly affected by Hurricane Katrina in one way or another. I heard to be on the lookout for the rare cemeteries. And I’d heard that Café du Monde, Emeril’s Restaurant and Rau M S Antiques were must-visits. Literally that is it, and actually how I wanted it to remain. Little to no expectations.
What I didn’t know, is how much my mind would literally race with questions the moment we stepped out of our cab. What is this beautiful symbol that I keep seeing at practically every corner…it looks like the symbol found on the New Orleans Saints team helmet? Is New Orleans always this bustling, or is it because of the 4th of July holiday and ESSENCE festival weekend? Which areas were the most affected by Hurricane Katrina? Why is Voodoo mentioned so prominently on stores, and even has a festival named after it? Who is this Antoine that is mentioned all over Jackson Square restaurants and retailers? Why do I feel like I’ve been here before? And the question that kept lingering with me the entire trip, thus becoming the theme for this post, why is this city called the Big Easy?
After some online research, which I realize is equivalent to drinking water from a fire hydrant – not the best source but it quenches one’s thirst, I found that the term Big Easy could relate back to various sources. It was easy to find work as a talented musician, or even as a struggling artist who wanted to continue studies. It was easy to find a drink, any time any place, even during the prohibition due to the active nightlife. And given its easy access to the coast and fresh foods, New Orleans was overall considered an inexpensive place to live, while not sacrificing quality. And yes, these are all legit answers, even today. However, there are a few more reasons that I would like to personally add, as to why New Orleans is called the Big Easy. I know we’ll be back, tho I don’t know exactly when. So to calm my insatiably curious mind and help cure any withdrawal I may feel until our next visit, I wanted to dedicate a small tribute to this captivating city that will forever remain in my heart.
Easy to Find Inspiration
Whether you’re a starving artist, or even a well-fed one, you can’t help but appreciate the mystic spirit that the city boasts – – from the music to the paintings to the antique shops to the city tours to the mule-drawn carriages and beyond, hours can pass like minutes, even in the July heat.
Walking through Jackson Square, we were surprised by an impromptu choir singing “Oh Oh, Give Thanks to the Lord for He is Good.” Across the street we spoke with Victoria Lenning, an artist who beat breast cancer and now specializes in painting Cutie Voodees, a term she has trademarked, to help make the after-life not so intimidating for children and adults alike. And speaking of the after-life, our tour through the 2nd floor of Muriel’s – albeit haunted by resident ghost Antoine Lepardi Jourdan – could very well end up as a venue for an upcoming event, should we ever need to host a gathering in New Orleans. With its second floor balconies, gorgeous views, elegant dining quarters and gracious hosts, it is the ideal location for banquets, weddings and any social event – – if you can get over the eerie table for two reserved for Antoine and his ghost-er, guest.
Visiting New Orleans during the ESSENCE Festival any year will only add to the inspiration, due to the vast array of speakers (sessions available to the public, not just paid attendees!). Speakers for the 20th anniversary of the festival included Alicia Keys, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Yolanda Adams, Rev. Al Sharpton and Roland Martin.
If it’s music that motivates you, you can attend one or all three nights of concerts at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Coca-Cola was generous enough to put us on the first row, on the floor, all three nights of the festival, where we enjoyed (literally) heart-thumping favorites from Prince, Common, Naughty by Nature, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Janelle Monáe, and many others. And you may even be connected enough to snag a pic with a celebrity like we did with Tyrese and Julius (Dr. J) Erving, or just in the right place at the right time on the street like we were with Common.
Lastly, you never know what is going to move you, literally or figuratively speaking. For example, the moment I laid eyes on the adorable streetcars (they are NOT trolleys), I knew I wanted to ride in one. It actually ended up being the last thing we did before hopping in our ride back to the airport. We had no destination in mind, just $1.25 each to spare, so we hopped on Canal Street and enjoyed stop after stop after stop…after stop…so close to each other that it felt like one could almost keep up with it at a jogging pace. While it was a very short ride for us, I felt fulfilled, and only after we were back in Chicago did Guillermo remind me that A Streetcar Named Desire, a movie I adore but haven’t seen for 10+ years, was based out of New Orleans…which of course explained my subliminal fascination with the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
Easy to Find Fabulous Food and Divine Drinks
Yes, New Orleans is known for signature cocktails and countless cuisine options – – from the Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz to the Jambalaya and Muffulettas, one could spend weeks trying something different, and still discover new spices, old tricks, and modern twists to classic flavors. While a lot of our dining was within the boundaries of The Roosevelt Hotel and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as part of Coca-Cola’s accommodations, some of our favorite more ‘signature’ N’awlins dishes included the Shrimp Etouffee, Truffle Butter Filet Mignon, Honey-Ginger Glazed Pork Chop, Shrimp and Goat Cheese Crepes, and of course for dessert, Fried Bread Pudding, and the famed Beignets. Our most memorable dining experiences outside of the ESSENCE Festival included Mr. B’s Bistro in the French Quarter and Muriel’s in Jackson Square.
As it relates to cocktails, I have two words – cucumber garnishes. I feel like I’ve been missing out as our first night in New Orleans I was introduced to a drink with a thick slice of cucumber, then experienced it again two nights later. Using our vouchers to enjoy two complimentary bar drinks (thank you Hilton HHonors), we visited The Sazerac inside The Roosevelt Hotel where I enjoyed an especially memorable “New Classic” called the Siesta Cocktail, with a tingling twist of Jalapeño syrup that left my mouth very happy. The other cucumber-decorated drink I enjoyed was the Pimm’s Cup, with Ginger Ale and a splash of Sour. Two of Guillermo’s favorite drinks were the signature drink of New Orleans itself, the Sazerac with its touch of rye whiskey, bitters, absinthe and lemon-peel twist; and the blackberry and basil-infused Honey Child martini served exclusively at Muriel’s.
Needless to say, we cannot wait to explore more of New Orleans’ most famed restaurants and authentic foods on our next trip.
Easy to Find Great Customer Service
It must be taught in the hypothetical hospitality study guides for New Orleans service providers – – make your customer feel special from the start.
First, it was our waiter Eric, who almost hauntingly told us about some of New Orleans’ signature drinks – Guillermo and I agreed that in addition to the fabulous server he currently is, he would make a great Murder Mystery Dinner Host.
Then, it was Rickey Reeves, a taxi driver we casually hailed on our way to our Tour of the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Number 1 – – not only did he tell us stories on our way to the tour, he offered to make an appointment to take us back to the airport the next afternoon, and looks forward to being our driver the next time we visit NOLA.
Next up, our actual tour guide Matthew with Magic Walking Tours, enthusiastically answered ALL of my questions during our (what ended up being) private tour of the unique cemetery and upscale neighborhood – – little did we know our 10AM tour would come with that added perk in an otherwise sleepy city. Matthew was knowledgeable, patient and surprisingly witty, with my favorite line of his being, “Even when you’re dead you need to keep up with the Joneses”…referring to some of the lavishly decorated above-ground tombs. Then walking through the Garden District was breathtaking, seeing where films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button took place, and celebrities like Sandra Bullock, Archie Manning, John Goodman and others own homes.
All in all, New Orleans is truly a service-oriented community – – if you can’t find what you’re looking for at one store, chances are they’ll recommend a ‘sister company’ or even non-related retailer to help you, like the Ritz-Carlton suggested Rubenstein’s for Guillermo’s new pair of linen pants. And I’d be remiss not to mention the experience of shopping for antiques – – whether the item is $60, $60,000 or $6 million, we quickly found that it is easy to find a bargain, no matter how much you end up spending.
Easy to Fall in Love, Over and Over Again
Just like with any city, not everything about New Orleans is perfect. And just like with any relationship, not every moment is smooth sailing. One moment, you can be walking and admiring the façade of a building, only to take another step and find a homeless person hidden inside a nook on the same gorgeous building, where more shade is provided. One moment, you can be eager to take on a new day, only to find that after 7.5 hours on foot, your travel partner really might not want to join you for the last few shops you want to hit, and would rather grab a few moments of rest before the evening’s activities.
I remember walking down Royal Street, in the midst of all the beautiful antique shops, and looking down to admire a beautiful pink insect unlike anything I’d seen before…after which my husband informed me it was a cockroach, much like the ones he’s seen in Mexico.
The point is, whatever setback that may come your way in New Orleans, no matter how big or how small, I’ve found it can be easy to overcome. Like with any strong relationship, there is a lot to get out of it, if you are willing to give even more. Think about all this city has endured…over the years, the decades, even the centuries…and how thriving it is today.
I purchased two books at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, to help me carry some of the magic home…Good Night New Orleans, so I can get our 3 year old as excited as we are about making a trip with us in the future (did I hear someone say Swamp Tour as well as Audubon Zoo, Insectarium and Aquarium?); and Very New Orleans – A Celebration of History, Culture and Cajun Country Charm.
I can’t wait to hit the grocery store, or “Make Groceries” as they say in New Orleans, now that I’m back…I just hope it is even somewhat ‘Easy’ to recreate some of these exquisite flavors for my friends and family. BAM!
Tracy G
President
