Editor’s Note: This story, and several others on New Orleans, complement the CNNGo TV series. See more of the show here: www.cnn.com/gotravel.
We tried to squeeze the best of New Orleans into this month’s CNNGo show.
We really did.
But given all this great city has to offer, it’s truly an impossible mission to complete.
However, we did manage to nail down a few of the highlights in this fun-loving port city, from a top musician hangout owned by a local jazz hero to a famed New Orleans dish that will set fire to your desk.
Top Locations
Kermit’s Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge
Once owned by jazz musician Ernie K-Doe, the club now belongs to another jazz great, Kermit Ruffins, and has become the ultimate hangout spot in the heart of New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood.
There’s all sorts of action happening at the lounge, whether it’s a cookout in the back or neighborhood drag racing happening right in front.
The club features a regular live music roster of top neighborhood jazz and blues talents.
Every Sunday, Ruffins grabs his trumpet and hits the stage himself.
Kermit’s Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge, 1500 N Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana; +1 504 975 3955
V Sushi and Martini Bar
V is a new establishment in the heart of the French Quarter with posh seating and sexy lighting.
If you stop at the bar, one of the talented bartenders can mix any drink of your choice but we recommend one of their unique martinis – made only with organic ingredients.
Back in the dining area, sushi is served with a twist. The chef creates fusion rolls that combine everything from duck to crawfish.
V Sushi and Martini Bar, 821 Iberville St., New Orleans, Louisiana; +1 504 609 2291
Brennan’s
Opened in 1946, Brennan’s is an iconic restaurant in the French Quarter.
Many people visit the eatery for its famous Banana’s Foster. It’s a dessert made with bananas, sugar, cinnamon and rum, prepared in a flaming pan right at your table.
Brennan’s, 417 Royal St., New Orleans, Louisiana; +1 504 525 9711
Freret Street Publiq House
Publiq House is a bar and live music venue in the up and coming neighborhood of Freret Street.
The venue provides a stage for local entertainers, from funk bands to belly dancers.
A couple times a week they get a large after work crowd for their Louisiana styled crawfish boil.
Freret Street Publiq House, 4528 Freret St., New Orleans, Louisiana; +1 504 826 9912
Barrel Proof
Looking for an alternative to the high energy bar scenes of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter? A few minutes away from the buzzing corner lies Barrel Proof.
It’s a new bar with an old fashioned road house feel in the Lower Garden District.
As a matter of fact, their most popular drink is the “Old Fashion” whiskey cocktail.
They have nearly 300 different whiskeys from all over the world, along with a wide array of beers and spirits.
You’re not going to get any pretty cocktails in colorful cups at this place but if you’re fortunate, you can grab some barbequed meats when they pull out the grill during good weather.
Barrel Proof, 1201 Magazine St., New Orleans, Louisiana
Guests
Kermit Ruffins, jazz musician
DJ Wild Wayne, radio host
Tiffany Q Langlinais, fashion designer
Poppy Tooker, chef and restaurant expert
Steve Garbarino, author/journalist
Soundtrack
My Song Pie Pt. 2 – Rebirth Medley
Treme Second line – Kermit Ruffins
Get on Down – Russell Batiste
Drop me off in New Orleans – Kermit Ruffins
Bogalusa Strut – Kermit Ruffins
Make Up – T3
Just Do you – Jamal Batiste
The Statement – Kash Akbar
In New Orleans: Part Tieux – Tonya Boyd-Cannon
Perfect – T3
I Like – T3
Bounce – T3
At the House, In Da House – Jason Marsalis
New Orleans is Coming Back – David Batiste and the Gladiators
Wake Up Neesie – Kermit Ruffins
Why Your Feet Hurt – Rebirth Brass Band
This is where I live – Henry Butler
The Illusion – Irvin Mayfield
Irvin’s Crisis – Los Hombres Calientes
Creole Groove – Los Hombres Calientes
Live Performance in Maison – Kumasi Afrobeat
I’m So New Orleans – Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers