Henry Howard Hotel

For years and years, maybe during my formative years, my desire to stay within the thick of things when traveling was of utmost priority. Up until a few years ago, I’ve always gravitated towards the most densely populated part so the city I was traveling to. I wanted to feed off the energy and dart out of the hotel and into the world I was visiting. For years and years, maybe during my formative years, my desire to stay within the thick of things when traveling was of utmost priority. Up until a few years ago, I’ve always gravitated towards the most densely populated part so the city I was traveling to. I wanted to feed off the energy and dart out of the hotel and into the world I was visiting.

That One Thing with Kay Charbonnet

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the best ideas I’ve had over the years was coming up with a interesting and authentic way to highlight people who I admire and respect for their purpose, talent, and their dedication to the city we call home.</p>

Neon Heart

<p>Nestled in the heart of Uptown on Lowerline St., <a target="_blank" href="http://neonheartshop.us/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Neon Heart</a> is a curated cornucopia founded  by one of the coolest couples I know.</p>

Gracious Bakery

<p>'m grateful for carbs. Let's just get that out of the way. What better way to flick off Dr. Atkins than devouring copious amounts of baked goods. There are a few things I can't resist and usually they're baked, fried, or distilled, just to name a few. <a target="_blank" href="http://graciousbakery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gracious Bakery</a>, is located in the bottom floor of the brand new Woodward Design building in the Xavier University area of Uptown. It's a corridor that has seen a ton of growth lately especially with the recent opening of the CostCo and the launch of the Blue Plate Art Lofts.</p>

GG’s Dine-O-Rama

<p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px">Macaroni, tossed in seven cheese sauce, bacon, panko crusted fried chicken, jalapeños, and topped with shaved parmesan couldn't be any more alluring of a description.</p><p>Chef David Gotter, recently re-opened in his previous Gott Gourmet spot, <a target="_blank" href="http://ggsneworleans.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">GG's Dine-O-Rama</a> to much deserved fanfare. GG's, which is a shortened version of Gott Gourmet, prides themselves on offering “refined comfort food”. Furthermore, as stated on their website "A neighborhood dining spot for food lovers who can expect fine dining detail and standards in even the most casual of dishes."</p>

DISTRICT DONUTS/SLIDERS/BREW

<p>I'm still trying to figure out why donuts are not an official food group. Seriously, they are a universal food in which I cannot get enough of. Since their opening a little over a month ago, <a href="http://www.donutsandsliders.com/">District Donuts/Sliders/Brew</a> have been infiltrating the hearts and stomachs of anyone coming anywhere near Magazine and Jackson avenue in the Lower Garden District.</p>

SUCRE

<p>In one of the most idiotic retail moves in history, Starbucks pulled out of Lakeside Shopping Center and left their spot vacant until <a target="_blank" href="http://www.shopsucre.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sucre</a> took over. It seems that smarter + cooler heads prevailed and the space has been transformed into a Mr. Magorium style coffee and sweet delights emporium.</p>

Stein’s Deli

<p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px">Very much the Katz of New Orleans, Stein's shines neighborhood deli with a glimmer of intrigue. Walking through the sticker laden doors, regulars and newcomers line up along the straight and narrow countertop, rocking back and forth in front of the deli cases under the sweet spell of indecision. Trying to decide what sandwich you are going to have is not the only test. Among the local standards, Stein's offers a myriad of beers, sodas, teas, ginger ales, and one squeeze!</p>

Langenstein’s Turns 90

<p>So a lot has happened in NOLA in nearly 100 years. We've seen wars, World's Fairs, the start of one of the best music festivals in the world, and hell, we've seen our beloved Saints win a Super Bowl. One business that has stood the test of time, and remains the oldest full-service grocery store in New Orleans.</p>