New Orleans: FOODIE's bucket list and where to eat them.

New Orleans is perfect for Gastronomic trips, thanks to the mixture of influences on West-African foundation: French, German, Spanish, Latin American, Vietnam and so much more!

1. Beignets and Cafe au Lait

www.hungrynomad.net

So what it is touristy? That's classic! "Beignets (pronounced "ben-yays") and Cafe au Lait" is perhaps the best breakfast/tea combination of all times! Deep fried square donut which is crunchy at the outside, gooey and soft in the inside, top with generous amount of powdered sugar.
Where to eat: Café du Monde

2. Swamp Animals
Some other food to add to your exotic food bucket list.
Try: Frog legs, goose fat fries, Alligator
Where to eat: French Market, The Delachaise

3. Boudin
Sausage in other word. For a flavor twist, try turtle boudin at Sac-A-Lait.
Where to eat: Cochon Butcher (classic), Sac-A-Lait (turtle)

4. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a Louisiana-Creole dish under Spanish and French influence. It consists of meat and vegetables mixed with rice.
Where to eat:  Coop’s Place

5. Seafood 
NOLA is famous for its fresh and cheap seafood, fresh from the great Mississippi river, cooked various different styles.

Try: Raw oysters, Turtle, Softshell crab, Crawfish, Thin fried catfish, Crabcake
Where to eat: Drago’s (Raw oyster and crawfish), Commander’s Palace (Turtle soup), Mr. B's Bistro (Crabcakes)

6. Po-boys
This is a New Orleans take on classic sandwich, served on po-boy loaf (similar to French bread).
Where to eat: R & O’s (roasted beef), Domilise's (seafood), Guy's (fried shrimps)

7. Muffaletta 
Similar to a focaccia, plus some beautifully sliced meats, cheese and olive salad.
Where to eat: Central Grocery (They created Muffaletta back in 1906 on this very shop on Decatur Street)

8. Gumbo 

image from pinterest

Louisiana traditional soup originating in West-Africa. Try seafood gumbo and make your taste buds scream in delight!
Where to eat: Dooky Chase’s , Galatoire’s

9. Red beans and rice 
Traditionally in New Orleans Monday equal red beans and rice, they simply can't be treated separately. Find out why.
Where to eat: Ya Mama

10. Bananas Foster 

courtesy of blog.albanywoodworks.com

The favorite local dessert. If you think Banana+ nutella is brilliant, try "Bananas+brown sugar + cinnamon+ butter+ rum+ vanilla ice cream+ flame". Everything you ever wanted to see on one plate.
Where to eat: Brennan’s 

11. Snow balls 
New Orleans variation of "snow cone" which is layered with sweetened condensed milk. Expect a line on sunny days.
Where to eat: Hansen’s Sno-Bliz

12. Soufflé potatoes 

courtesy of www.foodandwine.com

An air-puffed soft fried potato dish, traditionally French- Creole.
Where to eat: Arnaud’s

13. Pralines
New Orleans favorite candy made with brown sugar, cream, and pecans!
Where to eat: Loretta's.

14. Tabasco sauce
Do you know that this heavenly hot sauce is a creation of Louisiana? Grab one home if you love everything spicy!

Thank You for Reading! 

Know more about delicious food in New Orleans? Help me expand the list!

Las Vegas: 20 Free things you must NOT miss in Vegas

In Las Vegas, to sin or not to sin, is up to you. These are the 20 FREE things you can do if you choose not to:

Las Vegas: Which Cirque du Soleil show should I watch?

I've heard about Cirque du Soleil and wanted to catch one of their shows. However, I failed to realize there are 8 Cirque du Soleil productions playing in Las Vegas showrooms on the Strip. I made my decision on the spot upon reaching the half-priced ticket booth with the help of the promoters. Here, I would like to share some insights of each Cirque du Soleil shows with you so that you won't have to make last minute decisions like I just did (although I am happy with my choices)!

Road Trip: A Rough Guide to Yosemite National Park

@littlemisshappyfeet

Sleep recommendations: 

• The Ahwahnee for those who are looking for luxurious comfortable rooms.
• Lodge at the Falls and Curry Village are both popular in-park lodging. 
• Cabin and RV Campground for a whole new experience!
• Backpackers Campsite for those who have a tent and sleeping bag.

Road Trip: 3 days in Yosemite National Park

photo credits to Matt Fonceca

It is good to finally be surrounded by refreshing greens after a ride in the Death Valley National Park, Nevada.

Camping in Bear Country: What to do and what to avoid.

image from www.yellowstonepark.com

After our first bear encounter in the Kaibab National Forrest, I spent the whole time of our journey from Death Valley to Yosemite reading articles, blogs and guidelines about bears. Now that I can dub myself an "bear expert" after hours of studying, let me share some useful information I found on the National Park Site and more. (** although I would most probably scream, throw my hands up and run in circle if I ever meet one again.)  

Road Trip: Bonneville Salt Flat, Utah

@littlemisshappyfeet

This remnant of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville is the next best thing after Uyuni de Salar! We arrived at this magical marshmallow heaven after about 2 hours drive Taking the I-80 highway from Salt Lake City. It reminded me of Pamukkale in Turkey, except for here, it is FLAT!

Craziest things people do in National Parks

courtesy of nytimes.com

They said people who live on the edge will always get the best view. Will you go on these rides for the possible "Best Views"?

Road Trip: Pacific Coastal Highway 13 Interesting Stops

courtesy of www.inkdryercreative.com

You probably know about the struggles I faced when choosing a route to take: Route 66 or the Highway 1? So now, I finally had it settled: I am taking the Pacific Coastal Highway (a.k.a Highway 1) Road Trip. If you are planning the same route too, this is a rough guide for you:

Road Trip: Arches National Park

@littlemisshappyfeet

The Arches National Park is God's creation at it's best! The landscape of contrasting colors, soaring pinnacles and amazing window arches formations left me in awe.