Here are our fave dining venues in New Orleans.

+. Galatoire's in the French Quarter: The best food and ambiance

+. Irene's in the French Quarter: Fantastic with an Italian spin

+. Arnaud's in the French Quarter: Amazing creole fine dining (ask for a private tour of the museum upstairs)

+. Liuzza's by the Track in MidCity (near racetrack): Delish gumbo and po' boys

+. Parkway Bakery: Awesome po'boys and outdoor dining

+. Clancy's - Uptown: Creole fine dining; yum yum

+. Domilise's Po-Boys: Uptown; lunch only

+. Casamento's - Uptown and renowned for its oysters; limited hours and cash only

+. Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits: Festive outdoor drinks and appetizers

+. Red Fish Grill - consistent and tasty

+. Olive - Mediterranean in the CBD

+. Commerce: Breakfast and lunch joint in the CBD

+. Johnny Sanchez: Festive Mexican

+. Herbsaint: CBD/St. Charles - can't go wrong!

Our "Best Of" venues and attractions in NOLA

+. French Quarter: Pedestrian Mall on Royal Street; nice bars, restaurants and shops. Check out Chartres Street for charming shops and upscale eats.

# Bourbon Street: A short look-see. Lowlife , touristy clientele and avoided at night.

+. French Market on Decatur Street: Outdoor 'flea' and kitsch arts market

+. City Park, including Botanical Gardens, renowned Sculpture Garden, Putt Putt Golf and Children's Museum and more

+. Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in CBD on Howard Street: Fascinating!

+. World War II Museum in CBD: Amahzing!!!

+. New Orleans Historic Collection in French Quarter: Free admission

+. The Aquarium: New and awesome; near Riverside and Canal

+. Audubon Park and Zoo in Uptown: Unique and fabulous

+. Frenchmen in the Marigny: A special neighborhood of great music spots and hip bars

+. Cafe Du Monde: THE BEST BEIGNETS anywhere, anytine

+. Long Vue Home and Gardens: Phenomenal house museum and beautiful grounds. Need transportation.

+. Swamp Tour: On your own!

+. Mardi Gras World: One of its kind museum near Convention Center

+. Street Car: Fun trolley ride from downtown to Garden District and Uptown

+. Magazine Street: Charming stores, coffee shops and bespoke boutiques (hop off the Trolley Car)

+. Algiers Ferry: Short ride across the mighty Mississippi

+. Tipitina's: Live, funky music on Oak Street uptown

+. Preservation Hall: Traditional jazz music in the Quarter