The Civic is such a cool theater. photo cred: brooklynvegan.com |
There is no doubt that the Central Business District is one of NOLA's hottest neighborhoods right now. It's being called a full-blown urban renaissance, with more than 1,000 new residents moving into the neighborhood in the next 18 months alone. A huge influx of residential construction has led to a massive rejuvenation of this once sleepy part of downtown. Sure, the CBD was home to the majority of New Orleans' daytime business crowd (think oil and gas execs, banks, and general professional folks) but in the evenings it quieted down. But no more! Spurred by a brand new neighborhood affectionately known as South Market District, the CBD has seen a huge boost in nighttime residents, activities, restaurants and general awesomeness. In fact, always-on-the-move Jeff Schiffman found this neighborhood so enticing that last month I moved into a brand new apartment building called The Paramount, smack in the middle of South Market and the CBD. Who else is moving into my building? Only some of the most highly anticipated new restaurants in NOLA: Magasin (great Vietnamese place also on Magazine Street) Ursa Major (from the folks who brought you Booty's in the Bywater), world-famous chef John Besh's bakery Willa Jean, and most importantly, the Company Burger, arguably (well, not arguably) the best burger place in the state of Louisiana.
Whew, and that is just in my building alone! No, I am not accepting applications for roommates at this time. But while you can't live with me, you can enjoy all the incredible aspects that have made this part of town so neat. So... heading down my way to South Market District or the CBD? I got you covered. Let's go!
The International House. Who wouldn't want to stay here? Don't forget to call and ask for the Tulane rate! Photo cred: travelpod.com |
International House: This hotel has always been one of my favorites in town. Sleek and boutique, it is one of the most "local" hotels in town, down to the art on the walls. You can read my previous blog all about the hotel here. Don't forget that they give you 20% off weekdays if you call them and mention Tulane!
The Hyatt Regency New Orleans: The opposite of the International House, it's massive, more convention-y, but equally as gorgeous. You've never seen a hotel quite like it- walk up to the main level and take it all in!
And talking about growth, how neat are these two other hotel projects in the works in the CBD: Joie de Vivre and ACE.
Here is the truffled mac and cheese from Capdeville. Talk about NOM. photo cred: opentable.com |
Haro Coffee: Delicious chocolate, amazing coffee and great paninis. And they are open late!
Pulp and Grind: Full disclosure: I haven't been here yet, but it's from the guys behind Satsuma, (aka one of the best spots in town) so I know it must be good! It just opened last week.
Capdeville: Incredible food in an awesome ambiance (think speakeasy meets gastropub). The truffled mac and cheese will change your life. I think this is one of the most underrated restaurants in NOLA.
Peche: Just won the James Beard Award for best new restaurant in the country, and there is a reason why. Try anything from the raw bar!
Johnny Sanchez: Brand new high-end Mexican spot just opened by chefs John Besh and Aaron Sanchez. Tacos and more.
Rouses: Okay, fine, I know it's just a grocery store, but it's my grocery store and I love it. Great for people watching, too.
Cellar Door is in this cool old house. One of the best new spots in town Photo cred: cellardoornola.com |
Cellar Door: This is one cool spot. Located in the oldest house in the CBD, you gotta see this place to believe it. Great food and one of the best ambiances around town.
Walk On's: Perfect place for any game day, ESPN voted this the best sports bar in America.
The Little Gem Saloon: The Little Gem is my favorite music venue in NOLA. The upstairs lounge is epic, especially when Kermit Ruffins is jammin' out (on a few Saturday nights per month.)
Is there a yoga studio more gorgeous than Reyn? I submit that there is not. photo cred: yogatrail.com |
Reyn Yoga: This is my joint, and you'll find me here nearly every week getting my sweat on. One of the most gorgeous yoga studios I've ever been in.
The Civic Theater: This brand new(ly renovated) theater has great shows every week, from Elvis Costello to Mary Chapin Carpenter to the Pixies or Lord Huron (all coming soon!)
Champions Square: The best spot in the city to tailgate. Also great for concerts, King Cake festivals, glow runs, and general hanging out. It's the front steps of the Superdome and is the perfect spot to gear up on gamedays.
The Superdome: Needs no introduction.
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome in all her glory, with Champion's Square right out front. photo cred: Superdome.com |
It's fun to be living in a neighborhood here in NOLA that is so quickly on the move. My FB newsfeed is packed with daily postings about new hotels, shops, restaurants and living spaces that are moving into the CBD. Come on down and check this hotspot out!
The Little Gem Saloon is such a neat spot. photo cred: flickr |
Inside of Capdeville. Great food and never too long of a wait for a table. photo cred: nolapage.com |
My man Kermit Ruffins at the Little Gem. We PARRTYYINNNN! Photo cred: Little Gem Saloon |
The Hyatt. She's a beaut. photo cred: Tripadvisor.com |
It's me! At one of those glow/paint/warrior/neon/whatever runs that ended in Champions Square. |
TBT to when Tulane used to play at the Superdome, here was our little tailgate at Champions Square. That is the Hyatt in the back. |
In case you missed previous TTDANOLA....
Part 7- Maple Street
Part 6- The Bywater
Part 5- Oak Street
Part 4- Freret Street (on second thought, don't even bother with that one. So much has been added to this awesome street, walking distance from Tulane, that we need to write the sequel to that blog)
Part 3- Mid City
Part 2- Frenchman Street
Part 1- Magazine Street (this one also needs an update, RIP Martinique Bistro!)
PS- I can't help if it I love Rouses. |