Posts

Keeping It Cool with COOLinary

As summer heats up in New Orleans, so does the city’s vibrant culinary scene with the return of COOLinary New Orleans. Each year, COOLinary offers locals and visitors alike the chance to indulge in the best of New Orleans cuisine at unbeatable prices. Over 100 of the city’s finest restaurants serve up specially curated prix fixe menus, showcasing their most delectable dishes. 

Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore the local cuisine or a casual diner eager to experience fine dining without breaking the bank, COOLinary is the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of the Crescent City!

So what exactly is COOLinary? The city’s most delicious summer tradition, of course! Brunch, lunch, and dinner are at your fingertips…whatever you’re in the mood for. Participating restaurants create incredible prix fixe menus showcasing a taste of their signature dishes at a fraction of the regular price. This is what makes COOLinary such a perfect time to explore the foodie scene, try new restaurants, and experience the culinary excellence that New Orleans is known for.

With so many incredible restaurants participating in COOLinary, it can be tough to choose where to dine. Luckily, as a special treat in honor of COOLinary’s 20th anniversary, this year’s summer menu availability will be extended from August 1, 2024 through September 15, 2024. 

The city’s foodie scene is eagerly awaiting the 2024 lineup, and in the meantime we’re remembering some of the incredible offerings of year’s past, such as:

  • Commander’s Palace: A New Orleans institution, Commander’s Palace offers a taste of sophisticated Southern cuisine in an elegant setting. Their COOLinary menu usually features classic dishes like turtle soup, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and Creole bread pudding.
  • Arnaud’s: Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Arnaud’s is known for its timeless Creole cuisine. Enjoy a three-course dinner that might include dishes like shrimp remoulade, duck à l’orange, and baked Alaska.
  • Broussard’s: Combining French, Creole, and Spanish influences, Broussard’s offers a refined dining experience with dishes like crabmeat ravigote, filet mignon, and chocolate mousse. 
  • Cochon: For a modern take on traditional Cajun flavors, head to Cochon in the Warehouse District. Their menu typically showcases dishes like wood-fired oysters, smoked pork ribs, and creamy grits.
  • Paladar 511: Located in the Marigny neighborhood (and within walking distance of the Lanaux Mansion) Paladar 511 serves up contemporary American cuisine with a New Orleans twist. Past offerings have included house-made pasta and fresh Gulf seafood.

Though locations and menus have not yet been released, keep in mind what is perhaps the most important part of COOLinary – make your reservations early! COOLinary offerings are incredibly popular, especially among locals, and restaurant availability can fill up quickly. Make your reservations in advance to ensure you can visit each of the restaurants on your wishlist. 

However, that’s not to say that you must plan out each restaurant on your trip. One of the beautiful things about New Orleans is that there’s always something new to discover just around the corner. Use COOLinary as a way to explore different neighborhoods and experience the diverse dining scenes across the French Quarter, Uptown, the Garden District, Mid-City, and more.

And don’t forget to step out of your comfort zone! Try a new dish or a new restaurant. Remember that New Orleans is home to some of the most talented chefs in the world, and they’re the ones creating COOLinary’s prix fixe menus. You may discover a new dish or flavor that becomes a forever favorite.

So whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a meal you’ll remember long after your visit is over, COOLinary 2024 promises an unforgettable dining experience at some of the finest restaurants in the Crescent City. Come hungry and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight!

When you’re ready to make your COOLinary reservations, don’t forget that you’ll need a place to call your home away from home as well. Right now, the Lanaux Mansion is offering an additional 10% off already deeply discounted summer rates on all our luxury suites, from Sophie’s Enchanted Cottage to Beth’s Balcony Escape. Book your suite today using promo code “sizzle”, and we’ll see you soon!

/by

Sizzling Summer Sights & Savings

Whether you’re just beginning to plan a New Orleans summer getaway or you’ve already made your travel plans, you’ll quickly learn there is always something new to discover in the Crescent City. From restaurants to museums, the city is full of charm, history, and culture – not to mention some of the most incredible cuisine you’ll have in a lifetime.

For foodies, history buffs, and adventurers alike, New Orleans will delight you around every corner this summer!

 

A Foodie’s Dream Restaurant Scene

New Orleans is a vibrant foodie city with a rich culinary heritage and world-renowned cuisine, and summer is one of the the best times to dive in. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to dive into authentic Creole cuisine, you’ll experience mouthwatering fare in a setting unlike any other.

 

While you’ll find no shortage of restaurants here, we have a few recommendations to get you started on your culinary journey. For a quintessential New Orleans experience, enjoy fine cuisine in lush courtyards at restaurants like Bayona, The Elysian Bar*, Sylvain*, or Brennan’s. Or for a new twist on classic fare, choose Cane and Table* or Jewel of the South.

 

If you’re celebrating an extra special occasion, the best of French-Creole cuisine is available any night at Arnaud’s, Antoine’s, Cafe Sbisa*, or GW Fins. 

 

If a New Orleans drag lunch is on your bucket list, book a table at Barrilleaux’s Restaurant and Wine Bar* or The Country Club. Or for a more traditional jazz brunch, consider Brennan’s or Arnaud’s for an experience even more unforgettable than the menu.

 

And of course, if you’re visiting New Orleans this August, check out COOLinary New Orleans, a collaboration among New Orleans’ best restaurants to offer discounted prix fixe menus to locals and visitors alike. This year COOLinary will run from Thursday, August 1 and last through Sunday, September 15 (an extension of last year’s month-long celebration). Stay tuned…participating restaurants for 2024 will be announced soon.

 

Free for the Whole Family

There are a multitude of free activities in the Crescent City, which is part of what makes it such a go-to destination. For an inside look at the city’s culture and heritage, check out the free Irish Cultural Museum of New Orleans and Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum. 

 

Get into the spirit of the Sazerac at Sazerac House, which offers free tours (though you must reserve your tour slot in advance), or enjoy free live music at the New Orleans Jazz Museum each Tuesday afternoon.

 

If you’re a Louisiana resident exploring New Orleans, you’ll receive free admission at several museums this summer, such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and New Orleans Botanical Garden on Wednesdays, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Thursdays, and the Contemporary Arts Center on Sundays. The Louisiana Children’s Museum is also free on the second Sunday of each month, and Longue Vue House and Gardens is free on rotating Sundays.

 

Music, Games, and Other Fun

And when you’re ready for a break from museums, kick back and relax at Dave & Buster’s, where the fun never stops. This entertainment complex offers a wide range of arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and interactive attractions that will keep kids and adults entertained for hours. 

 

Or strike up some fun at Rock ‘n’ Bowl, a beloved New Orleans venue offering live music, delicious food, and 18 lanes of classic ten-pin bowling!

 

Ready to take your family adventure to new heights? Consider New Orleans Boulder Lounge, the city’s premier indoor rock climbing gym. Suitable for climbers of all ages and skill levels, this family-friendly facility offers a variety of climbing routes, bouldering walls, and challenging obstacles to conquer.

 

Finally, when you need a break from all the exercise, dive into the vibrant music scene at JAM NOLA, an immersive art experience that celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage. This interactive exhibit features colorful installations, larger-than-life sculptures, and multimedia displays that showcase the diverse genres and iconic artists that have shaped New Orleans’ musical identity. 

 

No matter how you choose to spend your summer vacation in New Orleans, you’ll need a place to recharge and relax for the next day’s adventures. At the Lanaux Mansion, we’re offering an additional 10% off our already discounted sizzling summer rates. 

 

Browse our lineup of luxury suites for couples, friends, or family on our website, and add promo code “sizzle” for a summer deal that will add the perfect final touch to your travel plans. And if you have any questions, we’re just a call or email away!

 

*Within walking distance of Lanaux Mansion

/by

Savoring Summer: A Foodie’s Guide to New Orleans

Calling all foodies! As the summer sun bathes the vibrant streets of New Orleans in a warm glow, the city comes alive with a symphony of flavors and festivities that will tantalize the taste buds of any discerning foodie. 

 

From food festivals to soulful jazz brunches, refreshing snowballs, and the irresistible COOLinary throughout the month of August, here’s your ultimate guide to savoring summer in the Big Easy.

 

Unleash the Flavor at Festivals

Dive headfirst into the heart of New Orleans’ culinary scene by exploring the myriad of food festivals that grace the city during the summer. Whether it’s the bold spices of the Cajun-Zydeco Festival or the eclectic delights at the Creole Tomato Festival, each event is a celebration of the city’s diverse culinary heritage and bounty.

 

Jazz Up Your Brunch

Take your brunch experience to a whole new level with the soulful notes of live jazz as the backdrop. New Orleans is renowned for its jazz brunches, where iconic establishments like Muriel’s Jackson Square*, Commander’s Palace, and The Court of Two Sisters serve up delectable dishes in an atmosphere buzzing with music and merriment.

 

COOLinary: A Month-Long Feast

Prepare your taste buds for a journey through the city’s culinary landscape with COOLinary New Orleans throughout the entire month of August. This annual dining promotion offers prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s most incredible restaurants, making it the perfect opportunity to savor the creations of talented chefs for the entirety of your visit.

 

Beat the Heat, One Flavor at a Time

On a bright, sunny day, enjoy a quintessential New Orleans experience via a local favorite – snowballs! Indulge in finely shaved ice topped with a myriad of flavored syrups from Hansen’s Sno-Bliz or Plum Street Snoballs. It’s not just a refreshing treat; it’s a New Orleans tradition!

 

Festive Fare at Food Markets

Explore the city’s vibrant food markets, such as the French Market* and Crescent City Farmers Market. Sample local produce, artisanal treats, and unique culinary creations that showcase the best of New Orleans’ food culture.

 

Sunset Sips

As the sun sets, ascend to one of the city’s rooftop bars or historic pubs. At Rosie’s on the Roof, Hot Tin Rooftop Bar, Alto, or The Pool Club, sip on craft cocktails while enjoying panoramic views of the cityscape. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day filled with culinary delights! If local brews are up your alley, visit one of the many New Orleans breweries, such as Urban South Brewery or Faubourg Brewing Co. 

 

Sweet Treats and Bakeries

Prefer to end your day with sweets rather than drinks? Discover the sweet side of New Orleans at its charming bakeries! Indulge in pralines, beignets, and other delights that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. If beignets are on your foodie list, Cafe du Monde* is a can’t miss location for any visitor to New Orleans!

 

After all, in New Orleans, summer isn’t just a season: It’s a celebration of flavor, music, and cultural richness. 

 

From the lively streets of food festivals to the laid-back charm of jazz brunches and the cool indulgence of snowballs, every bite and sip is a testament to the city’s culinary prowess. 

 

And when you stay with us at Lanaux Mansion, we know you’ll love your time with us here in the Big Easy. 

 

With beautiful suites, courtyards, and balconies in a stately historic mansion, the Lanaux Mansion boasts an unbeatable location where everything is set up for your comfort and convenience. 

 

So, embrace the warm summer breeze, let the jazz guide you, and embark on a gastronomic adventure that will linger on your taste buds long after the summer sun sets over the Mississippi. Visit our website today to browse our suites and book your summer getaway.

 

Laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll!

*Within walking distance of the Lanaux Mansion

/by