Mardi Gras and New Orleans

Laissez les bons temps rouler

Mardi Gras cupcakes, a little twist on the traditional "king cake"

http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/2011/03/08/mardi-gras-cupcakes/

With that famous catch phrase, "let the good times roll," and because of its penchant for throwing one helluva good party, nothing is more synonymous with Fat Tuesday than The Big Easy.  New Orleans, Louisana, our favorite cajun city - nearly destroyed by that pesky hurricane, Katrina - is making a comeback. 

Hard to believe that New Orleans was established in 1718.  And, it seems like they have been rolling out the red carpet for visitors, ever since.  So, on this, the final day of the Carnival season, here are some of my New Orleans favs.

"New Orleans" by North Carolina native, Jeff Pittman

http://www.jeffpittmanart.com/

A street named after my favorite beverage... cheers!

New Orleans Toile, from Bryan Batt's uptown store, Hazelnut... recently featured in House Beautiful and via 1stdibs Style Compass.

http://www.hazelnutneworleans.com/

http://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/best-stores/hazelnut-new-orleans-0608

http://www.1stdibs.com/introspective/required_reading/big_easy_style/

Hurricane, made famous by Pat O'Brien's bar on Saint Peter Street

http://www.patobriens.com/

recipe:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/imbibe/5-mardi-gras-cocktails_b_1283102.html

What's NOT to love? Mardi gras, the French Quarter, jazz, water views, and... don't forget the beignets at Cafe du Monde. 

And, in a city of secret gardens, the courtyard of the W Hotel in the French Quarter is still one of my favorites. 

Happy Mardi Gras!!!