The city of New Orleans has undergone many changes since hurricane Katrina. It’s now been 10 years since Katrina hit New Orleans killing thousands of the cities inhabitants. Throughout much of the city scares still remain, for example the ninth ward which seems like it will never truly make a rebound. However there are still similarities between pre Katrina New Orleans and post Katrina New Orleans and those similarities lie within the cities great cuisine and culture. One family in particular dominates New Orleans culinary scene like no other, and that family is the Brennan’s. Between the two brothers of the family they own over 10 restaurants some of which are New Orleans and America’s top places to eat. Their restaurants alone are a reason to visit the great city along the Mississippi River delta. But on top of the many good restaurants there are also many great sights which makes New Orleans an ideal destination.

1. Brunch the New Orleans Way: Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Right in the heart of New Orleans famous French Quarter is one of its best restaurants, The Court of the Two Sisters. Although this restaurant is not owned by the Brennan family it can easily compete with some of their higher end restaurants. The inside of the restraint is light and airy and in the center is a court yard where people can eat if the weather permits. Along with its beautiful setting there is also live jazz music playing. New Orleans classics such as “When the Saints Go Marching In” are played as people go up to get their food since it is buffet style. For brunch they serve everything from creole food such as gumbo to typical southern food such as fried chicken and grits. To top off a delicious meal one has to get the bananas foster, a true New Orleans desert. An hour and a half can easily be spent here chowing down on all the great food New Orleans has to offer.

2. The National World War Two Museum: Saturday 12:30 p.m.

Located in New Orleans business district lies one of the country’s best museums, The National World War II museum. The museum occupies three buildings and is so massive one can easily spend a day. The reason why the museum was built in New Orleans is because New Orleans was the manufacturing center for amphibious boats during World War II. Every room in the museum is dedicated to a different battle or story from World War II and each room is filled with artifacts from tanks to flamethrowers. The museum follows the war in chronological order starting with the European theater and then the Pacific theater. There is also a café within the museum which is done up like a fifties style dinner.

3. The History of Louisiana: Saturday 3:30 p.m.

The Cabildo is located in Jackson Square New Orleans most famous site. The building is where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. The Louisiana Purchase was when Napoléon sold the land of Louisiana and much of the Midwest to the United States in 1803. Inside the building the rooms in which the purchase was signed could be seen. On top of that there is a detailed history of state along with some art.

4. Beignets at Café Du Monde: Saturday 4:45 p.m.

Open 24 hours Café Du Monde is a staple for Beignets and Café au lait. There is never a time the Café is not crowded however waiting a few minutes to get the beignets is always worth it. Once again like many restaurants in New Orleans there is indoor and outdoor seating. Beignets are a French style donut with powdered sugar on top. One could not visit New Orleans without going to Café Du Monde and getting a beignet.

5. Bourbon Street: Saturday 5:30 p.m.

Walk around the French Quarters most famous street, Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is also America’s number one party street and bar scene. Already at 5:30 p.m. people will be out on the streets inebriated. Along with all the parties and bars Bourbon street is also known for its charming architecture. Each building on Bourbon Street (and throughout the French quarter) is painted in bright colors and has grand balconies attached to them. A normal sight to see is a newly wedded couple walking down the street accompanied by a Jazz band. Bourbon Street is always a fun time. Also along Bourbon Street is Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. The store sells all sorts of items related to voodoo such as voodoo dolls, potions and alligator claws.

6. Brennan’s owned Tableau: Saturday 6:45 p.m.

One of Dickie Brennan’s owned restaurants named Tableau is defiantly worth stopping at for dinner. The restaurants interior although simple makes diners feel as if they were eating an elegant meal. Although a meal here takes longer than meals in the north it doesn’t mean the waiter service is bad. In fact at Tableau the waiters tend to be very neutering and caring for their clients. On top of the waiter service the food is outstanding. The best way to start off the meal is with an order of the local watermelon salad. The salad contains watermelon, arugula, onion, feta cheese and a vinaigrette dressing. Following the appetizer/salad is the entrée. There is no shortage of choices to choose from. The menu at Tableau has a variety of food from Steaks to a Vegan option. However since this is New Orleans one must get the fish and seafood. One of the best options is definitely the gulf fish for 21 dollars. It is a red fish coated in seasoned flour then sautéed and served with brown butter beurre blanc and vegetable de jour. The fish is the perfect balance of sweet, salty and flavorful. The reason why the food in New Orleans is so good is because its origins originate from Creole cooking, Caribbean cooking, French cuisine and traditional Southern cuisine. To top off the meal with desert one should get praline monkey bread pudding. The bread pudding is absolutely delicious and is served with ice cream, pecans and butterscotch sauce.

7. Jazz: Saturday 8:15 p.m.

Preservation Hall is a Jazz hall that has been operating in New Orleans since 1961. Although the show starts at 9 p.m. if reservations aren’t made there is a waiting time of at least thirty minutes to get in. Even after the long wait all that might be left is standing room. However whether it’s standing or sitting room the show is worth it. Every week there is a different band which performs quality jazz music. The jazz hall interior has a lot of character being that the inside is all wood including the floor which is made up of wooden boards. The hour long show is definitely worth the waiting and the price of 35$ a person. By the time the show is over it will be 10 p.m. and the best way to enjoy New Orleans is to just stroll around the French quarter a night or taking a horse and carriage ride from Jackson Square.

8. Breakfast at Brennan’s: Sunday 10:00 a.m.

To end a trip to New Orleans finish with one of the best places to dine in the city. Brennan’s named after the family is now just owned by Ralph Brennan. A breakfast here can take easily two to three hours. Each dining room in the restraint is decorated with its own unique New Orleans style decor. To start off the feast order the baked apple. It is unlike any other baked apple with oatmeal pecan resin crumble, brown sugar glaze and crème fraiche it is truly out of this world. The next step in the feast is the main dish, eggs. At Brennan’s they make their eggs differently, make sure to order the Eggs Sardou. It contains artichokes, parmesan creamed spinach and choron sauce (hollandaise sauce with tomato puree). The Eggs Sardou is the perfect savory treat to balance out the baked apple and desert. For desert get none other than the famous bananas foster. Bananas foster was invented in Brennan’s in 1951 therefore Brennan’s obviously knows how to make it best. Eating this desert at Brennan’s is a once in a life time experience that will never be forgotten. As a gastronomical experience New Orleans can’t be missed.