Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise

Natchez Steamboat, New Orleans

I can almost promise you that there were no locals on board with us for this evening jazz cruise. So much the pity, because there is NOTHING like being out on the Mississippi River at sunset with the sounds of live jazz and live steam!

We spent most of our time out on one of the several decks, watching the the sun go down and the lights from the shore slip by in the darkening twilight. But we did find the buffet when we fianlly went inside. Like most buffets everywhere you can always find something to like or not like.

Who can screw up prime rib? Almost no one, and they couldn’t either. We found it quite good. I passed on the catfish, but may be mostly a personal preference. Only once, along a river’s edge in Florida have I enjoyed catfish; fresh, coated, deep fried & crispy, but that is another story.

Here is some more information about the Steamboat Natchez and online ticketing. You WILL want to get tickets before you go. The locals may not stand in line for this tour, but tourist like us make sell-outs disappointing for those who don’t plan ahead.

Desire Oyster Bar – New Orleans

Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans

When you’re out late in the evening along Bourbon Street (or maybe early in the morning) and the desire for a little sit-down with a few dozen oysters on the half shell overcomes you, just follow the big yellow neon “Desire” sign to of the most famous – and most photographed – restaurant in New Orleans.  The street car named Desire doesn’t stop there, but you should. (Map) Desire Oyster Bar is more bistro than restaurant. The doors are always open, just walk right in. I did. Starting with the Oysters Desire, broiled oysters with Parmesan cheese & creole seasoning & garlic butter, moving on to the Red Snapper; grilled and topped with lump crab meat, capers and butter sauce. The Toad Hollow Cellars “Erick’s The Red” from Paso Robles went well, and at a bargain price, ending with a New Orleans bread pudding with whiskey sauce.

Need a little jazz to finish out the day? You’re right next to Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. This used to be the Mystick and servers up world-class music. Grammy-nominated, Billboard Award winner Irvin Mayfield hosts his Playhouse and some of the best jazz in town. Performances 8 pm  – ’til… serving your favorite cocktails and appetizers. For more about New Orleans, visit GoThere New Orleans.

Upcoming New Orleans Jazz Festivals

October 17-18, 2009
Time: 10:30am – 7pm
Lafayette Square Park (600 S. Maestri Pl)

The fourth annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festivalcelebrates Southern blues and soul. Look for appearances by Buddy Guy, Sonny Landreth, Bobby Rush, Irma Thomas,  Robert Belfour, and Chris Smither to name just a few. Map to closest hotel

Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009
Time: 11am – 5:30pm
Location: Louis Armstrong Park (901 N. Rampart St.)

The third annual Congo Square Rhythms Festival celebrates the historic role of Congo Square as the birthplace of American music where African slaves once came to celebrate ancestral music traditions. Expect authentic African drumming and dance plus food, arts and crafts, and it’s free. Map to closest hotel

 

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009
Time: 11am – 8:30pm
Location: Zephyr Field (6000 Airline Highway, Metairie, LA 70003)

The third annual Fiesta Latina  celebrates the music, food and culture of Spain and Latin America. This this is another free event with one stage of Latin music from region,  food vendors, art and craft vendors. Map to closest hotel

Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009
Time: 11am – 5:30pm
Location: Jazz & Heritage Center (1225 N. Rampart St.)

The second annual Treme Creole Gumbo Festival celebrates Faubourg Treme  music and food. On stage will be the best jazz, blues and R&B artists from Treme. Look for Kermit Ruffins on Dec. 12. Creole restaurants will be on hand selling  gumbo and other specialities. Wearable art, jewelry and home furnishings vendors will be on hand in the festival’s Arts & Crafts Market.  Map to closest hotel

More New Orleans hotels, things to see and do 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation upcoming events.