By: ANETTA NOWOSIELSKA
Delivering a multisensory experience, New Orleans is the nation’s epicenter of sound, taste, and sight. The birthplace of jazz with a Creole and Cajun culinary heart — and a reputation inseparable from voodoo and the raucous French Quarter — “The Big Easy” is a must visit.
While it’s easy to fall into the city’s many tourist traps, opt for a more soulful experience of the Crescent City as recommended by Mali Carow, the general manager of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans.
STAY “Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is an icon of the city and is conveniently located along the curve of the Mississippi River. The hotel serves as the perfect gateway to experience the vibrant culture. It offers a beautifully designed sanctuary in the bustling city with 341 guest rooms and suites, authentic New Orleans dining and drinking by award-winning culinary talents, a beauty atelier spa, fifth floor rooftop pool deck highlighted by panoramic river views, extensive art collection inspired by the destination, and much more.”
EAT “The great thing about New Orleans is the number of incredible restaurants and talented local chefs, such as chefs Alon Shaya and Donald Link, who we’ve partnered with for our signature restaurants. Their talents can also be found at Israeli-Southern Shaya and Cochon, which serves up the authentic flavors of Cajun Country. I gravitate towards neighborhood spots, like Bywater American Bistro by chef Nina Compton for its locally inspired, ingredient-driven cuisine.”
COCKTAIL “My first cocktail experience in the city, which set the bar for all to follow, was at Chris Hannah’s Jewel of the South, a must-visit for its historic setting and homage to original New Orleans cocktails.”
SHOP “My favorite shops are those that value craftsmanship and weave New Orleans into their story, providing a deep sense of place. Since opening, we have cultivated partnerships with local artisans, such as Bene Handbags, Alexa Pulitzer, Haspel, and Mignon Faget. Shopping on Magazine Street is also a wonderful experience, with tons to discover.”
DO “It’s a relatively compact city, and my recommendation is to see as much as you can and stop at the places that look interesting to you. City Park is a great destination for the New Orleans Museum of Art, Louisiana Children’s Museum, and to simply relax underneath the ancient oak trees. The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is a charming way to see Uptown, including the Garden District and Audubon Zoo. No visit to New Orleans is complete without live music. End your night on Frenchmen Street, popping in and out of the dozen or so music clubs along the strip.”