Where will the road take YOU?

Destination Diaries

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Port of New Orleans

Whenever the itinerary affords, you must sail from the magnificent Port of New Orleans, a complete destination in itself.  When arriving for your cruise, PLEASE be sure to spend a few days before or after sailing in this historic, beguiling city.  It would be a complete travesty to rush in and out, without at least experiencing some of what makes New Orleans one of our country's most significant gems.

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Full of bewitching cemeteries, lovely live oaks, and live music that could pop up on any corner, New Orleans also plays host to a slew of award-winning attractions and tours. 

And as that it is imperative to spend a few nights in the Big Easy, the perfect home base for your explorations is a MUST!

Harrah's New Orleans Casino and Hotel offers a perfect location for your cruise adventure!

When on the search for accommodations in New Orleans, the possibilities seem endless.  However, when you have a particular level of service that must be met, then one property is definitely at the front of the pack. A place of opulence, surrounded with friendly Southern hospitality, is ready for your visit... whether it be for a week-long vacation, a quick getaway, or the night before cruising from the Port of New Orleans. Its beyond convenient location just a few blocks from the French Quarter or the Superdome doesn't hurt a thing.  Harrah's New Orleans Casino & Hotel rises 26 stories, royally overlooking the great Mississippi River. With about 450 gorgeous, redecorated rooms and suites, the accommodations that you have already dreamed of await!

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This property is nearly impossible to leave.  With heavenly pillowtop mattresses, garden tubs, and sweeping views of the city or the river, the pampering just doesn't seem to end. While many casino hotel properties are decorated and arranged in quite the same fashion, the accommodations at Harrah's really are unique.  Filled with intricate, local art at each turn, you might sometimes have the impression that you have just stepped into a gallery.  The decor is  cool and soothing... perfect to provide a wonderful night of relaxation before hitting the thrilling streets of the Big Easy.

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And one of the perks of staying at this property is that exhilarating casino action is literally just steps away! Be prepared to experience a gambling experience that is quintessentially New Orleans. Often dubbed a favorite property in the Caesars family of casinos, the ambiance is nothing short of inspiring, and every gaming option imaginable is there waiting… offering everything from high limit gaming to penny slot machines. The entire atmosphere is festive and just full of fun, and remember that complimentary alcoholic beverages are available for players. 

For those of you who have persevered to earn a Diamond or Seven Star status with the lucrative Total Rewards player's program, you will also have special access to the Palms Room, a simply gorgeous lounge boasting small plates and a full service bar.  It is perfect for a quick treat before playing, or even for a meal... and it is all complimentary for Harrah's most rewarded and valued players.

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While you may have a hard time tearing yourself away from that video poker machine that really likes to give out Full Houses, Harrah's is not all about gaming. But don't worry... all of your needs can be fulfilled all under one roof!

The dining options are truly a reason to visit alone. While Fuddruckers has by far the best burger in the world, the dining options are endless, culminating in the delicious glory of Besh Steak!

 

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Hitting it big at the Blackjack table may be cause for a celebration, or there may not even be a special reason in mind when visiting Besh Steak.  It honestly doesn't matter, because you have hit a jackpot just walking through the door. 

The atmosphere at Besh Steak is one of casual elegance.  While you are reminded that you are in an upper scale dining establishment, native Louisianian Chef John Besh knows how to serve up delicious entrees in a relaxed, inviting setting... just steps off of the casino floor.

This menu is simply sinful.  With appetizers like the Besh Barbequed Shrimp and the Crispy Fried Oysters, the decision making is difficult from the start. However, be sure to order the Shrimp & Wild Mushroom Risotto.  This dish is a creamy concoction of pure decadence, with a wonderful texture. 

A pleasing selection of salads and soups are also available, including the flavorful Crawfish Bisque.

Now, when moving onto the entrees, Besh is not all about the steak.  With the Louisiana Shrimp and Grits and the Seared Snapper, patrons will be delighted with the offerings from the sea. 

But when we get right down to it, most guests are there for the steak, and with good reason!  The 38 ounce Cowboy Steak is enough to tame any appetite, while the 14 ounce Cast-Iron Seared Ribeye of Beef is a wonderful cut, topped with an aromatic peppercorn sauce.  And who can turn down an 18 ounce Prime New York Strip, aged to perfection for 30 days, and topped with Bordelaise, Blue Cheese Butter, and Bone Marrow? 

And every week, Chef de Cuisine Paul Robert seeks inspired ideas from the local food markets to create the Weekly Mid-Week Prix-Fixe Menu, available Monday through Thursday for an amazing $40.

Whether you visit Harrah's New Orleans for gaming, or just for a delicious meal, when you dine at Besh Steak, you will be leaving a winner!

For additional information, visit Besh Steak online, or call (504)533-6111.

 

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Feel like oysters?  Then you feel like Acme Oyster House... located right in the middle of the action at Harrah's.

Since 1910, Acme Oyster House has been serving delicious food at fantastic prices, in a fun, lively setting! With that special flair that Louisiana is known for, just the right amount of spices are blended into each dish, culminating in a dining experience like no other. 

So what are you waiting for?  Let's explore the menu! 

The first thing that just jumps off the page are the Boo Fries.  Take a heaping mound of crispy french fries, douse them in roast beef gravy, and then top it all of with plenty of cheese, and you are ready to start off your meal right!  But prepare yourself to save room for a few more options, like the Craw Puppies or the Meat Pies! 

And the Acme Oyster House will not disappoint those looking for a good, home-cooked New Orleans meal!  Try specialties like the Jambalaya, Seafood Etouffee, of the Red Beans & Rice.  Feel like a mixture?  Then order up the New Orleans Medley, with samplings of Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, and Grilled Smoked Sausage. 

Acme Oyster House also has a gigantic selection of tasty Po-Boys to choose from, filled with favorites like Fried Oysters, Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, Roast Beef, and Hot Sausage. 

And if you're ready for an entire platter of taste bud pleasing fun, try the Fried Oysters, Shrimp, Fish, or a mixute of all three, served with french fries and cole slaw!

Now obviously, when you are in the mood for oysters, there is just no other place to go than the Acme Oyster House.  Be sure to experience this exciting dining concept for yourself!

For additional information, visit Acme Oyster House online, or call (504)522-5973.

Now my absolute favorite thing about the folks at Harrah's New Orleans is how they somehow manage to completely redefine the idea of "service".  It is almost as if the employees can anticipate your every need.  They never cease to greet you upon your return from a long day of sightseeing or a daily poker tournament, and always with a smile.

When visiting New Orleans, accept no less than to stay right in the middle of the action!  Your room at Harrah's awaits!

Harrah’s New Orleans

228 Poydras Street

504-533-6000

 www.harrahs.com

 

Now, if you have decided to head into the legendary French Quarter for a meal and some nightlife, then plenty of dining options await.  However, when you crave a seafood experience like no other, one place definitely comes to mind!

 

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New Orleans is synonymous with a lot of things, like Mardi Gras, Jazz, and Beignets.  However, the more I visit, the more I realize that when I think about New Orleans, I think about the seafood.  I begin to think of fresh fish and tasty gulf shrimp, prepared with the special twist that only the Big Easy can seem to master. 

And since we are using the word "synonymous" here, when I am in the French Quarter, there is one establishments that literally bursts into my mind when I am contemplating seafood, and that is Landry's! 

Landry's Seafood Restaurant is in a perfect location, right on North Peters, a short walk from Bourbon Street, the Cruise Port, or Harrah's Casino.  With their expertly crafted "cocktails to go", you can even head off into the excitement, fully prepared for the evening ahead. 

But first, let's take a look at why Landry's is truly the place to be when it comes to fresh seafood!

Landry's sure knows how to start off a menu! Offering Oysters on the Half Shell or Rockefeller, they are just beginning.  With starters and small plates like Fried Calamari, Firecracker Shrimp, and Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms, the options are endless.  However, the BBQ Shrimp is an absolute must!  Mixing aromatic flavors and just the right amount of "tang", this is definitely on my "Last Meal Ever" list.

Also offering Gumbo and several selections from the garden, Landry's knows how to pique your appetite in just the right way, even with a Fried Oyster Salad. 

And to feed that Po Boy obsession that you may have involuntarily succumbed to, Landry's offers oyster, fish, and shrimps, alongside other sandwiches like the Hot Pressed Muffaletta. 

However, it is with the entrees that Chef Gavin Goins, Jr. really kicks it up a notch.  The Blackened Redfish Etouffee might just be the best dish I have ever had in the entire city.  Perfectly seasoned and topped with Crawfish, served with Dirty Rice and Creole Green Beans, the perfection of this menu item is evident in the very first bite.  While I could eat the Redfish every day of my life, Landry's also serves up fresh catches like Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Flounder, and Ahi Tuna.

Rounding out the menu with Steak, Chicken, and Pasta additions, it is easy to see why Landry's has developed a reputation for pleasing any particular palate. 

Now, I realize that "save room for dessert" is a highly over-used suggestion, but in this case, please take heed! With plenty of decadent temptations to consider, the Bread Pudding is simply irresistible! 

So when you find yourself in New Orleans, do not leave your dinner in the Quarter to chance.  Visit Landry's Seafood Restaurant, where your taste buds will take center stage, in a classy, yet relaxed environment... just steps away from all of the action!

For additional information, visit Landry's Seafood online, or call (504)558-0038. 

Now while it could be perfectly understandable to spend all of your time in New Orleans visiting one unique eatery after the next, the city boasts some pretty unique activities and attractions!

 

 nolamoviesFrom American Horror Story:  Coven

In a city like New Orleans, which has been dubbed "Hollywood South", television shows and movies are often being filmed right under the noses of tourists who are on their fast-paced walk to get to the aquarium before it closes.  However, if one just takes a moment to look about, Hollywood vans and lighting rigs are becoming a pretty common sight in New Orleans.  With screen idols like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and John Goodman calling the Big Easy "home", it isn't too far fetched to say that you could very likely see "something" in production during your next visit to New Orleans. 

But how do you know when and where?  And better yet, how can you search down some of the sites from your favorite vampire series or action flicks?  Well, you take the one and only movie tour in New Orleans!

Jonathan Ray will load you into his vehicle, fully equipped with tv screens, so that you can actually watch a scene before you see where it was actually filmed.  Pretty cool, right? 

On this amazing adventure, you will visit filming sites, learn plenty about the industry, and even see a few studio lots... all from the comfort of an air-conditioned van. And keep your eyes and your cameras ready, because you never know when you may see filming in progress, and if anyone knows where and how to locate these sites, it is Jonathan Ray!

For additional information, visit the Original New Orleans Movie Tours online, or call Zerve at (504) 383-8668 to purchase tickets.


And before you even think about leaving the Crescent City, be sure to spend at least one night on Frenchmen Street.  Lined with venues that are proud to host some of the best musicians in the country, this is the Jazz mecca of the country.  I always seem to especially favor the Blue Nile.  It is spacious, but still has that intimate feel, and I have never been able to walk by without being drawn in by the brilliant lineup of artists that continuously grace the Blue Nile stage.  You may even be lucky enough to catch the legendary Kermit Ruffins!

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For more information on all things New Orleans, please visit the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau online! You may also call 1-800-672-6124. They can assist with alternative hotel ideas, provide plenty of ideas to fill your day, and even advise who may be gracing a stage near you! They TOTALLY rock!