I visited New Orleans for the first time in my life in the end of January this year. In other words, this entry has taken it´s time to get here, but as the city is absolutely marvellous and it has a great variety of gluten-free foods, I am writing this now anyway.
I don´t think I have ever been as mesmerized by a city as I was with New Orleans. I arrived late on a Saturday night and had to go to bed immediately as I had been travelling for over 24 hours at that point and had to get up at 7 am for a meeting... But just looking at the city and the architecture and all of the houses and the liveliness of it all - it really brought a smile to my face.
I stayed at the corner of Bourbon Street at Hotel Mazarin. I had a large room facing Bienville Street, literally 10 meters or so from Bourbon Street. So, it was loud - but so full of feeling and history. I really loved it. And wore ear plugs during the nights. :)
The nice thing about Hotel Mazarin was that it had a complimentary breakfast. Nothing major, but many gluten-free items; eggs cooked in many ways, bacon, fruit, yogurt and juices. I got my stomach full for sure!
I am a dessert person. No matter how full I am, there is always room for dessert. And sweets. And in New Orleans, you can just smell all the goodies onto the streets. Sugar, cream, chocolate... Candied apples in oh so many ways...
...dark chocolate cherries... (and white chocolate and milk chocolate)
...fudges...
...Mississippi Mud...
...Chocolate with nuts and marshmallows...
...and of course, pralines. A heavenly mixture of cream, sugar and maybe syrup, I would think. Mixed together with nuts, chocolate and the likes and cooked until the sugar granulates slightly. They are heavenly. And smell sooooo delicious!
I did not quite make Mardi Gras, but there were plenty of bead shops all around. many colours and lively people. Good stuff!
I hope to someday make a road trip from Florida to Texas (and then some) and really experience the Southern States. I think I´m going to love it!
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