Chowin' in The Big Easy

New Orleans has always been a city with great food, rich history and lots to do. The city is back on it's feet again since Katrina and if you are going to spend some time in the Chocolate City, bring your appetite!!

Our first night we wandered around the French Quarter in search of some southern delights. We found it at The Gumbo Shop. This quaint eatery has been around for some time and specializes in southern cajun cooking. What did I eat then you ask? Only a delicious veganized special ; ) They had a vegetarian special that changes nightly on the menu. It came with salad and a tasty side (I had this crazy yummy corn dish) with the main dish being a rice an beans stew with some cajun kick. It was fantastic and I highly recommend The Gumbo Shop for veggies and omnivores alike. Great food and sweet southern hospitality!!

After a chilly night of walking around and fending off crazy dreams in my head of ghosts and unworldly spirits (our cute French Quarter hotel used to be a confederate hospital - a little tidbit my man forgot to mention), I was hungry! I wanted hearty and hearty I got at Slim Goodies Diner. It's a good 5-10 minutes outside of downtown but in the super cute Garden District. They had something for everyone including the hungry vegan. I had the Garden Slammer - a pile of hash browns, veggie bacon and veggie chili with lots of yummy veggies mixed in. My hon had pancakes ; ) Check out their creative menu and info at Slim Goodies!!

One thing that is hard to find is something quick and healthy off of Bourbon Street. It's jam packed with bars, strip clubs and pizza joints but that's about it. I hunted and I found The Royal Blend on Royal. Just a block away from the madness, I got a tasty veggie sandwich that was made completely fresh. They have a cute courtyard, coffee, soups, salads and pastries and is a great place to get a quick and healthy bite while hangin' out near Bourbon. Royal Blend is at 621 Rue Royal, New Orleans (French Quarter) (504)523-2716.

So amidst the booze and beignets, New Orleans has a good amount of healthiness to go around ; )