It seems like just yesterday we were in New Orleans for our cruise. Yesterday we were back after having attended my brother’s wedding in Covington on the North Shore. We dropped my brother and his new wife off at the cruise terminal and headed to our hotel.
We stayed in the Omni New Orleans on St. Louis St. for only $120 with complimentary parking (usually $30!!) and a coupon for a free beverage and beignets at Cafe Du Monde. This was the Heart of the French Quarter package. Here are a couple of pictures of our room. 
And here’s the lobby.
The service was great. The bathroom was a bit small and the sheets were really stiff. I would’ve like a fluffy comforter, too, but that’s just me. Overall it was a nice stay. Doesn’t beat the Royal Sonesta from September, though.
We checked in around 3 and then walked to the trolley. On the way Josh spotted his new car. LOL
We stopped for a few minutes before getting on the trolley so I could grab something to eat. I didn’t want full-on lunch because I wanted a nice dinner.
We stopped at PJs Coffee and I got a small nonfat hot chocolate with no whip cream and a spinach and feta croissant. Mmmmm….it was surprisingly good.
With my tummy happy we caught the trolley. It’s the same route we took in September, but this time we got off at the Loyola University stop to walk around Audubon Park. It was a beautiful day, but a bit chilly. First we walked by some of the houses.
Then we walked around the park. There were a LOT of people running, walking, biking, etc. Lots of dogs, too! We even saw a cat jumping out and scaring some runners. It was hilarious! This is a beautiful park and I recommend you go if you’ve never been.
Across the street from the park was Loyola.
When we returned to the hotel we took a quick trip up to the roof for some pictures.
It was getting pretty chilly out so we headed back to the room to get ready for dinner. Here’s me modeling.
The hotel restaurant was The Rib Room, which my brother had mentioned before so we decided to try it.
We asked to be seated next to the window and I had a nice view.
Dinner started off with fresh bread and HUGE pats of butter. The restaurant was quite dim so please forgive the bad photos.
I had the Turtle Soup for an appetizer. It was tomato based and very good. Tasted like chicken. 
For my entree I ordered the seafood platter which was Black Drum, a crab cake, and shrimp over wilted spinach. MMMmmmmmm….delish! The service was a little off, though. Not bad, just…off. Hard to describe.
I also had an unpictured glass of Reisling. Josh ordered the Filet Mignon and the Andouille Mac and Cheese. I thought the mac and cheese was tasteless, but he liked it.
I was too stuffed for dessert so we headed out to Harrah’s to lose some money. As usual I left ahead (penny slots) and Josh left behind (roulette). We had a 6AM flight this morning so we went back to the room around 9:15 or so. It was a COLD walk back! This weather is crazy!
Our 3:30AM wake-up call was a rough one, let me tell you. We collected our stuff, checked out (after fixing a billing issue), picked up the car from the valet and headed out. After a couple of navigational snafus we made it to the airport with time to spare. There wasn’t much in the way of breakfast choices, though, so I ended up with pretzels and an orange juice. We barely made our connection and arrived back in Norfolk around 10:30.
Keenan picked us up, dropped us off at home and then I turned right around and headed to the office where I worked until 4 before going to Costco to re-fill our depleted food stores.
When I got home I made a dinner of steamed brussel sprouts (first time ever!), whole wheat cous cous, and buffalo chicken thighs.
I had my doubts about his dinner, but it worked out. I even ate all my brussel sprouts. I have some more in the fridge so next time I’ll try them roasted.
Now…I know I’m a little behind, but here are my New Year’s resolutions:
- Walk the dog more
- Get up earlier (and therefore go to bed earlier)
- Do an 8K & a 10k
- Cut out soda
I think these are all doable, don’t you!? On that note…time for me to hit the hay…and don’t forget that I’m planning a giveaway via Twitter this week so make sure to follow me at http://twitter.com/lovinlosing.
IN THE NEWS
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Filed under: Eating Out, Food/Product Reviews, Giveaway, In The News, Travel | Tagged: andouille, Audubon Park, black drum, Cafe Du Monde, covington, french Quarter, Garden District, Harrahs, Lotus, louisiana, Loyola University, mac and cheese, New Orleans, Omni, PJs coffee, Reisling, Royal Sonesta, streetcar, The Rib Room, trolley, turtle soup
What a beautiful city! I hope I make it to New Orleans, and soon!
The pictures are gorgeous! I think your resolutions sound very doable. BTW, Thanks for being my second commenter ever!
I only live two hours away from NOLA, but I definitely don’t make it there enough. And really, what on earth is up with this cold weather? We’re about to die.
Pictures are GORGEOUS!!! Looks like you had a great lil vaca!!!! I am sure it was WARM down there!!! Glad to hear you made it back safe ‘n sound!!! I missed you.. and oh, if you need any company for your 8K….. let me know!!! What are friends for???
Unfortunately it was NOT warm! And of course you’re welcome to join me at the 8k!
OH that all looks like fun… beautiful hotel. The food looks really good too
New Orleans is lovely!!! Would love to visit there someday.
And yes, your goals are very doable. =D