Brenda Maitland

New Orleans has always been celebrated in the food world for its French-inspired Creole and Cajun culinary heritage. However, food influences that are the main go-to for locals’ and for the visiting populace are noted as a gumbo of a wide range of different cuisine cultures. Native Americans, diverse settlers, slaves, travelers passing through, and others who have been here have all contributed to the evolving creations of the city’s cookery.

Proximity, convenience, dazzling entertainment and dining choices--all in a town that has no respect for closing times. The reasons for visiting New Orleans are varied and often dizzying.

New Orleans is celebrating its 300th birthday and from the energy of the place, you would not guess the town is anywhere near that old. On most nights, the pace of choices can be pleasantly confusing. Where to go can be a question to ponder. Yet, the harder answer is arriving at a decision from the myriad of unfolding selections.

If there is any city in America that can truly claim to be an international city, it is New Orleans. The confluence of just about every nationality on earth meets here, in the most unlikely of places, a town at or below sea level, located at the southern portion of the greatest river on the North American continent. It’s an infamous place up for outrageous festivities, and all wrapped up in a neat package that is unto itself, yet respectful of the cultures of the many nations that have contributed to its heritage.

For such a time-honored city--New Orleans celebrates its Tricentennial this year, 300 years since its founding in 1718--this place is always hopping and bustling with the latest and the most innovative, whether it’s entertainment, festivals, cultural events, music, dancing, or celebrations of America's most unique culinary heritage.