fall 2014

Today the French Quarter is one of the world's premier adult party destinations, and children are not generally part of the scene. That has not always been the case, though. Prior to the mid-20th century, kids were an ever-present part of the Quarter's environment. Notable New Orleanians who spent their childhoods in the Quarter include mid-19th-century chess great Paul Morphy, composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk, clarinetist Pete Fountain and exercise guru Richard Simmons.

With summer temperatures nearing 100 degrees, Dirty Linen is possibly the only way New Orleans can get any hotter. Dirty Linen, One Hot Night is the French Quarter's largest summer block party, celebrating artists, galleries, street performers and the creative culture of New Orleans. The event is presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans with support from IBERIABANK and Hendrick's Gin. On Saturday, August 9th from 6 - 10 p.m. nine blocks of Royal Street galleries and boutiques will be open their doors for revelers to experience the best of French Quarter art.

In a city that relishes its relics and shuns change (even minute modifications are often met with disdain!), the New Orleans food culture continues to undergo a metamorphosis, much like that of other great food destinations. While many of the grande dames of the Quarter, such as Antoine's, Galatoire's and Arnaud's, continue to maintain their noble stature, others are handing over the reigns, while others are simply calling it quits. Fortunately, the old adage "when one door closes, another door opens" holds true for the culinary industry, too.