Jackson Square, New Orleans photo by Sami99tr |
Paranormal/fantasy author Elaine Calloway was a guest back in February when she discussed her Elemental Clan series. Today she joins
us to talk about New Orleans, a city that has become a go-to setting for all
things paranormal, not to mention it’s amazing cuisine. To learn more about
Elaine and her books, visit her website.
New Orleans – A City of Seafood & Paranormal
New Orleans is more
than just a city. She’s a melting pot that hosts an array of sights, sounds,
flavors and spices for those with yearning taste buds. And she never
disappoints.
Cemetery in New Orleans photo by Falkue |
Beneath a canopy of
live oaks, there are paranormal treasures. Historic cemeteries can be found
throughout Mid-City. On a sunny afternoon, walking on the fresh-cut grass of a
city cemetery can lead to a variety of treasures, including the grave for
Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau. Or walk through Jackson Square at night, where
the fortunetellers speak their visions by candlelight.
As you can imagine, New
Orleans is idyllic for a book setting--especially anything paranormal. For the first
book of The Elemental Clan Series, Water’s
Blood, I included not only the tourist destinations but the local places
where people frequent. Another thing you will notice about the book is I use
local seafood places and describe the flavors. Readers tell me that the book
sometimes makes them hungry! LOL.
Long associated with
delectable food and drink, New Orleans is a place where millions return so they
can get their crawfish etouffee fix, purchase hot sauces not available anywhere
else, or enjoy beignets and café au lait.
While there are more
fantastic restaurants than I can possibly list, below are some of my favorites.
Each one is a different price range, so you can budget your trip and dining
excursions accordingly.
Casual and Affordable:
Café du Monde – popular
place for beignets and coffee in the French Quarter. This is a tourist
must-see. Go early; there are often long lines. Tip: You can get your order to
go and it’s quicker.
Beignets at Cafe du Monde photo by Infrogmation |
Morning Call – less
crowded than Café du Monde with the same menu. This is where the locals go,
whereas tourists go to Café du Monde. There are several locations around the
city.
Zea’s Rotisserie &
Grill – Great place for lunch or dinner, at less than $15 per person. Best Red
Beans & Rice on the planet!! Be sure to order sides of Red Beans & Rice
and the Corn Roasted Grits. Both are heavenly! Zea’s also serves gourmet
salads, rotisserie dishes, and seafood. Anything you could possibly want, all
for a reasonable price. There are locations throughout the city.
On the Pricier Side:
Crescent City Brewhouse
– located right near Jackson Square. This is an ideal seafood, hamburger,
salad, whatever you want restaurant that also serves homemade brews. It’s close
proximity to many sightseeing things in the French Quarter, and the atmosphere
is nice and laid back. Website is http://www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com/
Tujague’s – located
near Jackson Square in the French Quarter. On the definite pricier side, but
one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Great for special occasion dinners,
not to mention the place is the 2nd oldest restaurant in New Orleans. Seafood,
cocktails, crawfish etouffee to die for.
Website is http://www.tujaguesrestaurant.com/
Water’s Blood
Brooke, a Water Elemental
stationed in New Orleans, broke the rules once--she mated with a human. For her
indiscretion, she is forbidden to share a life with her loved ones: NOPD
officer Alex and their half-breed daughter, Ella. Now Ella is about to turn
sixteen, and the local clan of fallen angels is determined to snare her soul by
Halloween. Brooke broke the rules once by allowing love to interfere with her
mission. Now she and Alex must put consequences aside to break the rules
again--if they wish to save their daughter's soul.
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4 comments:
Interesting Blog! I was only in New Orleans once, while in the military and just passing through, but what a vibrant city it seemed. Now I write in the Paranormal genre, but haven't used N.O. as a backdrop. That may need to change at some point (at least for a visit by my friendly vamps). LOL
Thanks for commenting, Vamp Writer! Yes, New Orleans absolutely makes a rich backdrop for any paranormal tale. I set my first Elemental book there, in addition to a Vampire short story that I have out (link to it is here, if you like a vamp story!) www.amazon.com/Careful-What-You-Wish-For-ebook/dp/B00G9FC2AQ
Appreciate you stopping by!
Elaine
Wow -- great pictures!
Thanks for stopping by Angela! I agree, she managed to get some iconic and fabulous pics for the blog. I could take so many pics of my hometown. Love and miss it!
Elaine
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