TRAVEL WITH SERENA--NEW ORLEANS WITH AUTHOR ELAINE CALLOWAY

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.

Buy Links

paperback  ebook