Ever since it became part of the country with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, New Orleans has managed to retain its zest for life, while zealously protecting its distinctive lifestyle. Although the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina is not evident in the tourist areas, the spirit of rebirth and the prevailing optimism of the people is evident throughout the city. Home to bold and innovative chefs and a litany of excellent restaurants, almost every meal is delicious. There are sumptuous gastronomic delights from a mix of cuisines: Cajun, Creole, Italian and Caribbean, marked by a clear French influence and accentuated by a hearty infusion of seafood.
It’s the mosaic of cultures, cuisines, neighborhoods, and architecture that makes New Orleans such a gem of a city. There are a litany of discoveries, from the decadence and European charm of the French Quarter with its cobblestone streets and hints of Caribbean influence to the grand Victorian structures of the Garden District and the bustle of the downtown business district.
Although the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina has altered its landscape and its economy, the city stands strong. The pulse and culture of New Orleans remains vibrant and alive, and those who love it, natives and visitors alike, are determined to preserve its charm.
Glenda McKinley, a New Orleans native, president and creative director of GM Advertising, is committed through her business and personal efforts to rebuilding the city. “I have a deep sense of gratitude to New Orleans for embracing me as a young entrepreneur and allowing my business to thrive for more than 21 years.”
Major industries include port operations, tourism, oil/gas production, and aerospace manufacturing. But there are growth industries that “for the creative, entrepreneurial-minded individual could provide a variety of opportunities,” says McKinley. “New Orleans is called Hollywood South, because of our growing number of film projects,” explains McKinley. “This city also waives the wait time for marriage licenses like they do in Las Vegas, but here we offer a cruise port and great honeymoon hotels.”
McKinley believes that cultural and social entrepreneurship could be a great area for expansion, as evidenced by the success of Musician’s Village, a Habitat for Humanity project conceived by New Orleans natives Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis. Each year, New Orleans also hosts more than 70 countries at the World Cultural Economic Forum on how to commercialize culture as an economic resource. “It’s all about building the infrastructure,” McKinley offers.
McKinley gives us a tour of the celebrated city.
Accommodation
* The Intercontinental Hotel (444 Saint Charles Ave.; 504-525-5566) is a McKinley favorite for its unbeatable views. “Their [also] a great business hotel. The service is amazing and it’s a great central location.”
*McKinley says the historic Hotel Monteleone (214 Rue Royale; 866-338-4684) “is a very family-friendly French Quarter experience. It’s within walking distance of the mall and great restaurants; and the Carousel Bar is a big draw. “
* Hubbard Mansion (3535 Saint Charles Ave; 504-897-3535) is the only black-owned bed and breakfast in the city. It offers five suites, two executive extended-stay apartments, and a host of amenities that make for an intimate experience.
dinning room
* New Orleans is famous for Cajun, Creole and Caribbean cuisines, all marked by French influences. Olivier’s (204 Decatur St.; 504-525-7734) offers authentic Creole dishes, where stewed rabbit and crawfish are menu favorites.
* Drago’s (2 Poydras St.; 504-584-3911;) at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside serves up the best grilled oysters, says McKinley.
* At The Pelican Club (312 Exchange Place; 504-523-1504), an architectural gem housed in a 19th-century French Quarter row house, Chef Richard Hughes’ menu is a delight to the senses.
*Leah Chase, who is still animating traditional Creole delicacies at 86 at Dooky Chase (2301 Orleans Ave; 504-821-0600), is now joined by her grandson Edgar Chase, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.
ATTRACTIONS
McKinley’s must-do list includes the African American Heritage Trail, a multi-destination trail that illustrates the history and cultural traditions of African-Americans by transforming the state into a living museum. Begin in the historic Tremé neighborhood and visit the famous St. Louis cemeteries, St. Augustine Church, and the River Road African-American Museum. Continue to the majestic Evergreen and Melrose Plantations, the Creole Heritage Folk Life Center, or any of the destinations on the 26-site trail. For more information on this vibrant city, visit http://www.neworleans.com.
