Churches and Cathedrals in Des Allemands

"St. Louis Cathedral is undoubtedly Jackson Square’s crown jewel with its white facade and striking triple spires. It’s the oldest cathedral in the United States, dating back to 1850 after previous churches from the early 1700s were burned down, rebuilt, and later expanded upon to what you see today. Visitors can walk around inside every day from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, except during Mass times."

"This cathedral is one of the oldest in the United States and for this reason, has some interesting history behind its stunning exterior. It was officially named the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and had its first version built in 1718. However, there were three more reconstructions, the final expansion and rebuilding happening in 1850."

"Originally built in 1727, the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is flanked by the historic Cabildo on one side and the Presbytère on the other. After the great fire of 1794, the original structure was rebuilt. The current structure was finished in 1850 and overlooks Jackson Square."

"St. Augustine Catholic Church is the oldest African-American Catholic parish in the nation. It is located on Saint Claude Avenue near the French Quarter on the site of the old Claude Tremé plantation. The church is the location of the annual Jazz Mass that is held in conjunction with the Satchmo Festival, which pays homage to Louis Armstrong."

"If you’re down in the CBD or headed toward the French Quarter, one small church lies hidden on Rampart Street. Peering through the doors, you see a rather simple sanctuary and some of the homeless asleep on the pews. The real beauty is to either side of the altar: the shrines to St. Jude and Our Lady of Guadalupe."

"Built in 1851 by the Jesuits, this breathtaking, Moorish-inspired structure melds Islamic architecture with Christian and Jewish symbolism (including hundreds of Stars of David). Massive bronze doors, soaring Arabesque arches, stunning stained glass (featuring 18 stations of the cross), cast-iron pews and columns are among the church’s many architectural highlights. Of special note is the towering cupola, the marble statue of Mary (originally carved for Marie Amélie, queen of Louis Philippe of France, during the mid 1800s) located above the onion-domed high altar and two Venetian-glass mosaic shrines at the rear of the sanctuary."

"Immaculate Conception church, locally known as Jesuit church, is a Roman Catholic church in the Central Business District of New Orleans. The original church was built on this site in 1857. Immaculate Conception church was built and designed in the Neo-Venetian Gothic style of Gothic Revival architecture, with Moorish Revival and Byzantine Revival elements."

"Located in the Lower Garden District, Seed is a modern vegan bistro serving its customers Southern comfort-food classics from grits and grillades (pronounced gree-yhads) to fried tofu po-boys. The best thing about Seed is that non-meat eaters can get a taste of all the traditional New Orleans items like beignets and gumbo. If you’re traveling with folks who don’t appreciate vegan fare, there are plenty of restaurants in the Garden District with meat options."

"Lower Garden DistrictThis vegan spot has just undergone a change of management and has a new look and feel. It's got a cocktail bar vibe in addition to the plant-based breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Breakfast has a serious dairy-free coffee program, as well as dishes like blueberry buckwheat pancakes and sweet potato breakfast tacos (pair with a vegan Vietnamese iced coffee or fresh squeezed satsuma juice)."

"In the words of Ernest Hemingway, Seed is a “clean, well-lighted place.” (Hemingway wasn’t talking about Seed, but his direct prose works for one of my favorite places to sit for breakfast). A vegan restaurant that attracts visitors from all around the city, Seed’s breakfast doesn’t leave you feeling anchored to your seat after you finish eating. And those pancakes will outkick your expectation."

"500 9th St., Gretna, (504) 500-0997; www.bananablossom504.com. Larb gai is a salad with ground chicken, onion, cilantro, mint and toasted rice-lime dressing. Reservations accepted."

"Orleans Grapevine tends to fly a bit under the radar in the midst of splashier French Quarter spots, but for those in the know it’s a top destination, particularly for wine. It’s a favorite of local distributors and wine geeks, and the great wine flight deal offered during happy hour can help familiarize even the most novice vino drinkers. There’s a cozy vibe and friendly staff, and it’s one of few places in the Quarter to feel like a neighborhood gem."

"Orleans Grapevine is a French Quarter Wine Bar & Bistro with a casual fine dining component as well. Start with the wine, which can be ordered by the glass or bottle. Come in between 4-6 pm to try a "Wine Flight", a three wine sampling to expand your horizons."

"I am hopelessly addicted to their avocado fries (wedges of perfectly ripe avocado battered in some light, magical tempura-like coating, quickly fried to a greaseless perfection and served with a magic potion/sauce) and the Seoul Man tacos (Bulgogi Chicken, shredded cabbage, cilantro, pickled red onions, and Sriracha aioli on flour tortillas) that come two to an order for $6. Check out their Facebook page for a listing of where to find them next, facebook.com/Taceaux-Loceaux."

"Food trucks have become part of the culinary establishment in New Orleans, as in so many other cities. Here the fun part remains chasing them around, an activity that can introduce you to unfamiliar neighborhoods and bars. Among the more reliable..."

"Char-broiled oysters are topped with Parmesan and garlic and served with drawn butter and French bread. Reservations accepted. Breakfast daily, dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun."

"One of the city’s most famous photographers, Frank Relle has made a career out of his love of New Orleans architecture, history, and light – or lack thereof, in the last case."

"Riverwalk Marketplace is the premier retail attraction in New Orleans and is home to the city's unique sights, tastes and sounds. With the best selection of nationally-known and locally-loved shops like Brookstone, Clarks, Gap, The Body Shop , ...[Learn more]"

"We live in an unapologetically weird city, and places like Tresor, devoted to showcasing the best of New Orleans contemporary art, have always been idiosyncratic outposts against creeping normality. While it’s hard to pin down any one kind of art at this spot, you can always expect something, well, unexpected. Eclectic at the least – we’ve seen darkly decorated baby dolls, folk art-style wall panels, fantastical mixed media sculptures, graphic novelesque illustrations and work that feels graffiti-ish in origin."