Best Pastries in Paradis

"The quintessential museum of Louisiana, the permanent collection includes nearly 40,000 world-class works of regional, national and international art, such as Picasso, Braque, Dufy and Miró, and drawings by Degas, who worked just blocks from the museum when he visited maternal relatives in the early 1870s. Lectures, book clubs, film presentations, art classes and musical performances are all presented with aplomb – and you can even take yoga classes in the sublimely beautiful Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, where works of the 20th century's master sculptors reside in a sub-tropical sanctuary. 1 Collins C Diboll Circle, noma.org."

"New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, (504) 482-1264; www.cafenoma.com. An Americana grain bowl includes chicken breast over wild rice, sweet potatoes, cranberries and baby spinach with warm bacon vinaigrette."

"When I walked into Revelator Coffee and saw all of their unique blends and espresso machines at work, I knew I was in for a treat. Their coffee tastes legit, and you can even buy some coffee grinds to DIY at home. Along with the relaxing music playing, the sounds of their espresso machines were extremely therapeutic while studying."

"Greasy spoon meets wood panelling at the Marigny's 24 hour breakfast and fried foods mecca founded in 1981 and seemingly (perfectly) never updated, except for new table cloths. Not the cheapest on the list, but affordable still. The biscuits and gravy will only set you back $3.95, but most dishes you're aiming toward $10, give or take."

"You may not have heard of La Boulangerie even though the Uptown cafe has been open since 2000. You also may be unfamiliar with the Link Restaurant Group that started managing La Boulangerie in 2015. However, you probably know some of the management group’s restaurants like Cochon, Herbsaint and Peche."

"La Boulangerie is hybrid bakery/cafe located on Magazine Street in New Orleans. The kitchen specializes in traditional French pastries and breads that are on display at the counter. For breakfast, coffee and a chocolate filled croissant can make a great start to a day in the Garden District."

"4600 Magazine St., (504) 269-3777; www.laboulangerienola.com. A L’Atlantique sandwich includes smoked salmon, avocado, arugula and lemon mayonnaise on toasted olive bread."

"Next on our list of the absolute best lunch spots in New Orleans: Pythian Market is more than just a food hall in downtown New Orleans. In the market, you’ll not only find local food, but also a craft bar and curated retail vendors. Pythian Market is a gathering place for food, community, and commemoration of New Orleans culture."

"This instantly recognizable food truck celebrates the simple deliciousness of butter, cheese, and fresh bread with grilled cheese treats that venture beyond classic. Try the spicy pimento or saucy craw-daddy, with a side of fried macaroni and cheese balls. Craving more cheap eats in New Orleans of the food truck variety?"

"Pythian Market, 234 Loyola Ave., (504) 481-9599; www.pythianmarket.com. A Nashville hot chicken sandwich features a fried chicken breast dunked in Nashville-style hot sauce on a toasted sesame bun with house-made pickles."

"The sculpture garden that sits just outside the New Orleans Museum of Art is a wooded quilt of streams, pathways, lovers' benches and, of course, sculpture, mainly of the modern and contemporary sort. During spring and summer, theatrical productions are often put on here, but it's a lovely spot for a stroll any time of year."

"Just outside NOMA’s front door, find the recently expanded Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, a collection of sculptures set among City Park’s oaks and lagoons. The three-acre expansion includes 27 outdoor artworks. Admission to the sculpture garden is always free."

"Set smack dab in City Park among the Spanish moss-draped oaks complete with Greco-Roman columns and a charming sculpture garden, the grounds alone warrant a visit to this NOLA institution that’s oozing with grandeur. It’s the city’s oldest fine arts institution and boasts a permanent collection of nearly 40,000 pieces. Not only that, but it’s one of the most impressive and revered fine art collections in the whole of the south."

"Whether you’re an art aficionado or just a lover of aesthetically pleasing works and spaces, then you should pay a visit to NOMA. It’s housed in the center of New Orleans’ City Park, where you can also easily spend a day exploring. The museum features more than 40,000 objects, ever-changing exhibits by world-renowned artists, and is the oldest fine arts institution in New Orleans."

"Having opened in 1911, the New Orleans Museum of Art is the city’s oldest fine art institution. Back then, it had just a few art pieces but has since grown to house over 40,000 objects with a notable collection of French and American art. The museum is also home to the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, with over 90 sculptures on display in the 11-acre landscaped garden."

"If you’re in need of some inspiration, consider trying these things: Chocolate Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream."

"126 Lake Drive, Covington, (985) 327-7111; 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 889-1550; www.donsseafoodonline.com. Char-broiled Jacked-Up oysters are topped with bacon, jalapenos and pepper Jack cheese. Reservations accepted for large parties."