“Best of’” lists are always controversial. Let’s face it, what makes something the best in one person’s opinion, may very well be the thing that puts it on the “don’t” list for someone else. So keep that in mind as you peruse our list and feel free to send in your own Best of New Orleans list. –michele fling
Best Accommodations: Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street. OK, second best if Aunt Mitzi’s guest room is booked. Located in the heart of the Vieux Carré, Hotel Monteleone is a grand dame.
Best Cocktail: (Tie) Brennan’s brandy milk punch and Pat O’Brien’s hurricane. Runner-up: Any cold libation from a cute bartender.
Best Beignet: Cafe du Monde. Get them piping hot in the French Market. Delectable.
Best Coffee: No, it’s not that ubiquitous green goddess. Cafe du Monde takes the honors for its chicory coffee, hmm, hmm, good.
Best Gumbo: Cousin Shirley Jean’s. But her kitchen isn’t open to America, so better beat a path over to Dooky Chase’s for a bowl of hot goodness lovingly prepared by chef Leah Chase, the Queen of Creole cuisine.
Best Breakfast: Mother’s. Not that mother, silly. Chow down on chicken gumbo and crawfish étouffée, then wash it down with a bloody Mary.
Best Brunch: Court of the Two Sisters jazz brunch. Make a reservation to sit in the 
scenic courtyard, the largest in the French Quarter. Belly up to the buffet for shrimp, crawfish, an assortment of veggies, fruit, quiche, grits eggs, hash browns, sausage, create your own omelet, then start all over again. Whether you sit inside or outside, the musical stylings of a jazz band will aid your digestion.
Best Po-Boy: Johnny’s Po-Boy Restaurant on St. Louis Street. They serve a wide variety of po-boys, from the traditional seafood version, to a sausage and ground beef sandwich called the “Judge Bossetta Special.”
Best All-Around Experience: Bourbon Street can’t be beat for entertainment. From hip-hop, to zydeco, to the music that put New Orlean’s on the map — jazz, there’s something to suit your pleasure. Plus, the parade of people makes the gawk factor a 10.
Best Thrill: Catching some waves on the mighty Mississippi.
Best Pralines: Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, hands down. These buttery confections
come plain, loaded with nuts, or delightfully flavored with rum, peanut butter, coconut and chocolate. Bonus: They’re the size of Texas. Find them in the French Market.
Best Tour: Take the street car through the Garden District. 
