Second Visit to New Orleans—Still No Grilled Wings, Still Amazing ⚜️

New Orleans is just one of those cities that’s always fun to eat and explore in—no matter how many times you visit! If you stay in the French Quarter, you don’t need a car at all—everything is within walking distance, which makes it so easy to wander and discover new spots 🚶♀️. 🏨 Accommodation: The Royal Sonesta (Bourbon Street) This time, we stayed at The Royal Sonesta right on Bourbon Street—and it was so convenient! At first, I was worried the noise from the busy street would keep me up all night (Bourbon Street is famous for its lively nightlife, after all 😅). But once we got to our room, I was shocked—we couldn’t hear a single sound from outside! The soundproofing is excellent—total peace and quiet for a good night’s sleep, even in the middle of the action. 🍝 Food Highlights (and a Few Thoughts) Let’s talk about the most important part: the food! This trip had some surprises, both good and… well, just “meh.” ❌ ACME Oyster House (Second Visit) I was so excited to go back to ACME Oyster House—since I loved it on my first trip—but this time, the food felt just “okay.” Maybe my expectations were too high, or maybe it was an off day? The oysters were fresh enough, but the flavors didn’t pop like they did before. It’s not a bad spot, but it didn’t wow me this time around 🦪. ✅ Pier 424 Seafood Market (Pleasant Surprise!) We stumbled upon Pier 424 Seafood Market even though its ratings were just average—and it ended up being one of our favorite meals! The seafood was super fresh: we had grilled shrimp that were juicy and perfectly seasoned, and a seafood boil that was packed with flavor (not too spicy, just right). It’s a no-frills spot, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it—total hidden gem 🦞. ✅ Dian Xin (Third Visit—Still Great!) We went to Dian Xin for the third time, and it’s still one of the best Chinese restaurants in NOLA! Here’s the funny thing: we didn’t see a single Asian staff member, but the food is authentic—think dumplings that are juicy and tender, mapo tofu that’s spicy and savory, and fried rice that’s fluffy and full of flavor. And the prices? So affordable—way cheaper than most Chinese spots in big cities. It’s our go-to whenever we’re craving home-style Chinese food 🍜. ☕ Café Du Monde vs. Café Beignet (The Great Beignet Showdown!) Both of these iconic spots are worth a visit—they each have their own charm: Café Du Monde: I love their Frozen Café Au Lait—it’s creamy, slightly sweet, and so refreshing on a hot NOLA day. It’s like a fancy iced coffee that pairs perfectly with sweet treats ☕. Café Beignet: When it comes to beignets, this one is my favorite! Their beignets are thicker and chewier than Café Du Monde’s, with just the right amount of powdered sugar (not too messy, not too sweet). They’re warm, fluffy, and perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon snack 🍩. #EatingWalkingWandering #NewOrleans #Foodie #TravelDiary #FoodDiary