Although I know Y’all are living it up in New Orleans for #EssenceFest I save this gem for the last day. Believe me, I was only thinking of your best interest, cuz if you’d experience this restaurant on Day One, nothing else would’ve mattered. 
Hands Down. Toes Down. Some of the BEST fried chicken, I’ve ever had in my thirty two years of living. From the seasoning, to the level of crisp, it was all perfectly crafted. Disclaimer, if you are starving, this dish will take at least twenty five minutes to cook, as they fry it fresh! Secondly, Ever had bread pudding? 
I had NEVER experienced bread pudding, and I know, I’ll never eat it anywhere else but Mother’s. Yeah, I’m loyal like that. I was a bit hesitant to try it, as the dish has fruit baked in (not usually a fan of baked fruits) and the texture weirds me out BUT HONEY, I’m. Obsessed. From the first bite, my tastebuds rejoiced! Its drenched (?), no it’s smothered (?) with a warm, and very rich whiskey glazed sauce that will almost certainly have you licking the plate. Unfortunately I had to practice having some class so I didn’t partake, however it is worth taking a to go box so you can do as you wish in the privacy of your home. 
Promise me, you will not leave NOLA, without sampling everything amazing that Mother’s has to offer.
Tristan Jonez
FYI Do not let the line outside, question if you should wait, you definitely should!
Mother’s Restaurant 401 Poydras St.
Tag: new orleans
Viva La Puerto Rico
There’s something about the Caribbean, Puerto Rico in particular that I will always be connected to. At times, I’m about to recognize influences in the art, the food or the culture so it’s not surprise I’m smitten with he artist known as Carlos Rolòn. I was fortunate enough to catch his art at the New Orleans Museum Of Modern Art. Flowers will forever be my weakness but then he painted them on an 24K Gold background and it’s almost as if my eyes can’t decide where to look first. The art is set in a dimly lit room with stark white walls, that looks smilies to sand but I could be reaching. Leaving the exhibit, I felt as if I had been brought to the sands of Puerto Rico.
Tristan J
Mask Me.
I want to believe I’m always up for a good adventure, a good story turned memory. So it shouldn’t be a surprise how much fun can be found in a mask shop in the French quarter of New Orleans, just a few weeks before Essence Fest. During Lundi Gras Of 2016, my friend, Felicia and I walked into a mask shop that would forever change my World. Fast forward to June 2018, and I’m still feeling like we all should be so fortune to experience a mask shoppe, with a truly vintage feel.
I’m still trying to decide how and where I can incorporate ‘masking’ into my (daily?) life. For now I’m laser focused on Attending ANY event that will allow me to showcase the beautiful masks that the shoppe has to offer. I’m not sure if it’s creepy or weird to be this obsessed with a mask shoppe.
Tristan Jonez
Clawdaddy’s
One of my absolute favorite seafood restaurant in New York! A fan (Me) favorite, especially amongst folks that are looking to have a romantic date night. However I must warn you, it’s VERY easy to get tipsy way before you even put your order in for dinner as the happy hour rivals most I’ve been to. I usually start off with their signature adult Capri suns, that goes pretty nicely with my grilled oysters. They’re sprinkled with butter and parmigiana cheese, Drool worthy!
I can’t come to Clawdaddy’s and not order a seafood boil of Crab Legs and shrimp, which topped off with Cajun spices, Corn and potatoes makes coming to the LES (Lower East Side) truly worth it.
Tristan J.
Clawdaddy’s
185 Orchard Str NY
Bourbon Street.
As an Obsessed lover of all things New Orleans, I’m not sure how real a restaurant can be if there are only two items on the menu that include Craw fish! Since I have yet to eat at this establishment I will try to hold all my judgement until then but I’m slightly judging. Furthermore I’m not sure that Cajun Quesadilla, and Craw fish added into the Mac & Cheese qualify as menu options. If I want to visit an authentic New Orleans restaurant, I want crawfish to be available in ALL my dishes.
SideNote: The fact that the restaurant is named “Bourbon Street” gets a side eye!
I’ll be visiting to partake soon enough, then I will update you about my visit.
Tristan Jonez
SideNote II: I just read the very mixed reviews on Yelp, definitely wasn’t that helpful.
The Gumbo Shop
I will forever love New Orleans!
The cuisine and attention to detail regarding food makes visiting the city, always an experience. In the times that I’ve been to Nola, I can’t remember trying out a restaurant that didn’t serve mind blowing food. Right from the first bite. I want to believe that its a journey, from the moment I sit down, to the first taste, to the final bite of whatever amazingness I am eating.
The Gumbo Shop is one of those places that makes you feel like your home. I’ve been a handful of times, and I’ve had the gumbo damn there every time I go. Its just an amazing blend of chicken, sausage and okra. And the bread! So good.
Make sure you make your way to the French quarter, and stop at The Gumbo Shop. Its definitely very worth it!
Vaca * tion
So I was on vacation for two whole weeks! I’ve never taken a vacation for that long, ever!
Can we discuss how I went from Frankfurt, German to New Orleans, to Chicago. I had such an amazing time, was by myself, the beginning and end, but was joined by friends for Mardi Gras! I will go into deeper discussion about all three places. Initially my plan was to go to carnival in Brazil but that didn’t pan out the way I’d semi planned it. I was even planning on taking Samba lessons as I really wanted to be part of the festivities, but a year flew by so quickly that Feb 2017, snuck up on so quickly that I was unprepared. I’ve been advised that Trinidad Carnival should be on my bucket list, and I am actually putting lots of thought into that idea.
Are you planning on Carnival, in any country next year?
Tristan Jonez
