TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT
Where in the World is Destin’s Mark Pollaski?
by Mark Pollaski
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting
the city of New Orleans where I sought
firsthand knowledge of post-Katrina
progress. Although the weather did not
cooperate while there, this historic city
was as quaint and charming as I remember. During my visit I had the opportunity
to visit a few old favorites and to discover
many interesting new venues.
As a guest of Harrah’s Casino &
Hotel, I found it to be filled and bustling
with tourists and conference attendees.
Construction on the hotel began prior to
Hurricane Katrina, and resumed shortly
after the storm. Located at the corner of
Poydras and Fulton Streets, this beautiful
establishment is designed to blend gracefully into its surrounding architecture.
The 26-story, 450-room structure, which
features a dramatic porte cochere entrance with walls adorned with the work
of local artists work, is only steps away
from the French Quarter and the Mississippi River. The facilities are world-class
and offer every amenity that one might
expect in a family-friendly environment.
Upon arrival, I was delighted to see
the streetcars up and running, although
all lines are not operational, it is not far
from completion. New
Orleans is known for
its legendary dining,
music and good times,
and this fair city did not disappoint. My
first dinner was at Riche by Todd English,
located on Fulton Street. Chef English’s first
and only French brasserie offers signature
French cuisine in an intimate setting with
a generous oyster bar and open grill area. It
so happened that visit was on Bastille Day,
a French national holiday commemorating
New Orleans’
Fulton Street
The Big Easy:
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the storming of Bastille in 1789 and the beginning of the French Revolution. In honor
of the occasion, Riche offered special wine
flights and French entertainers.
The next morning I participated in a
walking tour through the French Quarter.
St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square and
Bourbon Street were just as I recall and
were crowded with tourists and locals
alike. While in the Quarter I had breakfast
at Brennan’s, one of the city’s most notable
establishments. Located at 417 Royal Street,
the building has a rich history dating back
to 1794. The landmark restaurant opened for
business on May 31, 1956 and stills continues the tradition. With a capacity of 550,
Brennan’s was the busiest place that I
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