My LifeTravel

Headed to New Orleans and ESSENCEFest for the First Time!

I am sitting here procrastinating on packing as I am wont to do. I just really hate this part of traveling. It’s so painful! GAAHHHH!

Anywho, I’m GEEKED because tomorrow, I’m going to New Orleans for the first time ever, and it’s for ESSENCEFest! ESSENCE Magazine’s annual weekend with music, influencers, activations and a bunch of other dopeness. Slated to be performing: Missy Elliott, Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, and more.

I will be there as a social ambassador for McDonald’s 365Black. As always, I’ll be taking you along on my adventures in Nawlins. I’ll be taking over the @365Black Twitter account July 3-5, reporting from the Convention Center, Skate Jam, and anywhere else I end up at the Fest. So follow me there and you’ll see my tweets tagged with my name.

Luvvie 365Black ESSENCEFest copy

I’ll also be posting to my Instagram and Facebook throughout the weekend.

I am especially excited because New Orleans is the delicious food capital of the world (of carbs and seafood-loving people). I plan on eating ALL the rice, ALL the crawfish and ALL the beignets. If I don’t come back 5 pounds heavier, I have failed at my mission. Please drop recommendations of restaurants I NEED to check out and things I need to do.

Everyone keeps telling me I’m going to love New Orleans and I don’t doubt it. Any city that prioritizes rice as a main dish is one I will love dearly. But yes. EEEEEEE!!! NAWLINS! I’m gonna be in you!

Let me know if you’re gonna be there. We can do a mini hug-by at the convention center or something.

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12 Comments

  1. July 2, 2015 at 12:58 am

    That is so great. I hope you have an awesome time!
    Try Mr. B’s Bistro.

  2. Akuba Torvikey
    July 2, 2015 at 4:12 am

    Good deal. Really hope to cross paths with you. I want to hear more of your wisdom on black influencers in the wake of current tragedies and what can be done.

    Safe travels.

  3. Michelle
    July 2, 2015 at 7:42 am

    20 Black Owned restaurants in N.O.

    http://www.idontdoclubs.com/2015/06/30/20-black-owned-restaurants-new-orleans/

    I’ve only been to two on the list. Willie Mays Scotch House gets two thumbs up! Don’t miss the butter beans and get there reeeeeal early or expect to live tweet in the line for a long while. ..

    I wasn’t real impressed with Dooky Chase though.

    Enjoy!

  4. Kelly
    July 2, 2015 at 8:36 am

    So exciting!!!! I just came back from a trip last month. If you can make time for it, go to The Old Coffeepot at 714 St Peter St. Order the calas cakes and prepare for a delicious taste. In my opinion calas cakes are better than beignets. Calas cakes are a blend of sweet spices and long grain rice, formed into a ball and deep fried, dusted with powdered sugar. IT DOESN’T GET ANY MORE DELICIOUS!!!

    Have a great trip =)

    • Michelle
      July 2, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      Oh. My. Gawd. that sounds like pure awesomeness

  5. Tlewisisdope
    July 2, 2015 at 9:41 am

    If you want a slightly fancy restaurant off the beaten path, go to Atchafalaya. It is fantastic! I have friends from New Orleans who recommended it to me and they were not wrong

    • Boo Radley
      July 2, 2015 at 11:40 am

      Co-Sign. I was about to recommend it, and you beat me to it. My go-to brunch fave is the Eggs Treme; Shrimp n Grits for dinner.

      I’m getting hungry, I might have to make that trip!

  6. July 2, 2015 at 11:49 am

    Pack some comfortable shoes because you will do lots of walking and you don’t want to be limping on those raggedy streets like a lot of women wind up doing. You see them every year looking great, but definitely suffering for fashion.

    Essence Festival is so much fun! I have not been in a couple of years, but I hope to be able to go back with my sisters maybe next year. There is a lot to do in addition to the concerts, so do not plan on getting much sleep.

    Check out Little Dizzy’s for breakfast. I forget the street but it’s near the Hotel Intercontinental, and the food is delicious.

  7. Mo
    July 2, 2015 at 11:53 am

    Willie Mae’s Scotch House, Elizabeth’s, Cafe du Monde (Of course), Cafe Maspero for the fried seafood platter!

  8. July 2, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    You must got to NOLA it is one of Emirl’s resturants

    The shrimp and grits ….heaven
    Burbon mashed sweet potatos ….sin
    Cocktails ….onnnnnnnnnn point

    You should also check out Mothers for breakfast….Dookie Chases right when u get off the mutha truckin plane ….. Cafe du Monde ever morning for Benigets. …there is a chicken shack on burbon street that you must hit …cant think of the name but yes

    Alllllll of that …you must …New Orleans is love …i miss it

    • Shakira Harris
      July 3, 2015 at 9:32 pm

      Bourbon mashed sweet potatoes?! *drools* Those sound like I would want a whole mini mountain to myself. And hell nawl I ain’t sharing!

  9. Sophia Pazos
    July 3, 2015 at 11:27 pm

    Mother’s, Cochon, Acme for seafood, and Cafe Du Monde at least twice a day!