Well, we did it! We ate, drank, and explored the best of NOLA with our little diva and relative ease.

To be honest, I’m shocked – Martini’s personality is unpredictable at best and he doesn’t exactly love strangers. This was definitely a social experiment and parenting test and I’m happy to report, we passed with flying colors! But you know, kind of in that fluke way that you ace a test in middle school – with zero studying and the magic of your subconscious that retained info while you were half napping in class.

Here’s what we got up to:

Here’s Martini being devastatingly perfect at the ultra pet friendly, ultra luxe Hotel Monteleone. Not only were the staff were incredibly accommodating, but there’s also a year round heated pool on the rooftop with bar service that we took full advantage of. Needless to say, we’ll be staying there again.

(SOMEONE’S daddy’s little diva. I’d be mad, but look at them. Sigh.)

Then, Thanksgiving dinner commenced! No pups allowed there I’m afraid, but he was napping on a faux fur leopard bed with tons of treats and not a care in the world. We chose Sobou, because hello. The most flavorful, unreal Thanksgiving mush ever. We don’t do Thanksgiving like this in the North, and that’s a damn well shame. Brava! (Also, him : sazeracs, me: bourbon manhattans. Both : perfect.)

Sweet potato beignets with a foie gras creme. I. MEAN. So stupid in the best of ways. 💖

(The amount of women who complimented my dress had me on cloud 9 with gratitude all day, which was very fitting! Girl power, y’all. Always and forever. 💕)

The rest was a delicious blur, but a very special shout out goes to the most magical place on earth – The Empire Bar at Broussard’s. This was already our standout favorite in New Orleans, but after they treated Martini like absolute royalty (complete with his own plate of Thanksgiving turkey), our dedication as lifelong patrons was cemented.

There are no words to describe the quality of service, or cocktails, here – and you would be a damn fool not to prioritize a visit here if ever you find yourself in NOLA. We were spoilt rotten by our bartender Kent Westmoreland, a true master behind the bar – and moreover, a really nice man who manages to make his artistry appear friendly and approachable. Also, he made me the most incredible La Louisiane cocktail upon arrival – my favorite! – so I’m pretty sure he’s a world class mind reader, too.

Overall, NOLA really wasn’t difficult with our fur baby in tow! It was impossible to go a city block without bumping into someone else with a puppy or two, or a request to say hello to Martini. Mostly I was SHOCKED by the amount of butch men stopped in their tracks and said “is that a Pomeranian?!”. Too cute. While planning out trip I worried about broken glass on the streets, etc – but honestly, the French quarter (outside of Bourbon) was cleaner than expected! When all else failed, I pawned Martini off to the arms of daddy and he got an airlift wherever necessary. The perks of small pets, y’all.

Anyway, back to the photos!

On our way to morning beignets!

So. Much. Pink. Be still my heart!

Jon had to operate my DLSR for this one – credit where credit’s due, babe!

This was definitely taken after many cocktails each. It’s called holiday spirit, y’all!

Special shout outs go to:

Cafe Du Monde
Bulldog Bar Uptown
St. Lawrence
French Truck Coffee
Superior Seafood
Leah’s Pralines

XOXO,