Veronica,

If you want to do it right, stay at a B&B in either the French Quarter or Garden District. A few years ago I used to travel there on business every other week (almost 4 years of Nawlin's every other week!). I stayed at B&B's arranged by Maggie at http://www.nolabandb.com/ If available, her place just off St Charles is the best - great hosts, outstanding breakfasts, great hosts, etc ... She also books a few other properties there in town, too. Masion Pierrer is cool if you want to stay in a converted brother that includes Abita Amber on endless tap.

For meals away from the tourist traps, check out Jaquimo's (sp?) on Oak St, Cooter Brown's on river road (one of the largest tap selections in town), or Fisherman's Warf out by the airport. On the west bank, Moe's is truly hard to beat for a hole-in-the-wall lunch gorge.

Enjoy NOLA!

GMF