New Orleans questions

I am going to New Orleans in a couple of weeks and have a couple of questions for the NO experts on this board (I know that there are a lot of you). It turns out that I am going to be there the weekend before Mardi Gras. Am I screwed? Is it going to be an absolute zoo? Will I have to wait hours to eat anything? Should I spend all my dining budget on beads (the wife will be home with the kids)? My last visit was the weekend after Mardi Gras a couple of years ago, and that was perfect because it was empty.
My other question concerns Boudin. We may or may not rent a car and go out to the bayou. If we dont, can decent boudin be had in New Orleans proper?
thanks, Will

WillG wrote:I am going to New Orleans in a couple of weeks and have a couple of questions for the NO experts on this board (I know that there are a lot of you). It turns out that I am going to be there the weekend before Mardi Gras. Am I screwed?

Most definitely not. You will have a blast.

WillG wrote:Is it going to be an absolute zoo?

Without a doubt. If you're staying in the Quarter, it will be a mob scene. The Uptown parade route along Napoleon / St. Charles is a lot easier to deal with. Plus, you can walk down Napoleon to Tchoupitoulas & watch them staging the parades. It's really interesting to watch them get the floats, bands, etc. going.

WillG wrote:Will I have to wait hours to eat anything?

Not necessarily, if you plan ahead. I can help you w/ that.

WillG wrote:Should I spend all my dining budget on beads (the wife will be home with the kids)? My last visit was the weekend after Mardi Gras a couple of years ago, and that was perfect because it was empty.

Nobody but tourists ever BUYS beads (or, for that matter, wears them when it's not Mardi Gras time). You'll be able to catch more than you can carry.

WillG wrote: My other question concerns Boudin. We may or may not rent a car and go out to the bayou. If we dont, can decent boudin be had in New Orleans proper?
thanks, Will

A car will be a major league hassle the weekend you are going, with many of the streets blocked off for parades. I would not reccomend it. The best Boudin is obviously out in Cajun country, but I'm sure you can find edible Boudin in the City proper. I know it's on the menu at the Napoleon House, for sure.

I'll be down there this weekend (The New Orleans parade season really gets rolling with the Krewe Du Vieux Carre parade Saturday 1/22 in the Quarter) , then back to Chi for a week, then back down for the 6 day final run through Mardi Gras Day.

I'll be glad to give you as many tips as I can. PM me w/ more details.

It may be hard to penetrate the Quarter at times, because Canal Street gets blocked off fairly early and quickly for the parades. However, if you can slip past the barricades, while some time away in the Quarter and you should be okay. Also, if you arrive at a decision for a restaurant, definitely make sure to call them and see if they're even going to be open! Some places opt to shut their doors rather than deal with the maddening throng of Mardi Gras revelers. In any event, there shouild be more than enough places open, so I wish you happy dining, and enjoy our city. Feel free to PM me as well if you need any more help.

Also, check out http://phorums.neworleans.com/foodfest (shameless plug, I work here ), and I'm sure our regulars would love to give you a hand.