You might consider a trip to New Orleans to show the rest of the country how the restaurants and cafes have tried to recover after Katrina. It would be a much-needed boost for them. After an avalanche of coverage, the Media, for the most part, has abandoned them. It would be good not only to re-visit the French Quarter, but any neighborhood places that have struggled to come back to life. You could also visit the Cajun/Bayou areas that were damaged. They were ignored entirely.

That's a great idea. I haven't been to NOLA since 2004. I hope to make it down there this year.

Just in case anyone wanted an update, I went back to the quarter this past summer. I was happier beyond to belief to see it up and running and out and out partying as hard as ever. The waiter at NOLA (Emeril's restaurant) said they had just reopened less than a month before we made it--a year after Katrina--bc even though the French Quarter wasnt at all damaged, the displaced employess and tourist accomidations made it impossible to contiue operating. But now The Quarter is back to itself! It was founded by Pirates, and will always have that Pirate spirit Im happy to say