Slowly but surely coming back post Katrina.  One of my favourite eating spots in the continental US.  Big highlights are Jazz Fest (April) and of course Mardi Gras (before Easter).  You can get the flavour with a walk down Bourbon Street in the Old Town.  Also lots to see and do in and around NOLA - Honey Island swamp tour, Avery Island, Plantations and Abita Springs brewery.  (Make sure you try the Abita line of beers while you are there.

Food - current favourite is Brigsten's out in riverbend.  They recently opened Charlie's Seafood nearby.  It is more family oriented and even less formal than Brigsten's.