New Orleans is my favorite U.S. city. I go every year. I’ll be there next week. ☺️

Here are the 5 things I must do ✨EVERY✨ time I’m in NOLA…

1️⃣ Loretta’s Authentic Pralines — best beignet shop in the city. Full stop. Get the crab beignet. The French Market stall has better hours, but I only go to the Marigny location.

2️⃣ Black-owned bookstores — I only drink Baldwin & Co.’s coffee. Beautiful courtyard for reading, working and meeting. Community Book Center is an institution. Go for the books and Afro-centric goods, stay for Ms. Vera and Mama Jennifer.

3️⃣ New art and history exhibits at the New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans African American Museum, McKenna Museum of African American Art and Le Musée de f.p.c.

4️⃣ Every chargrilled oyster. I love them all, but the ones from Morrow’s, Neyow’s and Drago’s are solid.

5️⃣ Brunch at Bearcat CBD. It’s usually my first meal of the trip. They don’t take reservations, but it’s with the wait. Get any dish with the crawfish gravy or brisket.