Red Beans And Advice, Labor Day Edition

Angelo Brocato remains a must visit

I have a built in aversion to places that attract a lot of tourists. Long before travel writers were telling visitors to “experience _____ like a local,” I was far more interested in that kind of exploration.

Since I got to New Orleans four months ago, I have been to the French Quarter exactly twice: once for a fantastic tour of the Historic New Orleans Collection, the other to drop off a friend. I’ve certainly been to the Quarter in the past, I have stayed in the Quarter, but I have been more intent on exploring elsewhere and avoiding crowds.

So, I was a little resistant when people recommended that I go to the famous Angelo Brocato for gelato and Italian pastry. It’s in Mid-City, a streetcar ride from downtown, and has been around since 1905. It was a sign of hope when it reopened after Hurricane Katrina, and residents wept with joy (and probably from sheer stress) when it came back.