The Insider's Guide to New Orleans

Writer L Kasimu Harris lets us in on the city's secrets as featured in our downloadable Wallpaper* Guide

Born and bred in the Seventh Ward, L Kasimu Harris now lives in New Orleans East, where he enjoys sitting peacefully on Lake Pontchartrain’s newly constructed levees. He currently writes ‘Parish Chic’, a style column for Oxford American magazine. Harris plunders myriad stores for his wardrobe, but favours Vernon (2049 Magazine Street) for its contemporary take on Southern style, including seersucker ties by local designer Micaiah Bethune Thewildlifereserve.com

To keep himself looking as sharp as his outfits, he likes to work out at the Jewish Community Center (5342 St Charles Avenue). As a place to sit, write and socialise, he frequents Café Treme (1501 St Philip Street). At lunch, he tracks down his favourite food truck, Taceaux Loceaux, and for dinner, he enjoys the intimate atmosphere and sautéed fresh fish at Vincent’s Italian Cuisine (7839 St Charles Avenue). Since his early teens, Harris’ go-to venue for live music has been Snug Harbor (626 Frenchmen Street).

However, he says the jazz that accompanies the Sunday brunch at Sweet Lorraine’s (1931 St Claude Avenue) is as classic as the club’s Creole cuisine. On Friday nights, you can often find him at Handsome Willy’s (218 S Robertson Street), where DJ RQ Away spins eclectic beats until late. We hope our preview has given you an idea for a new year city break. You can find out about the places mentioned above - and more - by downloading our new Wallpaper* City Guides here.