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RIMS 2015: New Orleans insiders' recommendations

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RIMS 2015: New Orleans insiders' recommendations

New Orleans, the host city for the 2015 Risk & Insurance Management Society Inc. Conference & Exhibition, offers visitors plenty of attractions, fine restaurants and proximity to several getaway destinations within a few hours by car. Business Insurance polled a group of local risk management and insurance professionals for inside scoops and recommendations of their favorite activities, dining spots and quick getaways.


Cheryl Harper
Operations manager
Catholic Mutual Group
President of the South Louisiana Chapter of RIMS

Dining: Parkway Bakery & Tavern: Best po'boys in town. President Barack Obama has even been there. Antoine's Restaurant: They've been in business since 1840. Best dining experience with world famous New Orleans cuisine. You must have the baked Alaska for dessert.

Attractions: Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is a great way to see what Mardi Gras is all about. I also love to stroll down Magazine Street on the weekends and venture into all the shops on a beautiful day.

Getaway: Old downtown Covington just across the lake is fun to walk on a beautiful day. It has a lot of shops with unique, locally made art and good restaurants.


Carol Ann Melan
Data analyst
Cox Communications
Louisiana L.L.C.

Dining: Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails — convenient for lunch, and the best mint julep in town.

Attractions: Take a ride down St. Charles Avenue on the streetcar. You can stop and visit a variety of great places and restaurants along the way.

Getaway: Spa Aria at the Hotel Monteleone.


Joe Hassinger
Defense counsel
Galloway Johnson P.L.C.

Dining: Willie Mae's Scotch House and The Pelican Club. Willie Mae's gives you a glimpse of a real New Orleans neighborhood joint, with the best fried chicken you will ever eat. The Pelican Club offers a French Quarter scene with fantastic food and great service.

Attractions: For golf fans, try our Tournament Players Club course.

Getaway: About 1½ hours from New Orleans, St. Francisville will take you back in time. It is known for its small-town quiet life, the historic district with the numerous homes, churches, office buildings, shops, restaurants and courthouse on the national historic registry.


Denny Borne
Risk manager
Bollinger Shipyards L.L.C.

Dining: No. 1: Mr. B's Bistro is one of my most favorite restaurants in the city. Start with the Gumbo Ya Ya and end with the bread pudding. Anything you put in the middle will be awesome. No. 2: The Bon Ton Café is a true New Orleans experience with traditional Creole cooking.

Attractions: Without any hesitation I would recommend visiting the National WWII Museum.

Getaway: From New Orleans, it's a scenic two-hour drive on Highway 90 to Avery Island, Louisiana, where you can visit Tabasco's pepper sauce factory as well as the gardens.


Mike Dragna
Finance project manager, risk and insurance management
Entergy Corp.

Dining: My two favorites are Mandina's, great New Orleans seafood and creole cooking, and Domilise's

Po-Boys & Bar on Annunciation Street. There you will find the quintessential New Orleans roast beef po'boy and have a Barq's root beer!

Attractions: City Park and the botanical garden.

Getaway: I would recommend taking one of the local swamp tours, such as the Honey Island Swamp east of the city, or the tours south of the city near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Be ready to feed some 'gators!


Suzanne M. Foster
Claims risk manager
Catholic Mutual Group

Dining: Commander's Palace, opened in 1880, was recently named “America's Most Historic Restaurant” by USA Today and has won too many awards to list.

Attractions: The WWII Museum is an absolute must. You will love this museum even if you don't like history.

Getaway: Avery Island. Ever wonder where Tabasco is made? Right here on Avery Island, and you can tour the factory. Besides Tabasco, Avery Island is a nature preserve with a bird sanctuary and a botanical garden filled with exotic plants.


Ellen Ziegel
Administrator of insurance-risk
International-Matex Tank Terminals

Dining: Bon Ton Café. I love the traditional New Orleans-style seafood, atmosphere and service.

Attractions: The Audubon Zoo is a must if you visit New Orleans, especially if you bring family with you. The Louisiana Swamp Exhibit allows you to experience Louisiana wildlife up close.

Getaway: The French Quarter Fest in April is an event you should not miss. Bring all of your senses for this one.

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