Got up early to be at the National Park Service Office (419 Decatur Street) in the French Quarter by 9 am. They have an informative free walking tour which focuses on the Mississippi River and the evolution of New Orleans. The walk is mostly along the river and ends at Jackson Square. Danny, the NPS Ranger, was very engaging and entertaining.
Next, I went to Café du Monde to try the beignets and cafe' au lait. Café du Monde was highly recommended by a friend, and sure enough, I love the beignets (though I think the French may have stolen the recipe from the Chinese and just added the powdered sugar).
Went to the French Market, Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie's house (they were not home), walked along Bourbon Street. Bought a can of Budweiser and drank it on the sidewalk (since this is one of the few places that drinking alcohol in public is legal). Bought some Beignet Mix , Pralines, and refrigerator magnets. Walked along Canal Street back to Harrah's to relax and shower before dinner.
Tried unsuccessfully to get into K-Paul Louisiana Kitchen for an early dinner without a reservation. Settled on the heavily promoted "Gumbo Shop". The Daiquiris, soup, and Alligator Sausage were quite good. I thought the Crawfish Étouffée was just okay (too much thickener).
Gambled a bit and used the Internet in the hotel business center before going to sleep.
