Convergence 2009

The last day for early registration for Convergence is rapidly approaching.

 Convergence is Microsoft’s conference for end users of its 4 ERPs (GP, SL, AX, and NAV). Anyway, until midnight pacific time on January 14th, the early registration fee is $1,195. After that, it goes up to $1,495. (Update on 1-14-09: the discount offer has been extended to January 21, 2009.)

(Update on 2/5/09: For Registration Alert Members, Microsoft is extending the Early Registration rate up until the event.)

It’s in New Orleans this year. New Orleans just happens to be one of my favorite places on earth, and I’ve been many many times, so I thought I’d share a couple of my favorite French Quarter haunts.

French Quarter Restaurants

• Cafe Du Monde. Almost goes without saying, don’t miss the cafe au lait and beignets (“ben-yay”).
• Acme Oyster Bar is a blast. Inexpensive, busy, fun, high energy. Local color. Go with a group.
• Cafe Amelie is one of my newest favorites. Gorgeous hidden gem with amazing food. Tucked back in a carriage house with private courtyard. Candlelight at dinner and well spaced tables. Romantic but great with a group too.
• Louisiana Bistro is a very small chef-driven bistro. Off the beaten path. Have only eaten here once but it was some of the best. Better have reservations.
• If I had to pick only one (other than Cafe du Monde since it’s a given), it would be Cafe Amelie.

French Quarter Drinks and Music

• Carousel Bar in the Monteleone Hotel. This was New Orleans first revolving bar, introduced in 1940.
• Muriels Jackson Square. Stunning historic setting. Be sure to explore upstairs and have a drink on the balcony.
• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Love/hate with this place. I go for the 1948 Steinway piano in the back. Sometimes it cannot be beat and the talent is outstanding. Other times…not so much. But I always go check it out since when it’s good, it’s really good.
• Fritzel’s. Small tacky jazz dive. And my FAVORITE place in New Orleans. Lisa Lynn sings jazzy torchy bluesy songs from the 20s and 30s every Sunday night and it’s a can’t miss in my book. Other nights, if you’re lucky Ryan Burrage plays trademark Dixieland and what to me sound like cartoon songs from the 20s (NOT that I was a kid in the 20s). Lots of boogie woogie piano…think Fats Domino. Love love love it. A can’t miss without any doubt. (BTW the restrooms are DREADFUL so be forewarned.)
• Cajun Cabin. Sometimes this place is really fun. Authentic cajun/zydeco.
• If I had to pick only one, it would be Fritzel’s.

Laissez les bon temps roulez!

PS. DON’T walk back to your convention center area hotel. New Orleans isn’t the safest place in the world.