If you’re looking for the best restaurant recs in New Orleans, you might want to ask Caitlin Minshew. Minshew, better known as @EatingWithCaitt on social media, is a pro when it comes to all the best eats and drinks in the city. As a New Orleans native, she not only keeps tabs on the newest places in town, but also knows her way around the IYKYK insider spots beloved by locals. We caught up with her recently to get her picks for the ultimate girls’ weekend, as well as getting to know her life in New Orleans beyond social media. See below for a peek into Caitlin’s New Orleans.

1. Who is your favorite New Orleanian, dead or alive, real or imagined? 

This is definitely a tough question to answer because there are so many amazing New Orleanians. I would have to say Dr. John is one of my favorites because when I was a little girl my dad had his music on a cassette tape, and we would listen to it on repeat in the car. His music brings back amazing childhood memories.

2. What first brought you to New Orleans? 

I was born and raised in New Orleans. I grew up in Lakeview until Hurricane Katrina flooded my childhood home. After Katrina, we relocated to Old Jefferson.

3. In your opinion – what’s the best neighborhood in New Orleans? 

I love the Garden District, it has such a beautiful charm to it.

4. If it’s a beautiful day, where are you going to spend it? 

A beautiful day in New Orleans definitely starts off with a walk or run in Audubon Park. From there you grab lunch on Freret Street, head to Magazine (street) to go shopping, and end up at dinner at one of my favorite restaurants.

5. Describe the best meal you’ve eaten in New Orleans. 

One of the best meals I have ever had has got to be when I went to MaMou last year for my 29th birthday. Not only is the food amazing, but the service absolutely spectacular.

6. Where’s your favorite brunch spot? 

I am torn between Bearcat or Katie’s.

7. What’s your favorite type of po-boy? Where do you get it? 

A messy Roast Beef Po-Boy dressed from Liuzza’s.

8. You’ve got friends visiting, and it’s their first time in New Orleans – where are you taking them? 

Going to start off by taking them to brunch at either Bearcat or Katie’s. After brunch, we head to the Garden District and walk up Prytania Street to see all of the beautiful historic houses. Take the streetcar up St Charles to The Pontchartrain Hotel and go up to Hot Tin for a cocktail and see a rooftop view of New Orleans. We will head to Cure on Freret to grab some pre-dinner drinks, then we’ll head to dinner at Pigeon and Whale and finish off with the milk and cookies at Emeril’s Wine Bar. After that head to Frenchmen (street) and listen to some live music at either Spotted Cat or 30/90 before grabbing late-night food from Verti Marte.

9. What’s your favorite neighborhood bar? 

St. Joe’s Bar or Avenue Pub

10. What is your favorite New Orleans cocktail, and where do you go to get it? 

I love French 75 and, in my opinion, the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone makes the best ones.

11. What’s your favorite dessert or sweet treat in the city? 

I love cannolis and love going to the famous Angelo Brocato’s for a cannoli and a scoop of lemon ice gelato.

12. Best spot to see live music? 

I love going to 30/90 on Frenchmen or Bacchanal when the weather is cooler.

13. Favorite New Orleans musician or band? 

The Revivalists

14. Favorite New Orleans festival? 

I love French Quarter Fest

15. What’s your ideal New Orleans date night? 

We love starting off with a happy hour or drinks at a cocktail lounge, then we head to dinner and after dinner we love going to Emeril’s Wine Bar for their espresso martinis and milk and cookies.

16. What are your favorite local shops? 

Home Malone because they have some of the cutest New Orleans-themed gifts and home decor. Trendz for their cute affordable jewelry and accessories, and  Shake Your Bon Bon–I love their clothing, a lot of their pieces are unique and fun.

17. What is your favorite New Orleans museum? 

The National WWII Museum–my grandfather fought in WWII and my grandmother also volunteered there after my grandfather passed away. The museum reminds me of both of them.

18. Where do you go to watch The Saints play? 

I love going to Tchoup Yard–they have great outside seating and awesome food

19. Describe New Orleans in one word. 

Unique, because there is no city like New Orleans.

20. When was the last time you fell in love with New Orleans, and why? 

My boyfriend and I just finished having a beautiful quiet dinner in the French Quarter and we decided to go for a walk on Royal Street. While we were walking, we walked by live music on the street. There were people dancing and everyone was just so happy. We were admiring the beautiful structures, and it just made us feel so lucky to live in New Orleans. I couldn't be more blessed to call New Orleans home.