#WhyWeLoveNOLA: David Rome, Director of Sales

David Rome was born and raised on the West Bank of New Orleans, and he has a passion for sharing his hometown with people from around the world. When he’s not traveling the globe to spread the good word of New Orleans hospitality and tourism, he’s scouting new restaurants and finding new ways to enjoy his city. He believes a good cornbread has a hint of sugar, Basil Hayden is the best bourbon (he belongs to a local Bourbon tasting club), and that Vietnamese food is an often-overlooked New Orleans specialty. David says he doesn’t have a choice but to love New Orleans. “New Orleans is part of me—the food, the spirit, the people, the festivals, the music; it is an all-encompassing package that captures your heart and soul.” Notice how he mentions food first…

Favorite Season: Spring – the weather is perfect for outdoor events and my two favorite festivals—French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. I mainly go for the food…but, the music isn’t too shabby. I also love shopping local Louisiana produce and seeing those fresh ingredients on restaurant menus.
Favorite Bar: Cooter Brown’s for Raw Oysters, over 100 beers and the best cheese fries in town.
Favorite Restaurant: that’s a hard one….so many to choose from and for so many different reasons….if I had to choose, I would say Nine Roses Vietnamese on the West Bank.
Favorite Smell: Meat on the Grill
Favorite Hood: I’m from the West Bank, but I love Uptown
Favorite Parade: Krewe du Vieux
Favorite place to see music: Bombay Club
Best NOLA Memory: The Saints/Vikings game that put us in the Superbowl!
The perfect day in NOLA: Everyday
One thing that every visitor must do in NOLA: Eat a Beignet….then you’ll understand!