New Orleans has been called the "most unique" city in America and is a city known for its food, celebrations, music, Creole culture and interesting history. The city's economy is fueled by the petroleum and oil refining industries, natural gas and petrochemical production, fishing, shrimping and the maritime industry, and cultural tourism. Many well-known corporations are headquartered or have significant operations in New Orleans, including Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron, Entergy, Rolls-Royce, AT&T, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Harrah's Entertainment, Zatarain's, Capital One, Tidewater Marine, and Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits.
The New Orleans tourism industry stays booming with famous celebrations like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and destinations like the French Quarter. The Quarter is home to some of the city's well-known landmarks and businesses, like Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, Cafe du Monde, Preservation Hall, and Pat O'Brien's Bar - one of the most famous bars in the country and the birthplace of the Hurricane Cocktail. Another magnet for tourism is the Crescent City's haunted history. The city is one of the most haunted in the country and offers ghost tours of many local homes, businesses, districts (like the French Quarter) and area cemeteries. The cemeteries in New Orleans, like the famous Saint Louis Cemetery, are known for above-ground tombs and eerie beauty.
Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, Voodoo, jazz music, and Bourbon Street are all staples of New Orleans culture. Perhaps one of the city's most reputable assets is its world-famous cuisine. The local food is unlike any other in the world, bringing together the tastes and traditions of French, Spanish, Italian, African, Native American, Cajun, Chinese, and Cuban cultures. Specialty dishes in New Orleans include Gulf oysters on the half-shell, fried oysters, boiled crawfish, étouffée, jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and dirty rice, Po' boy and Italian muffuletta sandwiches, and beignets - preferably from famous Cafe du Monde.
