We’ve been running into more and more new residents in New Orleans so we’re kicking off a new feature – interview with a New Orleans newcomer. Lauren Adam is here to get us started. Lauren blogs at NOLANewGirl.com.

When & why did you move to New Orleans?

I moved here in January looking for adventure. But a big factor in the adventure was that my boyfriend’s job is here. New Orleans has always been at the top of my “places to visit” list so when he asked if I wanted to move, it was a no brainer.

What do you do in New Orleans?

 Eat and drink too much, write, explore, hang out with my cat and sometimes my boyfriend if he’s lucky. Basically just living the dream.

 What part of town do you live in?

 I’m an Uptown girl.

 Favorite part about New Orleans so far?

 The energy and diversity. There is always so much going on from festivals to street fairs, live music and movies being filmed. It’s big enough to get lost in but small enough that you might still run into someone you know every once in a while.

 Best food you’ve had in New Orleans so far?

For some reason I love grit,s which I had never tried before moving here. I’m a sucker for red beans and fried chicken too. Pat O’s has a plate where you get both. It’s sinful. Surrey’s also has fried chicken on a waffle that’s pretty bomb. Their grits are white cheddar. Ugh… I’m hungry now.

What do you wish you would have known before you moved here?

Nothing! I love mystery. I’ve had a great time trying to figure it all out.

 Toughest part about the transition?

 Probably becoming a Saints fan… Just kidding. I love you, Drew! Seriously though, I need to learn how football works.

On a side note, I get homesick sometimes. I’m from the Pacific Northwest and they are having a beautiful spring this year which NEVER happens! I can’t help but want to hit up my old stomping grounds on Lake Washington.

 Has your perception of New Orleans changed since you’ve moved here? How?

It is actually a lot like how I imagined. I keep hearing that I need to live through a summer before I decide that I like though. I didn’t realize how scary the month of August could be.

 What haven’t you done yet in New Orleans that you really want to do?

I have not been to Frenchman Street yet. I am honestly very ashamed about that. But there are about a million things I want to do. I want explore some of the crazy cemeteries, see burlesque in the quarter, eat gumbo, tour the Abita brewery. I could go on forever.

What do you wish you knew more about in New Orleans?

 I wish I knew more about the history. I think it’s fascinating how many different cultures that have melded together here.

Are you new to New Orleans and want to be featured?

Shoot us an email at NewinNOLAblog@gmail.com.