NCIS: New Orleans Star Zoe McLellan Dishes on The Big Easy

Typically, we ask stars to share their haute secrets to Los Angeles. But how could we resist an opportunity to discover all the secret spots in The Big Easy, courtesy of a SoCal-born gal who lives and breathes them every day? That girl would be NCIS: New Orleans star Zoe McLellan, who stars on the hit CBS series special agent Meredith Brody, alongside Scott Bakula and Lucas Black.  McLellan, who is also known for her role as Jennifer Coates on JAG as well as in the series Dirty Sexy Money and films like Dungeons & Dragon, Inventing the Abbotts and Mr. Holland’s Opus, first discovered her love of acting when she was a little girl, telling her aunt that she wanted to be ‘inside the TV.’  She certainly has seen that dream become a reality.  An all-around creative person, McLellan is also a singer/songwriter, performing her original music in the cabaret show “L’efflueur des Sens” at the King King Club in Hollywood. McLellan, who was born in La Jolla, is a Los Angeles resident who relocated to New Orleans for her new show, also happens to be the 6^th generation of her family to live in the Crescent City.  Needless to say, she’s loving it. Here, she shares her insider’s guide to New Orleans.

Where were you born: La Jolla, CA

How long in New Orleans:  2 years

Neighborhood: Lakeview

Occupation: Actress

Favorite Restaurant:Peche

Best Sushi: Lakeview Pearl

Best Italian: Dominca

Best dessert: Peche

Best place for a romantic date:  Bacchanal

Best Sunday brunch: Elisabeth’s

Best place for a power business meeting: Galitoires

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Magazine Street

Best Spa:Windsor Court Hotel Spa

Favorite Charity Event: St. Baldricks

Favorite Cultural Event: Jazzfest

Best Steakhouse: Not sure, I don’t eat steak. The fish at Chophouse is great.

Best Pizza:Pizza Delicious

Best Lunch: HiVolt (casual) Dorris Metropolitan (upscale)

Best Massage: Windsor Court Hotel Spa

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Jeff (taxi service) 859.489.5079

Best Museum/Exhibit: NOMA

Describe your city in three words: Soulful, Rich, Proud

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Preservation Hall

All-around favorite spot in New Orleans:  City Park

Best Aspect of New Orleans:  The music!