Until next time, NOLA

THURSDAY

Today was supposed to start off with an historical, drinking, bike tour around NOLA. I was really pumped about this. But due to a torrential downpour, it was cancelled. So, we waited out the worst of it, grabbed our umbrellas and hopped on a street car to the French Market—a total tourist trap. We left the kitsch behind and charged back into the rain and deeper into the nearby neighborhood, Marigny, where we found a record shop, antique store, and the birthplace of the muffaletta at Central Grocery. The weather was finally clearing up and it was about time for that good ol’ beignet and café au lait. I have to say, I didn’t expect it to be THAT good. Fresh, hot and just right.

Dinner plans change many times as we try to jam as much in to our last night as possible. Katie’s Restaurant in Mid-City makes the cut. We didn’t even know there was a Mid-City so we’re excited to explore. We sit at the bar and take down a Fried Green Tomato and Shrimp appetizer and because they have great pizza, we tried the special—pulled pork, red onion, spinach, and cochon de lait with a white garlic sauce. Solid. While we’re in the neighborhood, we investigate a place called Vessel. A 1914 church that’s been transformed into an upscale restaurant complete with craft cocktails and a sliding library ladder to reach the really, really good liquor.

FRIDAY MORNING

Before we head out, we drive through the historic Garden District, oohing and aahing at the big beautiful homes and wishing the shops were open so we could empty our bank accounts on shoes, bags, and handmade jewelry. This area is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. It’s chill, artsy, very neighborhoody and we dig it.

One final stop…for more food. Brunch at Elizabeth’s. “Real food done real good.”                A quirky neighborhood favorite in the Upper Ninth Ward. The vibe is great, the food comes out quickly and man, is it good.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON NOLA

So, New Orleans has been on my travel list as long as I can remember. But I’m glad I waited. Not sure I would’ve appreciated it quite as much as a 20-something. It was both invigorating and exhausting. But full of friendly and genuine people. The energy they put in every day amazes me: the musicians, street performers, bartenders, and the surliest of them all—the streetcar operators. Each dealing with the drunk, the homeless, and gaggles of wide-eyed tourists day in and day out. But that being said, Karl and I agree this is one of the few places we’ve traveled that we’d be happy to visit again.