Over the weekend, Holly and I made our first trip to New Orleans. Holly had been there about twenty years ago, but I don’t think that really counts. It was my first trip–and it appears that I’m already nearly too old for Bourbon Street. I did alright, however. I won’t say too much, especially since I can’t really compare it to the pre-Katrina revelry. It seemed busy on Friday and Saturday nights, though not terribly crowded. Anyway, I’ll try to limit myself to a few words and a couple pictures.
We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in the French Quarter. Nice facilities, but the service was somewhat lacking.
The Ritz's courtyard is wonderful as were the mint juleps
The food was excellent. Casual lunches at Gumbo Shop and at Acme Oyster House, a formal lunch on Sunday at Galatoire’s, with what appeared to be almost all locals despite its Bourbon Street address, and two very good dinners at Emeril’s and at Commander’s Palace. Oh yeah, and beignets and cafe au laits at Cafe du Monde.
Galatoire's is very old school
Holly wasn't much for the Turtle Soup at Commander's Palace
Mmm . . . beignets and caffe au lait
We inadvertently happened across Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District just as it was closing, so we didn’t get to see much. I visited St. Louis No. 1, the oldest cemetery in the city; Holly preferred shuteye.
About all we saw of Lafayette
The main gate at St. Louis No. 1
Established in 1789--that's old
A little creepy at 8 a.m.
But still kind of cool
We wandered aimlessly around the Garden District. We later found a brochure at Commander’s Palace for a self-guided tour of the District. That would have been helpful.
The architecture is great
And of course, the French Quarter itself is great to wander about in.
Jackson Square in front of St. Louis Cathedral
The Courtyard at Hotel Maison de Ville--favorite of Tennessee Williams, Dylan, and others
Royal Street
A random building
A random street performer (if standing still qualifies as performing)
Drinks flow pretty freely in the French Quarter. We may or may not have imbibed. My favorite locale was Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.
One must at least sample a Hurricane from Pat O'Brien's, eh?
Probably my favorite hour was spent at Faulkner House Books, where William Faulkner finished his first novel, Soldier’s Pay, in 1925.
A bookstore?; yes, I'm probably a nerd
Final picture.
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