Showing posts with label new orleans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new orleans. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Couple Choice Shots
The Beautiful View from our hotel window
The Faulkner House
The Cathedral- Basilica of St. Louis King of France
Leader of the Irish Parade
Drinking on the street!
Outside Anne Rice's old house
heart nola, the final chapter
Saturday night began with a nap and some blogging and ended in chaos. Megan and I strapped on our party shoes and hoofed it to Pat O'Brien's for a couple of world famous hurricanes. So delicious. I love anything that doesn't taste like liquor but after one you're kinda like "whoa". I can see why this bar is so popular. There is lots of outdoor space, fountains of fire, and clean bathrooms. We even saw a native New Orleans rat squrry below our chairs. Fun!
Afterward, we headed to The Dungeon which is officially my fav bar in Nola. You walk down a long stone alley that opens into a courtyard filled with manaquin's dressed for some sort of S&M workshop. A bouncer directs traffic at the door and kicks out any intoxicated "preppy" who tries to stumble in. The place is tiny with a capital "T". Immediately, you're on top of a shotgun bar going the wrong way. It dumps out into a closet of a room with a couple tables located behind bars, literally. To the right, stairs that lead to a dance floor and another dungeon seating area. Upstairs, it's bartenders choice as she slings both drinks and CD's of metal and industrial. Downstairs, there's a killer jukebox. I gotta love a place with $2 Pabst longnecks, but I hear the Poision specialty drink is aptly named and delicious. Sorry, no pictures- they're not allowed. We spent what seemed like forever there, with Megan getting partially man-handled but a thick-neck.
Afterward, more wondering and musings on whether or not we needed another daiquiri. The answer, or course, was yes. This time I tried a White Russian which tasted like cake frosting. We grabbed a slice of pizza and fries and retired for the evening.
I was so bummed to call it a night at only 2:30 AM, but my legs had been killing me for days. Imagine me hobbleing down the street, the daiqurir only doins so much good. It was probably for the best, since we needed to be on the road at a decent hour if we wanted to get home at an hour that didn't make us curse ourselves at work the next day.
All in all, a mostly lovely time. Big thanks to Megan for coming and being a truly enjoyable travelling companion. I would love to go again with a bigger group and when I have more money to eat better (yum....want John Besh....) and gamble a little. The closest we got to Harrah's was looking out my bedroom window.
Pics to come! Look out for the second installment of them titles "Cemetery A-GO-GO" probably tomorrow.
Afterward, we headed to The Dungeon which is officially my fav bar in Nola. You walk down a long stone alley that opens into a courtyard filled with manaquin's dressed for some sort of S&M workshop. A bouncer directs traffic at the door and kicks out any intoxicated "preppy" who tries to stumble in. The place is tiny with a capital "T". Immediately, you're on top of a shotgun bar going the wrong way. It dumps out into a closet of a room with a couple tables located behind bars, literally. To the right, stairs that lead to a dance floor and another dungeon seating area. Upstairs, it's bartenders choice as she slings both drinks and CD's of metal and industrial. Downstairs, there's a killer jukebox. I gotta love a place with $2 Pabst longnecks, but I hear the Poision specialty drink is aptly named and delicious. Sorry, no pictures- they're not allowed. We spent what seemed like forever there, with Megan getting partially man-handled but a thick-neck.
Afterward, more wondering and musings on whether or not we needed another daiquiri. The answer, or course, was yes. This time I tried a White Russian which tasted like cake frosting. We grabbed a slice of pizza and fries and retired for the evening.
I was so bummed to call it a night at only 2:30 AM, but my legs had been killing me for days. Imagine me hobbleing down the street, the daiqurir only doins so much good. It was probably for the best, since we needed to be on the road at a decent hour if we wanted to get home at an hour that didn't make us curse ourselves at work the next day.
All in all, a mostly lovely time. Big thanks to Megan for coming and being a truly enjoyable travelling companion. I would love to go again with a bigger group and when I have more money to eat better (yum....want John Besh....) and gamble a little. The closest we got to Harrah's was looking out my bedroom window.
Pics to come! Look out for the second installment of them titles "Cemetery A-GO-GO" probably tomorrow.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
heart nola, vol II
So today has been a long and painful one. I really should have stretched yesterday as my knee is killing me. Favoring my other leg will lead to pain in the ankles and one hip before the end of today. But enough about my elderly self, let's talk sight seeing!
We started the day bright and early, around 10 AM. My lovely friend Megan had joined us late last night and by 12:30, we were spent and sore. This morning we tried to go for beignet's at Cafe du Monde but the line stretched past the square. Let me begin by apologizing, it was the daiquiri's talking, but the square in question is Jackson Square, not Jefferson. We were famished and needed coffee so off we went in search of alternate beignet's. We found a lovely place on Royal Street called Cafe Beignet . There beignet's and cafe au lait for two will only set you back $11 and you can sit in a beautiful and semi-private courtyard. I have to say, while Cafe du Monde may be the famous place to go, Cafe Beignet was more up our alley- quiet, peaceful, and void of the smell of horse manure.
Afterward, we trekked back to the hotel and picked up the car. I had to go to St. Louis No.1 Cemetery. It was everything I hoped for. Towering crypts and tumbled down remnants stand side by side in the cities oldest cemetery. It was a photographers dream. The saddest thing was seeing the number of graves that had collapsed and no one had gotten around to fixing them yet. On the other hand, the newest additions seemed almost out of place next to crypts dating back to the 18th and 19th century, many written in French.
Afterward, we drove along St. Charles and took pictures of the grand Garden District homes, including the one once belonging to Anne Rice. We came back up Esplanade and ate at Port of Call , a hamburger joint that locals say is the best. On an average day, the wait is at least 45 minutes. The converted house cannot seat more than 40 and that includes at the bar. We ordered huge cocktails and waited patiently outside in the crisp air. The burgers are great, and they should be considering that and a steak are the only thing on the menu! A must!
A friend of Mindi's met up with us and we drove back to the quarter. Megan had missed walking around in the daylight, so we re-visited the square and walked around the nations oldest outdoor market. By about 5, we were spent, so it was off to the room for a little R and R, but not before a stop at the Daiquiri stand for a frozen White Russian- to die!
I gotta tell you, I was really hurting at this point. All I wanted to do was elevate and soak the pain away. It's hard when you can't really take any pain meds because you know you'll be drinking later and you can't coat yourself in Ben Gay like usually because your trip mates will want to kill you.
Mindi went off to a wedding reception and left Megan and myself to our own defenses. I remembered walking past a gyro place earlier but neither of us could remember where it was. We walked half way down Bourbon, turned around, and found it one block from our hotel. French Quarter Cocktail does not serve cocktails to my knowledge, but the do make a fine gyro! It was the perfect cheap fix before a night of more drinking. I'm pretty sure my liver hates me right now, but I keep telling it: "After this, we won't be drinking anything for quite a while. Hang in there!"
Sitting back in the hotel bar, waiting for Mindi to get back so we can tear up Bourbon (I can't wait to go to this bar called The Dungeon!), I'm sipping a Sazerac , another New Orleans original. Legend, or Wikipedia, says it was the first cocktail invented in America. Whether that's true or not, it is delicious and caps off another night fulled by Bourbon goodness.
More to follow!
Daiquiris: 1
Times I uttered the word "fantastic": 12
Times Mindi or I said the word "vacation": 88
Times I asked if I could take (this drink) outside: 2
Cigarettes indoors: none yet
Almost hitting a pedestrian: priceless (or once)
We started the day bright and early, around 10 AM. My lovely friend Megan had joined us late last night and by 12:30, we were spent and sore. This morning we tried to go for beignet's at Cafe du Monde but the line stretched past the square. Let me begin by apologizing, it was the daiquiri's talking, but the square in question is Jackson Square, not Jefferson. We were famished and needed coffee so off we went in search of alternate beignet's. We found a lovely place on Royal Street called Cafe Beignet . There beignet's and cafe au lait for two will only set you back $11 and you can sit in a beautiful and semi-private courtyard. I have to say, while Cafe du Monde may be the famous place to go, Cafe Beignet was more up our alley- quiet, peaceful, and void of the smell of horse manure.
Afterward, we trekked back to the hotel and picked up the car. I had to go to St. Louis No.1 Cemetery. It was everything I hoped for. Towering crypts and tumbled down remnants stand side by side in the cities oldest cemetery. It was a photographers dream. The saddest thing was seeing the number of graves that had collapsed and no one had gotten around to fixing them yet. On the other hand, the newest additions seemed almost out of place next to crypts dating back to the 18th and 19th century, many written in French.
Afterward, we drove along St. Charles and took pictures of the grand Garden District homes, including the one once belonging to Anne Rice. We came back up Esplanade and ate at Port of Call , a hamburger joint that locals say is the best. On an average day, the wait is at least 45 minutes. The converted house cannot seat more than 40 and that includes at the bar. We ordered huge cocktails and waited patiently outside in the crisp air. The burgers are great, and they should be considering that and a steak are the only thing on the menu! A must!A friend of Mindi's met up with us and we drove back to the quarter. Megan had missed walking around in the daylight, so we re-visited the square and walked around the nations oldest outdoor market. By about 5, we were spent, so it was off to the room for a little R and R, but not before a stop at the Daiquiri stand for a frozen White Russian- to die!
I gotta tell you, I was really hurting at this point. All I wanted to do was elevate and soak the pain away. It's hard when you can't really take any pain meds because you know you'll be drinking later and you can't coat yourself in Ben Gay like usually because your trip mates will want to kill you.
Mindi went off to a wedding reception and left Megan and myself to our own defenses. I remembered walking past a gyro place earlier but neither of us could remember where it was. We walked half way down Bourbon, turned around, and found it one block from our hotel. French Quarter Cocktail does not serve cocktails to my knowledge, but the do make a fine gyro! It was the perfect cheap fix before a night of more drinking. I'm pretty sure my liver hates me right now, but I keep telling it: "After this, we won't be drinking anything for quite a while. Hang in there!"
Sitting back in the hotel bar, waiting for Mindi to get back so we can tear up Bourbon (I can't wait to go to this bar called The Dungeon!), I'm sipping a Sazerac , another New Orleans original. Legend, or Wikipedia, says it was the first cocktail invented in America. Whether that's true or not, it is delicious and caps off another night fulled by Bourbon goodness.
More to follow!
Daiquiris: 1
Times I uttered the word "fantastic": 12
Times Mindi or I said the word "vacation": 88
Times I asked if I could take (this drink) outside: 2
Cigarettes indoors: none yet
Almost hitting a pedestrian: priceless (or once)
Friday, October 16, 2009
heart nola, vol.1
So today officially starts my vacation. I've been off all week, but it consisted mostly of sitting around and fulfilling my Bostonian friend with culinary treats, so I'm not really counting it. Now, we are in New Orleans- The Crescent City.
Some time around 4 AM we hit the road, full of McCafe Mocha's and very little sleep. Our first stop: Waffle House. This would end my buddy Mindi's need to satisfy her tummy of all things southern (which also included Jack in the Box, Chick-fil-a, tex-mex, and Sonic). I don't know what's going on in Shreveport, but the WH was full of airmen and ladies in their Sunday best. Shortly after leaving, I must have had a panic attack from the lack of sleep and coffee IV because I wasn't having any of it. We pulled over and switched drivers. I'm told I got 2 hours sleep, but it doesn't feel like it.
The weather is beautiful and cool. It's about 57 now and windy. I'm so glad we missed the humidity- that does not make for good pictures.
Finally, we made it! Yea! Our hotel is located right on the border of the French Quatre and downtown. My room has the most amazing view of the Mississippi. I can't wait to wake up to that tomorrow. Mindi and I immediately set off for food, landing at Cafe Maspero. Famous for po'boys and reasonable prices, they did not disappoint. I had the catfish and Mindi the shrimp. PS- they have $1 Daiquiris which you can take to-go. So nice. Next we walked along Bourbon St, Decatur, looked out on the river, Jefferson square. Daiquiri bars line both sides of the street and are not to be missed. Plus side: you can smoke in bars but not restaurants.
This is my first trip to the voodoo city, and I was surprised at the number of boutiques lining Bourbon. I don't know why this surprised me... I guess I figured that street was full of bars and porn, and the cool shops and sights were on other streets. Needless to say, I was in heaven. My idea of the perfect vacation consists of taking lots of pictures of buildings and cemeteries and I don't think I could have asked for a better city for both.
I didn't bring my camera cable so pics are forthcoming. Here's a little something I wrote while trying to nap in my room:
Even 25 floors above, the sounds of the city can still be heard: the acceleration of an engine, the police siren, music, boat horns. Each blends with the sounds of the hotel until they are unrecognizable from one another. The AC kicking on, the sound of a shower running, opening and closing of doors, laughter. They define the city while betraying her uniqueness. They are indistinguishable from any downtown, USA.
Daily Total (as of 9:22 PM)
Hours of sleep: 5 out of 32
Daiquiri's: 3
Po'boys: 1
Voodoo shops: 3
cigarettes indoors: 2
Some time around 4 AM we hit the road, full of McCafe Mocha's and very little sleep. Our first stop: Waffle House. This would end my buddy Mindi's need to satisfy her tummy of all things southern (which also included Jack in the Box, Chick-fil-a, tex-mex, and Sonic). I don't know what's going on in Shreveport, but the WH was full of airmen and ladies in their Sunday best. Shortly after leaving, I must have had a panic attack from the lack of sleep and coffee IV because I wasn't having any of it. We pulled over and switched drivers. I'm told I got 2 hours sleep, but it doesn't feel like it.
The weather is beautiful and cool. It's about 57 now and windy. I'm so glad we missed the humidity- that does not make for good pictures.
Finally, we made it! Yea! Our hotel is located right on the border of the French Quatre and downtown. My room has the most amazing view of the Mississippi. I can't wait to wake up to that tomorrow. Mindi and I immediately set off for food, landing at Cafe Maspero. Famous for po'boys and reasonable prices, they did not disappoint. I had the catfish and Mindi the shrimp. PS- they have $1 Daiquiris which you can take to-go. So nice. Next we walked along Bourbon St, Decatur, looked out on the river, Jefferson square. Daiquiri bars line both sides of the street and are not to be missed. Plus side: you can smoke in bars but not restaurants.
This is my first trip to the voodoo city, and I was surprised at the number of boutiques lining Bourbon. I don't know why this surprised me... I guess I figured that street was full of bars and porn, and the cool shops and sights were on other streets. Needless to say, I was in heaven. My idea of the perfect vacation consists of taking lots of pictures of buildings and cemeteries and I don't think I could have asked for a better city for both.
I didn't bring my camera cable so pics are forthcoming. Here's a little something I wrote while trying to nap in my room:
Even 25 floors above, the sounds of the city can still be heard: the acceleration of an engine, the police siren, music, boat horns. Each blends with the sounds of the hotel until they are unrecognizable from one another. The AC kicking on, the sound of a shower running, opening and closing of doors, laughter. They define the city while betraying her uniqueness. They are indistinguishable from any downtown, USA.
Daily Total (as of 9:22 PM)
Hours of sleep: 5 out of 32
Daiquiri's: 3
Po'boys: 1
Voodoo shops: 3
cigarettes indoors: 2
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