New Orleans – Dreams or Reality?

Old May 21st, 2008, 09:45 AM
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New Orleans – Dreams or Reality?

Walking down the streets in the French Quarter transferred me back to the days when I vividly could picture the events masterly described in the Count de Monte Cristo novel. And when a carriage showed up just around the corner, I could no longer distinguish the dreams from reality.

The truth was - I have not felt that relaxed and free, almost lazy in a long time. Perhaps, there is a reason for New Orleans to be referred to as the Sin City. All what I wanted to do was to eat, drink, listen to jazz and participate in the local events, such as someone’s wedding in the middle of the Jackson Square.

I must admit I've never seen such a fun affair as a wedding in New Orleans’ style - a corteo led by a carriage with the newlyweds, followed by the jazz band and guests with white umbrellas and handkerchiefs twisting their bodies to the rhythm of music.

Music is engraved in every building, every window, and every street. It is impossible to imagine the city without the beat – it will lose its charm and extravagance. As it will lose its mystery without the hidden courtyards that mostly offer an amazing food under the big umbrellas.

After walking around the city, I stopped for lunch at Café Amelie located at 912 Royal Street. The service is slow, but food is great with a light twist of mimosas. No matter how much I tried to do “all things New Orleans”, I could not make myself drink bourbon.

Later that evening, I met my friends for drinks at the Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, the oldest bar in America that is still lit by candles. Drinks followed by the dinner at Bayona, one of Gourmet’s “Top Tables in America”, located at 430 Duphone St. Reservations are a must as the place is a true hidden jewel of the city. It is almost a sin to visit New Orleans and not to dive into a local jazz club. I found the Spotted Cat and enjoyed the music of the local artists.

Next day I took a carriage ride in the French Quarter. Just as with any other tourist trap, I could not expect much. I made a mistake sitting in the front row because the buggy lady was spitting all over while sharing some rumors about the city. To wash off such a remarkable experience, I went to the Napoleon’s house for lunch and drinks. The house was indeed built for Napoleon as a hideaway; however, by the time it was finished, the great commander had died. My lunch took longer than I had planned as I kept chatting with other visitors of the city.

I then found some peace and rest at the W’s courtyard with the candlelight and hot fire flames canoodling the fountain in the middle. I wanted to get lost in dreams and forget about the reality all together. On my way to the airport I picked up a tiny mask as a memory to the two days getaway full of mystery and romance.

Pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3355281...7605166786379/
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Old May 21st, 2008, 11:26 AM
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bachity:

*smile*

Thank you.
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Old May 21st, 2008, 11:52 AM
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What a lovely, evocative account of your visit. Indeed, it's easy to see how time (and care) forgot New Orleans. While not quite Brigadoon, it's altogether a different world.

Thanks for sharing.
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Old May 21st, 2008, 12:14 PM
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Nicely done!

I'm glad you found these special things in the city. I live not far away (Baton Rouge) and have worked in NOLA the past two plus years. I've stayed at that W in the Quarter over 100 nights during that time. The courtyard to beautiful, relaxing and a special oasis in the quarter and gives one a sense of what the FQ residents experience when they are lucky enough to live there with their own courtyard. There certainly are some gems in the FQ. I always recommend Irene's as a very comfortable and wonderful restaurant, among others.
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Old May 21st, 2008, 12:26 PM
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What better way to avoid packing for tomorrows journey to Nola, then to read your missives and enjoy your pictures!
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Old May 22nd, 2008, 12:21 PM
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bachity, thanks for the memories and for maing me very nostalgic for home, the city where I was born and grew up, the city where I was married and where my babies were born. It's so wonderful and gratifying when I hear that others love it as much as I do.

Gyppie, sorry I forgot about you. If you can check out this thread on line while you are in N.O., here are a few of my favorited places in the "hood": Both Liuzzas (one on Bienville St--my favorite, and the one by the Fair Grounds), Ye Olde College Inn on Carrolton, R&O's near Bucktown and the lake, Parkway Bakery for Po-boys, French pastry and quiche at any of the LaMadelaine's, a genuine and authentic N.O.-style "snow-ball" from Pandora's on Carrolton near City Park and Plum St. Snowballs uptown, New York Pizza on Magazine (owned by my husband's cousin), The Coffee Cottage (used to be owned by MY cousin, try the crawfish bread), Cheesecake Bistro on St. Charles (if it has re-opened,owned by Emeril), Felix's or Acme in the FQ, Napoleon House (hot muffalettas in the courtyard), Dooky Chase's on Orleans and Broad for the real-deal Soul Food), Mother's on Poydras (?), Bud's Broiler hambuugers WITH the sauce, The Gumbo Shoppe (FQ). Is that enough? If I had to pick only one of the above it would be the Liuzza's on Bienville--shrimp po-boy, onion rings, giant frosted mug of Abita beer, and artichoke/shrimp bisque, stuffed artichokes. To me Liuzza's is the ultimate N.O.-experience place to eat. Now I'm crying again.

I know you are having a great time. The only thing that is making a little less sad is that I am leaving for Rome on Monday night.
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Old May 23rd, 2008, 05:27 AM
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Wonderful thread, bachity.

I lived in NO as a kid and turned dh into a fan (very easily). We get away once a year w/o our kids and choose NO as our destination every couple of years. My parents don't understand why we go somewhere we've already been. Your post sums it up - w/two kids at home, it is the perfect place to just relax, unwind and come home refreshed. We love it!!
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Old May 23rd, 2008, 05:39 AM
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Thanks for your tribute to one of my favourite cities in the USA. There is indeed something magical in New Orleans...
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Old May 25th, 2008, 07:26 PM
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Have to agree that Liuzzias is my favorite place. Had lunch there on Friday, the meatball poboy, side of potato salad and a big mug of drink.If you are going to be in New Orleans anytime soon, hit the New Orleans Museum of Art, it has a great exhabit of Rodrigue and his Blue Dog. Very enjoyable.
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Old Jul 22nd, 2008, 06:36 PM
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there is definitely a love/hate thing with NOLA. I too lived there years ago. Still a big Saints fan. Have great memories of the city.
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Old Aug 9th, 2008, 11:23 AM
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Great story, bachity. Neat way to present your TR, and it brought back many special memories of my own. Thanks for sharing!
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