New Orleans Fun

Really loving being back in New Orleans, particularly rediscovering the French Quarter. The first glimpse reminded me how much I absolutely adore the look and feel of the neighborhood but, since our first foray happened to be on St. Patrick's Day, I was also reminded of how I really don't like driving down there in the crowds and traffic. And I would never be able to live in such a noisy place. Still, Pat O'Briens on St. Paddy's Day is pretty special.

Also, I was just astounded at how little was different after all these years. I mean, naturally, no one is going to be tearing down these historic buildings and replacing them with modern skyscrapers. And, of course, Galatoire's, Pat O'Briens and Cafe du Monde are still going to be there. But Johnny White's is, as the sign says, a hole in the wall.

Decades ago, while I was in college. We went down to the Quarter every Sunday evening to play cards. If we got hungry, we'd order po boys from Johnny White's. Really great po boys, so I guess that's why it's still there. There was also a club called Deja Vu my friends stumbled upon during the height of the disco area that's still there. That really surprised me, because it seemed so suited to that type of music. I wonder what could they possibly been doing all this time.

New Orleans is, obviously, known for its great food. But, as with the above mentioned Johnny White's, you don't have to go to fancy or expensive restaurants to find it. There is a Piccadilly Cafeteria on Clearview Highway in Metairie, just off of I10, that has quite decent crawfish etouffee with 2 side dishes for about $9. Can't beat it. Another good branch of the chain is on Jefferson Highway, I think almost across the street from Oschner's. We went to the Clearview location this afternoon and I had a side of carrot souffle, which is also pretty good. Fast, plentiful and inexpensive. A tourist's dream.

Lots to see down in the Quarter on an early Friday evening, even on a quick stroll down Royal Street. Bourbon St. is known for its bars, Royal for its antique stores and boutiques. Today, we saw a bit of both. Fleur de lis are always thick on the ground in 'Nawlins, but it's been amped up big time since the Saints won the Super Bowl. Personally, I wouldn't be caught dead in these boots, but I have to admit they're eyecatching.


Jackson Square, pictured above, is the heart of the Quarter, although not it's geographical center. Behind it sits St. Louis Cathedral. Both my sister and I were married there, but neither of marriages lasted. I don't hold that against it, though. It's still a really nice church.

Musicians around Jackson Square are not an uncommon sight. But today we saw them every few blocks. Lots of singing around the Quarter these days. Today, though, we got an extra special treat.

Back in November 2008, I was one of the people spreading the link to a You Tube video from Playing for Change, where they had people from all over the world singing to Stand By Me. It's still one of my all time favorites, and if you take a look at it here:



you'll see Grandpa Elliott around the 1:10 mark. He's fabulous. And he was performing on a Royal Street corner this afternoon as we passed by. New Orleans is fabulous too.