As the temperature hovered in the forties with a 20 MPH wind blowing from the North, Saturday wasn’t the best day to spend much time outside. Wanda had gone to town early to help with the Upward Basketball league, and I was just hanging around the house, when a good friend called. He asked if we would like to ride down to N’awlins with him and his wife for lunch, and also a little shopping. As Wanda was scheduled to finish at 10, we agreed to leave town around 11.
It was a beautiful day, other than the cold. I forgot to take a camera of any kind. Took a few shots with my phone.
We soon arrived in downtown New Orleans.
Notice the guard rails? We had forgotten that it was getting close to Mardi Gras weekend. We soon found ourselves in bumper to bumper traffic along a parade route.
Folks just beginning to come outside on the balconies and setting up along the street. This wasn’t anywhere near the French Quarter, but more uptown.
We eventually made our way to a parking garage and the restaurant where we had lunch. A really nice place called Luke. A little fancy for an old country boy, but I managed to find something to eat. They had a part of the kitchen behind glass so you could see the chef’s working on the meals.
Was able to get a shot of an appetizer, but didn’t manage to take time out for pictures when the main course’s arrived. Too busy with shrimp’n grits, po’boys, breakfast plates, and a platter of hand made sausage links, to dig out a camera.
After a fine meal, we made a couple other stops before leaving town. At the Lakeside Mall, there was a display of some of the amazing costumes crafted by the Zulu krewe of Mardi Gras. From what I understand, these costumes are all handmade by the members of the krewe. Fascinating, to say the least.
From there it was an hour’s drive back home. It had been a great day trip. Sometimes, it’s more fun to just “get up and go”; rather than spending time planning a trip…….jc
I'm pretty leery of going to New Orleans on my own, so I may not get there again this year. The costumes for Mardi Gras simply amaze me. Being from the north I had no idea...
ReplyDeleteNot good to forget Mardi Gras, but it still looks like fun:)
ReplyDeleteThose costumes are unbelievable. What a lot of work must have gone into them.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how the different regions of the country have such different foods. The only thing I recognized from your food picture was the bread and that even looked different. I don't feel we have any real "regional" type foods here in the Pacific NW. Interesting.
I agree it is hard to recognize. I had never seen anything quite like it myself, until Saturday. It was some sort of pork pate, along with water melon pickles, jams, and sauces. The bread was just toasted French Bread, of which New Orleans is famous for. As for regional in the Northwest; you won't find a fresh Dungeness Crab in New Orleans.
DeleteAmazing costumes!! Sounds like a fancy lunch with great friends....nice afternoon trip!!
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