Hmmm, I attempted to keep quiet this morning during my morning rituals, but I did awaken the 1st Lady....and, it was not to her liking. However......a bit later we went down to the hotel lobby for breakfast.....a continental breakfast with some marvelous fresh pastries and dark, rich coffee with a bit of chicory in it, as is the custom in New Orleans.
We took our breakfast out to the palm courtyard.....and really just sat and enjoyed a truly gorgeous morning: no heat, no humidity!!! Jeremy and Ann Marie(sp??) arrived as he had left his truck in our parking area here at the hotel last night.....and we talked briefly as he had to get to his office for the final day of the campaign here in Louisiana....and, as he said...."a VERY busy day".
After they left......we went back up to our room and then decided to just enjoy the Quarter. And that we did!!! We walked two of the major streets: Chartres and Royal.....and for the next few hours enjoyed the shops, the art galleries, and many clothing boutiques. We also had a late morning coffee with beignets at the world famous Cafe du Monde. It is always fun to stop there and watch the world go by as you sip the really dark coffee and get powdered sugar all over you eating those incredible beignets!!! Ohhhh sooooo good!!
We walked to the French Market and looked around there, but nothing really caught our eyes except an table with some great wooden pens and pencils...and so, yes.....I bought a couple of them.
About 2pm....we decided to have a late lunch as dinner this evening was not planned until after 9pm. Having read soooooo many outstanding reviews about Johnny's Po-Boys Cafe.....we walked to St. Louis Street and found it without any problems..........packed with people and others standing in line waiting for tables. It instantly reminded me of a little place in the Rio Grande Valley.....a hamburger place that is very, very popular: Gonzales. We order just one of the very LARGE po-boys......"Johnny's Special" which is fried ham, beef slices, two kinds of cheeses(melted), lettuce and tomato and pickels. All of this is then put on a long hoagie type bun but OMG, what a piece of bread!!!! Crispy and crunchy on the top and very soft and delicious inside......WOW!!!! OK....all of you lovers of great food: THIS is a place for you!!! GET THERE!!!
This morning we also made a trip to the St. Louis Cathedral/Basilica.....not certain which of these names it uses.....but it is certainly well worth a stop of 20 minutes or so to see this beautiful church!!!!
Returning to The Provicial Hotel, we decided to kick back and relax for a few hours, knowing that our dinner hour was going to be late due to the campaign that Jeremy has been running for the past year.
This evening, he picked us up and off we went through the Quarter, across Canal Street, and to a little restaurant called "Eleven 79". Anne Marie met us there and the four of us had a wonderful evening with a wonderful dinner and wine, as well the 1st Lady and I becoming better acquainted with her. We ordered some appetizers.....frog legs and, also, some escargot/snails. Both were very good.....and the Pinot Grigio that Jay had ordered was quite a compliment to these two items. We then all selected a special of the night which was Veal with chunks of lobster and sauce on top of the veal accompanied by some crispy asparagus. Yep.....another great selection on our part......and not only was the veal prepared really well, but....there was certainly a large serving of the crispy meat. Just a great meal with some great conversations about traveling the world.................!!!
Jeremy returned us to the hotel and we then just walked around the area of the Quarter to settle all of that great food. A lovely night it is......and it is quite pleasant to be out enjoying these marvelous French styled buildings.....some wonderful architecture that has lasted for a couple of hundred years!!
And now......it is the beginning of the election day.....and everyone....EVERYONE is wondering what the results will be!!??? The first town to report has Obama with 15 votes and McCain with 6. A great way to begin the day.....huh????
This has been a fantastic day and evening........we just absolutely love New Orleans and the amazing French Quarter. Soooo, how can I say anything else, but......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
1 comment:
Sounds like you guys are having a GREAT time!! Thanks for picking up a pen for me!
Tell Jay I said hello and enjoy your celebration tonight!
Goldie
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