Bob and Camille's Adventures in NOLA

Back in NOLA! This time, instead of staying in Kenner by the airport, we took a chance on the French Quarter RV Resort. What a beautiful place- paved streets and pads, a gorgeous clubhouse and the best location in the city. Well, it does border a fairly “rough” part of the city (and in NOLA, that’s saying something. Although, the news in the city was of a decrease in the murder rate –formerly the highest in the country. But, the murders were replaced by armed robbery- primarily tourists in the French Quarter.) The high concrete walls and barbed wire at the top were signs that outside the confines of the resort, things were a bit dicey. But, with 24 hour security, we felt comfortable and settled in for our stay.

We still were running without a spare tire, so we spent some time getting that situation remedied and reacquainting ourselves with NOLA before Bob and Camille (John’s son and daughter-in-law) arrived. On Wednesday, they landed about 4:00 – but with one bag missing. Camille was not happy to be without her bag- full of her new clothes and make-up. But, she was a real trooper (and even managed to get a new outfit out of it). The weather was threatening and we were hoping that we weren’t in for a Louisiana storm. After introductions to Chloe, a check-in to their B&B in the French Quarter, we headed out for dinner at Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant. We had crawfish and seafood and wine and got caught up. After dinner, the wind was kicking up and we were at the far end of the Quarter. The old folks were ready for bed, but the “kids” were just starting their evening. We reluctantly watched Bob and Camille walk towards Bourbon Street, the streets already filled with partiers and the music rocking out of the bars.

The next morning, we arrived at the B&B to start our full day of exploring NOLA. Bob and Camille piled into the car with stories of their adventures. I’m not sure what time they made it to bed that night/morning, but they had certainly started their NOLA trip with a bang. After strolling the entire length of Bourbon Street and having a few drinks, they got back to the B&B and ended up in the hot tub. The night manager joined them, striping down to his tighty whities, and brought champagne and brandy. They proceeded to drink and party all night. When a guest would come for check-in, their new friend would throw on his clothes, and, dripping wet, check them in and head back to the tub.

Needless to say, the morning was a bit slow for these two. But, they were up for a ride on the St Charles Streetcar and a walk around the Garden District. We had lunch at the Napoleon House where they have the most wonderful muffalettas. While some claim that the Central Grocery has the best in town, we love the toasted version at the Napoleon House – as well as the atmosphere. After lunch and some more walking through the French Quarter, it was time for our “Cocktail Tour”. My third and John’s second “Cocktail Tour”, it’s still a great way to learn a bit more about the history of the Quarter and find some great bars. Brem and Dippa met us for the evening.

One of our first stops was back to the Napoleon House. The building's first occupant, Nicholas Girod, offered his residence to Napoleon in 1821 as a refuge during his exile. Napoleon never made it, but the name stuck, and since then, the Napoleon House has become one of the most famous bars in America. Their signature drink is the “Pimms Cup” (my personal favorite). At the Napoleon House, they serve it with a cucumber – just the best summer refresher.
Pimm’s Cup
Fill a tall 12 oz glass with ice
Add 1 1/4 oz. Pimm's #1 and 3 oz lemonade.
Then top off with 7up.Garnish with cucumber

At Pirate’s Alley Café, Bob and Camille tried a “Green Fairy”, a concoction made with absinthe (130 proof). While they tried the “Green Fairy”, when it’s mixed with gin, it’s “The Obituary Cocktail”, mixed with champagne, it’s “Death in the Afternoon” and mixed with vodka, it’s a “Russian Funeral”. (The Green Fairy is made by pouring absinthe over a sugar cube balanced on a slotted spoon over a tall glass. It’s followed by water poured over the sugar cube. The cube is then burned and crushed into the drink. A chemical reaction ensues- causing what appears to be fairies flying through the green liquid. (Note: Absinthe is a strong-herbal liquor distilled with wormwood and anise. It can contain other aromatic herbs like star anise, anise seed, fennel, licorice, hyssop, veronica, lemon balm, angelica root, dittany, coriander, juniper, and nutmeg).

At Tujagues, the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans (1856), we tried a “Woodland Plantation Punch” (way too sweet) Originally an all men’s bar, there were no chairs. The men stood at the bar (and, not wanting to lose their place at the bar, would pee into the trough under the bar). Today, the bar is a great local hangout.

With stops at Muriel’s, Courtyard of Two Sisters and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, we ended the night at Café Maspero’s to sample their gumbo then had a nightcap before sending the “kids” off for the rest of their evening.