New Orleans has been on my bucket list for a very long time, so I was really excited to come for our first visit. We got a free hotel by signing up for a time share presentation, and we took advantage of our southwest companion passes and points for the flights. The hotel, the Voco Saint James, is nice, and right by the French Quarter without being in the middle of the noise.
We slept in a little because of the time change, but eventually had brunch at the Ruby Slipper, which was a five minute walk. The food was incredible, and the house made biscuits were so light and buttery.
After brunch, Bill and Liam went to a barber shop for haircuts. I usually cut the kids’ hair at home, and Liam said that although he wouldn’t want to go out for it all the time, it was nice when they used foam and a straight razor on his neck.
Meanwhile, Willow, River and I took the streetcar to the French Market. Just the trip was an adventure.
The Market itself had some unique things on offer. Lots of typical tourist junk, plus uniquely New Orleans souvenirs, and stands by local artists selling their work.
Willow wasn’t feeling 100% after taking medication for itchy hives, so we didn’t stay long. We did stop for snoballs and a giant pickle for the road though.
We cooled off in the hotel’s “intimate dipping pool” which is a really nice way of saying tiny little pool in a courtyard.
The walk to Bourbon Street for dinner took us by some beautiful buildings, interesting shops, and live music. Everything was colorful, even the cars!
We ate at Mambo’s on Bourbon street. We were excited to try some local dishes. We started with gator bites, half regular and half blackened. The remoulade it came with for dipping was nicely seasoned. It feels really cliche to say, but it really *does* taste like chicken. Willow is generally a picky eater, so we were really proud of her for trying it. We played a game while waiting for our food.
New Orleans food is generally spicier than what we are used to, so we weren’t shocked to find that they had TWO types of hot sauce on the table. We wanted to try some authentic local food, so Liam ordered fried chicken while Bill and I had red fish with creole sauce over a crab cake and seafood rice, with a side of mustard greens. We had bread pudding for dessert. The food was fantastic and we left feeling full.
On our walk back to the hotel, Bourbon Street was hopping. Music came from every doorway, and there was one lady throwing beads from a balcony. Bill got even more people taking him up on his free hugs shirt. He wears that shirt on every trip, and New Orleans has been the most hugs he has gotten anywhere.
