“Residency – Week 1”
Monday started with a 4 mile walk down Magazine and back – all the way to the Gris Gris restaurant at the end of the street. I was ready for an iced coffee when we made it back to CR coffee.
After that, Diana headed off on an expedition to look at tennis shoes and shop at Trader Joe’s. That didn’t go as planned. Another slow leak – this time on the Atlas. A small nail had embedded itself in the wall of the front right tire. Of course this happened when she wasn’t in the best part of town. “Denny, I need some help.” Mr. Denny suggested Smiling Chuck’s auto repair. Chuck was able to put on the spare and order up a new tire – but that doesn’t arrive until Thursday – so were not driving far and being very careful of potholes.
Tennis shoes and snacks will have to wait until the full size tire is installed.
I settled in to watch the NCAA Final on Monday night, not too hopeful about the Aztecs chances against the University of Connecticut. Denny texted to see if I wanted him to pick me up and go to see John Fohl at Dos Jefes. Of course! How could I pass that up. We met up with Greg and enjoyed some hassle free and great music.
Tuesday began with another run in Audubon park – getting even more humid by the time we made it there. I worked in the afternoon while Diana braved the back deck sheep for some sunbathing.
We watched the movie “Tetris” on Tuesday evening. Interesting opening about the guy who developed the game in Russia and how the initial licensing rights were sold. Then things got pretty dry and elongated with the story of Nintendo acquiring the rights for Gameboy. I would probably skip this one.
Wednesday was a classic New Orleans day. Diana and Kara enjoyed a few hours of sunbathing and lunch at the Chloe pool. Then Kenny picked me up after work and we met the ladies on the porch at the Columns – such a great setting.
In the evening, Denny and Anne picked us up early for our N7 dinner reservation. Denny thought it would be a good idea to catch a few songs from The Tin Men at DBA before our meal. Great idea Denny!
N7 was even better than we remembered. Just a lovely setting in the yard of a small house.
Look at this menu – so many wonderful choices.
We all shared the delicious octopus salad and avocado salad. Then the wonderful duck liver pate – some of the best I’ve ever had. The tarte flambee with caramelized onions and lardon was as delicious as I remembered from our last visit. Denny and Anne split the steak au poivre, while Diana had the steak tartare and I had the king trumpet mushroom – such wonderful flavour. What an excellent meal all around.
And the night wasn’t over yet. The last time we ate at N7, Denny and I had planned to see some music at Madame Vic’s afterwards. That didn’t work out, but we were able to make it happen this time.
Britney Chauntae and band treated us (there were only a couple of other folks there) to some wonderful jazz and RnB singing, while MardiClaw (interesting name) took care of us at the bar.
What an excellent New Orleans day with good friends!
I was pleased that I was able to complete Couch to 5K Week 4 Day 2 in Audubon Park on Thursday morning. After all that revelry on Wednesday, I was nervous about my stamina. Got it done! I worked most of the afternoon, while Diana met up with Anne for lunch at Martin’s Wine Cellar and then did some shopping for tennis shoes. She’s all set to attend a tennis clinic next Tuesday to get started.
Kenny came over in the evening to drop off a bike for me that he borrowed from “Big Daddy.” Diana and I are all set to cruise around town.
After work on Friday, I met the guys at The Other Bar on Freret Street for Happy Hour. We were treated to a short stand-up comedy performance from Kenny. He’s been working on a “tight 10 minute set” in his retirement. Some of the krewe attended the Pelicans basketball game and were treated to a halftime performance by Shammar Allen – “The Weekend Dance.”
Diana and I walked around to Tipitinas to see the Brassaholics perform. Kenny, Kara, Denny, and Anne joined after the basketball game. The opening band, the James Martin Band, were very enjoyable. Here’s a good guitar solo:
And my favourite, a tuba solo:
Almost forgot, BP was invited to the show as well. He enjoys getting his picture taken with Professor Longhair.
Here’s some of the Brassaholics:
And finally some pictures of some folks having fun and dancing. See anyone you know?
Another busy day in New Orleans.
Denny and Anne invited us to brunch at a new place on Saturday. Kara and Jack joined also. Bspot had just opened and sported a really interesting Bee and Honeycomb theme. The food, service, and ambience were all very good.
Somebody put a lot of time, energy and money into this place. Another popular Denny find.
Jazzfest tickets were on sale without a convenience fee at Tipitinas on Saturday. One day only to save $10 per ticket. We loaded up the folding chairs and walked back around to enjoy the Kinfolk brass band set up outside.
We did finally see a Mardi Gras Indian at Tipitinas. Vince and I had made a very early morning trip there last Mardi Gras and never saw them.
We ran into Margaret and Anne who were also buying tickets. New Orleanians certainly know how to turn anything into a party.
After the ticket excursion, Anne and Diana played some tennis, while I continued to relax and enjoy the band.
Saturday night dinner was at the Ogans. Steak and a yummy chimichurri sauce. Such good cooks and hosts.
I completed week 4 of Couch to 5K on Sunday morning. That was my exercise ahead of a delicious Easter brunch at Atchafalaya – a short walk from the condo. The food was excellent and the service was, let’s see, spotty is the kindest word I can find. Diana chatted with the owner and we were treated to a blue cheese flan and some nice drinks. We were also able to secure a return reservation whenever we wanted – although everything was booked up online. Nicely handed by Rachel, the owner.
We rallied in the evening and went to see Joe Krown, John Fohl and band at the Maple Leaf. Everyone else was too settled in and sleepy to join us. What a show – maybe the best I’ve seen at the Maple Leaf. John Fohl was outstanding on guitar and Joe Krown excellent on piano and organ, as always. It was a release party for Krown’s new CD and we enjoyed the introductions he gave about each song. Here’s a sample of the music:
Jack, the chef and owner of Jacques Imo’s next door joined for the closing Boogie Woogie number – what a character:
Week One of the residency is in the books, and it was a very good week indeed.
Meanwhile, some silly Easter pictures from Redwood City:
This has been a long post and I’m going to skip the Book and Music sections this week. Should have a good book report next week.
Coexist peacefully, with kindness and compassion for all!