“NOLA Residency Week 4 – Patty and Brent, and jazzfest Week One”
We decided to get some errands out of the way early in the week, before Patty and Brent joined us on Wednesday. Monday started with a walk and run in the park, followed by a run through Denny’s Erhardt car wash, and a visit to a very busy Trader Joes in Metarie.
Anne joined Diana for 75 cent oysters at Basin Seafood, a short walk from the condo. Denny and I joined a little later and enjoyed some great snacks. We all hung out for a while back at the condo, and then Diana and I finished the evening with the latest episode of Succession.
Tuesday began with a visit to the chiropractor for both of us. My back is feeling much better now. I had been wanting to try a restaurant named “Queen Trini Lisa”, located in a neighborhood that it’s best to visit for lunch rather than dinner. This is a highly rated Trinidadian place. Queen Trini Lisa greeted us and had a wonderful personality. I loved the “Doubles”, chickpeas in an excellent bread, and the jerk chicken. Denny joined us a bit after we arrived and got settled.
We collected Patty and Brent from the airport on Wednesday morning, and our first activity was a walk down Magazine Street to Tito’s, a place specializing in piscos and ceviches. We sat outside and enjoyed the great weather. I was happy to find that they still had the “special” – scallops with loads of parmesan and butter – yum!
From Tito’s, we rambled over to the Columns, passing Denny’s favourite dive bar on the way.
Diana and Patty made a delicious jambalaya for dinner.
Lunch on Thursday was at Mais Arepas. Another restaurant that Denny recommended visiting during the day time. I think he exaggerates, as the neighborhood is rapidly gentrifying. Everything on the menu is gluten free, so Brent could go nuts. The menu is described as Colombian Creole.
The staff were so welcoming and the food fantastic all around. Ceviches and arepas just outstanding. This is high on my list for my next New Orleans visit.
Next stop, the French Quarter. We began with a stroll down Royal Street. Patty and Brent found several galleries with art that was just their style. There really is a lot to see on Royal – the beautiful art and antiques such a juxtaposition with the tourist fare, a block away on Bourbon Street. We walked down to Jackson Square and then over for a view of the mighty Mississippi.
We walked over to Jean Lafitte’s and finished with a stroll down Bourbon Street.
Diana was anxious to share some oysters with Brent, so I relaxed while the group went around to Superior Seafood for oysters and frozen French 75s. That’s the “instigator” look on McD’s face.
For dinner, we walked to Atchafalaya and had a wonderful meal with great service. This is such a classic New Orleans restaurant, both in the menu and the setting in the neighborhood house.
Friday was Day One of jazzfest and we were excited to share the experience with Patty and Brent. We had a drink at the Seahorse Lounge, trying the Gentilly entrance for the first time. Patty got a new sunhat and we entered and set up at the Gentilly stage.
One of the first acts at Gentilly was Jon Papa Gros and his excellent band. Here’s “Hurricane”, the great Levon Helm song:
Diana took Patty and Brent to explore the art market area. They wandered back through the Jazz, Blues and Gospel tents, getting a great flavour of everything on offer. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss closed out Gentilly. A bit nuanced and mellow for the big stage, but I did enjoy a few songs, like “Rock ‘N Roll”, the Zeppelin original:
The “instigator” made a repeat appearance – this time trying to get folks to dance with her:
We decided to make a lap around the track to check out Wu Tang Clan with the Soul Rebels (brass on stage but not really heard in the mix), and Lizzo. Patty and Diana enjoyed venturing into the fray at the main stage to see some Lizzo:
Our exit was smooth and we were soon back at the condo enjoying some Theo’s pizza. The reviews on their gluten free crust were positive.
Saturday was a mellow day – a light lunch at Rum House, followed by a walking tour of the Garden District. Then it was time for Patty and Brent to head to the airport. There was some shoe shopping prior to departure, and surprisingly no purchases made.
It was back to the fest on Sunday. This time we used the Trafalgar entrance to get us closest to the main Festival stage. Entry was smooth, with a bit of a winding walk through the extensive stables area. That winding walk was a lot more painful after a full day of sitting out in the sun. Courtney and Bob were staying with Denny and Anne (friends from High School with Anne) – they were a hoot. Diana was entertained to find our neighbour wearing the same shirt.
The cashless food and drink operation had been a disaster on Friday, so Diana got the delicious trio before the lines grew. This was the first thing we ever ate at the fest, and it’s still as good.
We wandered over to Fais Do Do stage to catch the Creole String Beans, after setting up camp. Derek was seated with his baritone sax – we found later he had a foot injury.
Next was Congo Square for Cha Wa. This was one of my favourite performances and I think Diana liked it also:
Then back to the main Festival stage for Gary Clark Jr:
And finally, Tedeschi Trucks Band, a major highlight for me. They just play at a whole different level than most bands. Here’s “Take Me as I Am”, a terrific example of Susan’s vocal prowess:
“Just Won’t Burn” is a great example of Susan’s guitar skills and vocals together. A great way to finish out week one of the fest.
I agreed to walk around to Gentilly with Diana on the way out to catch some of Kenny Loggins final tour. He finished with the classics, including “Danger Zone” and “Footloose.”
The six of us tried the new restaurant, “Hungry Eyes”, after the fest. This is a brand new place near the condo, operated by Mason Hereford of “Turkey and the Wolf” fame. It has an 80s theme, hence naming it after the song from Footloose. We sat in the “neon area” and enjoyed some delicious snacks. The seafood curry with roti bread was amazing – I’ll be back for that again soon.
Plenty of music already and no time for reading, so we’ll skip those sections this week.
Coexist peacefully, with kindness and compassion for all!