New Orleans ... more

I feel like I'm missing something. Well, I know I am. I'm not going to get to go to the garden district or the sculpture garden or the museum. I'm here in the French Quarter and don't have enough free time. I don't remember so many non-jazz/non-blues/non-cajun bands on previous trips. I don't remember seeing girls from the clubs on the balconies performing for the crowds in the street. Guys trying to catch beads from girls.

I did manage to have dinner at K-Paul's - creme brulee! The first time I ever had creme brulee was at K-Paul's ten years ago. On Monday night we found a little bar in Storeyville that had a great jazz/blues band.

We tried to get into Red Fish Grill last night, but the wait was too long. We found another spot - the Desire Oyster Bar. Food was okay. Bread pudding in whiskey sauce was awesome! This is a great old building - tin ceilings, a huge mahogany bar, marble walls. I had blackened mahi mahi.

I escaped for a bit yesterday afternoon and went shopping. I headed down Canal to Decatur, and then followed Decatur down to St. Peter. There are some neat local shops on either side of the park - lots of galleries. I walked past a weaver's shop - I didn't dare go in! I did pick up a couple of small gifts on my way to Pat O'Brien's where I had to get Hurricane glasses and mix for my daughter and her boyfriend.

I have one more night here, and then fly home!!!