I love New Orleans, but hadnt been for over 4 1/2 years (october 2003). A lot has happened, both with the city and myself over that period. I lost Roy in 2006 and the City of New Orleans went throught many travails related to Hurricane Katrina, so things really hadnt been conducive on either side, but after a year and a half of grief and depression, I decided it was time to get back to one of my favorite cities. Fortunately, I now know a delightful T-girl that lives in Baton Rouge but travels to NO when given just bout any excuse, and I was willing to be her excuse. :)
Having her hanging out with me for most of the week turned out to be "educational" for both of us. For one thing, I usually dont get out of the Quarter, but under her guidance I went out several times. Thrusday night I wented to The Country Club at 634 Louisa St in the Marigny. This restaurant/bar is unique in that it has a cabana bar and a jacuzzi. We went for the food however, which was great. They actually served us, even thought they were supposed to be closed 10 minutes before we walked it. Not many places do that. We tried for a few pictures outside by the pool, but they didnt turn out to well, but it looked like it could be a fun place there as well.
On Friday, we toured the city, went to the 9th Ward (both upper and lower) and Lake Ponchetran, where I ate onion straws and banana foster at the Landry. Good food, good scenery of the water as you will see some of the pictures below.
Friday night we went to see Marcy Marcelle do a show at the Starlight, a delightly friendly little bar at 834 N Rampart. Saturday was spend visiting a friend of Valerie's at the Gay and Lesbian Center and discussing T-politics (Krystal), followed by a trip to one of my favorite bars Double Play at 439 Dauphine. This French Quarter bar is a long standing institution and a good place to go to meet some of the characters that makes New Orleans and the Quarter so unique.
We closed out Saturday night first grabbing a bit (we both had the prime rib) at a Quarter eatery, Petunies at 817 St Louis. Food was good, altought I was a little less impressed than on previous trips..didnt seem quite as friendly as I remembered it. BTW, if you have an appetite for life on the wild side, you might want to step next door to Le Roundup, not exactly a luxury bar, but it has a certain charm. We closed out the evening by going to one of the friendliest bars I have ever been to called Big Daddy's to see Marcy in her Saturday show. I love nice guys and I will remember Spike and many of the other guys for a long time. Very friendly, very open, and very accepting. As one of the regulars at this Marigny fav said, it might not be the BEST drag show in NO, but it was the most fun. I tend to think he knew what he was talking about.
Sunday, right before checking out of the hotel, I went to The Clover Grill at 900 Bourbon (early Sunday morning is about the only time I can stand Bourbon..LOL) for Breakfast. As usual in NO, the eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns are just about more than I could eat. Oh and dont let me forget to mention that La Peniche in the Marigny is also wonderful, with a great breakfast as well. They have a wide range, serving breakfasts that include steak and pork chops. Valerie and i ate there twice, on Friday and Saturday morning and there will be pictures to "prove" it.
Once more I enjoyed New Orleans, and really want to go back soon. I truely recommend any of the establishments mentioned on this page..they were all fun, friendly places. In addition to all the other things that I love about this city, the men are something else. If you like young men, as I do, you will find some of the most beautiful young men, whether you like porcelain guys with the fairest of complexions or lovely brown delites. As they get older, they seem to get more interesting. So, till next trip, over and out. (grin)
