Saints 👼 & Sinners 😈

My brother Gerry made it to the Big 5-0 so we took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate. My sisters and I have all been before but it was Gerry's first time. My cousin Kenny flew from Vancouver to meet us. We chose the Prince Conti hotel, located in the French Quarter a half a block from Bourbon Street. My sister Jennie and I stayed at the same hotel 4 years ago and loved it.

Jennie cut herself out of this
picture. Only her eye is visible on the
left side! Bobbie chasing the Hurricane
with water. Gerry sticking to beer. 

After checking in and changing (what a difference in temperature to Windsor!) we hit Bourbon Street. We went to Pat O'Brien's located on St. Peter street with one of the best courtyards in the city. Famous for their Hurricane drink, this expansive bar has duelling piano's inside their lounge, and a beautiful courtyard with numerous trees and a waterfall. The Hurricane is a rum-based cocktail with passion fruit. They sell a 3 gallon glass for $150! We stuck to the smaller size and I tried their other well known cocktail, the Mint Julep. I prefer this Bourbon-based drink over the sweetness of the Hurricane.

We walked the Quarter and visited some other bars. It was a gorgeous day and we took advantage of the courtyards and the sun. Kenny's flight didn't get in until 9p.m. so we met him back at the hotel. We enjoyed some complimentary champagne and then hit the nightlife again.

Wednesday boasted the same weather with the sun shining. We walked around and took in the sights, the buskers and the music. We visited Jackson Square the home of Andrew Jackson's monument and Saint Louis Cathedral.







There were many people painting, performing,
giving readings, doing magic tricks or playing music. Jackson Square is bustling with activity and is great for people watching.



Located across the Square is Jax Brewery and Cafe du Monde. Famous for it's cafe-au-lait made with chicory and it's beignets, it's open 24 hours a day and there is always a line up. I can't even fathom how much powdered sugar they go through in one day!





That night we partook in a haunted carriage tour through the quarter. We met our guide and climbed into the mule-drawn carriage driven by Desire. Our tour started at 9p.m. so it was dark and perfect for the tales our guide shared. Passing by LaLaurie mansion, St. Louis Cathedral, and a number of bars, she told us stories of murder, medical experiments, torture and unexplained events that gave us goosebumps.

The next day, we visited the oldest bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar which has been around since the 1700's. Lit by candles inside, our guide told us it's haunted but still serves a great drink. The owner himself, Jean Lafitte has been known to appear, dressed as a sailor and stands near the fireplace. He doesn't speak to anyone and disappears once he's noticed. There is also a ghost on the second floor, belonging to a woman and she will even whisper in your ear. Unfortunately, we missed the ghost experience while we enjoyed our drinks.

Poached eggs on top
of the veal gillades.
My first time making
them but I'm not a fan!

One of the highlights of the trip was joining the New Orleans School of Cooking for a 3 hour hands-on cooking class. My sister Bobbie and I decided to do this and the meal was fantastic.


We made roasted sweet potato tasso bisque, veal grillades with cheese grits and poached eggs, and a chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Chef Eric was both entertaining and knowledgable. The bisque was probably the best thing I ate during our entire trip!

We got our own aprons and some recipes. We learned to say pecan properly (not PEE CAN) and the difference between creole and cajun food. Creole adds tomatoes and cajun is darkened. I am definitely going to try and replicate the bisque recipe at home.





We were able to sample some other tasty delights in New Orleans. From oysters, gator bites, and jambalaya at Felix's, to crawfish at Three Legged Dog (a total hole in the wall), to the po'boys at Deja Vu, the food and atmosphere at these places did not disappoint.




















For our last night, we boarded the Steamboat Natchez for a two hour journey down the Mississippi River. The cruise started in the heart of the French Quarter and went along the riverbanks showing a variety of ships in the harbour. We got to listen to the music of a live jazz band.

There is so much to see and do in New Orleans, it can't possibly be covered in one trip. This is simply a highlight of what we experienced. The music is incredible, the people are entertaining. We had such a good time and it was a great way for Gerry to say goodbye to his 40's and start his 50th year. Wonder where Bobbie will pick next year for her 50th?

~MT