Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler

Ah, New Orleans. The weather is gross but it’s great to be here. We started the morning with more chaos at the hotel valet. Our car was one floor up and we still waited over 20 minutes for it to arrive. Not wanting to repeat the night before, we canceled our reservation on Canal St. and immediately sought a quieter location in Metairie. Much better choice! Self-parking, no fees, free wifi, and they even gave me a few free Abitas at the bar. That decision made, we headed to Camellia Grill for breakfast.

This is the one place we never miss in New Orleans. For those unfamiliar, it’s a counter service restaurant that opened in the 1940s. They recently refused to be videotaped for the show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, since it is neither a diner nor dive. And it is such a popular establishment that people covered the building front with notes begging them to reopen after Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully, they did. There is always a line outside on weekends and it is worth the wait. (Frankly, anything with a line in New Orleans is a good sign; locals are willing to wait  for good food here.)

Marshall enjoyed a bloody mary while in line, and we chuckled over the tourist asking everyone what she should order. She didn’t seem to believe us that everything on the menu is good.

After a full plate of ham and eggs (and a chocolate freeze for Marshall), we sat on the porch at Café Luna for a few hours. This was Marshall’s favorite study spot in med school and one of our favorite places to visit together now. We can easily spend an entire afternoon on the porch drinking coffee and reading, people watching or just relaxing.

Then came the socializing! We were able to meet up with most of our friends that evening for dinner and had a fantastic time. Po’boys and beer at Parkway Bakery and Tavern; I had the roast beef with gravy and shrimp – delicious! It was just so great to see everyone, and Marshall was able to have some juice with Francois later that evening (aka Crown and Coke). 

Christy and John

Marshall and Christy

Francois and Katy

Shawn, Jade and Marshall

Francois and Leslie

Mike