Arrival to New Orleans

10/9/11

We woke up at the random motel in Wichita Falls and immediately started our 660 mile journey to get to New Orleans. We drove through Dallas. For lunch, we stopped for BBQ again just before we exited Texas. This part of the road was really boring and no mountains or landmarks were around it. We finally made it to New Orleans. After Monica spent a lot of time figuring out which hotel to stay we decided to drop by one of them. That was great because we found a jewel. The hotel was French Market Inn, as the name suggests the hotel retains the charm and architecture of the once French colony. In addition, the location is almost impossible to beat. Most importantly it was not expensive, the price was moderate, we ended up paying about 75$ a night. Try getting a place close to that in PR for that price, impossible. 
http://www.frenchmarketinn.com/

We settle in our room, refreshed and went out to enjoy the brimming city. Because we arrived so late (9pm) Monica's plan to eat at the famous Tujague's was not possible. We looked around and went to another restaurant nearby. Paul said he had to try the Po' boy, the New Orleans retaliation of a sandwich in a bread similar to French. I got the Jambalaya, a traditional Cajun rice dish with sausage, and seafood.  We both had a local Blonde Ale, we forgot the name but it was a well balanced one. 

Finishing our dinner we asked the waiter where to go for good music. He suggested Spotted cat (http://www.spottedcatmusicclub.com/) Before heading there we decided to get some beers from our cooler, after all is the only place in USA where you can walk in the streets with a beer in hand. So Paul's wish came true, stroll free in the streets of his country beer in hand. You would think this simple freedom should not be regulated in the "land of freedom".

We entered into an area borderline between the French Quarter and the Marigny area. Apparently the place were the locals hang. The waiter was right on, spotted cat was the epitome of NOLA's jazz culture. A bunch of misfits, people of different ages and abouts. We got to see the band Pat Casey and the New Sound ( http://www.patcaseymusic.com/html/showcase.php). They were really great.

While listening we sample a local beer from the Abita brewery called Restoration Pale Ale. Made only with cascade hops, Monica though it was too mild for a Pale Ale. Anyhow while sipping we met a bartender from NOLA's renowned draft bar named Bulldog. The guy, knowledgable, about NOLA's beer scene, did not recommend Restoration pale ale from that brewery but did recommended their seasonal brews.  

The band ended up playing at about 2 am. As we strolled back to our cozy european room in the heart of the French Market we saw many cool bars, one of them called Paul's attention and we entered to have a PBR. Inadvertently  we ended up having a conversation with a aspiring film maker. at the end we went to bed.