New Orleans Christmas 2021

12/23

We drove 5 easy hours from Birmingham AL to NOLA to spend Christmas with Jasons daughter Lana, who lives there. Got a room at the New Orleans Guest House for $80/ night in the French Quarter on a quiet street. It’s an ancient house with old world charm, furniture and plumbing. After a shower we felt “20% cleaner”.  😂 No complaints tho for the price and location and off street parking we were fine with its quirks. 

Lana was at work but guided us to “purple drinks” at Lafittes Blacksmith, the oldest bar in the city. Tourists call them ViooDoo daiquiris but locals say “gimme a purple drink”.  So we did! 

Walked Bourbon St with Fern and took her to Cabrini park to play with other dogs while we got purple tongues. You can get any drink to go here! Lana and her awesome boyfriend Saxon picked us up and whisked us off to a small, beautiful place called N7 with wine and a cheeseboard (I can’t  spell charcutery). After that we went to Atchafalaya, a contemporary restaurant with a chef who truly knows the ropes.  We started with blue crab ravioli and chicken andouille gumbo- both made us cry tears of joy. BYEEEEEEE INDIANA!!! 

But the best was yet to come- Sax and I had gulf fish with blue crab in the lightest, bestest curry sauce and Jason got the chili rubbed pork chop with hominy and pozole. Lanas scallops were perfect. When we go back there, it’s ON. We’re going back for more.  We also got the sweetest gifts from Lana, all of which will remind us of this epic trip. 

Headed next for drinks Sax’s place, the Ghost Bar in the Quarter where we were served amazing gorgeous Christmas themed dessert cocktails he made us. This place oozes with coolness and creativity- mine had a toasted Gingerbread Peep and Jason’s apple cider (Suicider) was on point. We arrivied happy but left drunk and happy. 

12/24 Christmas Eve

Got up and went to Cafe Beignet to meet up with Jasons friend from his childhood, Maddie, who lives nearby. The beignets, coffee and bloody Mary’s were banging and we had perfect patio weather and live music. 

Took a quick nap then rented electric blue bikes to ride to Jackson Square and the Bywater in the 9th Ward. FUN! Had a drunk and some gumbo over potato salad (it’s a thing and it’s good) at MRB (thanks Derek) then Lana picked us up after work and took us on a magic food ride. We started with Cho Thai for whole fish with chili sauce and shrimp dumplings. The pic speaks for itself- it’s was as good as it looks. 

Had drinks somewhere then headed to her favorite ramen spot. Noodles with broth that could cure anything, along with soft cooked in soy eggs, seaweed and pork souvet (?)- you just have to go to know. 
More drinks at a rooftop bar and cute pics. They old folks checked out around 10 and slept like the dead. It was such a fun night!! 
12/25- the big day Gas station coffee, Creole House on Canal ST (meh) then we drive to Sax’s parents house for Christmas. Best Christmas dinner ever (sorry Mom) with chargeilled oysters, roast beast covered in bacon, crab balls, stuffed peppers, oyster asparagus soup, bourbon chocolate pecan pie and much much much more. We start Keto tomorrow but dear God it was worth it. Even more than the spectacular spread, just being with this fun, loud, artsy, musicy, foodie, drinky playful wild sweet family made us both feel like we were family too. It made for the most special NOLA Christmas and we still have the warm fuzzies today. Thankfully we had the foresight to invite ourselves next year. 😂
12/26- The Day After 

Tried to go to Steins but they were closed for the Christmas holiday I guess? Anyway, went to Slim Goodies on Magazine St and had another good breakfast. Texted bye and thanks to Lana who made us feel like kings.