New Orleans Day 1

This weekend I went to New Orleans to visit a friend.  NOLA is officially on my list of favorite cities (and not because of Bourbon St either).  My host was equally awesome and we had an action-packed weekend of fun (and lots of food).

This is the view from Alonzo's balcony.  He lives 2 blocks from the French Quarter...amazing.

I got off the plane and we went here for lunch.  I wish I had a picture of the burger I ate, but you can see it on the website.  Apparently Port of Call is famous with the locals, which became evident as we ate and more and more people packed into the tiny bar area, and the bartender said things like, "the usual?" to the guy who sat down next to me.  I think his usual was a gin and tonic and a cheeseburger, but I could be mistaken. 

After our huge lunch we decided we needed a walk.  

So we walked around the French Quarter and saw...

...cool graffiti... 

Beautiful buildings with amazing ironwork balconies...

...and an awesome street magician named Alexander, who was also pretty witty and funny.  He asked little girl on the right (coincidentally named Nola, weird) to help him with his "grand finale".  She was not very enthused about this.  Note the crossed arms and the fierce gaze.  (Do not mess with this child.)

And we saw some unusual porch decor.  (that's a mannequin, not a person)

Then I got to accompany Alonzo and his assistant, Ann, on a business trip to a local costume shop.  (He has the best life.)  I probably could have spent days in this place trying on crazy costumes.  

Out of respect for the show I didn't take any pictures, but I got to see the costume department and meet the ladies behind some seriously intricate costumes.  I was amazed.

By the way, the show my friend is working on is called "Treme" and it will begin airing on HBO in April.  WATCH IT.  

I pretty much fell in love with this dress.

The detail was incredible.

Then we went back to the apartment to get ready for dinner.
We went to Luke (even though it was booked and we didn't have a reservation) he called the hostess and she was able to get him his favorite table.  One day maybe I'll be as important as Alonzo...
This was honestly some of the best food I've ever eaten.  Because of this restaurant, oysters and I are friends again.

Then we met up with his cousin and went to Bourbon Street for some good, old fashioned naughtiness.  Not really.  We saw some boys dance in their underwear and each had 2 drinks and were so stuffed from dinner we decided to call it a night.  (I had been up since 4 a.m.)  On the way back to his apartment we walked the length of Bourbon Street and watched the crazies fall all over themselves.  It gave me great satisfaction to know that I was well in control of my mind and body when everyone around me was clearly NOT.  

So that's day 1.  Whew.  I'm exhausted just from the recap. 

Stay tuned for day 2.