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July 27, 2015

New Orleans Day Two

I'm seriously missing New Orleans. So bear with me as I continue to recap each day, with probably an overload of photos. I couldn't help myself! 

So after I last left off, our group ventured to Bourbon Street to start the long weekend off.




Probably one of the few super touristy-giveaway thing we did - order Big Ass Beers.



After our big night our, we woke up the next morning and all met at Acme Oyster House.




We couldn't turn down Boo Fries - french fries drenched in roast beef gravy and shredded cheese.



Followed by several orders of Char-grilled Oysters, none of which EH actually ate but he did enjoy the bread dipped in the sauce. SO good.



EH and I went for fried catfish and red beans and rice, a staple of New Orleans.




My MIL went for the soft shell crab. I think it's safe to say she enjoyed it!




After a starch heavy lunch and a little hair of the dog, we were ready to set out for our first day of walking around New Orleans. Hot! But under beautiful clear blue skies.






I'm sure it's cliche but I so enjoyed the architecture of New Orleans - so ornate and beautiful.

We stopped into a couple shops along the way. My favorite was this Antiques shop - though I regret to say I didn't catch the name. But how fun was this guy in the bottom right? He was shopping for pocket watches. I wanted to be his friend.




A case in the corner held nothing but vintage Chanel - my heart could burst!



But what I really coveted was this - a signed record from The Blues Brothers! My absolute favorite movie of all time. 



Sadly I didn't have enough pocket money for this one. Maybe one day!

On we kept walking, passing fences filled with artwork. 



People kept stopping to check out this piece, but it still it remained. Wonder why!






I have an affinity for horses - this guy was my favorite of all the tour horses.



We popped into a few different shops - this one was fun! So many ties, bowties and pocket squares. Very Southern.






Eventually we found Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar.




Which was REALLY cool - we found a couple of pub tables in the dark back corner and enjoyed the coolness of the room. If I had to find something to complain about, it would be the smell. I don't even know how to describe it but we all noticed it. But still fun, I would definitely give it a shot.

Next up was the French Market. 



I walked out with a few trinkets from here - a few custom Lego men for DH, a Blue Dog print and boiled peanuts. 

Eventually our group split up to head back to their hotels to get ready for the night. EH and I enjoyed a few street performers.





The man in gold was my favorite - he really did look like a statue until he started dancing. So fun!

There's still so much but this was one of my favorite days. 

July 23, 2015

New Orleans Night One

Last weekend EH and I piled into the third row of a family friend's SUV and headed further down south to New Orleans.

New Orleans! My very first visit. 

We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, which was extraordinary.


I cracked up when I uploaded this, EH was checking the bathroom out with me. 


Our views were pretty terrific!



For dinner Friday night we ventured to Johnny Sanchez Restaurant where they were held a private event hosted by Tres Agave Tequila.  

The first hour was a build your own cocktail bar - you chose the tequila, the mixer, juices and garnishes. So fun!





I went with a little agave nectar, grapefruit and lime wedges. EH chose strawberry with jalapenos!


EH always ends up with pink drinks, it's crazy. These were both delicious but our favorite margarita out of the group had cucumber and jalapeno. So refreshing and delicious!

The restaurant had a cool, funky vibe.




And we even had the opportunity to meet the Chef!


After the cocktail hour, we all settled into our table and started the night with a champagne toast.



Then the courses of food and tequila really began.


First drink was a shot of the Tres Agave tequila followed by a chaser of Chef Miles Sangrita. Delicious when you took a sip of the tequila then sipped the sangrita. Not so great mixed together. Weird! 




The crispy shrimp salad was first up.


A little reminiscent of bang bang shrimp, but infinitely fresher and more delicious. I'm not usually a huge fan of shrimp but spoiler alert, this was my favorite dish!

Next up were Duck Carnitas and the newest tequila concoction. 





The third course was a delicious rib-eye, but by this point we were all wrapped up in the tequila drinks. This was a more traditional margarita, and so pretty!


The meal ended with a brandy sifter of tequila and amazing Salted Mexican Lime Flan. So good!


You can see where the night led us!



The best part of the night were the SNL reenactments. I couldn't even tell you what they were acting out (thanks tequila!) but our end of the table were dying laughing.




EH was just as involved in the table-side skit as our friend here, don't let his shy face fool you!

It was a wonderful night - LOTS of tequila (we all swore it off for..a day), lots of great good, and most importantly, wonderful company to share it with. 

And just the beginning of our NOLA adventure!