It was a great weekend down in the Big Easy. Rudy, Daisy and I headed down to New Orleans and we stayed at a wonderful renovated old church and rectory made into a high end luxury hotel called Peter + Paul, just off the quarter. It was unbelievably nice! Upon checking into the hotel, we by chance happened to meet the cellist who was playing in the old sanctuary venue that evening. She invited us back to listen to her and her group play French music. We took her up on the invitation, changed and went to the performance. It was magical. Probably one of the best things I’ve done in quite a while. The old beautiful building with its stained glass windows, crumbling masterfully created art, and a feeling of holiness from times past combined with a beautifully artistic crowd who had donned their carefully crafted ensembles to portray the cultured listener creating an wonderful atmosphere to absorb the French singing of the cellist and her four piece coterie. To say it was a delight is an understatement!

After the music, we loaded up in the car and went over for the after-party of the wedding rehearsal. We arrived a little early, so we went next door for a bit to eat. Rudy and I both had a scrumptious bowl of gumbo, and Daisy cocktail shrimp, as we overlooked the setting sun of the marina on the upper deck outside. It was quite nice. Of course, as we sat down, I noted across the parking lot the rehearsal dinner had broken up and the after party had commenced. So we ate quickly, and headed over. It was a nice evening, and we had a chance to catch up with old friends and meet some people. All three of us enjoyed the evening.

The next day, we met up with Steve and Beth, Joey and Marsha, and Randy and Beth for lunch at the Bourbon House on Bourbon Street. We all really enjoyed our meals, cocktails and friendship over that meal. I ate the corn & crab soup and charbroiled oysters. Delish. Daisy also had her first raw oyster, and after the face she made, I believe her last raw oyster. She did note that she was glad she tried it, but felt the highlight was the Bourbon Milk drink she had; I agreed. Afterwards, we walked over to Pat O’Brien’s for a traditional hurricane. It was a hot sweltering New Orleans day which made for us being quite thankful for that fruity liquor infused drink over a large helping of ice while sitting out on the patio!

We all went back to our hotels to relax and freshen up before the wedding. We popped in to the ice cream shop that was attached to the hotel for a tasty homemade ice cream. It was a treat. The wedding was held out at the airport at an old art deco inspired terminal. It was such a neat event venue. The bride and groom were perfectly paired and it was a lovely wedding service. Daisy and I both agreed that the bride’s 1950’s pin up style hairdo was spot on and quite pretty. After the service, we all went to the upper balcony which surrounded the four sides of the room above for cocktails and appetizers, as they sat up below for the meal and dancing. We all had a wonderful evening of noshing on the food and taking a spin on the dance floor while chatting with old and new friends. The highlight was Daisy teaching Rudy how to do the cupid shuffle.

On Sunday morning we awoke and packed our bags, but before the drive home we took in brunch at the hotel. What a delightful restaurant. It had a vintage French feel: with high ceilings, lots of muted yellow and red and floral draperies, mismatching yet matching furniture, large rooms made to feel intimate. Our waiter was prompt, courteous and sassy making for a wonderful experience. Comfortable enough to tell me he would not sell me one drink, knowing I would not like it, and guiding me to another: The Pink Panther. It was delicious and he was spot on! To start, we all shared a plate of buttermilk biscuits, that were almost as good as the ones Rudy and I make from scratch. Then, I dined on the French rolled omlete which was light and fluffy, yet decadent and filling. While Rudy and Daisy had poached farm egg and stone ground grits and eggs in purgatory, respectively. The food was oh so very over the top and we all enjoyed every morsel. If you cannot stay at Peter + Paul, promise me you will at least have brunch there!

Peter + Paul https://hotelpeterandpaul.com/
The Elysian Bar at Peter + Paul https://www.theelysianbar.com/
Messina’s at The Terminal https://messinascatering.com/venue/the-atrium/
Pat O’Brien’s https://patobriens.com/new-orleans/
Bourbon House https://www.bourbonhouse.com/menus/