As much as I worry about how I will survive after my daughter goes off to college next year, I did gain some comfort about my eminent “freebird” status during our visit to New Orleans for her orientation. My visit was brief, but after getting a little taste of the area, I’m really looking forward to coming back.
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| Sculpture at entrance of Audubon Park, Uptown New Orleans, Lousiana |
Our first night there we were walking down the street in the garden district and came across a group brewing up vats of this amazing concoction on the sidewalk in front of the Maple Leaf Bar.
Every Sunday night they do a crawfish boil, this one contained sausages, mushrooms, corn, whole garlic cloves, corn on the cob, rabbit, frog legs, oranges, bay leaves, and plenty of herbs and spices to make it zesty and flavorful, and a big side dish of incredible jazz music.
They covered the pool tables and shuffleboard tables inside with plastic sheeting, and all of the regulars stood around waiting for a feast. Once it was ready they drained the mix in giant plastic baskets and then poured it all out on the tables. Hungry customers used their hands to devour the tasty mix and in the end all that was left was piles of crawfish shell.
Wouldn’t this make for fun party fare?
We stayed at the charming and hospitable Parkview Guest House which is right near the campus and Audubon Park, where we walked each day along the beautiful trails filled with lush plantings and lined with beautiful grand homes.
I didn’t even mind the rain that rolled in one day, because it was still so warm and balmy out {and they provided large umbrellas}.
I know she will eat well because I met with the Executive Chef over a plate of barbequ’d shrimp and cheese grits in a fabulous open kitchen dining room. He offers a very cool program to the kids, for a swipe of their card students can participate in cooking classes with world class chefs, barbeque pit masters, and other culinary experts and then share the meal together.
What do you think of these cowgirl boots? Would that be a little too-too for Parent’s Weekend?
Thank you for the southern hospitality and delicious food, New Orleans!
I’ll be back soon!!
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