The Big Easy

I had the opportunity to go down to New Orleans for a work conference, and I was really excited to explore a new area of the country. The people that I met were great, and the tourist areas of the city were definitely back after the hurricane. I was on a limited schedule and didn’t have a rental car, so I didn’t see the areas that still needed rebuilding. And there are a lot of areas. From our Synod Assembly last month Jenn and I learned that they will be rebuilding for over fifteen years! To find out what you could do to help, check out http://www.elca.org/disaster/article.asp?id=47&mode=1.

So much to do and see, and so little time. I’d have to say that I maximized my experience by getting out for lunch and after the conference, walking to the Garden district, up the river, and through the French Quarter. The beer of choice was Abita, a local brewery with several varieties on draft that was everywhere. Hitting just the highlights:
- Getting the chicken and andouille gumbo with a nice Kolsch called Sommerfest at Gordon Biersch located at Harrah’s casino (I won $160). Nice and close to the convention center.
- Savoring a cheeseburger in paradise (i.e., burger with lettuce and tomato, Heinze57 and French fried potatoes, a big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer) at Margarittaville (http://margaritaville.com/). The draft was the Lone Palm by A-B, and it was nice how the bar fit in with the local French Market.
- Eating red beans and rice (with LOTS of Tabisco) at the Bulldog (http://bulldog.draftfreak.com/index.php). Multiple taps, local favorites, dog friendly, and the coolest water fountain that I’ve ever seen. Introduced to the fact that New Orleans do not have an open container law, which allowed me to walk through the Garden District with an Abita Andygator, a really nice barleywine that they had on draft.
- Having the Cajun grilled trout with dirty rice at Zea’s grill, where they brew their own but only serve in bottles. I particularly liked their Category 5 Hurricane American pale ale.
- Trying the chicken and crab gumbo at Crescent City brewing (http://www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com/), accompanied with a Black Forest lager. Place was nice and centrally located on Decatur St., but it isn’t open for lunch.
- Getting a Gimbergen Double to go from DBA (http://www.drinkgoodstuff.com/no/default.asp), so that I had a beer of quality while I walked Bourbon street. DBA is the sister bar to one in NYC, and I was sorry to find out that they did not serve food (although you are welcome to bring in your own).
- Eating a Catfish po’ boy at the House of Blues, washing it down with an Abita Amber, and listening to some music.
- Walking to Café Du Monde (http://www.cafedumonde.com/) before sunrise to get a Café Au Lait with some beignets. The conference attendees apparently loved the Starbucks in the hotel, but I loved the experience of doing something unique. The sunrise over the river was an added bonus.
- Savoring my last meal of Jambalaya with an Abita Turbo Dog at the Gumbo Shop next to Jackson square. I think I saved the best for last.
I can’t wait to return to share the experience with my family. New Orleans has children’s museums, boat rides, aquariums, and so much more. And always remember that when you travel, don’t be afraid to embrace the local cuisine. I ate too much, but Weight Watchers will always have a seat for me. Sorry this blog is so long, but so much to share, so little time. - 4248

"We’re wanted men, we’ll strike again, but first let’s have a beer." – Jimmy Buffett