Caroling in Jackson Square 2007
After missing several years of Caroling at Jackson Square I returned this Christmas along with Kayleigh (her first time). Our trip covered 2 and a half days and was my first visit to New Orleans since not long after Katrina. Thoughts:
- We stayed at the Wyndham Riverfront. We got a great deal and the hotel is located only a walk across Harrah’s Casino from the French Quarter. Though we discussed checking out Harrah’s we never did. Something about a casino in New Orleans still feels strange to me.
- Mayor Ray Nagin opened the night with a short speech. I haven’t followed New Orleans politics close enough to know if he’s been an asset to the community since being elected, but he was enthusiastic and seemed happy to be there. The two hosts (I have no idea who they were) sounded like a bad morning zoo crew laughing at their own lame jokes and talking too much. Less talk, more singing please.
- Since I haven’t attended Caroling at Jackson Square in a while this may not be new, but this was the first time I remember a piano at the event. Nice touch, but when I think of caroling I don’t picture a piano being involved. Hopefully musical accompaniment will go no further.
- It was cold, which we enjoyed. We sung Christmas carols while sipping coffee and munching on beignets from Cafe du Monde. Christmas doesn’t get much better.
- I’m happy to at last have a local Starbucks but CC’s Coffee House on Royal Street serves better coffee and free wifi in a great atmosphere. Drinking a Cafe Mocha while watching people walk up and down Royal Street is one of my favorite New Orleans’ experiences.
- The line on the weekend to get a table at ACME Oyster House was out the door. We tried again Monday afternoon before heading home and got a table right away. Kayleigh had the Fried Oyster Platter and I had the ACME Special Po-Boy (Roast Beef, Ham, Turkey, Swiss and American with Gravy). Mmm.
- Port of Call is still dark with long lines and the feeling that you’re on a ship that’s sinking. They also still make the best hamburgers I’ve ever eaten (apologies to Clover Grill) and their baked potatoes aren’t half bad either (I forgot they served only beef, no chicken, so Kayleigh had my baked potatoe. Even though she isn’t a big potatoe fan she enjoyed it).
- During my last visit to New Orleans a section of the French Market was closed. I thought the downsizing was a result of Katrina, but it now appears they’re remodeling the entire stretch. Can’t wait to see the whole market alive and kickin’.
- Sunday night we had drinks at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. I was disappointed to see the piano silent. Instead it was a stand for a large television tuned to a football game. That’s unacceptable. Kayleigh enjoyed one of their wonderful Bloody Marys. We also shared a Gin and Tonic that was, well, terrible.
- I still miss O’Flaherty’s Irish Channel Pub and Three Dog Bakery. Both closed after Katrina.
We had a wonderful trip and already have plans to attend next year. While visiting the French Quarter for a weekend isn’t a good way to gauge New Orleans’ recovery from Katrina, there is definitely the scent of optimism in the air. It feels like New Orleans again, and that’s a start.
