We woke up with all intentions of taking the city on by storm, but then found a wireless internet connection in Barb’s building….so we made it out of the house just before lunch. We agreed to try the Port of Call for lunch. The restaurant is well known for their burgers that come with a baked potato… as well as an obvious local’s joint. We ate lunch amongst New Orleans police officers, doctors and nurses in scrubs as well as folks in business suits. We both agreed that the burger was incredibly tasty and the baked potatoes were the best we had ever had.
After lunch we let Garmin lead us deeper into the French Quarter for more touring around. It was really unique to be there during non-busy times and it still has very much the charm and quaintness of Old New Orleans.
In true New Orleans fashion, we headed to Pat O’Brien’s …. To celebrate avoiding Hurricane Humberto, with a Hurricane drink. We noticed that we were in mating season of the love bugs…which looked like lightening bugs, minus the light and were flying around—well, attached to one another. Use your imagination (or see the pictures in the slideshow below) . . .
We walked on Bourbon St, which was nice and clean, not at all like Katie remembered in in her previous visit. We eventually made it to Lafayette’s Blacksmith Bar, the oldest bar in all of the US—which used to be a blacksmith store and sold alcohol on the side.
We ended our day in the quarter with beignets at café du monde, which is a famous French donut treat…which reminded Katie of funnel cake (her weakness). We also listened to the street musicians that played “Danny Boy” right after we sat down—they must have seen the Irish man coming!
We met up with Barbara for dinner at an newly re-opened locals favorite- Casamento’s Restaurant. We enjoyed tasty fresh, hand shucked oysters and deep fried seafood. Barb had a big day at work the next day, so Dermot and I decided to hit the town on our own…. Big mistake. We ventured to the “Rock n’ Ball” which was supposed to be ‘close.’ However, Garmin decided to play a trick on us and take us through the GHETTO of New Orleans. We called the bowling alley for additional directions and they recommended lock the doors and leave the area IMMEDIATELY. Good times. We arrived to the bowling lane –which was only able to be found by a neon sign noting “Rock n Bowl.” We felt even more like locals after joining a 22 year old’s birthday party, bowling two games and watching the Beatles cover band.