Day 6: Nola Livin'

Here I am wearing my Hoagie Haven t-shirt, standing outside of Lil' Dizzy's Cafe. I got a quick cup of coffee from there and then walked around the city.

It didn't take much wandering for me to be hungry, so I wandered over to a burger place called, Port of Call.

In front of Port of Call...the inside of this place has super dim lighting.

This picture doesn't do the food justice. I got a plain burger with blue cheese on the side. 

Absolutely delicious.

Port of Call was packed, but we lucked out and found a spot at the bar where we were able to be served fairly quickly.

After the grub, the adventuring continued.

Found this Estelle Musson House.

The sign on the house reads:

"Estelle Musson had this Italianate-style house built in 1881. After she was abandoned by her husband, Rene Degas, went almost blind, four of her six children died. She moved here with her sisters, Desiree and Odile from their family home at 2306 Esplande Avenue. 

A portrait of Estele painted in 1872 by her brother-in-law and cousin, French impressionist artist, Edgar Degas, is housed at the New Orleans Museum of Art. 

The house remained in the Musson family until 1902."

I thought it was pretty interesting...or rather...pretty tragic.

Anyway, I took a trip over to City Hall where my friend, JT works to pay him a visit.

JT & I in front of City Hall

While I was at City Hall, I was fortunate enough to meet and speak with the Deputy Mayor, Andy Kopplin. He was nice, welcoming and happy to see that there is an abundance of young people visiting NOLA!

After our visit to City Hall, we ventured on over to Magazine Street - as per many recommendations. 

Magazine Street has lots of little unique shops and restaurants. We walked a fair amount of Magazine in both directions. 

Below are some pictures from some of my pit stops along Magazine Street.

Grabbed a coffee from Corner Muse. They had a piano in there for customers to play.

Purchased two 45s from Jim Russell's Records. I asked the store manager to pick me out two of her favorites. 

After magazine street, we decided to head back to Bourbon Street to continue to fulfill our tourist duties. 

Want to know what a big deal is in New Orleans besides beignets, drinking and Po-boys? 

Seafood - oysters in particular.

I don't care much for seafood, but when in Nawlins'!

Raw Oysters from Le Bayou

DISCLAIMER: What I am about to say may offend you.

You've been warned.

"Eating" a raw oyster was probably one of the most pointless things I have ever done. 

Okay, now let me explain. 

I put the oyster on a saltine cracker, sloshed some tartar sauce on that thing and squeezed some lemon juice as a final step of preparation. 

Then I put the saltine on my bottom lip and threw the oyster down my esophagus. 

I'm sorry...what was the point of that? 

The only thing I tasted was the tartar sauce and the saltine cracker that I chased it with.

Pointless.

I don't see myself doing that again anytime soon.

Anyway, in hopes to consume something a little more tasteful I ordered a chocolate martini. 

Chocolate Martini from Le Bayou.

Now that was something that had a taste and I enjoyed.

The Best Bartender in New Orleans, Mr. Dave Bliss

After Le Bayou, we went down the street and grabbed some HUGE ASS BEERS, then called it a night.

Thanks for the good times, NOLA.