Sylvain's Restaurant

I saved the best for last. Well, the best meal for last.  I had a late flight scheduled and decided to make the most of my last day in New Orleans.  I had the hotel hold my bag and took one final stroll to the French Quarter.  Before knocking off the last restaurant on my list, I dipped into Brennan's for a coffee and milk punch.  It was freezing out and seemed like a brilliant way to warm up.  After several cups of coffee and one delicious milk punch, I found my way to Sylvain's, another "must" according to Julia Reed. 

This cozy little restaurant on Chartres St. has been winning people over with their hand-squeezed Bloody Mary's for a while.  They come with lots of spice, just like I like them. 

Although Julia's suggestion had been the burgers, the bartender claimed that the Short Rib Hash was the best thing on the menu.  I didn't try everything on the menu, but I know that this was the best thing I had eaten in New Orleans.  I love short ribs and these, accompanied with Yukon hash-browns, a perfectly fried egg, and airy toast, made this dish an immediate favorite.

I headed back into the streets and did a bit more shopping.  Then, I grabbed my bags and headed home.

I am sure this is a city I will visit, and often.  I have a desire to share this city, my spirit city, with my dearest of loved ones.  New Orleans has a soul, one worthy of being shared. 

Food and Jazz in New Orleans

Friday morning I grabbed a Starbucks and headed to my morning sessions.  By lunchtime, I was starving.  I strolled over to the French Quarter in search of antiques and brunch, my favorite meal of the day.  New Orleans should really be explored on foot, weather permitting.  

Being a loyal subscriber to Garden & Gun and a huge fan of Julia Reed, I approached the rest of my trip with this mantra: "WHAT WOULD JULIA DO?"  The answer, most often, was eat!  I headed down Royal St. until I reached this bright pink building, home to world famous Brennan's. 

This was, without a doubt, the most beautiful restaurant I had ever seen.  My iPhone photos don't begin to do it justice.  I saddled up to the bar and was greeted by the friendliest of bartenders. 

Having properly researched, I knew I had to try either the Pimm's Cup or Milk Punch.  I opted for the Milk Punch, which will now be making an appearance at my Christmas Eve dinner.  For brunch, I went with the suggested Eggs Cardinal.

Although Brennan's invented Banana's Fosters, I had my mind on other, less fruity desserts.  The bartender provided me a complimentary Pimm's Cup for my walk.  Drinking while strolling is not only perfectly acceptable in New Orleans, but encouraged.  I headed a few blocks until I found Franklin Square.  Cafe Du Monde sits beside the park and luckily for me, there wasn't much of a line. I got my beignets and coffee to go, found a cozy bench, and indulged in what turned out to be a fancy funnel cake.  Don't get me wrong, I've never been mad at a funnel cake before, but still, beignets are very similar. 

St. Louis Catherdral

Sufficiently full, I headed back to the hotel..  Following the afternoon sessions, I changed clothes quickly, making sure to bundle up, as a cold front had rolled into town.  I made it to the Hotel Monteleone Carousel Bar and Lounge just in time for happy hour.  This place is the most beautiful bar.  Had I been there with a group of friends, I think I could have stayed all evening.  They had just begun to decorate for Christmas and everything was draped in garland and lights.

The Carousel Bar is just that, a carousel.  It actually rotates.  Sadly, at happy hour, it is impossible to find a seat. I went to the second bar, located in the back of the lounge, to have my cocktail.  A jazz band had just begun to play and I was beginning to believe that this must be my spirit city.  

I left and walked to Frenchmen Street in search of live jazz.  The bartender at Brennan's had told me that Kermit Ruffins was playing at The Blue Nile that evening.  Kermit is well-known in the New Orleans area and happily shared his stage with various guest musicians.  I adored every moment of the show and have downloaded some of his music, even a Christmas album. 

During the show, I ran into a couple of guys I had met at my conference and joined them for dinner at one of Emeril's restaurants.  As you can imagine, we all were exhausted at our morning session Saturday.

New Orleans - Day 1

My school sent me to New Orleans this past November for The International Conference on WWII, 1945: To The Bitter End.  In truth, I have been itching to get to The Big Easy and this was the perfect excuse.  My plan was to attend the conference, but also knock off as many bucket list items as possible.   

The conference was hosted at the WWII Museum and The Hyatt Regency. I arrived late in the afternoon on Thursday and quickly freshened up before heading to the museum for the opening ceremony.  Upon arrival, I had to chuckle.  I looked around the room and found that I was one of the few women, one of the few educators, and one of the few people UNDER the age of 65.  This gentleman sat down beside me, offered to move me back to Detroit, and shared his story of fighting the Nazis. He was 90 years old and a hoot!

After the keynote address, I took an Uber to the French Quarter for a late dinner.  A friend, who has visited NOLA many times, insisted I try Bayona.  I started with their specialty bourbon cocktail and settled in the cozy dining room to peruse the menu.  A lovely couple, visiting from England, sat down beside me.  He was celebrating his 70th birthday.  

I had heard the Goat Cheese Crouton with Mushrooms in Madeira Cream was not to be missed, so I ordered it immediately.  Mushrooms and I have a love/hate relationship. If executed well, I adore them; if not, there is nothing worse in my mind. These, were perfection.  I followed this with the Split Pea Soup and Quail Salad.  While perfectly lovely, the mushrooms were worthy of discussion.

Exhausted from traveling and happily full, I hopped in an Uber and headed back to the hotel.

All I want for Christmas......

Rodan and Fields - Redefine

I have been using the Reverse for the past two months and it really has made such a difference with my skin. Now that I have evened out my skin tone, I think it is time to begin the Redefine.

Zella Activewear

I ordered a pair of leggings from Nordstrom last month and I love them.  For the longest time, activewear was not something I purchased.  Now that I am running more or going to yoga, I think it is important to have the right equipment. :)

Also, would love some tops: 

I could also use some new tennis shoes and running socks. 

Tata Harper Mask

Chestnut Bag from J.Crew

Krewe Eyewear

Admittedly, I have an obsession with blue jeans and eye-wear.  I love a good pair of shades.  I find them to be a very important accessory.  Having a bad day, circles under your eyes, throw on a pair of shades.  They really can camouflage so much.  I discovered this brand a few weeks ago, via Garden and Gun.  They are a New Orleans based eye-wear company.  I almost snagged this pair on my visit last week, but resisted.  I just love the champagne finish, definitely different than any I have ever owned.  

Sam Edleman "Delilah" in Grey Suede

Cozy Sweaters & Red Wine

Lee turns 3, Halloween, and Graham's Baptism

I have been in Raleigh quite a bit lately.  Lee turned three and we had his Big Hero 6... Frozen... basketball themed birthday party on the most beautiful fall day.  Mom, Graham, and I keeping cozy. 

The boys decorating some pumpkins. A messy, but fun endeavor.

Rob, always dapper in his khakis, plays a game Carolina Cornhole.

It is funny how much kids grow in a year.  Before I was about to leave, Lee squeezed my neck and said, "Thank you for coming to my birthday party, Sammy.  Thanks for eating my cake with me." Not that Lee can't be sweet and polite, but this was such a genuine moment of gratitude.  He was really grateful that I had come.  Unprompted, unsolicited affection from a kid you love so much.... well, it certainly had me choked up.

Lee was so excited and happy that all of his friends and family attended.  He received an awesome pair of cowboy boots, which he has been wearing often.  He has a deep affection for horses, thanks to my father, and anything cowboy. 

These two, looking more and more alike each day.

Two weeks after Lee's birthday, I headed back to Raleigh for Halloween and Graham's baptism.  Jarrod, Emily, and their kids were coming up with our families.  Lee and Jake have such fun together and we thought they would enjoy Trick or Treating.  I  had been craving oysters for weeks and thought it would be nice to have some Halloween night. I stopped at Eagle Island Seafood and picked up a bushel of Stump Sound before hitting the road.

Bethany and I took the kids to story time at the library.  All the kids were dressed up for Halloween. It really was such an adorable scene. 

Jake and Lee ate some cookies, giving them lots of energy to collect candy. 

This sweet little giraffe was happy to see his godmother, Aunt Katie. 

The crew before Trick-or-Treating. 

After we returned, we started in on the oysters.

The next day we woke bright and early for the baptism.  

A really sweet moment I caught of Rob and Graham.

But, as should be expected, a baptism and party can tucker a little guy out. 

One Last Summer Hurrah

I headed to Raleigh last week to pack in some quality time with my family before summer ends.  Bethany is still on maternity leave and we filled our days with food, fun, and family.  

Our addiction to Jubala remains and we spent our first morning feasting on lattes and waffles. Bethany ordered the latte of the day, coconut cream.  I immediately regretted my skinny vanilla iced and returned twice more to correct the error. 

Bethany has a standing girl's night each week.  Having seen my copious cheese platters on Instagram, I was volunteered to put together a little spread for the girls.  I happily obliged. 

Bethany is a food truck connoisseur.  She knows the best ones in the triangle area and discovered that The Humble Pig would be close by one day.  We couldn't pass up such a convenient opportunity. Truthfully, I had been craving BBQ for over a week and this certainly satisfied that craving. 

She ordered the BBQ Fries and BBQ Tacos.  They were equally delicious.  I now know why this is a favorite of hers.

Please forgive the food pictures, but Bethany and I enjoy trying out new spots when we are together. We popped in Driftwood, a fairly new restaurant in Lafayette Village, one afternoon.  We had some killer guacamole, wings, and chocolate bourbon pecan pie. 

Saturday we went to Raleigh Racquet Club, where they are members, and let Lee swim for a few hours.  He hasn't really been since Graham was born and he had so much fun with his Dad. 

Saturday afternoon, Jack and I hung out on the back porch while Gidget poked, prodded, and begged Jack to play with her.  He was unconvinced.

I made bruschetta and kale chips to accompany the pork tenderloin we were having for dinner.

Sunday was spent at church, but first, a quick trip to Jubala.  

Bethany and I ended our week at North Hills watching Trainwreck.  Rob watched the kids so we could have a girl's afternoon.  The movie was hilarious and as always, I was sad to kiss these kids goodbye.  I am back in Wilmington, detoxing, dieting, and attempting some beach time before I return to school for my ninth year teaching.