New Orleans - Our 33rd Anniversary - Day 13

It was really foggy this morning, like it gets at home sometimes. We decided we would take the Algiers Ferry to the city today $2 for a one-way trip, $1 for seniors. Unfortunately, the view was nonexistent due to the fog. It is just a very short ferry ride across the Mississippi into New Orleans. Our first stop was a little tourist booth with a woman who gave us all sorts of information and coupons. Buy on meal, get one free or buy 2 entrées and get a bottle of wine free, etc. We booked a city tour for Monday, which will pick us up near the ferry disembarks and takes us all around the city with 2 walking tours as well. We opted for this instead of the Hop On, Hop Off because it was a smaller bus and went more places. We leisurely walked by many shops, enjoyed the architecture, and took in the sights on our way to Galatoire’s where we had 12 noon reservations. It didn’t take long and we were actually there by 11:30a when they opened so we went early. They have a lovely and lively atmosphere. The ceiling fans and lights are antique and look as old as the restaurant (1905), I guess they are authentic. The fleur de leis wallpaper, though gaudy, really adds to the overall atmosphere. There were 2 lively bachelorette parties going on as well! We started with a bottle of the Galatoire’s house champagne, which was reasonably priced and quite good, not too dry for John along with a warm, freshly baked French bread and butter. For appetizers John had escargot and I had Canapé Lorenzo. John’s was the typical looking escargot one gets on the cruise ship, he said it was delicious. I never had anything like the Canape Lorenzo! It appeared to baked with a very thin crust on the outside and filled with a mixture of succulent crab, breadcrumbs, and other delicious things. Our waiter Adam apologized when he brought it saying sometimes the chef makes them larger and other times – it could have been my entire meal so I only ate about 1/3 of that. Next was a green salad with garlic and mustard vinaigrette. Neither of us finished that but saved it to eat some with our main entrée if we wanted to. For our entrée, John had the filet mignon with Crab Yvonne topping, I had the Crab Yvonne, and we shared potatoes Lyonnaise. Crab Yvonne is delectable crab meat with artichokes and mushrooms cooked together with sauce that is indescribably delicious! We didn’t finish our green salads but we did order a Key Lime tart to share. In addition, our waiter brought us a Caramel Cup Custard with a candle for our anniversary. Unbelievably, even after 2 hours we seemed rushed because we left at 1:55p to get to our cooking demo class in time. A scrumptious meal for our anniversary!

Our next event of the day was at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Food, Fun, and Folklore! It was just a short walk from Galatoire’s. Our class was from 2p-4p. We received a pen and the recipes that will be demonstrated today. Pitchers of iced tea and water were on the table, lemonade and coffee were also at the side of the room in large containers. The chef Pat first gave an amusing talk about the history, people, and food of New Orleans and how the many flavors of different nationalities blended together over the last couple centuries to make the food we eat here today. She was very animated with her story and the 40 or so people in the room all enjoyed it. Our menu was Shrimp & Artichoke Soup, Crawfish Étouffée, and Pralines. After her beginning entertainment of about 30 minutes she began cooking. All the dishes had been started but she demonstrated making roux two different ways, either for the soup or the Étouffée. Everything was almost done cooking and she began on the Pralines, which were amazingly quick and delicious. Right before serving the food they brought pitchers of beer to the table as well. The food was served in medium sized portions, plenty for us since we were still full from lunch. Many people went up for seconds, they serve the food until it is gone, I don’t think it was finished. By now it was a little after 4p and we were getting concerned because we told Tony’s daycare person we would be back by 5p. I texted to let her know we would be later, it was fine with her. We will use her at least on Monday so we can take the tour we booked. Tony was happy enough and she gave him a toy too! Our return views on the ferry were rewarding.

After returning to camp a big rally of decorated bicycles went by, maybe 50 of them! They all had glow-in-the-dark decorations, loud music, and they were obviously having a great time. I forgot to mention the other day there was a Dodge Challenger Rally that went through the park as well. I didn’t see it, John did. There were maybe 15 Challengers and when they got on a straight away in the park the drivers all got out and went one car back, with the last driver coming to the front. I have never heard of that kind of car rally but John said maybe they all want to have an opportunity to drive different Challengers. I guess. We had a full and fun day and of course we are tired. 

Canape Lorenzo

 Filet Mignon with Crab Yvonne

Cooking Demo Class

Mississippi River