On Wednesday, we received a postcard in the mail that was advertising for $99 for two nights at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans. Of course, I was instantly skeptical and of course, Jen immediately called the number. Turns out it was for some presentation for a travel club and required you to sit through their presentation (90-120 minutes) and then you got some other free gifts. Sounded a bit too good to be true, but we went for it anyway. MawMaw and PawPaw were coming into town on Thursday and we had already had plans for Jen's birthday lunch at Galatoire’s on Friday, so it worked out perfectly.
We packed our bags and headed for the Astor after everyone was going to bed on Thursday. We were able to snag Case and Lea’s parking pass in the quarter and went to check in. After a number of phone calls and messages (that Jen didn’t check), we ended up finding out that we had to check in at a tourist booth on Canal. I dropped Jen off and learned we were about 15 away from losing the whole deal - I guess it was meant to be…
After walking the “2 blocks or so” (as Case put it) from the parking lot to the hotel, I met back up with Jen and we headed up to the room. Note to Casey: This is not 2 blocks. It really didn’t matter as it was still better than paying an arm and a leg to valet. Jen and I had a laugh because we are not used to the city life where you walk everywhere and I am sure that everything is “2 blocks or so.”
"Homer said it best, "Ooh, I'd sell my soul for a doughnut."
After sleeping late (7:20a) and a coffee date, it was time to come back to the hotel, take showers, and get ready for lunch. Kaya was having her going away lunch and Jen and I were combining that with Jen’s early birthday lunch since we had MM and PP in town. Kaya has been at Galatoire’s since Jen was a hostess back in our pre-marriage/baby days, but she is leaving and headed to the Philippines for a while. Jen always says it was the most fun job she has ever had. She used to call me when they got slow on the weekends and I could usually guess how many sweet old fashioneds that Arnold “forced her to drink.” We made our way past the crowd in the lobby to our table and were immediately greeted to various wigs (Kaya’s themed lunch was Wigging Out and everyone was supposed to wear a wig). Case had a lovely hat that I modeled as I was the only guy at the table of 11 girls. I am not sure if I was supposed to be their pimp or gay friend, so I played both parts, complete with a hat and a wig.
Also known as Adam Lambert.
Jen looks amazing and I look like I belong in the '20's.
On the way to the presentation, Jen spotted an Asian massage parlor…not that kind (at least I don’t think it was). They really spotted her and it doesn’t take too much convincing to get her to get a massage. She sat down for a foot massage and I was there for moral support…note to self: Asian massagers don’t give up easily. They were not happy until they were rubbing some part of me, so I got a scalp massage. Every bald guy needs one because it was pretty awesome and Jen was satisfied with her oily feet slipping and sliding out of her sandals as we left the place.
Still stuffed from lunch we lounged around the hotel until we decided to eat dinner. Palace Café it is…a short walk back down Canal (I had to stop Jen from visiting the Asian massage parlor again), and we sat for dinner. Jen was craving a salad so we each had a side salad as our main course. We did manage to split an oyster loaf appetizer and strawberry shortcake for desert, which pretty much made the meal. We stopped and watched the makeshift band on the corner of Bourbon and Canal hoopin’ it up to the crowd and we commented on the dancers in the middle of the street – “this is why tourists think this town is crazy.” Since our hotel was connected to the Bourbon House, I decided it was only fair to partake in a drink. Two words - Woodford Reserve. One more word – Delicious.
Then Saturday morning came so I hiked it back to the car while Jen finished getting ready and we went to breakfast. After a quick call to Casey to find out where the restaurant was, we knew it was on Decatur and of course it was “2 blocks or so.” I was worried. No need, it was only a block past her apartment so I secretly apologized to Case for doubting her. Breakfast was awesome and I want to go back now. For some reason, they loved us and were lobbying Jen and I to keep that as our “New Orleans breakfast place.” Casey confirmed they do that to everyone, so I felt a little less special after that but it was still awesome.
Back to Gaga and Pop’s house to drop Jen off where she was then headed to a surprise lunch/baby shower for Stephanie and I was on my way back to BR to see our dudes. Walking in the front door, I saw Jack in MM’s arms and he started to get excited to see me, then Parker caught my eye as well. They were even cuter than when we left them and I was glad to see them. Owen on the other hand says “I gotta take a rest. Don’t worry, we’ll play later. I gotta go read some books and then go to bed.” And he ran into his room with PP and took a nap. Wow, I didn’t expect that one; I guess he grew up a lot while we were gone.
Thanks to MawMaw and PawPaw for letting us get away enjoy and remember why we have the life we do - with ALL those kids. It was great to hang out with my best friend like old times and I fell in love with her all over again. I thought was funny was that MM and PP felt “safe” that they could leave Jen and I alone - because there was no chance for us to have another baby!! Thanks for the vote of confidence…
In case you are keeping track for the weekend, this was how we ate our way through New Orleans:
1. Café Du Monde
2. PJ’s Coffee
3. Galatoire’s
4. Palace Café
5. The Bar at Bourbon House
6. Magnolia Grill
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