French Quarter Fest, Part II
Apr 12th, 2008 by Nola
Day 2 of 2008 FQF is in the bag for me. It was a fun two days, and I doubt I’ll make it back out tomorrow. This Fest has been my best yet.
It started for me the best way it could, at Napoleon House:
Isn’t their courtyard awesome?
and here’s my FAVORITE summertime cocktail, the Pimm’s Cup:
Napoleon House is gracious enough to share the recipe (click here) for this drink. I’ve tried and it’s just like the real deal (even with Crystal Light lemonade). I REALLY love this drink. It is cool and refreshing and let’s you know you are drinking alcohol but is mild enough to drink throughout a hot summer day. Yes, there will be many of these consumed by me in the coming months.
The Fest itself was really nice. The music was all fabulous, as was the food. In the two days, I ate the same two things: Tujague’s brisket with spicy horseradish sauce and Mrs. Wheat’s meat pies. I love, love, love these two items. And once I eat one of each, I am full. And very happy.
We spent much of our time in Jackson Square in a square of our own–a square of shade. We did walk to the river and see and hear what was going on there, too. We heard many bands and saw much art. Here’s artist Martin Wohlgemuth’s work set up in Pirate’s Alley (I couldn’t resist buying more from him today):
And here’s another artist in Pirate’s Alley working on a streetcar scene:
And here’s more art along the side of Jackson Square:
Here are a few sights in and around the Fest:
And a footnote on my latest obsession, absinthe. First, a pic of a cool sign for a bar that is no longer:
And some accoutrement located on a bar that now sells absinthe (again):
I like ritualistic eating, and I think I will like ritualistic drinking, too! However, I refrained from drinking it this time since Sun was with me and I didn’t want to risk seeing her with two heads or other such anomalies.
Yes, French Quarter Fest is my favorite festival of the year. And today the weather was just perfect for it. Also great were the eats and drinks and art and company of friends.
FQF is a bad time to try to get an absinthe at the pirate bar where you took the picture of the absinthe and all the accoutrements; long lines and slow barmaid a bad combo. Can’t wait to get a proper Sazerac somewhere soon.
Day 2 was much better, the lines weren’t too long and the breezy cool shade in the square made for a great day.
We are still walking around in our winter coats in this neck of the woods. The photos and description of activities made it all seem so pleasantly warm, breezy, and sunny. Sure wish I could have flown over for one of those Pimm Cup cocktails.
I’m so jealous! I’ve never been. It looks so nice and warm… it’s in the 30s where I am. =(
Ah, sounds so wonderful! Thanks for the pics and descriptions to help me live vicariously!
I just love the photos… NOLA is just a lovely as I remember it.
I love that shot of the Old Absinthe House sign, coupled with Bourbon Street and some Mardi Gras beads slung just so. Nice, nice, nice. Makes me hate being an expat right now.
The third artist down (the wonky NOLA porches and the like) is one of my FAVORITES. When I graduated from college my parents had me pick a piece of artwork as a momento….. I found a gallery deep in the Quarter and have a gorgeous black & white photograph of Pirates Alley just after an early morning rainstorm. Sigh.
I’m drooling! I LOVE Tujague’s brisket with spicy horseradish! Love. It!
Been here four years and have never been. Same for Jazz Fest. I really need to get out. . .
Man you have me aching to get back to NO. Those pictures are awesome. Seriously, I need to plan a trip asap.
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