One of the first places I try to go to when I get into New Orleans is Galatoire's.
I start with an order of the Oysters Rockefeller and then I dive into a bowl of their turtle soup. My main entre is usually the bouillabaisse, but sometimes I get the redfish. They have a fantastic shrimp creole as well.
Galatoire's is located on Bourbon Street between Iberville and Bienville. On the corner of Bourbon and Bienville is the Old Absinthe House. That is where I tell people to meet me if they fly in on a separate flight. I have a Sazerac in my hand when you see me at Absinthe.
Early on New Year's Day a terrorist attack happened along the way to Galatoire's and Absinthe. The crashing of a symbol playing a Dixieland song was replaced by the slamming of bodies in The French Quarter. Screaming interrupted the singing and a panic stampede replaced the intoxicated dancing.
Let the good times roll was tarnished by the hatred of terrorism.
But this is New Orleans...
Carmen couldn't destroy NOLA and neither could Katrina.
Next week, New Orleans will celebrate the two hundred and tenth anniversary of The Battle of New Orleans. On January 8th, 1815, Andrew Jackson defeated the British. "Old Hickory" was outnumbered two to one, but his forces held on for victory and The Battle of 1812 ended. Which pretty much was the end of years of conflict with England.
New Orleans will rise again from tragedy and Second Line through the grief.
I talked about 2025 bringing a shitshow at one point in the coming months. I didn't think it would happen three hours into the new year.
Mardi Gras season doesn't officially start until The Feast of the Epiphany. That is the day when the colors of Christmas are replaced with the colors of Mardi Gras.
Purple represents justice.
Green represents faith.
Gold represents power.
I am putting my Mardi Gras flag up tomorrow before the manifestation of the baby Jesus this weekend. I will honor the city, the people and the spirit of New Orleans as I fly my flag along Lincoln Avenue.
Laissez le bon temp rouler....
....and the good times will roll again
