All right, on to Friday November 30th...
We awoke to a beautiful sunny day in the Quarter. My wife had a conference call (boo), so I decided to skip out and join our friends for lunch at Acme's. I know it is touristy, and croweded, but I never have a bad meal here. So I introduced them to chargrilled oysters (love 'em) and had the half shrimp po' boy and a cup of gumbo. Loved it.
They wanted to check out the casino, so we headed up to Canal and walked over. Nothing out of the ordinary here - neither won nor lost much. Another couple got into town, said hello at the casino and then headed back to the hotel. But first stopped by Louisiana Music Factory. What a collection of music! Wound up passing on the CD's and bought a t-shirt instead. Gotta represent back home!
Decided to actually relax for a bit at the hotel and just watch the Quarter begin buzzing with activity as Friday got later and later. Couldn't relax for too long though, as we had a cocktail reception at Tujague's at 5:00. This was the first time our entire group was together, 12 strong in total (one couple had to cancel last minute unfortunately). I can't begin to describe how great the service was here. We had the whole upstairs to ourselves, and it being a pleasant night sat on the balcony overlooking Decatur. The server, Enio, was unbelievable. Great attitude, very attentive. The food was good and the drinks were plentiful. We left there around 7:00 with one for the road and headed down Decatur to Frenchmen Street. But not before my lovely DW bought me a "Birthday Princess" pink sash to wear. Everyone had a good laugh at that one.
Went to Blue Nile to catch Kermit and he didn't disappoint. It was very relaxed, good crowd but not overwhelming, pretty much perfect. And the Treme' fanboy came out in me as the actor who plays "Robinette" was there, as well as Cornell the bass player. They were great and put up with my gushing. Kermit was as chill and friendly as usual, and really seemed excited when I told him we have the same birthday!
Hit a couple of other clubs on Frenchmen and then made our way back to the Quarter and wound up at Boondock Saint. Jenny the bartender is an absolute sweetheart and made me a special birthday drink called, origiinally enough, Bourbon and Ginger. They were delicious, but enough to make me call it a night soon after...
