HELLO. GOODBYE.
So I’m finally able to take off enough time from work to be able to leave the Pacific Northwest for a vacation. And what better place to go than New Orleans?! I’d wanted to go ever since I read A Confederacy of Dunces about ten years ago and have romanticized the city in my head practically every day since. Also, one of my bestest buddies in the world lives there with his lovely girlfriend.
I arrive downtown from the airport about mid-afternoon and begin to walk to Jeff and Marian’s place in the Bywater neighborhood. I knew they’d still be at work by the time I’d get there but Marian’s friend Ida (who also happens to be visiting) would be around to let me in. I arrive at the shotgun style house, press on the doorbell and, to my surprise, am let in by an angel—an angel by the name of Ida! Ida, it turns out, is one major babe. Could it possibly get any better than being welcomed to the Big Easy by an extremely beautiful woman? Apparently, yes—when she also takes you to an incredible barbecue place!
Ida and I arrive at The Joint which is just a short walk from the house. We both get an IPA, and Ida orders a slice of pie. I decide to get a pulled pork sandwich with a side of mac & cheese. We head to the backyard and sit at a table with a good view of the biggest smoker I’ve ever seen in my life. We talk about important things like how there’s a time and place to listen to Mariah Carey. Then BOOM. “Honey” starts playing in the background! Ok so “Honey” didn’t start playing in the background. I’m making that part up. However, I’m convinced that if this had actually occurred we both would have immediately set our food and drinks aside, gotten up from our chairs and danced intimately with each other thus triggering an inevitable whirlwind romance even greater than the R. Kelly + Aaliyah romance. And we would be married by now. M-A-R-R-I-E-D.
We get back to the house, and Jeff and Marian arrive soon after. It’s my first night in New Orleans but unfortunately Ida’s last. We all decide to head out for dinner and drinks and end up at Jacques-Imo’s, a Creole and Cajun specialty restaurant in the Uptown neighborhood. It’s super crowded and there’s an hour and a half wait so we walk next door to the Maple Leaf Bar for some drinks after putting our names down on the waiting list. The Maple Leaf Bar reminds me of a typical Portland dive—wearing its history proudly. I feel right at home. I even experience a bit of nostalgia of pre-smoking ban dives in Portland as I witness a few patrons smoke cigarettes inside.
As we head back to Jacques-Imo’s I notice their sign on the building that reads, “Warm beer, lousy food, poor service.” Lovin’ it. We arrive and are seated quickly. I order Jambalaya and a Pabst and am thankful to be in the company of some of my favorite people in this magical city.
Canal Street: The Times Square of New Orleans?
This picture is actually from the second time I went to The Joint. Pork ribs with a side of cole slaw and beans. Seriously the best ribs, cole slaw and beans I’ve ever had in my life!
Marian (left) and Ida (right) at Jacques-Imo’s.
Jambalaya at Jacques-Imo’s.
