Day 17 in NOLA

Today, as was to be expected, was somewhat of a write-off. Yes, I was, if not actually hungover, certainly not at my best. Also, the indomitable Molly departed, leaving me somewhat dejected. It was big fun spending time with her. This guesthouse has proved to be a wellspring of interesting people.

To soothe my troubled mind, I hit up the Two Sisters for red beans and rice (which I have somehow managed to fail to eat on a Monday for the duration of my stay). While they were ok (and gigantic), the experience was particularly noteworthy for my encounter with a streetcar driver whose car I've ridden a few times. He came in and recognized me (one night I was so concerned because he seemed so tired and out of it that I asked if he was alright to drive, and he remembered my intrusive slash inquisitive ways). We had a nice chat, and he told me about a streetcar manufacting facility uptown. This really is a small town. I can't help but run into people I've had random encounters with.

The rest of the day was kind of low key, though I did have the best Bloody Mary of my trip so far, at the Spotted Cat (a jazz bar on Frenchmen) of all places. In fact, rather than stay for a second drink, I headed back to my prevous number one (the Erin Rose), to compare, and I have to say that hands down, the Spotted Cat's bartender mixes a better Bloody Mary. Her secret? The brine from the pickled green pepper garnish.