Day 19 in NOLA

Yesterday (was it only yesterday?) already seems so far away I can hardly remember how the hours passed. I think the end of a trip has that effect on me. Realizing that the end is nearing, I feel the urge to speed around and "get things done," even if those things are only randomly selected itineraries that actually make no real sense.

Yesterday on my itinerary was actually visiting Algiers. I had taken the ferry across once, but only to go and come right back. This time, I brought my bike. Algiers is adorable. Adorable and quiet. One of those lazy towns that seems lost in time (and in this case that seems a million miles away from New Orleans). If the last ferry were just a teeny bit later (I heard tell it runs from NOLA at 12:15), it would actually be an amazing place to live (in my opinion). But a midnight last call is just a tad early. No room for error.

But anyway, I didn't eat in Algiers, and quite frankly, I can't think of where I did eat (any of my meals).

...

It all just came back in a flash. I went to the Quarter for coffee, and decided to try the beignets at Cafe Beignet (the Pepsi challenge, as it were). Overall, I'd describe them as equally enjoyable, just very different. They're much lighter and larger, with less powdered sugar. Other than that, very similar. I'd eat either (or both) again.

I met a new friend for muffalettas at Central Grocery, and quite frankly, I'm surprised it took me so long to get acquainted. They are amazing. The olive "salad" is divine, and who would have thought of combining it with a variety of lunchmeat and light yet dense bread? Oh... those crazy Italians. They got it in one.

So, pondering my dinner choices, I decided to hit up Mr. B's for their crazy BBQ Shrimp. Now, whoa there, fellas. Not what you think. Not even close. Guaranteed. First? No barbecue (gas, coal or other) is involved in any way. Second? No barbecue sauce is involved in any way. Third? Well, it's not really a third insofar as it's got nothing to do with the barbecue misapprehension we've just cleared up. But still, third is: Shells? On. Heads? On. Legs? On. Bib? You better put it on. Basically, these crazy little crustaceans are cooked up in a sauce that is basically made of about a pound of butter. Sure, it's also got a ton of pepper and a few other seasonings, but it's basically enormous shrimp in a delicious butter sauce. Do I give the impression that I enjoyed it? Thoroughly.

Plus, since Day 19 in NOLA is also Wednesday in NOLA, that means the Treme Brass Band was playing at the Candlelight. And wow, the whole show was great, but that first set was mindblowing. Needless to say, I was a dancing fool, yet again. Thank you, Treme.