This post is slightly different from what we traditionally do on the site. Both of us are contributing our thoughts and experiences in our own voice. Rob’s contributions are italicized.
When I found out last year that Rob’s big, annual cigar convention was moving from Las Vegas to New Orleans for 2015, I could not control my excitement. In fact, I think Rob was still at the Vegas airport when I unceremoniously announced to him that, “OMG! You have no say in this, so just accept it now – I am SOOO coming with you to New Orleans next year!!!!” Now, I never tag along with him when he does his work travels, but the draw of New Orleans for a passionate food and cocktail lover like me was a no-brainer. This city is basically like Disneyland for adults, where a new surprise waits around every corner. There is legitimately something for everyone – the obvious non-stop party on Bourbon Street, incredible live music everywhere you turn and in practically every establishment, beautiful architecture and history in each neighborhood, amazing antique shops and boutiques, gorgeous plant and animal life almost everywhere you look, and of course – THE RIDICULOUS FOOD AND COCKTAILS!!!!
Yeah, what she said.
As Dana mentioned, I was in NOLA covering the yearly cigar trade show and she made it abundantly clear that she was going to join me. The truth is that she flew in on the day the show ended, so it worked out perfectly. Here is some more truth. I was in New Orleans for four days before she arrived and I didn’t get to experience much outside of the convention hall and my hotel room. It was like sitting outside of a Metallica concert without having a ticket to get in, or like working on a major project while your friends are watching Star Wars. I was in an awesome town known for its food and cocktails, but I didn’t have the time to experience it.
During my one free day before the convention started I managed to get the CigarFederation boys out of the hotel and onto Bourbon Street. I assume you’ve heard of Bourbon Street and all that it is known for, but what you may not know is that Bourbon Street can smell like the biggest, dirtiest, hottest, sweatiest bar in the world. And when it’s 95 degrees out and it starts raining, it gets REALLY ripe! So prepare for that.
The highlight of our CigFed day trip to the French Quarter was lunch at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar. We were told that the chargrilled oysters were just as good (if not better) than ACME. ACME is a total tourist attraction, so the line is usually around the corner. Felix’s was right across the street and had no line. So guess where we ate. Well, I already told you, but you know what I’m sayin’.
The chargrilled oysters were insane. We ordered a dozen for the table (there were four of us) and they were gone in about 3 minutes. Being from California, I have had my share of oysters, but these were on a different level. They had a great smoky flavor and when you throw on some Louisiana hot sauce, they become oysters from Heaven. In addition to the oysters, I had a shrimp Po’boy sandwich and some red beans and rice. I was quite pleased with lunch as were the other guys at the table. It was so good that we actually talked about going back one more time.
Another thing I tried for the first time at Felix’s was a beer from Abita called Purple Haze. The Abita brewery is located about 30 miles outside of New Orleans in a town called Abita Springs. So, as you can imagine, Abita was everywhere in New Orleans. Not only that, but it’s also available at my local BEVMO. Who knew?
The Abita Purple Haze is a great summer beer. It is a mix between a pilsner and wheat beer that combines both pilsner and wheat malts along with Vanguard hops to give it a unique feel. The kicker is the fresh raspberries that are added after the beer has been filtered. What you are left with is a light, easy drinking beer that has a bright, raspberry sweetness. I’m coming around on “fruity” beers because of concoctions like Purple Haze and Hell or High Watermelon from 21st Amendment Brewing.
Having also experienced the Abita Purple Haze, I am a huge fan as well. It has just a hint of fruit and sweetness, without being a “girly” beer. They also have a seasonal strawberry one that is equally delicious.
There is so much more to share from our trip, but in an effort to prevent information overload, we are going to post it all up over the course of a few days. Basically, it all boils down to the fact that WE LOVE NEW ORLEANS (despite the crazy, insane, sticky, humid heat)!
