May 27th, 2011

First full day in New Orleans AND a full night of sleep.  Life is good.  We decided to start the day off walking around St. Louis Cathedral and did a little shopping in the boutiques.  The difference on this trip was more than half of the boutiques were toy stores.  Can’t come back empty handed for the girls!

Then we walked around the flea market area and…

lighted the drinking lamp.

We had 12:30 reservations at Herbsaint with Ryan and Kevin.  I was very excited about this meal. 

The restaurant was near the warehouse district.

The meal was absolutely fantastic and we went all out, Herbsaint calories don’t count.  We started with onion rings and french fries for the table.  High end bar type food is always fun for me.  Then there were salads and gumbo, all yummy.  Trent and I split their mixed green salad described as “crisp lettuces with creamy bacon vinaigrette and gorgonzola piccante.”  Then I had “Gnocchi with Pancetta and asparagus.” Amazing stuff.  There was then desserts.  Markham, Erin, Trent, and I split “warm chocolate pudding cake with salted caramel, cashew ice cream and cocoa nib caramel corn.”  Ended the meal perfectly.  I highly recommend Herbsaint to anyone planning to go to New Orleans and I do so without reservation.

The afternoon was spent at the pool, where Mandy joined us.  Her and Rick have officially arrived!  A couple of hours at a rooftop pool in New Orleans with good friends on a Friday afternoon is my version of heaven.

Shannon and Tom flew in town and have also arrived.  We’ve now have the whole group here.

The evening was Chat, Dance, Laugh, Cocktail, Repeat.

Completely off the subject: I am so excited about the new facelift (or actually a complete rehab) on my blog.  My good friend who I brag about alot, Beth, did it.  She actually goes by Elizabeth, but she’s grandfathered me (or I grandfathered myself) to calling her by her childhood version of her name.  We’ve known each other since forever, our houses growing up were a yard apart with 2 jumpable fences we highly abused.  She did this when she was watching her niece and nephew at her house with her kids.  Apparently the kids were self entertained for the playdate and she “played around.”  I have no idea how she does this stuff, but am so glad I get to be a canvas for her talented ways.  Thanks Beth Elizabeth Hall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!