Soar-Dream-France: With No Expectations

After last week's moan about my disappointment in the changing French Quarter and my inability to do the things I love; yesterday made a liar out of me. It was a Tuesday, not a Friday. So, that probably helped. I also get out of class at 10am and not noon, so I'm sure that made a difference too. I had a couple of errands to run...post office and bank that are easy to do in the Quarter on my way home.

Once I was finished, I decided to throw caution to the wind on that cool, pretty, sunshiny day and take my chances on some of my French Quarter loves.

I'd been wanting to have my tarot cards read for a while now. I'd stopped in to see MY Tarot Card Reader, Otis Biggs, at The Bottom of the Cup on Chartres Street a week or two ago. He was about to start a phone reading so there wasn't a slot for me, but there was enough time for hugs, kisses, I miss you's, I love you's, and; I'll be back. Yesterday was the day.

Otis has been reading my cards since the early 80's.

He's predicted many interesting happenings in my life. I always leave Otis feeling energized, pampered and ready to face the world. Yesterday was no different.

I looked at my watch. It was a little after 11 so I knew that the Napoleon House would be open. No line. No crowd. No wait, AND I got to choose my favorite solo spot back in the corner alcove. My waiter and I chuckled-he's waited on me many times, but I never remember his name. Now, that doesn't keep you from hugging.

So, as we hugged we both laughed and did our Bob-Laury-Laury-Bob together. We practiced saying each others' names each time we were at the table together. I sure hope it helps my swiss-cheese brains.

Ever since the take over by the Brennan's earlier last year; I've had my eyes pealed for changes. Manager/Owner, Chris Montero came over to say hello. We bemoaned a bit about eating too much, sedintary lives, and getting older. We agreed-exercise regimes are important...he runs-I have my bike! Mack also came out for hugs and hellos. I was back again to feeling at home and happy at the Napoleon House.

I confess to noticing a couple of new things. The French Nicolas Pinot Noir is no longer on the wine list. And there were these interesting new artistic renderings amongst the grafitti that I hadn't noticed before. It looks like a number of people had actually dug into the plaster to make a hole in which to do their writings.

The most impressive change was the meatball sandwich that I ordered, along with my sandwich side of jambalaya. I've always loved the Napoleon House Meatball Sandwiches...nice sized meatballs and sauce with the mozzarella cheese melted over the top, on French Bread brought to the table open. Yesterday's Napoleon House Meatball Sandwich arrived at my table closed. The meatballs were cut so that they covered all of the French Bread. The mozarella appeared to be melted on the French Bread. The piece de resistance was the sauce. This red sauce was full of pretty pieces of green and red peppers, probably some other vegetables, and was just a tiny bit sweet. It was perfection. I'm loving this new version of the Napoleon House Meatball Sandwich. It's at the top of my list for future visits-Shrimp Stuffed Avocado and Remoulade Sauce step aside.

While enjoying my lunch, my phone rang. Friends were meeting in Jackson Square and invited me to join them. What a perfect topper to a perfect French Quarter Day of Loves...sitting in front of the St. Louis Cathedral, enjoying my friends, the music and people watching before I headed on home. These are the days I live for in New Orleans. My days of love, laughter, fun, and good friends everywhere! Wouldn't you?