February 8 – 11th, 2020

This was the last trip I took before this whole covid mess got real. Another race vacation destination. The Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon in New Orleans, LA has been on my bucket list for awhile mostly because I’ve always wanted to visit this city, but am not really into the Mardi Gras scene, so this was a convenient option. Always multitasking in all aspects of my life, this time running and vacation. My good friends Abby and Chris had never been there either so we made it a group adventure. Plus I got some cheerleaders out it.

This was truly a visit full of sore legs and gluttony with a bit of New Orleans flair of course. This was a week before Mardi Gras, so some events were still happening which was a pleasant surprise for us. We didn’t think there were going to be any Mardi Gras activities happening the days we were in town so we did little research on it. But luck would have it we got to experience a few of the parades.

Where We Stayed

Hotel Troubadour – boutique hotel by Hilton. Located on Gravier St. and walking distance to the Warehouse district and Canal St. Most importantly it was walking distance to the start line of the race. It had what looked like a great rooftop bar, but with covid in it’s beginning phase it was closed down. The rooms were clean and modern. Would definitely stay there again.

The Race

This was race #24 in my quest for 50 before 50 (at time of race I was 40, turning 41 in March). Packet pickup was a breeze. The expo recently haven’t been all that great lately. Just a few running shops selling gels and running gear and the usual Rock n Roll race swag. The start line was walking distance from our hotel which was awesome. Abby walked with me and cheered me on at the start. 2 hours and 1 minute later I met them at the finish line. Free trulys and live music at the finish is always fun.

Exploring

Jackson Square – in the heart of the French Quarter. Lined with some cute shops, museums and St. Louis Cathedral. It was a great vantage point to start our journey exploring. The French market a short walk from the square and our ghost tour started close by as well.

Sights of New Orleans

Mardi Gras Parades

The parades are organized by “Krewe’s” with a general theme for each.  We found a spot on the parade route that wasn’t super crowded and waited.  It can take quite some time, so we grabbed bevvies and snacks and people watched.

Krewe du Vieux (KDV) –  known for their political satire and adult themes – the krewe did not disappoint.  Pre-election and lewd was the definite theme this year.  Entertaining and hilarious. I would say probably NOT kid friendly.  They did hand out random knick knacks which we collected and then perused.  

‘tit Rex – a micro-krewe parade – which was fun because it was the complete opposite of the parade we saw the night before.  In a different part of the city, we again found a spot on the parade route and had our bevvies and snacks in hand, waiting for the parade.  We were pleasantly surprised by the mini floats that were being hand pulled past us.  Shoeboxes being used as the base, each float was different and intricate on a such a small level.  

Definitely a must have experience if you are going to be in New Orleans during part or all of Mardi Gras. 

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum – suggested by our beloved Bob. So interesting to see how medical instruments and medications have evolved (or not) over the years.

Ghost tour – we booked a night walking tour of the French Quarter. With Dixie’s in hand we purused the houses and listened to the tall tales being told by our guide. There was an eerie vibe during the story telling and the walk was enjoyable.

OMG the Food…

Not even sure where to begin. The options were astounding and picking and choosing where to go was definitely a challenge. Listed alphabetically just because…

Acme Oyster House – visited by the late Anthony Bourdain. A staple in New Orleans known for their Oysters on the half shell and the best Po Boy I have ever had.

Carousel Bar – we did attempt to go to the iconic bar located in the Hotel Montelone but of course there was very little seating. I don’t think we attempted to get a cocktail even, but it was cool to see.

Gumbo Shop – and yes we did order gumbo. Chicken Andouille Gumbo and Crawfish Etouffe

Mambo’s – of course when in New Orleans you have to walk down Bourbon St. We ended up stopping at this restaurant for a chill supper of New Orleans food with a twist. I had to have the Cajun Crawfish Poutine, Crawfish Etoufee, Mambo’s Famous Oysters and also on the half shell and to a local beer to wash it all down.

Mulate’s – it was walking distance from the Convention Center where I picked up my race packet. This was our first stop on our New Orleans smorgaborg and no better way to start of the trip than at the Original Cajun Restaurant.

Old Absinthe House – I’m not entirely sure where I associated New Orleans with Absinth, but for some reason trying this potent liquor was on my bucket list for this city. It was a fun show and tasty drink if you like black licorice.. which I weirdly do. It’s such a shocking color reminds me of the color of engine coolant, it kind of tastes like you’re drinking it too (not that I know what engine coolant tastes like, please don’t try it).

Ruby Slipper Cafe – I believe this place is chain, we stopped here for brunch one day and it was a great stop. We tried the classics: shrimp and grits and The Ruby Slipper take on Eggs benedict: Shrimp bayou and Eggs Cochon.

Willa Jean – located in the Warehouse district. We were recommended this place by a coworker and it did not disappoint. We had the hangover bowl, avocado toast and the WJ shrimp and grits and the biscuits with grandma’s sausage gravy and the famous cookies and milk. So much flavor and so full we had to roll out of there.

How do you go to New Orleans and not have Beignets? or 3? – a type of fritter or deep fried pastry dusted in powdered sugar

• Cafe Du Monde – for the world famous beignets and chickory coffee. Have to just to say you have been.
• Cafe Beignet – also known for their delicious Beignets
• Loretta’s Authentic Pralines – the praline beignet – too die for.

My taste buds were also opened to the world of pralines. I had never actually had one before coming to New Orleans and I did buy and eat a ton of them.

We received so many recommendations from friends that we had to limit our choices or burst at the seams, but we do have a list for our return visit.

Short list: Jacques-Imo’s Cafe, Antoine’s Restaurant, Compère Lapin – run by Top Chef contestant Nina Compton. Definitely a fun trip to New Orleans at the time of this writing the Rock n Roll Marathon team NO longer does a race there, which is unfortunate. Hopefully, this changes in the future. Thanks for reading this quick overdue excerpt on New Orleans.