Part II: New Orleans, LA Jazz Fest 2015 {Travelogue} - Jackson Square, Random Parades, Acme Oysters, & The Sazerac Bar

After Jazz Fest and all of the excitement of the day before, we thought we would take it easy and just walk around some more and see all of the things we didn't get to yet. Like Jackson Square. We saw it from a distance when we ate at Cafe Du Monde, but it was late and the gates to the park were closed. I'm no fan of Andrew Jackson (look up the Trail of Tears if you need one of many reasons to rethink this American "hero"). This square is famous and along with food, I like seeing the history and main points of interests in cities. Even if it means passing by the statue. Actually, the church is what really interested me. It's always lurking in the back of scenes in movies and shows. We went in to check it out and to also take refuge from the heat.

St. Louis Cathedral

615 Pere Antoine Alley

New Orleans, LA 70116

I think I really started appreciating places of worship because I went to so many temples with my grandma, and also went to various churches and cathedrals in the Philippines with my dad. Then, there was my trip to Guadalajara. That was one of the most fascinating Cathedrals I had been to. So, I was curious about the St. Louis Cathedral. There's not really too much to say other than if you are in town, it's worth popping inside for a few minutes to at least see what it looks like. You most likely won't burn up in flames. 

 

 

 

 

French Quarter

After cooling down in the church, we went back outside to walk down streets we hadn't already gone down. It's sensory overload as there is so much to see! So many colors and people! It really is a photographer's dream. The photographers in this city are so lucky.

I saw him everyday, performing on different streets.

First time seeing a police lead entourage.

Apparently this was a parade for someone's birthday party. They all ended up taking a huge group picture after the whole parade/entourage arrived near this lady on the stilts.

This lady actually almost hit me while grabbing the beads.

Acme Oyster House
724 Iberville St
New Orleans, LA 70130

One of the places I heard about repeatedly before stepping foot on that plane was Acme. Heard about it from a few friends, and even Man Vs. Food. Did Bourdain ever mention it? I feel like he did. Either way, I hear there's always a line, and the night we went was no different. The line stretched about 75 yards, but went surprisingly fast. I think we waited no longer than half an hour. We also got in before a few of the other groups as we were ok/preferred sitting at the bar. At the bar, we had a great view of all of the shuckers shucking, and could request more Andygator much more readily than if we were seated at a table. We ordered quite a few oysters - chargrilled and raw, and soft shelled crab (they call it "Godzilla"). 

Sazerac Bar
130 Roosevelt Way
New Orleans, LA 70112

After all of the oysters, we figured we had just enough space for a cocktail so we walked over to the historic Roosevelt Hotel to pop inside The Sazerac Bar. It has a classic feel to it. Even though there are a lot of people dressed casually, it feels like the kind of place you want to be dressed up for. Or a place that a songstress should be on a stage crooning at. 

Little pricey, but worth trying at least once.

On the walls are murals by Paul Ninas. Listed as CNN's Best World Hotel Bars in 2016, but also had a petition to have the murals removed for depicting slaves as being lazy. 

The bartenders wear white jackets. Makes me feel like an extra in some black and white movie, or that there is the possibility of seeing Humphrey Bogart walk through the doors.

Ramos Gin Fizz

The original Sazerac. Best one in town.

Stay tuned for Part III!