The best of New Orleans
Last night J and I went to eat at Meaux Bar – we marveled over how this restaurant used to be the Golden Star and how I used to live at the Burgundy Inn and have those delicious burgers brought over by bellboys. The restaurant has come a long way from the lobster cribs and darkened windows and Joey – while the burgers back then were delicious, the fare now is delicious – a lyonnaise salad and ginger crawfish dumplings – big yum – I was not eating that 25 years ago.
Then we walked down to Donna’s to hear Evan Christopher and Tom McDermott play. My MG girlfriend was there with her friends and had suggested it. I knew Evan was back from Paris but didn’t know he had a steady gig at Donna’s on Thursdays (go see him). Michael Skinkus joined them on percussions. The singer from Loose Marbles joined in – beautiful tattoos on her face and a voice that was nice and deep, then two Parisian horn players, not to mention other wind drop ins. It’s typical of Rampart Street even from when I lived there a few decades ago – the immediacy of musicians whose talents in any other part of the world would be seen in some huge concert hall with gold leaf ceilings, here they are simply tucked away for a few of us lucky ones to enjoy in a more intimate gathering.
Again, only the blessed need apply.
