New Orleans
The French Quarter, for most humans, that is all they know of New Orleans, but there is so much more, but for this trip it was the place to start. Tortuga is a Big Truck, and it would be nice to be close to down town. Now this is a secret and not to be talked about with your RV friends, but there is a RV park only a mile and half from the French Quarter. Would you be surprised if it were named the French Quarter RV park. A walled park right off the interstate up against the famous (or infamous, for the spirit sensitive) St, Louis #2 cemetery. The French Quarter RV park is expensive with nice amenities. You can travel all over town with Uber and Lyft, but it was funny how many drives did not even know the part was there.
For a mile to a mile and half trip, it took FOREVER! (20 to 30 minutes). This is off seasons, why are all these people here and why are they purposely getting in my way…? Why are humans willing to stand in line for an hour to eat something like fried chicken, but that seemed to be the case for the top google hits for best restaurants. The French Quarter, Cool old buildings, lots of history and People doing crazy stuff.. Enough with people, a new plan was needed. I learned a while back, Locals don’t do tourist stuff, in fact I have talked to locals that have never done the touristy stuff, they do the local stuff.
It is some comforting to know that all food in NO is calorie free, (don’t challenge me on this)!
It was time to find the local stuff. The next morning time to find something to eat. This is NO, a French pastry shop miles away from the French Quarter might do the ticket. Early arrival with few customers drinking latte’s and in conversation, they sat in white tiled room with sculptured crown molding, A bakery case filled with pasties that looked more like art work then something you stuffed in your mouth. Perfect this was the kind of place the Tortuga was looking for, as I ordered a kease ( a real Tortuga can’t pronounce Quich) and a cup of coffee from the Chinese owner. Visit Le Croissant d’Or
Before Lunch it was time to see the World War II Museum. The Tortuga will say just one thing, GO TO THE WWII MUSEUM. Plan a trip around it. There is so much, it is hard to absorb. After one hour the Tortuga was overwhelmed by the contributions of these Americans.
Every time the Tortuga goes to NOLA a day will be dedicated to this museum, with gratitude for those that sacrificed for the next generation.
After a few hours the French Bakery had worn off and it was off to a local spot near the Air Port. This could be the last meal here so it must be great. The Tortuga wanted a meal that could be the only reason anyone needs to come back.
Crawfish Ettufe stuffed in a benign and half a muffuletta. The food experience is so much better if you show up an hour before the crowd, 11 vs 12, 5 vs 6… Katie’s is a place that is only frequented by the locals, not crowded, and outstanding food. Did I mention local brew on tap? What a great way to remember NOLA!