NOLA Eats: Boozy drinks

The food was too much to put in one entry, so I'm breaking it up a bit. Of course, we have to start with the boozy drinks. I asked the Phenom what part of the trip he likes best, and he always says "the first Hurricane." I think because there are such good memories, dating all the way back to the spring break trip in 1984 with a grad school friend who grew up in the Big Easy. The Phenom still has such great, vivid memories of the great food his friend's mom cooked, the drinks, and just how much fun it was to see New Orleans for the first time. I think the first hurricane gives him just a tiny reminder of that first time.

Of course, the first night, we tend to over indulge just a bit . . .

Oh, who am I kidding. . . that's pretty much a normal night for us. For those of you who plan to visit NOLA, here is what you need to know about Pat O'Briens.

A) it is a very popular place with both tourists and locals. There are three bars . . . the main bar, the piano bar, and the patio. Drinks are priced based on the bar. . . cheapest in the main bar, most expensive in the piano bar.

B) TIP YOUR SERVER WELL!!! These folks live off tips, and they will remember you for future visits and find you a table when it is crowded and come check on you often.

C) For most drinks, you can either keep your glass or you can return the glass to the bar for a $3 refund. Since we have a collection of pretty much one of each, we always go for the refund. If you want to keep your glass, there are helpful folks at the entrance who will put your glass in a box and bag for you.

D) And, lastly, know your limits. There is a hurricane on the menu called a Magnum. It is a freakin' huge glass ($75 dollar refund) and holds 3 gallons of the yummy, rummy punch. We saw one for the first time ever this trip. Ordered by a group of Asian doctors in town for a conference.
No camera tricks . . . yes, the glass is bigger than that dude. There was a member of their group completely passed out later in the evening and in need of medical attention. There were only about 6 people in this group . . . if you are going to order a magnum, you probably need at least 10 people who are seasoned drinkers who all had a steak for dinner.

Moving on, we also like to spend afternoons chatting up the bartenders at Margaritaville. I know, touristy place. . . but the folks behind the bar a usually locals and have fun stories. We like a drink that is pretty much the best smoothie ever with mango, strawberry, banana, and lots of rum. It's called a "Don't Stop the Carnival" . . . and we can't stop drinking them.

On the day we leave, we like to schedule a late flight so we can have an afternoon in Pat's courtyard (patio). We don't do the heavy hurricanes while soaking in that southern sun. I like their "extra spicy with extra green beans" bloody marys (drink on the right) and the Phenom likes the cat 5 margaritas . . . a margarita made with a bit of hurricane punch. The bartender knows how I like the bloody marys and I can honestly say, I'm completely faithful to him.