Abita Beer, Shrimp&Grits and Memories

I've spent lots of hours this week making art. These are a couple of sketches that I just  had to finish. I enjoy the taste of good beer and Abita (1986) has become one of my favorites. This is a local beer produced about 30 miles north of  NO. The other thing that I found enjoyable was the open container law in NO. With the exception of after midnight party revelers, the people who drink (and those who don't) in NO are quite civilized. This is also the beer that is primarily drunk in the HBO series Treme. OK it's a good advertisement. I get it.
The latest assignment for my Imiganiary Trip to NOLA (made real for me by Hubby) was to sketch food. I chose to post a sketch of the wonderful dinner that I had at LaBayou. Shrimp and Grits Napoleon. Fried green tomatoes stacked on creamy southern grits surrounded by gulf shrimp drizzled with a Bourbon St. Cream sauce, it’s too good to be true!  YUMMMM!

Back in Chilly Holland

Had a wonderful time traveling to New Orleans and Biloxi for a few days. The weather was great except for the last two days. It rained but it wasn't cold like it can be in Holland. I am still catching up with laundry, unpacking and getting my sketches and photos organized. I'll be posting more soon.

My first adventure was to visit Mardi Gras World...a working museum. I got a private tour because no one else showed up for the 9:30am tour.  90% of the floats used in the Mardi Gras parades are built here. There is a height restriction of 18 feet but no length requirement. Some of the floats actually have restrooms on them as the people riding on the floats are on them for 8+ hours. After the tour I was invited to have a piece of King Cake. 

The Big Easy

In the BE and Bolixi for a few days. Weather is a little warm but beautiful. Have had lots of great food and lots of history. Went to the 9th ward (remember hurricane Katrina '05?) and Treme another area devistated by K. In NOLA. Drove over to Bolixi which was almost completely destroyed by K. This area didn't evacuate because they thought K would miss them. All predictions were that she was headed to NOLA. It's been 7 years and people are still trying to rebuild. The coastal area is beautiful with lots of history and the people are wonderful.