Yesterday, after working a half-day at the Hoi Polloi, I decided that I wanted to get more mileage from my $15 per day parking spot, so I choose to have a splendid lunch. This New Orleans
afternoon thunder storm began around 8 A.M. and seemed to have no end. As I headed for a place that had advertised a "Tales of the Cocktail" special lunch, I observed that the chef for another Cocktail luncheon event was operating under a tent.
There had been much clambering of metal tent pipes when I arrived at 330 Chartres street at 8:45 A.M. The noise accompanied the last minute and much needed cover. This emergency tent became the command post for the Exchange Alley dining experience.
I walked down Exchange Alley, which runs only two blocks between Chartres and Royal. It reminds me of a Harry Potter view of Diagon Alley. I watched from under my umbrella, as the chef placed the mismatched antique plates on the fold-able table and the rain-hooded server transported the meal into the back door of the venue. I am certain that the diners were unaware of this MASH setup. Just another of the magical experiences of New Orleans!
Nothing stops a New Orleans Event! My intention was to have lunch at the Green Goddess Restaurant, but the monsoon dislodged the outdoor tables and forced the customers into a very crowded and smoky indoor dining area. I redirected my umbrella to Royal Street and elected to treat myself to a salad at the Royal Orleans Rib Room.
I spent many Saturday afternoon in this fine hotel as a teenager. Its always had a very clean and available ladies room, and a stunning view of the Quarter from its rooftop. My friend, Linda Fauchaux, sketched me on that very rooftop and used the same view for our senior prom backdrop! This place has special ties for me.
Yesterday presented yet another reason to love this space. As I sat at my little table for two enjoying the Asian pear and pecan salad, Mayor Landrieu and another gentleman came into the dinning room without much fanfare. They were seated behind me at a table next to the famous Royal Street window. I had wanted to sit there, but choose not to ask to be reseated. I was glad that I had not garnered the window table, for I would have missed the opportunity to thank the mayor.
I asked Timothy, the young server who graduated from Carver High School, to "please bring me a pen and paper," which he did. The paper was a copy of the day's menu. Not my usual stationary selection, but.... I remember when I always had a notebook with me. Now that I have a call phone, my notebooks remain at home.
I wrote:
Dear Mr. Mayor,
Congratulations!
The Thursday before Katrina, I attended a conference you sponsored while you were Lt. Governor.
At that conference, you pledged to help spread Louisiana's Culture throughout the country.
You succeeded. Well done.
Peace,
Rosalynn Moore
He read the note delivered by our server and came over to my table to thank me. There I stood, eye to eye, with the Mayor accepting his appreciation for my note.
When Timothy returned to my table I reminded him, "to always thank the people in your life."
