The Garden District

October 23

The Garden District off St. Charles Street is a National Historic Landmark District built between 1832 and 1900 featuring one of the best preserved collections of southern mansions.  We spent a wonderful afternoon admiring the Victorian, Greek Revival and Italianate homes built by the then nouveau riche and often called the American area because the residents were new arrivals who made their fortunes in cash crops, the slave trade and in banking.  The were snubbed by the native Creoles and settled their own district which was annexed to New Orleans in 1852. 

I've learned a lot of history, but I still don't know what Roman Chewing Candy is!

The Lafayette Cemetery #1, established in 1833, is in the Garden District across from Commander's Palace.  I'd been there about 10 years ago and while still fascinating, I was so sorry to see it in such disrepair.          

Later that evening we head back to the casino, drop a little money, then duck into Besh Steakhouse chefjohnbesh.com, run by noted Chef John Besh.  We graze at the bar again on another trio of soups which were fabulous and a steak tartare topped with a quail egg that was divine.  It's pretty pricey, but very good.

Does this look like a winning spin to you?!!!!?  We thought the legend said I had won $10,000.  Nothing showed up....not a dime.  We called over an attendant, who then in turn, called over three others and they couldn't figure it out.  Finally find out that I had five black 7's....only the red ones win!  Wouldn't you think five of anything in a row should at least win something?  Nada!  I have vowed off Harrah's...need to find a friendlier place down the road.