Because I lived in NOLA for so many years, I can never pass
up a chance to read what others recommend that visitors see and do in The Big
Easy. Must-sees, must-dos, must-eats;
I have to know each compiler’s picks. Of course, I’m most interested in which restaurants
and bars top each list. #FoodFact. Or #FoodOpinion? Hmm. I’ll leave that here
for digestion. ;)
Anyway, this guide points out all the old favorites, which makes
sense as Stuart has chosen to focus on the “vintage” spots. Not surprisingly, I
found I’d been to most (if not all) of the eateries and drinkeries and
visitories she describes. I checked off everything from lunch at Commander’s to
climbing Monkey Hill to drinks at the Old Absinthe House.
I’ve not, however, actually had absinthe. Yes, the popular depictions of “the green fairy” as “psychoactive”
and “hallucinogenic” seem reason enough not to imbibe, but the bigger issue was its illegality. Since
I hadn’t been actively following absinthe’s “status,” it came as a surprise to
me to read here that the Old Absinthe House is indeed now selling its namesake
drink.
Now, it’s not exactly the same stuff – thujone, a naturally-occuring
chemical in wormwood, must now be strictly limited, leading many folks to call
it “absinthe refined.” But the essence of the spirit remains the same, as,
apparently, does its flavor. “Anise” and “fennel” are not my usual go-tos for
cocktails, so you won’t find me rushing out for a bottle, but the next time I’m
in NOLA, I might have to make my way down to Bourbon Street to give it a shot.
;)
