Today we explored the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. We both agreed that this was an area we want to keep a close watch on over the next few years. It's just in the early stages of gentrification. Beautiful old empty buildings in serious need of repair still outnumber the houses which are under "reconstruction". It's obvious in some places that the water (the area runs right along the river) did invade during the Storm. But the young folks we saw working, walking their dogs, and getting around on their bicycles and those we got to chat with made us feel so positive. The couple of stops we made for first, the all important Bloody Mary, and then for lunch hinted at the Bywater that will be. And probably sooner than people think. Bywater - remember it.
Tonight we had a most amazing evening at Kermit Ruffin's Speakeasy in Treme. We had some of Kermit's cooking (red beans & rice; fried frog legs; fried catfish; and gumbo). The food was delicious. But the music from Kermit's band and the joy of listening to it in a small setting with lots of locals was something we'll be looking forward to doing again very, very soon.
Tomorrow - it's time for some wandering in the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny, having some more great conversations with locals, and as always, more great food and music.
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