Saturday was Studly Doright’s 59th birthday. Having feasted to the overflow mark on Thanksgiving he wanted no special birthday foods and said he’d play a round of golf to celebrate the big day. I sang “Happy Birthday” as he headed to the golf course while he grinned. I have that effect on people.
When he arrived home after golf, though, he told me to pack an overnight bag. He’d bought some motorcycle parts online and we needed to pick them up. In Metairie, Louisiana, outside of New Orleans! I didn’t quibble and ten minutes later we were on the road.
New Orleans is a five and a half hour drive from Doright Manor, and we made it to the seller’s home around 5:30 p.m. Studly was delighted with his bargain, so while he and the seller stood swapping motorcycle tales (a.k.a. “kicking tires and telling lies”) I booked us a hotel room in Metairie.
After a nice light dinner at PF Chang’s we checked into our hotel and cheered on the Florida State Seminoles from the comfort of our bed.
Knowing the New Orleans Saints were playing at home at noon on Sunday we planned to get up early and be well away from the area before game time. Studly had me find us a breakfast spot using Siri, and with only one little mixup we were soon seated at a table at Willa Jean, a top brunch spot in the central business district in downtown New Orleans.
I had beignets on my mind, but unfortunately they weren’t on the menu. But, oh my goodness! What a menu! Studly, who is a breakfast traditionalist, had biscuits and sausage gravy and proclaimed his meal to be perfect. I enjoyed grilled cornbread with a syrupy butter and a side of bacon. We both believe it was the best restaurant meal we’ve had in years. Check out their website: http://www.willajean.com.
After we left Willa Jean, finding the interstate was a cinch. I snapped this photo of Louis Armstrong just standing on a corner:
Ok, so Satchmo was only there in statue form, but the city was waking up around him in preparation for the game.
Once on the interstate I took a few random shots. Whatever did I do before I had an iPhone?
I’ll finish up my piece tomorrow with photos of our visit to the USS Alabama. For a low-key birthday, we had a pretty grand time. Thanks for reading!
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 
Thanks for sharing this. The Willa Jean’s photos are beautiful.
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It’s a great place to eat. Studly was pretty skeptical, but the food won him over.
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Nothing can really beat food in making one’s birthday memorable. Thanks for sharing this. You made it possible for your readers to discover great dining places. Belated Happy Birthday to Studly.
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Thanks!
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You’re welcome.
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Wait, Studly is only 59? Did you rob the cradle?
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I did! He loves to tell everyone that for two months of the year he is two years younger than me.
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You cougar you, my hero!
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Ha!
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Great piece!! My only questions is…How can a restaurant in N.O. not sell beignets?? Is that even legal?? 🙂
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I wondered that, too! But their biscuits were heavenly, so all is forgiven.
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I’ve never been, so that’s a future trip for us. Thanks for sharing!
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Oh you’ll enjoy it!
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It sounds like a lot of fun. Sometimes unplanned trips are the best ones. I hope you got the parts okay. 🙂
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It was so much fun. And the parts were perfect!
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You guys know how to party 🙂 It is a remarkable birthday – I had my in June. Adios to the 50s 😦
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Well you and I are leading edge 60’s chicks.
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Yep.
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