I love New Orleans, love the food and style and pace. If you need a break from the U.S., and don't have a passport, go to New Orleans.
I don't like Bourbon Street. Too many drunk tourists. But one of the great bars anywhere, the Old Absinthe House, is on Bourbon. Friend who works for the Carolina Panthers told me about the bar, and it was love at first sight. I like places that are older than I am, and this one was built in 1806.
Buddy who is in town to write about the about the NFL owners meetings was there the other night. One of the NFL owners also was -- Daniel Snyder of the Washington Redskins.
If I were trying to run into Snyder, I would go to a chain restaurant that had a branch in Washington D.C. I'd figure he'd want to be recognized, and maybe word would spread through the chain. Oh, yeah, we know you. You go to the Applebee's near the stadium. One white wine spritzer coming right up.
Not the Old Absinthe House, Dan. Maybe the Olde Absinthe House. But not the Old Absinthe.
The place is not fancy, has a juke box and open windows and, the last time I was there, a woman who said she was a personal trainer who was spanking people, albeit with a great deal of class and respect and only if they volunteered. I didn't. My friend did. They didn't make a scene. They went outside.
When he returned, he was a better person. A good bar can transform you, it really can. But it can't transform everybody.
New Orleans isn't for everybody. The Old Absinthe isn't, either.
Cool story, Hansel.
Posted by: GK | March 22, 2011 at 09:54 AM
Who are the panthers drafting?
Posted by: matt | March 22, 2011 at 10:36 AM
And I thought this was a piece about Ed Conroy and Tulane. I bet that slob is sorry now that he turned down UNC Wilmington.
Posted by: LargeDick | March 22, 2011 at 10:48 AM
This was a random thought which turned into a questionable usage of white paper.
Posted by: Nutherptofview | March 22, 2011 at 11:37 AM
you rite wit dat toms. i love me some new oleans wit pathion. get me some seefood up in day and engoy it wit some kechup. great peace agen toms. keep wit it. -S
Posted by: Stankonya | March 22, 2011 at 11:47 AM
I could write articles in my spare time and have more relevant, up to date information about sports in Charlotte than the Observer's writers. News about Charlotte sports teams is never broken by them. You will see it on ESPN, then on this website like 4 hours later. Get with the program people!
Posted by: Jeremy | March 22, 2011 at 03:07 PM
I'm really not a hater and I wish Tom all the best, but what the heck did this article have to do with anything? The Panthers draft pick? The Bobcats playoff chances? The ACC teams in the regionals? What gives? Stay relevant folks.
Posted by: Rex | March 23, 2011 at 12:47 AM
Obviously this blog is just Tom talking like the title says. It's too bad he has nothing good (or even relevant) to say.
Posted by: David | March 23, 2011 at 03:29 PM
Whats up Tommy? Jab Back!
Posted by: travis | March 25, 2011 at 11:51 AM