Yeah…I said it. No matter how much I love Jesus and try to refrain from curse words and “ugly talk,” the words “kick” and “ass” put together in one satisfying adjective make for the quintessential emphasis to a point. At least, in my book…
Our recent trip to New Orleans with friends was (dare I say it again?) kick ass in EVERY way! From the strolling, dining and shopping in the Bywater, French Quarter and Garden District to the people watching, the music (Jazz Fest, no less) and the end all-be all crawfish boil! My husband is from New Orleans and his childhood friend, Todd, and his wife, Kristi, really know how to “put on the dog,” as we say in the South. Every year the Borges’s host a Jazz Fest Crawfish Boil at their beautiful uptown 1940’s Spanish Bungalow. Once guests have eaten their fill of perfectly spiced crawfish, fixings, chicken gumbo and mimosas, they walk a few blocks to the fair grounds for Jazz Fest. For me, walking the streets of New Orleans and taking in the abundance of architecture and design at every turn is like walking in utopia. From the lowliest, to the most grand estates, character and charm rule the day and make New Orleans a unique and rare bird indeed.
Among those places that I dearly love is the home of our friends and hosts, Todd and Kristi. They have one of those homes that ooze old world charm and sophistication yet is unassuming and, dare I say, perfectly haphazard. It’s the sort of house I dream of for my clients every time I start a new project. One that is beautiful and interesting…one that is collected and curated over time…one that is cozy and hospitable…one that is artistic and a reflection of those that dwell in it. Please allow me to take you on a pictorial tour of their home, for pictures say far more than I can express in words. Hopefully my random and quick photographs will unveil a small glimpse of the energy, warmth and New Orleanian flair of this special home and why no one EVER wants to miss a Crawfish Boil on North Carrollton Avenue.
The natural light in the home is so beautiful and warm.
The beautifully plastered walls lead to coved ceilings throughout the home. Wow upon wow! The Borges’ attention to mid-century modern detail is a thing of beauty. How gorgeous are these loungers and mid-century textiles atop polished concrete floors?
Kristi prepping for the crawfish boil. I learned a thing or two about flavor on this day as we chopped a mountain of onions, garlic and lemons! Hello delicious boil!
My friend, Karen, was fascinated with the making of a crawfish boil and Todd graciously explained his process. Meanwhile, the rest of us were eating our faces off! The meat was succulent and perfectly spiced with creole seasoning, lemon, garlic, onions, potatoes, celery, corn, andouille sausage and mushrooms. Unbelievable!!!
An absolute perfect spring day with friends and memories, old and new! Now if someone could wake up Harper Lee. It’s time for Jazz Fest!
Yep…kick ass pretty much sums up our time in the Big Easy. Perhaps I will speak a bit more eloquently in my next post but, for now, I hope you’ll forgive a girl her shortcomings and misgivings. Until then…xoxo!
Thank you to Kristi and Todd for allowing me to brag on them! Every word (and more) is true! Big love to you guys!
Thank you to Karen for snapping a couple of the pics in this post! Excellent work, my friend!
Peach and the Willow 