John B.
Yelp
Fire in the Window.
My novella about Mr. Ed's.
Two lovers, hand in hand, walked by the window, headed for the door.
They glanced and zeroed in on what's going on behind the glass.
That inward glance between reflections of the city street saw brilliant orange flames dancing high.
This picture window view, they were witness to a chef artfully grilling oysters.
Somehow, they knew.
Tonight was going to be memorable.
Those two lovers? Yours truly, this one who writes. And my Fav Fab One.
Holding the door for my fair lady, we escaped from the summer heat.
In the cool, aromatic air within, there, standing before us, a beautiful smile with a matching personality. And, a très chic name. Paris.
Paris, in NOLA. Mais oui.
We took a short walk. Just Paris and us. We were seated. Gets my vote for Best Seats in the House. Wonderful view just feet away. Walkers. Riders. Cars and Streetcars. All-around great views.
To the other side of the front door, stood that chef provoking those tall flames. Name's Leonard. Paris called him over. Paris had seen me taking pictures through the window.
Of Leonard. And flames. Grilling oysters.
I showed them my pics. We all laughed! I loved them!
Our eyes were directed upward, led by the voice of Rochelle L.
She was to be our chaperon and guide through all things Mr. Ed's.
We stuck with the stack to start. That'd be the Friend Green Tomato Stack.
A knife and fork fantasy of the fried variety. Slices of crispy juiciness. A nip of shrimp. All painted with an artful remoulade.
Since tomatoes are actually fruit, and this dish is love, I'll call it a Passion Fruit Favor.
Fab One did not linger, her finger directing to the Raw Oyster box on the menu.
One half dozen, please, Rochelle. Thank You!
As I'm finishing off those fried green goodies, I take delight in observing her oyster handling techniques.
This ain't her first Oystero. (Rhymes with rodeo, sort of? Doesn't it?)
It was time for Rochelle to bring out a bona fide platter of plenty. A trio of fried favorites, the Southern Fried Platter. With this I got a chicken breast, catfish and some shrimp. Wearing a crispy coat of crunchy perfection. A heapin' helping of Jambalaya to round out the plate.
With nimble nudging, each fork-full a perfect bite. Each nibble a nod to the Chef's intent.
The chef we got to meet. Darrin's his name. The Kitchen Kreator.
My date du jour (every jour, actually, LOL) worked her way through a wonderful Bleu Cheese Wedge Salad. A real classic that did not disappoint.
Under the guidance of Rochelle, and the insightful oversight of Paris, this night set the mood for a romantic romp. Ahem, a ride on the St. Charles streetcar. To nowhere. And back. That's exactly what we did.
Stepping off the streetcar, those two lovers bid goodbye to the night.
They strolled casually back to their nearby room. Hand in hand.
He. Well, me, kinda felt like Eric Clapton, in that gorgeous love song of his. Wonderful Tonight.
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight"....
Thank you, Mr. Ed's.