Travels

New Orleans Sugar Bowl ⚜️

Posted by markhadland on
Neon sign for Monteleone Hotel Garage, illuminated at night, displaying 'Monteleone Hotel Garage' and 'Entrance to Lobby'.
The Monteleone Hotel with the famous Carousel Bar.

The 2023 Huskies had a historic season, going undefeated at 13-0 in Pac-12 play, defeating Oregon in the Pac-12 playoff game, and also beating the Ducks twice in the same season – sorry, Bruce. It was the last year of the Pac-12 due to conference realignment. Never again could the Ducks win a Pac-12 Championship. The Dawgs have not gone undefeated since the 1991 Season, the year I graduated. We were in the National Championship playoffs, and I told Carter and Rhone that this might never happen again in history. As rabid Dawg fans, we went to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to cheer on the Huskies against Texas and spend New Year’s in The Big Easy. This trip, it was Carter, Rhone, Mitch, and me—the fearsome foursome.

Logo of the Allstate Sugar Bowl featuring a trophy design and the event name prominently displayed.
A city street at dusk featuring a red streetcar, palm trees, and buildings adorned with lights. Cars are seen driving along the avenue under streetlights.
A group of three young men smiling for a selfie on a festive city street at night, decorated with lights and holiday decorations.
A vibrant city street at night, decorated with festive lights and palm trees, showcasing vehicles and illuminated buildings.

We arrived in town as the sun set, and made our way directly to Bourbon Street.

Close-up of a tile sign spelling 'BOURBON' on the street in New Orleans.
Entrance of Cafe Beignet, featuring illuminated signage and striped awnings, at night.
A red streetcar illuminated at night, with people waiting nearby and festive decorations visible in the background.
A lively street scene in New Orleans at night, featuring brightly lit neon signs for the Cigar Factory and Felix's Restaurant and Oysters, with pedestrians walking in the foreground.
A nighttime view of Bourbon Street featuring illuminated neon signs for Felix's Restaurant and Big Easy, with pedestrians walking along the sidewalk.
Sign for Jean Lafitte's Old Absinthe House, established in 1807, illuminated at night, with Rue Bienville street sign visible and people in the foreground.
View of a vibrant New Orleans street at night featuring neon signs for a restaurant and bar.
Neon sign for 'Mango Mango' illuminated at night on a bustling street with people walking and shops in view.
Neon sign for Jester's Daiquiris featuring a clown, advertising famous chicken and fries, lit up at night on Bourbon Street.
A group of three friends posing for a selfie on Bourbon Street at night, with a Hard Rock Cafe in the background.
Hadland’s mean mugging.
Neon sign for Larry Flynt's Hustler Club, depicting bright letters and festive decorations.
A view of Bourbon Street at night, bustling with people walking. Vibrant neon lights illuminate the buildings, creating a lively atmosphere.
There’s a cool vibe to this town.
Illuminated neon sign for 'SLUSH DAIQUIRIS' and 'PIZZA BY THE SLICE' in a vibrant, colorful display.
Two young men standing on Bourbon Street at night, holding drinks and looking at the camera. Bright neon signs and a bustling crowd in the background.
Slushies for the boys.
A person sitting in front of a bar entrance displaying Texas and Washington flags, with dim lighting and people in the background.
New Orleans knows how to host a major sporting event like no other.
Neon sign for 'Big Easy Daiquiris' and 'Pizza by the Slice' on Bourbon Street at night.
Neon sign for 'Jazz Funeral' with text 'WHERE PEOPLE ARE DYING TO COME IN,' illuminated at night, displaying dancing figures and a skull symbol.
A historical plaque detailing the history of New Orleans as the capital of the Spanish Province of Louisiana from 1762 to 1803, located on a tiled surface.
There is a lot of American history influenced by the Spanish and French that we don’t get to experience on the West Coast. I love it!

We were hungry and searching for a proper dinner meal. What did we spy? A dry-aged steakhouse – Our beloved Doris.

A display case filled with several dry-aged steaks, showcasing various cuts of meat with price tags attached.
Close-up of the Doris Metropolitan restaurant menu with a decorative logo.
Oh, the magnificent beauty 🥩
An interior view of a dimly lit restaurant featuring a wine wall, with patrons seated at tables enjoying their meals.
Wine too 🍷🍷🍷

We were in Heaven.

Close-up view of dry-aged steaks displayed in a glass meat refrigerator, showcasing various cuts with price tags attached.
A display of dry-aged steaks in a meat refrigerator, showcasing various cuts labeled with tags.
A close-up view of dry-aged steaks displayed in a meat refrigerator, with tags indicating their prices.

This was by far one of the best steakhouses we have ever visited.

A gourmet dish featuring a neatly stacked layer of meat, topped with a drizzle of sauce, a raw egg yolk, capers, and garnished with microgreens, served with crispy toasted bread on the side.
A plated dish featuring seared meat pieces with a glossy sauce, garnished with green herbs and small spherical elements on a light-colored plate.
A plate featuring various roasted carrots in different colors, seasoned and garnished with herbs.
A close-up of a cooked dry-aged steak on a black plate, accompanied by a piece of green vegetable.
Grilled octopus served on a plate with a creamy sauce and garnished with sliced lemon.
Four friends making silly faces while holding forks in a restaurant setting.
Few things change with us four.
Two men posing for a selfie on Bourbon Street at night, holding colorful drinks in festive cups.
More mischievous. I sure liked these hand grenades.
Neon sign for 'Jester's Daiquiris' featuring a clown holding a drink and a chicken leg.
A glowing green drink in an alien-themed cup, set against a bar backdrop with colorful lights.
A vibrant night scene on Bourbon Street featuring neon signs for 'Fuego Bourbon', 'Taco Fuego', and 'Gumbo YaYa'. Several people walk down the street, which is lined with multiple storefronts and illuminated signs.

Day Two

It was my Mom’s 80th Birthday – Happy Birthday Grandma, as we all call her. Wishing you were here.

A woman wearing a birthday crown holding a decorated cake with the number 80 on it, celebrating her birthday.

After thoroughly enjoying all the wonderful things Bourbon Street had to offer, we embarked in search of some of New Orleans’ finest brunch spots. I was the first to rise and made my way to the famous Antoine’s for a Champagne Brunch. I set off alone, and Carter and Mitch finally made their way to me after my first bottle.

Close-up of a restaurant plate and brunch menu featuring Antoine's logo and bottomless beverage options.
A view of a historic street in New Orleans, featuring traditional architecture, shops, and people walking along the sidewalks under a clear blue sky.
Brunch menu at Antoine's featuring a variety of cocktails and dishes, with sections for winter cocktails, brunch cocktails, classic cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, wine selections, and desserts.
A plate of poached eggs served with asparagus and a creamy sauce, garnished with crispy bits and thin red garnishes.
A plated dish of eggs benedict featuring poached eggs, ham, and asparagus on an English muffin, drizzled with hollandaise sauce.

After a wonderful brunch, we set off to tour the French Quarter.

A lively street scene in New Orleans, featuring a group of musicians performing with a double bass and other instruments, surrounded by an audience of diverse onlookers. In the background, historic buildings and storefronts are visible, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
A bustling street scene in the French Quarter of New Orleans, featuring historic buildings adorned with festive decorations and people walking on the sidewalk under a clear blue sky.
A courtyard with stone flooring featuring several black chairs and tables surrounded by lush green plants and trees.
A modern staircase with white wooden steps and black metal railings, surrounded by mirrored walls and soft lighting.
A narrow corridor with a stone floor, warm-toned walls, and decorative hanging lights. Poinsettias are placed on the ground near the entrances of the adjacent rooms, with a view of a street at the end of the hallway.
So much historical architecture to appreciate.
Two friends smiling and holding drinks on a balcony, with festive decorations adorning the buildings in the background.
A spiral staircase with wooden steps and white railings, surrounded by mirrors reflecting the design.
Two young men sitting in a modern lounge area with a black marble table and a potted plant, while an alligator artwork hangs on the wall above them.
A bustling street scene in New Orleans, showcasing pedestrians in various outfits walking under an ornate balcony with a clear blue sky in the background.
A historic building in the French Quarter of New Orleans featuring intricate ironwork balconies adorned with hanging plants, bustling with tourists on a sunny day.
A view of a bustling street in New Orleans with colorful buildings and people walking along the sidewalks under a clear blue sky.
A historic building with intricate ironwork balconies, adorned with vibrant greenery and decorative statues, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
A historic church with a clock tower and cross on top, viewed from a garden with neatly trimmed bushes and a stone monument in the foreground.
A bar display filled with a variety of liquor bottles, including whiskey, tequila, and rum, illuminated by soft lighting.
Our favorite bit of culture.
Bartender pouring a creamy cocktail into a glass at a bar.
Refreshments were in order!
Two individuals pose for a photo in front of a building, one dressed in drag with long blonde hair and a black gown holding a microphone, while the other, a younger man, stands beside him holding a green drink.
Singing Sinatra.
A person wearing a blue jacket holds two green drink containers shaped like hands against a festive street backdrop in New Orleans.
Super Powers!
A bustling Bourbon Street in New Orleans at sunset, showcasing vibrant shops and restaurants along the street with neon signs and a sense of evening activity.
A group of five friends posing for a selfie on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during the evening, with historical buildings and festive decorations in the background.
As the sun set, we were joined by Rhone and Mitch’s friend Sahand.
A festive building adorned with colorful lights during twilight, featuring a sign that reads 'JOY' on the balcony.
I was looking for a bit of joy in my life.

We found Joy at the world-famous O’Briens, known for their exceptionally strong hurricanes. This town was one non-stop party. We were in heaven.

A bustling outdoor scene in New Orleans during twilight, featuring people enjoying the atmosphere surrounded by festive decorations and trees. Lights illuminate the area, creating a lively ambiance.
Five colorful hurricane cocktails with ice and garnishes, displayed at a bar.
A decorative fountain at night with flowing water illuminated by vibrant blue and green lights, and flames flickering from the top.
A lively, narrow street scene in New Orleans at night, featuring diners seated at outdoor tables and patrons mingling. Colorful lights illuminate the brick walls and greenery, creating a festive atmosphere.
Bustling night scene on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, with pedestrians walking past illuminated shops and vibrant nightlife.

After a proper bit of drinking, it was time for dinner. We made the only correct choice, Doris!

A close-up of steak tartare garnished with capers, egg yolk, and herbs, served with a crispy toast.
Grilled octopus served with cherry tomatoes and a creamy sauce on a blue plate.
A beautifully plated dish featuring a dry-aged steak garnished with grilled scallions, served alongside a roasted bone filled with flavorful marrow, set on a black plate with a glass of red wine and water in the background.
Three young men smiling in a lively street at night, holding a sign with the number 70, background showing colorful lights and crowd.

Day Three

We started day three with some beignets.

Three beignets dusted with powdered sugar served in a tray.
Chalkboard sign displaying the text 'I Wonder if Beignets think of ME TOO' with illustrations of beignets and a stick figure.
Artistic representation of Café Du Monde coffee stand featuring a pink can with the text 'Café Du Monde' and colorful illustrations of the original coffee stand.

It was time for The Sugar Bowl Parade.

Three men smiling in a festive setting with Mardi Gras beads around their necks, surrounded by a crowd in a celebratory atmosphere.
Sign welcoming Sugar Bowl fans to New Orleans featuring silhouettes of musicians and festive colors.
A bright red sign for Big Easy Daiquiris, featuring playful graphics and text that reads 'I DON'T GET DRUNK I GET AWESOME', along with offerings like daiquiris, beer, mixed drinks, and pizza by the slice.
Crowd at a parade with hands raised in excitement, watching colorful floats with performers on top under a clear blue sky.
A large crowd of people celebrating at an outdoor event, with attendees wearing mostly orange clothing and some holding flags. There's a festive atmosphere with trees and blue sky in the background.
Boo Texas.
A large crowd gathers on a sunny day, with various people and hats in view, celebrating at a parade in New Orleans.
A large crowd of fans gathered around a brass band performing outdoors, with festive decorations and natural scenery in the background.
The University of Washington Husky Marching Band! I am a proud Alum.
A group selfie of four friends in purple attire, wearing festive beads and standing in front of a wall with the text 'Sazerac Rye' in gold lettering.
We took in a tour of the Sazerac Museum.
A side view of a bus featuring promotional graphics for the Allstate Sugar Bowl, including the text 'PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL' and logos.
A close-up of a cocktail glass containing a light-colored drink with a salt rim and an olive garnish, surrounded by other glasses of water and wine on a table.
A glowing green pineapple-shaped cup with a mischievous face design.
Enjoyed lovely beverages.
Two people smiling together indoors, with festive decorations visible in the background.
Met up with longtime friend Chandi Michelle. Two Lacey Washington North Thurston High School grads!
Two individuals holding drinks on Bourbon Street at night, with colorful neon signs and buildings in the background.
Fireworks light up the night sky above a street in New Orleans, showcasing historic buildings and parked cars along the sidewalk.
A nighttime street scene in New Orleans featuring parked cars, street lamps, and fireworks in the sky.
Fireworks illuminating the night sky over a city street lined with cars and buildings.
Fireworks for New Years!

We returned to Doris to celebrate our waiter Hung Dong’s birthday.

A group of three people smiling for a selfie at night on a street in New Orleans, with historic buildings and street signs visible in the background.
Three people posing for a photo on a colorful street in New Orleans, with festive decorations and a restaurant sign in the background.
Three people smiling together in a lively bar setting, with a neon sign in the background reading 'MOST POWERFUL DRINK'.

Game Day

Historic church with tall spires located in a park setting, surrounded by people and bare trees, under a cloudy sky.
Prior to making our way to the game, we took in a little culture – very little.
A happy couple posing for a selfie in a lively restaurant, with games, screens, and a bustling crowd in the background.
We pre-gamed with Chandi.
Exterior view of Caesars Superdome at night, illuminated with blue lights and displaying the Allstate logo.
Now it was time for the big game.
A close-up view of the Sugar Bowl trophy illuminated at night, with a crowd in the background and vibrant lights from the event.
And I thought Bourbon Street was crowded.
Interior view of the End Zone Club with a bar area, featuring multiple screens showing a football game and a Mercedes-Benz logo above.
I was able to secure seats in the End Zone Club, which was great as we had expedited access and a dedicated bar. There was some food too.
Interior view of the Caesars Superdome during the Sugar Bowl, with players warming up on the field and a scoreboard displaying game information.
A packed stadium during the Sugar Bowl, featuring the Washington Huskies marching band performing on the field with fans in the stands.
A packed stadium during a football game, with a marching band performing on the field and fans in the stands, many of whom are holding their phones up to capture the moment.
A view inside the Caesars Superdome during the Sugar Bowl, showcasing a packed audience, banners displaying participating teams Washington and Texas, and advertising for sponsors and events.
Football game in progress, featuring Washington against Texas in the Sugar Bowl, with players on the field and fans in the stands.
Amazing seats 🏈
Three friends posing for a celebratory photo, wearing purple and gold attire, with festive beads around their necks. They are expressing excitement, with one person making a playful gesture behind another's head.
Throwing up the Dubs after an amazing game and great Sugar Bowl victory.
Three fans posing in front of a Washington Football truck, showing excitement for their team.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl logo projected on a stadium at night, surrounded by glowing lights.

Day Five

In no particular order, we also visited Napolean House, Brennan’s, and Doris – again.

Menu of the Napoleon House, a historic restaurant in New Orleans, featuring an illustration of the building and information about its awards.
Menu featuring appetizers from Brennan's restaurant in New Orleans, including Endive and Chicory Salad and Lobster Risotto.
A close-up photo of a Brennan's Restaurant menu, detailing its history and welcoming visitors, with illustrations of the restaurant and a dark background.
Dry-aged steaks displayed on shelves in a steakhouse's aging room.
View of a restaurant kitchen with chefs in white uniforms busy preparing food, through a glass window.
A lively Bourbon Street in New Orleans at night, with colorful neon signs, reflections on the wet pavement, and people walking along the street.

With that, we were off back home to Seattle, and getting ready for the National Championship Game.

A hand holding Delta airline boarding passes for a 757 and a 767 airplane, with a blurred background showing part of an airplane seat.
Obligatory Delta plane cards from the Captain.
Aerial view of Seattle at night, showcasing illuminated buildings, water, and cloud cover over the city.
Welcome home.
Graphic celebrating the 2024 Sugar Bowl Champions, featuring players in Husky uniforms, with a background of a cityscape and the text '2024 SUGAR BOWL CHAMPIONS'.
Graphic featuring players from the Washington Huskies and Michigan Wolverines football teams, with a championship trophy and NRG Stadium in the background.
See you in Houston!
A collage of neon signs from various establishments in New Orleans, including 'Fuego Bourbon', 'Jester's Daiquiris', 'Big Easy Daiquiris', 'Slush Daiquiris', 'Pier 42 Seafood Market', 'Jazz Funeral', 'Blaze', 'Larry Flynt's Hustler Club', and 'Felix's Restaurant Oysters'.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *