The Tree & Liuzza's by the Track

See we don't just party ... we relax too.

Sometimes, you just need to take yourself on a date, and after the busy-ness of the past couple weeks it was time. And really, when I say I went on a date by myself - I  mean I went on a date with a tree. I'm in a committed relationship with the Chime Tree at City Park. If you've never found the Chime Tree (and yes it DESERVES capital letters) stop what you're doing, open your planner and make yourself a date with a tree. And while you're there, look around at all the other amazing things that City Park has to offer. (Fun fact: City Park has more square footage than Central Park) The walking paths alone offer a great retreat within the city. There is also the New Orleans Museum of Art which deserves a looksie if you get the chance. But honestly, for me, the best part of NOMA is what's outside in the Sculpture Garden.  There is a giant safety pin (as pictured above) giant fat women, horses made of sticks, stacks of guitars and even the Blue Dog. If you don't know about the Blue Dog, you should. If it feels like I'm givin' y'all a lot of directives about what to do - I am.

I made my waitress, the beautiful Heather take the photo of me eating.

If you want to have the perfect finish to your tree date - I know just the place, though the Chime Tree may not come with you. (In fact, I don't think they even let trees inside, let alone hire them ... bigots.) The place is Liuzza's By The Track, and this place is as real as it gets.  They are a New Orleans institution, a creole holy ground with horseradish infused Bloody Mary's that sell like hotcakes come Jazz Fest, and the food, My GOD, the food. I must admit the first time I came here - I sinned. I had just moved to the city and my friend Angelle was down to visit her family, she came and picked me up and took to this fine establishment and I ordered a turkey po-boy. At the time I was a mid-westerner through and through and I "thought" I didn't eat seafood. I was so wrong, and I apologize for that mistake. Now I know of shrimp, oysters, and the other fine things that come from the Gulf. I highly recommend getting the BBQ shrimp, their signature dish. I can't even begin to describe how good it is, or the garlic oyster po-boy, so effin' good you can barely handle it, and I might get in trouble for saying this, but I think they have the best gumbo you can get. And if you come here, we are going to Liuzza's. Angelle, sorry about the turkey po-boy, I have been learned in the ways of the Gulf South and their foods, and I repent. So, to sum it up, if you need an afternoon alone, go to City Park, sit under the chime tree, walk the 1/2 mile to Liuzza's and check out the graveyard on the way, and then NOM your life away, unless your allergic to shellfish, and then, just be sad.

Yeah You Right, Joe.