A Weekend in New Orleans

I have been a Saints fan since I was 6 years old. Everyone always asks me why the New Orleans Saints are my favorite football team. After the first 6 years of my life I decided that I didn't like the Eagles. I loved sports though and decided I needed a favorite football team. The day I made that decision I went to K-mart with my Dad and requested an Icee from the K-Cafe. The large Icee cups were the plastic souvenir football ones. As it happened, the only team that they had was the lowly New Orleans Saints. It was destiny.. the Saints would be my team! They actually did pretty well that year going 9-7 behind Bobby Hebert and Dalton Hilliard on offense and the linebacker trio of Sam Mills, Rickey Jackson and Pat Swilling on defense.

Growing up a Saints fan around Philadelphia, I was constantly harassed for not liking the Eagles and loving the "Aint's". When I was probably around 11 years old, the Saints and Eagles played each other in the playoffs. I went with my family to visit my Uncles in Pennsylvania where we made a bet that if the Eagles won they would shave an Eagle in the back of my head. The Eagles ended up winning 36-20 and when they came after me with the razor I went running and screaming, crying my eyes out and locked myself in my mom's car. Luckily I never had to deal with the Eagle in my head. The next year or maybe two years later the Eagles and Saints played again. This time I watched the game with my Dad and a few of his cousins. Again the Eagles won and I watched the entire game with my Saints hat on top of the Christmas tree while being tortured and taunted.

The Saints finally won their first playoff game in 2000. In 2003, the Saints made a valiant run at the playoffs and still would have had a chance if this had not happened: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTGco82JKHo.

When he missed that extra point I was at a Chili's. I made sure to drink about 4 Presidente Margaritas to drown out the misery. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and forced the Saints to play their first home game against the Giants in the Meadowlands. I went to that game as well as their game in Philly against the Eagles and a game in Washington against the Redskins. The Saints first home game back in the Superdome against the Falcons was unbelievable. You could see what this team means to that city. I honestly might have teared up a bit during that game.

The 2009 season has been the best in the history of the Saints. They started out 13-0 and finished with a 13-3 record and the number 1 seed throughout the playoffs. I went to games in Philly (where the Saints destroyed the Eagles :) ), Tampa and Washington (this was one of my favorite Saints games of all time.) As soon as the Saints locked up the #1 seed I bought tickets for the game and made travel arrangements. I had always wanted to go to New Orleans but never had the money.

We flew into New Orleans on Friday the 15th around 3:30 and checked into the W New Orleans. Our first meal would be right across the street at a place I saw on Man vs. Food called Mother's. I got the John G. which is a Po' boy with Ham, Turkey, Roast beef and debris which is the little bits of pieces of roast beef that fall into the gravy along with shredded cabbage, pickles, mayo, creole and yellow mustard. Great, GREAT sandwich. Jody got a baked him Po' Boy. Here is my John G. below (keep in mind all pics were taken on my cell phone):



We took a quick nap and then headed out for dinner at 9:00 at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse. This place came highly recommended and didn't disappoint. I had a Jack and Coke while we waited for our table. The restaurant was very nice and uniquely designed; apparently it used to be a parking garage. I ordered a planter's rum which was quite good and pretty strong. We didn't order any appetizers because I anticipated getting a big steak. Jody ordered a 12 oz. Filet and I got the special which was a 24 oz. Bone-in Ribeye. We also ordered garlic mashed potatoes and the absolute best asparagus either of us have ever eaten. My steak was perfect and definitely one of the top 5 steaks I've ever had. Here are the pictures:

Jody's steak:


My steak:


Mashed potatoes:


Asparagus:


For dessert, we had a Creole cheesecake.. forgot to take a picture of it though. Overall, a great meal with great service!

On Saturday, we took advantage of not having Ava with us and slept in. We went out to Bourbon street around 12:30 looking for some lunch but the city was mobbed and their were long waits at all the restaurants so we just went to Popeye's for a quick meal... Hey it is THE Louisiana kitchen. The energy in the city was intense. Everyone was wearing some sort of Saints garb and people were excited. Here is a picture of me before the game:



The game was obviously amazing and the crowd was soooo loud. There was such an eclectic mix of fans and I was really impressed by how many women were there and how crazy they were.

After the game we went to the Palace Cafe. This is another restaurant owned by Dickie Brennan. I got a Chicken and Sausage gumbo which was one of my favorite soups I've ever eaten. Jody got a spinach salad with bacon and a delicious vinaigrette. Jody got the Rotisserie Chicken aux Champignons Dusted with mushrooms and served with truffled mashed potatoes, lemon-arugula salad and finished with a Creole marchands de vin. I got the Andouille Crusted Fish
Pan-roasted and served with Crystal buerre-blanc, chive aoli, rissole potatoes and vegetable du jour. The fish was sheepshead which I'd never had before but was unbelievable. For dessert, I had a Sailor's coffee and Mississippi Mud pie. This was my favorite meal of the trip.

Pics:
Gumbo-


Salad-


Chicken-


Fish-


Dessert-


Overall, New Orleans was an amazing experience. The Saints play the Vikings today at 6:40. If they win they go to their first Super Bowl which will be played in Miami. I will be there.

5.6-5.16 There is never anything to eat.

5.6

Thomas Cinnamon raisin bagel with butter and kashi breakfast bar

Had a tournament all day so didn't get to eat again until 7. Had a chicken caesar salad from the deli at Harrah's.

Had pasta salad that Jody made when I got home. 

5.7

Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal

Two leftover turkey burritos

Orange

Chicken with melted cheese and avocado, brocollini, and pasta salad

5.8

Thomas cinnamon raisin bagel with butter

Leftover chicken and brocollini

Went to Jody's brothers house for dinner.. had a grilled chicken wrap

5.9

Thomas whole wheat bagel with butter and pomegranite yogurt

Had tournament again all day today.. ate grilled chicken club sandwich from the deli for dinner

5.10

Didn't eat until like 2 pm.. went to Marlina's and had half of a steak pizziola sandwich.. ate the other half a bit later

Went to my dad's house for dinner. Had a burger, a small piece of steak and some sausage and vegetables

5.11

Thomas whole wheat bagel with butter

Ate a salad with chicken, bacon, egg and tomatoes with light ranch dressing and a wheat roll

Had dinner at Jody's aunt's house. Had a burger and a hot dog and some potato salad

5.12

Thomas whole wheat bagel with butter

Grilled chicken sandwich with sauteed mushrooms and mozzarella cheese

Went to dinner at Bellagio Ristorante at the Westin in Mount Laurel where Jody and I are getting married. Had an appetizer that included portabella mushrooms, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and bruschetta. My entree was a seafood pasta dish with mussels, clams and shrimp. 

5.13 

Thomas whole wheat bagel with butter and jelly

Leftovers from last night's dinner. 

Went to Colonial for dinner with my sister and had the French dip. 

5.14

Played golf in the morning on an empty stomach. Had a Kashi turkey fiesta hot pocket thing when I got home.

Went to Harry the K's at the Phillies game and had a beef brisket sandwich. 

Went to dinner at El aztecha in Philly with friends. Had Combo 28 which was two enchiladas and a quesadilla. 

5.15

Didn't eat my first meal until like 6:30 when I went to Rode's Fireside with Jody's cousin and grandmom. I had a lobster pasta dish which was really, really good. 

5.16

Played golf in the afternoon and ate some peanuts and wheat crackers. After the tournament they had a reception thing where I had 3 chicken wings, a little bit of pasta and a hot turkey sandwich. 

Ate a Kashi Mushroom trio pizza later that night. 

4.29- 5.5- Back in the Groove and losing weight

4.29

Thomas Cinnamon Raisin bagel with butter

Salad

Ham and provolone on wheat

Jody made a really great dinner. Chicken with cheese and sliced avocado, an amazing pasta salad and grilled zucchini. 

4.30

Kashi Go Lean crunchy cereal and raspberry yogurt

Salad

Leftover chicken, pasta and zucchini

I made my grilled chicken sandwiches with the avocado paste, cheese and red peppers. 

5.1

Kashi Go Lean crunchy cereal

Played in a golf outing.. they had lunch at the legion after the tournament. All of the food looked so good but I took it easy and had 5 chicken wings, a small roast pork sandwich and potato salad.

Had the last of the leftover chicken and zucchini

Kashi 5 cheese pizza

5.2

Thomas Cinnamon Raisin bagel with butter and a Kashi apple pie breakfast bar

Orange

Salad 

Had Jody's Aunt Shelly's 50th birthday party so I had a roast beef sandwich, a few chicken wings and potato salad... later at night I had a meatball sandwich

5.3

Kashi Go Lean Crunchy cereal

Orange

Had a leftover pulled pork sandwich and potato salad from the party

Grilled cheese sandwich

For dinner we had tomato and mozzarella and then Jody's ground turkey concoction mixed with asaparagus, rice and cream of mushroom soup

5.4 

Thomas Cinnamon raisin bagel w butter and kashi baked apple spice breakfast bar

Orange

Leftover ground turkey concoction

Pork chops, applesauce, brocollini, and sauteed peppers 

5.5

Thomas Cinnamon raisin bagel w butter 

Orange

Kashi hot pocket type thing chicken rustico

Turkey burritos made with ground turkey, tomatoes, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro

I have lost a lot of weight in the last week and I'm now just 6.7 lbs away from my goal with 24 days to go. I'm confident that I'll make it to my goal.

3.22-3.28 Need to get back in the groove

3.22

Thomas whole wheat bagel with butter 

Leftover pork chop

Made turkey nachos with the leftover turkey

Meatball and provolone on a roll 

Grilled cheese on rye

3.23

Kashi Honey sunshine cereal and Peach yogurt

Had a Salad with egg, green peppers, tomatoes and chicken with a whole wheat roll from Greenleaf's in the mall. There are 15 locations for those of you wondering. 

Made chicken and grilled zucchini for dinner. 

3.24

Thomas whole wheat bagel with butter

Turkey and cheese on a ciabatta roll 

Had dinner at my friend's wedding. I had assorted finger foods during cocktail hour. The first course was a tomato and mozzarella salad. For my main course I had the Prime Rib which came with vegetables and potatoes. I had a couple of slices of cake and a few cookies for dessert. 

3.25

Went to my favorite place Mastori's diner on the way home from the wedding. Split Spud mountain four ways and I had a chicken parm sandwich on sunflower bread. 

We don't have much food left at the house so we ordered from Benny's I got a grilled chicken sandwich with tomato and lettuce. 

3.26

Kashi Honey sunshine cereal

Peanut butter and jelly on rye

Had some of Jody's leftover baked ziti

Chickie's and Pete's Crabfries at the Sixers game

Went to Philly Cheesesteak's after the game. Went to Geno's, had whiz and provolone with and an order of cheese fries

3.27

Kashi Honey sunshine cereal

Went to PJ's for lunch because we hadn't gone food shopping yet. Had the chili, the irish nachos and ate half of a bison burger.

Had two dollar dogs at the Phillies game. 

3.28

Kashi Go Lean Crunchy cereal

Ate the leftover half of my burger

Finally went food shopping. For dinner we had a very delicious salad which Jody made. Main course was steak, asparagus and rice. 

I have a month left on my weight loss bet and have to do my best to eat as good as I possibly can. Hopefully I will not be eating out at all over the next month. 

4.16-4.21

4.16

Thomas whole wheat bagel with butter

Grilled Chicken sandwich on wheat with my avocado spread and provolone cheese

Orange

Half of a Kashi 5 cheese pizza

4.17

Kashi Go Lean crunchy cereal and Organic raspberry yogurt

Went to lunch at a local place owned by a family friend called Creole Cafe. I had the Louisiana Gumbo soup and a Muffeletta. 

Leftover Grilled chicken sandwich on wheat with provolone

Had a hot dog and half of a pretzel at the Phillies game. 

4.18

Thomas whole wheat bagel with butter

Went to lunch at PJ's. Had a cup of chili, split the irish nachos although the didn't have the chips so it was just fries instead and I had the cheesesteak quesadilla for my main meal. 

Had two slices of pizza from a place called Riccardo's for dinner. 

4.19

Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal

Leftover Grilled chicken sandwich on wheat with provolone

Ordered from Benny's.. got a mushroom cheesesteak and split Mega fries with my friend Mike. 

4.20

Made myself a delicious tomato basil omelette and ate a thomas whole wheat bagel with butter

Ham and mozzarella on wheat

I made pork chops and brocollini for dinner

4.21

Kashi Go lean Crunchy cereal and organic raspberry yogurt

Leftover pork chop with mozzarella on wheat

Leftover Pasta

Jody made Turkey burritos for dinner.. had two of them. 

4.8- 4.14- Boston Trip Report

4.8

Thomas cinnamon raisin bagel with butter

Leftover Turkey and egg noodles

Made another sandwich with the leftover piece of grilled chicken

We left for Boston around 5 or so and made it to New Haven, CT around 9 where we met my friend from college, Adrienne. We went to the world famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria.

We split a pizza with half veggie special which was onion, spinach, broccoli, peppers and mushroom and half onion and pepperoni. It was absoutely delicious. We got in to our hotel around 11 pm. 

4.9

For breakfast we ordered room service. We got a tomato basil omelette with home fries and wheat toast and banana pancakes and we split everything in half. They also had some of the best tasting orange juice I've ever had. 

Ate a couple of leftover slices of pizza for lunch. 

For dinner we went to an Irish Pub called Mr. Dooley's. For appetizer we had the Curry cheese fries which were very different but very delicious. For my entree I got the Jameson steak which was a steak cooked with onions and a Jameson BBQ sauce served with Mashed potatoes and asparagus. I also had a couple of pints of guiness with this meal. 

4.10 

For breakfast we again ordered room service and I got the same tomato basil omelette as the day before. 

For lunch we went to a place called Stephanie's on Newbury Street. I got the asian barbeque duck sandwich which was good but not great. It was described as pulled duck with napa slaw and baby arugula rolled in warm lavish bread. I also had an Ipswich brown ale here which was very good. 

It was really, really windy out this day and we'd been out all day so we decided to get room service for dinner. The hotel had a sushi bar so we got sushi as well. I got a spicy yellowtail roll and for dinner I got the chicken club sandwich. 

4.11

We had a late start to the day and the first thing we ate was around 3 pm. We went to Legal seafoods, which has been mentioned once before in this blog from our Florida trip. Legal started in Boston and has been expanding across the east coast in recent years. They have turned in to one of my favorite restaurants.  I got some absolutely phenomenal mussels in white wine sauce to start off my meal. They also give you this bread that is always super fresh and hot and delicious. For my entree I got the Wood Grilled Assortment which on this particular day came with Swordfish, Tuna, and Salmon along with 4 grilled shrimp, a bunch of very tasty scallops, a baked potato and broccoli. Awesome meal. 

Since we got a late start to the day again we ordered in from a place called Laz cafe. We split mozzarella sticks and a Margerita Pizza. It was decent but nothing to write home about. 

4.12

We had Easter Brunch at a place called North 26. I had a top shelf margarita which might not have been the best idea. For my entree I had -the beef sirloin with onion bacon jam with asparagus and polenta. Pretty solid brunch on short notice. 

For dinner we ordered room service again and I got an Angus burger with fries. I asked for it medium but it basically came raw and I had blood dripping down my chin. 

4.13

We left Boston around 11 am and headed for Salem to check out some touristy stuff. We had lunch at the Hawthorne Hotel at their restaurant called Tavern on the Green. We split the chicken fingers which came with an interesting BBQ Ranch sauce and I had the raspberry chicken salad.

For dinner we went to a restaurant in New Haven called Brazi's  where my friend Adrienne was working. I had Calamari dish served Brazi style with hot cherry pepers in a light marinara. We also split mozzarella franchese and for my entree I had Chicken Penne a la vodka. A very delicious meal to end the trip.

4.14

Had leftover Penne a la vodka for lunch

Jody made chicken with vegetables and apple sauce for dinner. I went food shopping today also so I can get back to eating well. Last I checked I had lost 12 lbs. so far so only 8 more to go. 

Reflections on the first 3 months of the bet

March Summary:

Ate out or ordered delivery a total of 12 times which is an improvement once again from the previous month. I was surpised when I saw this total because I thought we ate out a lot this month. I did spend a lot more money eating out this month because pretty much all the restaurants we went to resulted in a +$100 bill. I also lost credit card roulette on the biggest bill of the month so that is included here. In all I spent around $1070 on eating out. 

So I am now 3 months into the bet and I feel pretty good about my chances of making it all the way. There were some rough patches in the beginning and I do still constantly get cravings for taco bell, chick fil a and other random places that I can't eat. I should have some interesting situations coming up in the near future. We are going to Boston next week from the 7th to the 12th so travelling again might present some challenges. Luckily it is a much shorter drive. At the end of May I go to Vegas for a week so once again I'll be faced with the challenge of 7 days away from home. The most difficult part of the bet is staying focused on paying attention to every single thing I eat because if I slip up once it is all over. 

I hope over the next 9 months to improve my eating habits even more than I already have while still being able to enjoy eating as much as I do. It's going to be important for me to find a balance once this bet is over and not just immediately go back to eating fast food every day. I'm looking forward to buying a house with a nice big kitchen around October or so. I think that will help with making meals at home rather than having to go out to eat. Also, I will be able to cook on the grill which is one of my favorite things to do. 

I hope to find some time to do some more top ten lists because I understand that for those of you who check this regularly it gets boring just reading what I'm eating every day. 

91 days down.. 274 more to go