Writer's picks 2018

Writer’s Picks

By

Phil LaMancusa

Uncle Louie Is Back

            Say what you will about circumstances and occurrences; the mistake of a stupid kid is put to bed as Johnnie ‘Uncle Louie’ Miller has his day in court, admits his wrongdoing and is forgiven by the family wronged. Becoming the face and fixture of The French Quarter’s visitor hospitality, Uncle Louie has performed as a human statue for decades bringing joy to thousands and literally. We were saddened witnessing his transgressing come to light, overjoyed seeing him return. Case closed.

Clarence the Banana Man

            No muss, no fuss, no big deal; live and/or work in the French Quarter and you’ll get to know our street merchants. You’ll know that Clarence comes by your door every day with bananas (sometimes more) for your al Fresco or work break snack. Healthy and real, he asks for nothing but your business and then is on his way striding with purpose invisible to all but those that know him and the 300 years of tradition that he embodies.

The Salt of the Earth

            Go down into the French Market and bear witness to the folks who keep the visitors coming back; Muffulettas, crepes, healthy foods and adult beverages; oysters, roasted corn, sangria and bottled water; oranges and hot sauce. Purveyed with patience, friendliness and personality; our vendors are all there, every day, to make a buck and keep the New Orleans vibe going strong. I pass through many days a month and I applaud their attitude of commerce with respect-- especially Eliza Dolittle.

Joni on the Pony

            Four flag poles, two cannons and a 13 foot golden gilded equestrian-ly elegant statue of a woman that had little to do with New Orleans, living almost 300 years before our founding; underwritten as a gift from France by Charles de Gaulle (1964) she sits at the intersection of Decatur, North Peters and St. Philip Street. 2,700 pounds of fierce beauty, she proudly waves our fleur de lys. She’s once, twice, three times a lady and we love her.

Terra Tropicale      

            Flowers grow in front yards and up through cracks in our sidewalks; also, magnolias, gardenias, jasmine, ginger, figs, bananas, sweet olives, loquats, citrus and scented honeysuckle. Wild parrots, possum, raccoon, alligators and snakes living side by side with us bipeds. Feral chickens, street felines, free range rabbits, all manner of insects and ever-changing chameleons. No end to evidence that we are Caribbean creatures and not denizens of the frozen north of this country. New Orleans:  where fauna and flora rule.