Day 11: New Orleans, LA

While in NOLA, a visit to the Villalobos Rescue Center was at the top of my list of things to do. 

“Pit Bulls and Parolees" is a reality show on Animal Planet that follows the work of Tia Torres, a renowned trainer of pit bull terriers and a founder of the Villalobos Rescue Center (VRC). The rehabilitation and placement center houses hundreds of abused and abandoned dogs of all breeds, and the center has a crew of paroled felons who help Torres and her daughters care for the animals. It is a chance at redemption for both man and man's best friend.

Four years ago, Michelle adopted a boxer-hound mix from a rescue shelter who miraculously transformed into a pit bull-boxer-hound mix as we became more educated and comfortable with the breed. Toby completely changed our opinions on pit bulls. I’ve been an advocate ever since. Last year I adopted Riley, a 3 months old pit, who was dropped over the fence at a local shelter in San Jose.

The Villalobos Rescue Center was only four miles from our hotel but was located in a very poor section of town. It was surprising the sudden change in landscape from the French Quarter. Under the freeway overpasses lived many homeless who are living in tents and make shift shelters.

We waited about 15 minutes before our tour began and saw many volunteers and employees taking sweet, excited dogs on walks all around the shelter. Earl came out to give us instructions before we went to see some of the dogs. Orange cones placed in front of crates indicated the dog was new and behavior was still unknown. We were given the clear to pet or interact with any other dogs. 

The dogs loved seeing people and were anxious to be pet. Good thing my hands were small enough to get into the crates. Some were playful or goofy or just wanted attention. Earl gave us info on many of the dogs regarding origins, abuse history or how they got their names. I was impressed by the care, socialization and training the dogs received. I’m sure caring for 200 dogs is quite an undertaking. I was definitely happy we visited the center and took a tour which helps support this caring organization.

Back in the French Quarter we stopped at the Villalobos shop to get something for Michelle to thank her for pet sitting all the time we are away. I almost got her a “Mutt Slut” shirt but Tom didn’t agree. Ok, maybe it was a bit too much.

Across the street, Coop’s Place was almost empty. We sat at the bar and talked with the bartender who suggested a shrimp and crab special. A regular customer sat down next to us and started talking about life in NOLA, moving away for a bit after hurricane Katrina, and how the city changed (the French Quarter is on “high ground” and didn’t get flooded). She used to work at Killer Poboys but told us when we come back we could find her again at Coop’s Place. It felt like Cheers in NOLA.

We continued to Frenchmen Street which has a more authentic Louisiana feel. There were fewer tourists there, more locals, artists, and musicians. A few of the bars had live music playing which created a great atmosphere.

For our last night, we decided on a splurge and booked reservations at Commander’s Palace. There is a dress code for dinner: Collared shirts and closed-toe shoes required and jackets preferred for gentlemen with matching dresses for ladies. This created an atmosphere of a formal dinner in the Old South (so selfies were out of the question). The award winning food was incredible. We started with Turtle Soup and Gumbo, followed by Cast Iron Seared Redfish (with Creole tomatoes, English peas, soy beans, smoked corn, and root vegetable succotash with ripped herbs & a rich seafood broth) and Pecan Crusted Drumfish (a Commander’s Palace classic with crushed sweet corn, spiced pecans, petite herbs, and Prosecco poached Louisiana blue crab). 

As we were leaving we asked one of the waiters “is this staircase the way out?” And she replied “This leads to the kitchen. Come on down and take a look, we are very proud of our kitchen and the chefs that have worked here” like Emeril Lagasse and many others. It was pouring as we left so the valet ran, grabbed an umbrella and held it for Gina. The service, the food, the entire evening was exceptional.

Trip Stats:

Today: 19 mi  6.3 kWh  332 Wh/mi

TOTAL:  2556 mi  813.9 kWh  318 Wh/mi