I have a tattoo on my right tricep that says, dream big. I’m certain that when I got that tattoo, I thought to myself: dream big, work hard, achieve said dream. What I never thought about was that the simple act of dreaming big could lead to something beyond my wildest dreams.
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Never in a million years did I think I would spend twenty or so random nights each year in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the most culturally unique and culinary obsessed cities in the world. Never. Yet here we are, back for another season of Nights in New Orleans, the 2023-2024 edition.
It just kind of happened. Proximity to my new home. My love for cities. Creative food and drink. NBA basketball. My endless appetite for the spice of life. From October to March two to three times a month, the city keeps me jazzed up. As the darkness sets in, the gumbo heats up.
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For outsiders like me who didn’t grow up close to New Orleans, the city is thought of more as a destination. Think Mardi Gras (been twice), the Super Bowl, and JazzFest (been once), not a random Tuesday night. That’s why I have to laugh to myself now and again, usually on the drive home, usually with a full belly, usually with my son chattering at me or sound asleep in the back seat.
The logistics of these nights are simple. They are typically Monday or Tuesday night, though I will entertain other nights for more exciting matchups. They require about seven hours of time, $150 to $200, and an open mind and empty belly. Let’s do Lebron and pizza. Let’s do Luka and seafood. Let’s do Giannis and soul food.
Dream big.
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Last year, Christy, Banks, and I went to Mardi Gras. Banks and I (and sometimes granddaddy) went to twelve Pelicans games. Christy and I ate until we were blue in the face for my birthday. I flew out of there a few times. I played a couple of golf tournaments in the general vicinity. It’s wild to go to a once in a lifetime place twice a month, but that’s the new routine. (The new routine that is anything but routine.)
I hope to make that about fifteen games this year. Fifteen new restaurants. Fifteen interesting meals. Fifteen chances to watch ball with my son.
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The brilliance of these nights is that most of them are unplanned. That’s why I haven’t bought any of the partial season ticket packages that the team constantly emails me. I love the variety and playing the game too much. Most of the time, I buy tickets and choose that evening’s restaurant on the ride over to The Big Easy. I’m feeling like being close to the action and Cajun food or I want a good deal on tickets and a roast beef po’ boy.
Never in a million years. Seriously. But here we are. We did it again last Tuesday. Paolo and ribeye tacos. I’d love to do opening night next week vs. the Knicks, but I have a conflict. But the following Monday, now that poses a real abk question.
What type of food pairs best with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and CP3?
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Have a great week.-Benj
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