It was a beautiful night. It had been one of those days – a long one.
We were on vacation and the itinerary had been jam-packed full. We were tired. But the ambience… was something.
Rafters to the ceiling and back, with beautifully lit, stained glass windows {I have this thing with stained glass} highlighting the 1914 architecture. A gorgeous building with amazing food. We’ll share more on it later, but if you’ve never been to Vessel, you really need to try it on your next visit to New Orleans. It was one of those places where the people went above and beyond, and the place in itself was an experience. It was one of those meals where you just want to sit there and soak it all in.
{We are thankful our partnership and work with the NOCVB lead us to this gem.}
We’re smitten with the city and all of its hidden gems. In short, it was incredible. Let’s just say it’s not something we get to do often. Heck, we don’t even get out that often. But the kids were a bit bedraggled. So we found ourselves distracted from what would have really, been the perfect date night. There we were, quieting them down. I even joked that we should have left them behind.
I’m tiiiiiiirrreeeeedddddddd
Sit still, we hissed.
I want a haaammmmbuurrrgeeerrrrrr
Be quiet. It’s coming, we spoke like ventriloquists through clenched teeth with bulging eyes.
Stop complaining.
Eat your food.
Be grateful.
This is a not-so-often experience and you will ENJOY IT.
You know… the usual, bang-your-head-against-the-wall, end-of-the-day-cherish-your-vacay-appreciate-this-moment, Oh-my-gosh-I-am-my-parents, stuff.
I kind of felt bad for the definite first-daters beside us who were full of questions and uninterrupted conversation… sometimes I miss those days. Here they were on a hot date, and here my children were, practically crowding their space with bad I’m-so-tired-vibes.
Beware! I wanted to wave my arms in warning like a shipwrecked prisoner before things got too deep for the couple beside us. If things keep going well, THIS IS YOUR FUTURE!
There was another group who sat in front of us for the remainder of the night, friends definitely enjoying their time together, the three of them also deep in laughter and conversation.
And so this is how the meal proceeded, with sprinklings of instruction from two also-tired parents, who were definitely enjoying their dinner. Despite the distractions there was awesome red fish and some mouth watering flat-breads and domestic cheeses with grilled lavish and other things I’m really not supposed to eat, with names I can’t even pronounce that were absolutely. incredibly. delicious.
It was like a date night with kiddos-in tow. We would take it.
It was toward the end when Jamin left to go to the restroom. I was half-heartedly scooping up the remainder of {phenomenal} chocolate on our plate and the crowd was dwindling fast, that the group in front of us stood up to leave.
The woman then turned to me with a pause, and said,
“I just wanted to say that you all really are just lovely.”
There I was. With three tired children and probably a little chocolate on my face. Staring back at her, wide-eyed and frankly shocked that anyone would think such a thing. And that she would take the time to deliver a line with such enthusiasm. She had real emphasis on the lovely part, after all.
“Thank you,” I stammered, still shocked. “You’re so incredibly sweet!” And I meant it. She smiled, turned again, and promptly exited the building.
I could have cried.
You all really are a bit bedraggled, probably.
You all really are just grumpy, maybe.
But lovely?! That took it to an entirely different level.
The kids all stopped in their tracks, and they looked at me with wide, blinking eyes as she left. They smiled. It was in that moment that I reviewed the evening from her point of view in my head.
Sure, there had been a few mumbled complaints, but there had also been laughter. And lots of it. The boys did a small wrestle-move in their seats, and we quieted them down. We reveled over trying new things while we all sampled the octopus {YES, OCTOPUS} and stole fries from each others’ plates. We took about five trips to the bathroom. Malone snuggled up to me and I told him I was his favorite, which he again vehemently denied in the name of equal parental love. Emerson gave the waitress a hug and told her she was the best waitress ever. And Aiden told us how much he really enjoyed his pasta with a sleepy, satisfied face. Jamin and I even shared a few moments, enthralled by the food and the moment, with laughter of our own.
Sure, I’d like to be that hot-date couple engaged deep in conversation with the excitement of something new, to the right.
Sure, I’d like to be the threesome at the table with good friends, single and free of all responsibility for the night, in front of us.
But it was a beautiful night.
And we really are, kinda lovely.
Check out the entire series:
A Trip to New Orleans:
Where to Eat Part 1:
What to Do Part 1:
Where to Eat Part 2:
What to Do Part 2:
Mary says
I am so happy for you and your family having a special night out. Throughout my adult life I have always made a point of commenting when I see a family with parents putting forth the effort to teach their children to act appropriately and have new experiences. Congratulations on receiving such a nice uplifting comment from total strangers. I think it says a lot about you folks. So often, some people only see things that they complain about. It is so special when good behaviour and love is recognized and acknowledged. Happy Day. Mary
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Mary! Sometimes, it can be easy to get caught up in the imperfections, letting them influence us negatively… as opposed to positively :}
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
Now that is a unique use of an old church!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Right?! It was gorgeous! They said it was a church, then a restaurant and then a church again, and when it flooded, then it became a restaurant finally as it is now. They had such an amazing history and the food was INCREDIBLE!!! We met the head chef and I may or may not have asked if he would come home with us 😀
Sue says
Kinda? You really are lovely.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe, Sue. You are too kind. Thank you for your sweet comment.
michele says
lovely story!