Lagniappe is a French Louisiana word meaning ”something a little big extra,’’ as in a restaurant giving 13 beignets when you order a dozen. Leftover is an American word meaning, uh, ”leftovers’’.
Here are some of both from the Super Bowl and New Orleans:
The best concert of the week was not Beyonce at halftime. On Saturday night the rock group Journey and the country club Rascal Flatts combined to do a performance on CMT’s ”Crossroads’’. And the concert just wasn’t one act followed by the other. Rascal Flatts did some Journey, and Journey did some Rascal Flatts, and they did some of their stuff together.
At the Sugar Mill (an old sugar mill) across from the Convention Center, the two groups appeared in front of a standing room-only crowd (because there was only standing room), but the sounds wafted out to the park and even down to the Mississippi River.
Journey and Rascal Flatts closed the show on stage jointly with a hit from each - ending up with ”Don’t Stop Believin’’.
But here’s the kicker - a bit of lagniappe for those who may have watched the show on TV.
After the good-byes, a voice said: ”Let’s do the last two over.’’
And Rascal Flatts and Journey did - probably to improve the performance for television (although it was advertised as live), but also to reward the crowd.
Now you know the rest of the story.
Best place to eat in New Orleans: Jacques Imo’s. Most people don’t know because it’s away from the French Quarter and off the beaten path. But Jacques Imo’s has the most down-home atmosphere and food (blackened redfish) in town. And Jacques is an incredible chef. Second best: K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen (owned by famous chef Paul Prudhomme, who conceived of the blackened fish entrée).
Best party: Although it didn’t get the attention of most of the others, The party sponsored by Audi was classy, and the food was sensational. Will Ferrell was among the guests, and Bill Plaschke.
It was claimed that New Orleans didn’t deserve another Super Bowl because of the blackout. Wrong. New Orleans should host the Super Bowl every three or four years. The Big Easy is the best Super Bowl site.
Joe Flacco will get his money now after the MVP game. Maybe as much as $20 million per. At the end he didn’t utter the old ”I’m going to Disney World.’’ Instead, his short burst was picked up by CBS. ”(F-bomb) awesome.’’ He went to Disney World, anyway. (F-Bomb) Flacco now has moved into the top seven veteran quarterbacks in the NFL. But there are four young QBS -- three rookies and the starter for the 49ers – who could be in the top seven soon.
OK, Ray Lewis, go retire.
Was it antler spray or elk urine?
Both Harbaughs made asses of themselves during the blackout. While John was screaming at NFL executive, Jim was on the other sideline screaming at game officials. Neither showed grace or dignity. They should have been given a real timeout.
People questioned the broadcast of Jim Nantz and Chris Simms, but those people should know that they are two of the nicest, friendliest and most genuine gentlemen in television and life.
The other nicest people in New Orleans all week were the cops - especially those on horseback. The police would hold back the crowds on Bourbon Street, then say: ”Thanks for having patience with us.’’ During my entire time in New Orleans, I never saw one skirmish or witnessed fans from the two cities acting stupid.
The most stupid person was a TV news reporter doing a stand-up in the French Quarter. Go find that on YouTube.
And the story you never heard: Cab drivers in New Orleans threatened to strike the day of the game, but backed down.
