France, Food, Scooters and More

Why support the arts in this time of trouble? Seems frivolous to some. Not to me and not to anyone who cares to study the question. And speaking of studies, a new one co-authored by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis documents that the arts contribute more to the economy than agriculture or transportation or warehousing - $763.6 billion. And the arts are a net plus of $20 billion for the US when it comes to its international trade balance.

But...

We are told to keep social distance, which means that venues from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington to Godfrey Daniels Coffee House in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania are shuttered or will be shuttered soon. Without audiences, no ticket sales. The venues struggle. Without audiences, no place for artists - basically small business people - to earn a living. In all, more than 5,000,000 workers are employed in the arts and culture industry, many of whom depend on open doors encouraging engaged audiences. And those 5,000,000 are…

Choosing places to eat in New Orleans that will satisfy everyone in your party who are familiar with that great foodie city's diverse restaurants is more than a difficult task. It's impossible. After spending several days with family, celebrating the 95th birthday of NOLA native Aunt Yvonne, the list of places that we didn't visit but wanted to visit far outstripped the few that we could fit in. We didn't have time for Casamento's or Mandina's or Mosca's, much less Arnaud's or Commander's Palace. Even so, we managed to have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Here are three New Orleans destinations that we visited that deserve mention. They ain't exactly upscale. And a couple of them are in the middle of the tourist crunch. But they are each New Orleans landmarks for the true foodie.

CENTRAL GROCERY
Just a few steps from the epicenter of tourism that is Jackson Square and across the street and down the block from the French Market and Café du Monde, Cent…