The pictures do not lie. Paul has created an oasis of charm… thoughtfully renovated and tastefully decorated … a sweet lil’ dream house. It’s a stone’s throw from the French Quarter, in a funky transitional corner of town, an urban revival area populated by a Portland-like counter-culture types – a relaxed mix of blue & no collar locals, artists, grassroots entrepreneurs, and other non-conformists.

Paul’s place – an updated shotgun house of yesteryear with Caribbean feel -- fits in right in. In fact, since Paul’s a bit of a perfectionist, it’s in a little better shape than many of the surrounding buildings. The place is spotless – not just the floors and windows, but on top, behind, and below things. It is creatively outfitted with every little thing one might need – and more. Besides his obvious attention to detail, Paul’s also professional and e-communicative – and close, since he lives next door. Where his competence as a host really shines, however, is in how he’s managed to make the space exude history, character, simplicity, and lightness of being while also being deftly enhanced by the innovation, technology, and efficiency a modern person looks for. Perfection!

In a city so changed by the forces of nature, by a tidal wave of cultural neophytes with profit motives, and by the loss of many of the traditional inhabitants that made it so unique, there is much cause to fret for its “couleur locale”. Since my family has deep roots in New Orleans I worry about the future of its way of life. But after staying “chez Paul” I have hope that “savoir vivre” may actually live on here and not be completely squeezed out by one-size-fits-all corporatism, corruption, and commercialism. To stay here, I canceled a reservation in a swanky French Quarter hotel: not for a thousand hot beignets would I have missed this brilliant little gem!

PS: I hear the area will soon to be connected to other NOLA desirables by street car. Also, if you’re there on a Monday night, don’t miss the pan-Asian street food & live music around Sidney’s Saloon (less than ½ block west).