Carreta's Mexican Grill

Yesterday was my brother-in-law's birthday. It's a funny thing to say "brother-in-law" because I have known this guy since I was 11 years old. So, basically...he's another brother :). The tradition in their family is to get Mexican food for yearly celebrations and, if you live in New Orleans, Carreta's in the place to do it. The loud amber walls are currently being renovated but I have always enjoyed its ornamentation. Apparently, they wanted to upgrade. The entire place is being renovated and the large plastic cover on the ceiling stops no one from enjoying jalapeno white cheese dip and giant margaritas!

As I was enjoying way too many margaritas on this special occasion, I started to think of Lou. I excused myself and found something to be true..... while Carreta's is renovating the entire restaurant, the bathroom has yet to be initiated. You walk up a ramp and into the restroom to find to separate bathrooms. One has another step to it, so make sure you are paying attention as you walk in. Both have large doors; the doors don't lock. So, you have to do the maneuver where you stick one foot on the door and hold your hind parts over the toilet while hoping that no one walks in on you. So picture yourself in this position, left foot on the door because you were already walked in on once, and you look to your right and there is a gigantic mirror! Wall to wall mirror and a view of all that is exposed. If you are a person who designs bathrooms, mirrors are okay, but they belong above the sink and full length next to the door. They do not, however, belong next to the toilet in a ladies room. (Let me be clear, this is fully from the prospective of a woman. I don't know whether or not you gentlemen out there like to have a full view when you are relieving yourself, but I can imagine its not very pleasant.)

I hope that Carreta's does find the time to renovate these bathrooms, but there are a few things that I would keep in this bathroom. First, keep the rooms for the toilets. Big doors are better than stall doors in my book. It gives you a sense of specialty and privacy that is quite enjoyable. (Look forward to a future post regarding ladies' rooms in department stores) Second, keep the music from the restaurant. There is nothing more uncomfortable than a quiet public restroom. Finally, keep the foam soap. It's the bomb!