If you’re not “from these parts” but you’ve experienced the French Quarter, chances are it was a jam packed good time with music, food, entertainment, and many forms of art. The Quarter always appears unending, alive and boisterous, and working at our gallery in the center of it all has offered insight into just what it takes to make this place what it is:  enthusiastic, romantic, loud, old, new, magical, matchless–You name it.  I’ve learned it happens in the early morning hours, just as the Quarter is waking.

At about 8:13 am Monday through Friday, I take a right onto Carondelet Street and begin the drive into downtown. Only at this time, it’s as though the Quarter is just waking up. I’ve concluded that it sleeps one hour a night, from 6:30 am to 7:30 am, and after 7:30 it’s snoozing the alarm clock until around 8:15. Most corners there stands a man, hosing the party from last night off of the sidewalk. In front of a hotel or a restaurant, he’s always wearing an apron and typically wears black striped pants. There is history on his face. It’s almost something you’d like to photograph, if it was a serious hobby of yours, but you’d feel pretty ridiculous photographing these men. It’s a type of moment that doesn’t quite translate in conversation, you just savor it when you see it. Rarely, I think, do most people ever get to.

This band plays just outside our doors almost every day, rain or shine...

It goes further than that. The Royal Street bands are staking their territory for the day. The wait staff at any given restaurant is having one last cigarette before shift 1. The street performers are painting themselves silver. The signs are flipping from “Sorry we’re closed” to “Come In We’re Open!” and the whole thing is unfolding, corner by corner, slowly becoming alive again.

Rau Antiques’ location here in the heart of the Quarter is almost just as important as our inventory inside. Since beginning to work in this area, I’ve discovered the distinct preparedness that goes on every day– both here in the gallery and the Quarter itself (before the crowds trickle in.) I see now there is just as much business in partying as there is in business. To work in heart of the Quarter on Royal Street is a real gift.  Fresh pralines, vibrant music, the weight-gaining food, the 200 proof drinks, the tiny paper shop, the Piano Bar (if you haven’t been, go); it all takes good ol’ fashioned labor. It’s tradition that started with work, ends with work, and in the meantime contributes to the whole cacophony of business and play that defines the Quarter. To say ‘there isn’t anything like it’ is redundant, so I’ll just end it here.

1. You need some sun. While it doesn’t last long, right now the weather in New Orleans is in the 70’s, the humidity is low, and there is plenty of sun to be soaked up. Also Vitamin D has been proved to enhance the immune system and help fight off the bad stuff.

2.You’ve never ridden a streetcar down St. Charles Avenue. And you need to.

3. It’s NOT Mardi Gras. Yes yes, the partying is fun, the costumes are great, the smell is…well..smelly. Come see the French Quarter in all its glory; clean, sunny, and nice smelling. (Did I mention our gallery is in the heart of the French Quarter?)

4. The Music. The bands on Royal Street are amazing. Effortless..genuine..and they play all day.

5. New Orleans is New Hollywood. We’re so hip and we don’t even know it. The hit HBO show “Treme” and many other movies are filming all around the block. You never know who you’ll run in to.

6. If you think it looks good on the internet, it will look better in person. You need to come see our gallery. We’re overflowing with things for you to try on, observe, love and learn about. You’ll see.

7. Travel is good for the soul. New Orleans is like New York but cheaper, like Europe but closer, and like San Francisco but no earthquakes. Win win!

8. Windows. You’ll leave with a whole new appreciation for them…

9. It’s crawfish season. You’ll never understand until you try them.

10.Because we’re voted Best Antique Store in New Orleans. And we are!

I’m Mary, the sales coordinator at Rau Antiques. I wanted to take 10 minutes out of Bill Rau’s busy schedule (my boss and owner of the gallery)  to get to know him  a little better and for some reason, he agreed. So to see a third generation Rau in a different light, here is our 10 question Q and A session.

1. How long have you been married?

Almost 25 years.

2. Favorite New Orleans Cuisine:

Chargrilled oysters from Acme Oyster house.

3. Best business advice you’ve ever gotten?

Buy the best and only cry once.

4. Favorite word:

I don’t know, but probably an adjective.

5. What do you do to relax?

Get a massage.

6. What do you attribute the Saints Success to this season?

Divine Will.

7. Biggest Pet Peeve?

When my computer fails…

8. Do you have any phobias?

If I did, I wouldn’t share them with you and the world.

9. What are you most proud of?

The team I work with.

10. Favorite piece in the gallery right now?

The Godward Painting. It’s the best painting by one of the best artists. I’d bring it home if I could.