saturnbar
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R.W. Apple likes it. See yesterday's New York Times. (And could someone pm me on the how to's of insering hyperlinks. I just can't get it.) In fact, he finds it the clear standout of the 77 new restaurants that have opened since Katrina. (He did mention Longbranch as well.) (I find that stat incredible. What I also can't quite figure out is why the number or people eating out has grown exponentially since the storm. I mean its nearly impossible to get a table. I must say it is boom time for the restaurant business.) ch
Edited by Mayhaw Man to insert link (I know, I know-teach a man to fish....)
So now I'll go teach a man to fish.
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Actually, old town Hammond has some nice local establishments. Sorry, but I can't think of any names of hand. We were stationed in Hammond after the storm and it really is pretty quaint. All the chains are off the highway. When you get to the railroad tracks follow then to the station, and then walk around abit, you will see a couple of places that should fit the bill. Sorry to hear about your in-laws. ch
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That's an abomination, but it looks good. ch
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I think Mr. Cowen needs a better fact checker. Katrina effected southeast Louisiana, not southwest Louisana. Hurricane Rita devasted Cameron, La. but the heart of cajun country, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Scott, Opealousas, New Iberia, were largely unaffected. So I am not sure there was too much handwringing over the fate of Louisiana cuisine in the heart of Acadia, and I as far as coming back strong, from what?
And I am not sure that I would start talking about chaos just becuase the price of crawfish was a little high. First of all, its always high at the begining of the season, and it always comes down. I don't think anyone was really fretting too much about that. I really thought the whole article was just a basketful of generalizations. And the buisness about cooking for tourists being an attractive option. Outside of Prejean's, Des Amis and few other places in Lafayette, there is not alot of cooking for tourists going on. My guess is that's becuase there are no tourists in Southwest, La. And believe me, Joe's Dreyfus is not counting on tourists to make ends meet. Neither are the guys at JD's Market and Deli, Touchet's Specialty and Meats, or Dehotel's Supermarket in Ville Platte.
Mr. Cowen needs to be complimented though on making the astute distinction betwwen live crawfish and crawfish tails which are dead and usaully cooked in larger dishes such as "jamabalya." Not. No one puts crawfish in jambalaya.
Finally, I am not sure this guy has ever been to Louisiana, or that he actually set off on his second tour. He sure was light on specifics, and whenever I start reading stuff like "some locals believe" and "many of the people in Cajun country" think, I really start to wonder. Anyhoo. Charlie
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Interesting concept. Haute Bbq. I don't see it though. I mean $17 for brisket and potato salad. When I think bbq, be it cochon, pulled prok or brisket, I think hole in the wall, styrofoam plates and plastic cutlery, ala Hillbilly Bbq and countless other side of the road establishments. I guess they did their research though. Surprised to see shrimp cocktail on the menu also. Charlie
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Actually, the Bacchus Ball is a much less formal affair than that described in the quote. No "callouts" debutantes or Tableau's there. Nevertheless, it is not a casual affair. I don't think your daughter needs a "ballgown" but something in the order of eveningwear would probably be sufficient. Have fun. Its quite a sight. Charlie
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My wife has been driving around documenting the destruction, you can see here photos here http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?...&Uy=qz6s2k&Ux=1
More photos here
http://www.millerfoto.com/katrinaphotos.html
Charlie
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Although outside the culinary world, my wife and a friend started the Katrina Krewe, they hit the boulevards on Wednesday and Saturday mornings with rakes and garbage bags. It started small and is snowballing quite nicley. They have been getting nearly 100 volunteers each outing. Its amazing what that many people can do in a brief period of time. They had a nice write up in the paper today and their website is at www.cleanno.org
The article is at http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/metro/index.s...40761310670.xml
Sorry to be so feabile at inserting links.
Charlie
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That reminds me. Fiorella's is right there also. Awesome fried chicken. ch
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Nor-Joe Importing Company, or just Nor-Joe's, just past the 7th Street Canal off Metairie Rd. on Frisco Avenue for the best Muffaletta, bar none. Its out of the way but worth the trip. Near the cemetaries though. They use prosciutto, which no one else does. Excellent Mortadella and real capicolla ham. The provolone is also excellent. You can get it hot or cold. Don't even talk to me about the Napolean house Muffaletta. I think they slice their meats with a clever. They are made to order, not yesterday. ch
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As far as cheap eats go, Dunbars on Freret is the champion. Very authentic creole and soul food selections. I believe its all you can eat red beans. Dissmal decor though. Part of the appeal really. Its so bad its good.
Johnny's po boys on St. Louis for fried shrimp anything over Acme. Acme is great for raw oysters and that's about it. Try the shrimp club salad if you don't want a po boy.
Cafe Maspero on Decatur as opposed to Maspero's on Royal (long story), they are a few bucks cheaper than most places in the quarter.
You can't beat Country Flame's prices. 620 Iberville. They serve Mexican Spanish and Cuban Food. The 16 oz. steak is $10.75, 12 oz Ribeye is $8.25. Po boys ubder $5.00.
Royal St. Grocery, 801 Royal is reasonable. Specials are $5.40. 10 Inch po boys are $6.40.
Salt 'n' Pepper, 201 St. Peter has very inex[ensive, with huge portions, Pakistani food. Quite good.
Verdi Mart is definatley a good choice.
The People's Grocery, on Conti, has a fried chicken drummetes, with potato salad and baked macaroni special on Thursday for $6.00. The fried shrimp plate is good also.
The Petiite Espresso, on Decatur, corner Conti, in the French Market Inn Hotel has nice sandwiches on Ciabatta bread for $6.50.
Cake Cafe on Exchange Place has good sandwiches on muti grain or homemade foccacia for $6.00.
You definately get a lot of good food for your money at Mothers.
I think the food at the House of Blues is quite reasonable and well prepared.
Crabby Jacks is a good choice. Get the duck po boy. Their shrimp po boys are huge. Feed two easily.
I second Mona's. The Gyro sandwich is $3.75 I believe. very good.
Juan's Flying Burrito.
Magazine Street is a good place to hunt down lesser priced fair. A lot of good pizza places and other choices. Much less expensive than the Quarter, and good for strolling.
Don't forget Popeye's, check for their specials.
Have fun. ch
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The Petite Grocery has been putting out some very good food since opening last summer, and Herbsaint is always a good bet, but if your are headed out to the Fairgrounds, you might not have room for anything afterwards. The softshell crab poboys are always a treat. Uglesich's for lunch before they close is a must. Reservations are an especially good idea that weekend. Jazz Fest attracts a pretty sophisticated crowd. Take a look at some of the older threads, there are alot of recommendations to be found and if you need something more specific I am sure you will get an answer. Charlie
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Here's the report card from www.boudinlink.com/ . Heading to Opelousas this weekend. Think I will give Billy's Boudin and Cracklin a shot (Billy's recipe). Dr. C's and Coach T's web site is an excellent place to visit before any trip down yonder. They have photo's and links to yahoo maps for each local. It sounds like they really know their boudin too. ch A- Best Stop, Scott, A+ Don's, Carencro, B+ Romero's Grocery, Scott, A Legnon's Boucherie, New Iberia, C- Dave's Quality Meats, New Iberia, A+ Billeaud's, Broussard,A- Poche's, Breaux, Bridge, C- Lagneaux's, Lafayette, A Comeaux's (W.Congress), Lafayette, A Hebert's, Maurice, B+ Country Ridge Express, Opelousas, B- Don's Country Corner, Duson, A Earl's, Lafayette, B+ Early's Food Store, Scott, B Bruce's You Need A Butcher, Lafayette, B Menard and Miller's, Cankton, B Menard and Miller's, Cankton, C+ Meche's, Opelousas, B Heleaux's Grocery, Lafayette, A Chop's Specialty Meat, Broussard, B Sunset Specialty Meat, Sunset, A Charlie-T's Specialty Meats, Breaux Bridge, B- M & S Grocery, Lafayette, C+ Country Cuisine, Lafayette, A Bayou Boudin and Cracklin, Breaux Bridge, LA (Louis David, KATC TV, Guest Reviewer)B Richard's Meat Market, Abbeville, C Hebert's Meat Market and Slaughter House, Abbeville, A+ Billy's Boudin & Cracklin (Billy's Recipe), Opelousas, B- Little Veron's, Lafayette, C+ Billy's Boudin & Cracklin (Ray's Recipe), OpelousasA Comeaux's (Kaliste Saloom), Lafayette,
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So Tracey, how did it go, what did you eat? Give us a run down. ch
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Take a look at Mary Tutweiler's article, Boudin and Beyond, published in the Times-Picayune sometime ago, luckily it was recognized by the Associated Food Journalists Association and is available on their website at http://www.afjonline.com/a4f1m.pdf Also, www.boudinlink.com, Dr. C's and Coach T's website chronicling their adventures with rice and pork in South Louisiana is a great source of info for good boudin. I especially like it as they have photos of every local which helps alot to find some of these places. Enjoy your trip. ch
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I would second the International House. As far as bang for your buc, give the Ponchartrain Hotel a call. Its on St. Charles Ave. in the Garden District. Their suites are outageous. At one time it was a residential hotel so most of the suites are more like apartments. I especially like the Teddy Roosevelt. Also ask about the two penthouse suites. Often, if unbooked, they will let them go for the price of a suite. I believe you can get a suite for a negotiated price of $125. They also have a great breakfast restaurant, which is a nice bonus. March or April are probably the best times to visit. Come to think of it, January isn't bad either, its seventy today. But it did snow on Christmas so you never know. ch
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I noticed a Smith's truck making a delivery at KPaul's the other day. Figures, he uses more butter than anyone, at least its good butter. ch
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Mayhaw Man, I heard Joe Major sold Joe's Dreyfus and started making sausage full time. Is that true? Next time you are in Livonia, try LA-78 to New Roads, thats a nice drive also. Speaking of New Roads, there is a new sausage place in town called Kelly's, on Hospital Road. A friend brought a bunch up for our Thanksgiving in Lettsworth. The chicken sausage was excellent. I say that becuase I have never much liked chicken sauage, but theirs was not dry, probably becuase it was mostly pork and not chicken. The smoked boudin was good, and so was the smoked sausage, not Teets though. ch
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Food wise, Feelings would be on the bottom. Not that you won't get a good meal there, its just that their menu hasn't changed in a number of years, and they like to serve a lot of things on a bed of creamed spinach, but it is located in the Marigny. Its in a nice space, different. A great place to take a date, conducive to romance for some reason.
I hope Brightsens can seat you. They are in a small cottage. What happened to Bayona? It is top ten spot. As for dress, jeans would be fine at Jacquimo, I would say the others are sport coat optional. You won't see many ties at any of them.
Sorry to see you scratched Galatoires. I can't think of a more social restuarant in the world. They love crowds, its loud and nobody cares. If you are looking for a night to remember, thats your spot, and it is the quintessential New Orleans restaurant. No question it makes the top ten legendary hangouts. Funny thing, it really shines at lunch, esp. on Friday, but that precludes dinner. Charlie
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Herbsaint definately sounds like it is right up your alley. Read the review at http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2...restreview.html. Liuzzas is a no. Clancy's in the main room probably wouldn't be problem on a weeknight. Friday and Saturday would be tuff, I doubt they would want to push that many locals upstairs. Take a look at the Petit Grocery, food is excellent, not stuffy. NOLA is good, semi open kitchen, the prices are only just a tad shy of Emerils though. They have an upstairs and down. It's a little cramped. Take a look at 201 on Decatur. The menu is limited, its really half bar half restaurant. I had the baked oysters recently, out of this world. I will keep thinking. It sounds to me like you would really like Galatoires, anything goes there. The food isn't cutting edge, but I have never known anyone to have a bad meal. The service is fantastic. You should realize that anything pertty much goes in New Orleans. I was at Commander's and Dan Akroyd and a large crew pulled up on Harleys. They were really cutting up. Needless to say they got the best table in the house. Charlie
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With all due respect to Mayhaw Man, I find the rooms upstairs at Clancy's to be dreadful. They are small and have low ceilings and terrible acoustics. In fact the upstairs was simply a storage area for many years and as far as I am concerned, the renovations have done little to improve on that. Clancy's is all about the main dinning room. It is really a neighborhood restaurant and many locals enjoy eating there for the see and be seen factor, and when you get the big room cranked up it can be alot of fun.
As far as Jaquimo's goes, one they don't take reservations and two it is not very spacious. You could run into some problems there with a party your size.
If you are looking for something intimate, you could always consider Antoines or Arnuads, both are housed in very old spacious buidings and they have a number of different rooms located in odd places some open only to private parties.
I can think of Commanders Palace as well. I believe the chefs table might hold twelve, and that would be an evening you would never forget. You really are in the middle of everything, and the head chef is essentially your personal waiter. They also have a number of rooms which you could take over for a private experience. And there is nothing wrong with just getting a big table in the Garden Room, which many believe is the most pictureque local in the city.
As far as Dick and Jenny's goes, the food is fine, but I wouldn't call the decor upscale, and that is purposely so. Its eclectic and somewhat offbeat. A wonderful place to eat a relaxed casual dinner though. I would check on their reservation policy, for a time they were not accepting them.
Also, the upstairs at Galatoires has two rooms that you would probably just about fill up. They wouldn't have have any problems setting up a table for twelve downstairs either. You see parties there that size all the time. Sometimes they start smaller and just end up being that size. I hope this was of some help. Perhaps if you let us know what you were looking for, coat and tie fancy, the big splurge, or something else. ch
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Well if its oysters, that makes it easy. If all you want to do is belly up to an oyster bar for a few dozen, head to Acme or Felix's. But if you really want a treat, go to 201, located at 201 Decatur, which is as much a bar as it is a restaurant. They are known for what they do with baked oysters. I was there about three weeks ago, late, and Mark, the maitre de, brought out an unsolicited tray of the best baked oyters I have ever had, absolutely put anything that Antoines does to shame. I have know idea what they were called, but apparently they do them a number of ways. The restaurant is open until midnight, but even if you get their later, I am sure they will get something going for you. If you don't see them on the menu, just ask them to make you some. They also serve them raw. Try the oysters en brochette also. By the way, the bar at the International House, Loa, is quite popular with the locals, and Lemon Grass serves excellent Asian food. Let me know if need any more bar/nightlife recommendations. ch
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Well that makes quite a difference. Eleven 79 will be hopping on a Friday night at that time. Clancy's is usually happening reasonably late as well. I am sure you could at least grab a bite at the bar. Unlike a lot of cities, most everyplace is open Sunday night, I guess because a lot of tourists leave on Monday. Where are you staying? That could help narrow things down. If you are looking for fun, the Marigny area has alot of clubs, Dream Palace, Cafe Brazil, to name two, and several places to eat. The whole area has a very Bohemnian thing going. Also, there are probably several places in the Quarter that would seat you, I am thinking, the Pelican Club, Galatoires, G.W. Fins, or maybe Tujaques.
As for public transportation to Casamentos, you could take the Magazine bus, I am not sure when service ends. Also, you could take the Streetcar and get off at Napolean, and walk up to Magazine. Its probably six blocks. Not bad. ch
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Hello Sara, I am guessing that you haven't gotten much input because you have psoted something of a tall order. Off hand, the only place I can think of is Eleven 79, in the warhouse district. The chef, Anthony DiPiazza first opened a small place in the Quarter that was excellent. His new digs are very nice. Its upscale, and very clubby. I think the bar draws as much buisness as the restauraunt, and it is well frequented by locals who like to party. The food is Italian, and very good. It doesn't get much press, or much talk on these parts becuase there is nothing particulary local about it, so not many visitors get very excited about about it. I know they do a brisk late night business, but I would call ahead as Sunday night can be slow.
Other than that, you don't ahve alot of options, but your best bet would be the Marigny area, you could try La Peniche, a favorite for the restauant crowd after they get off work, or Cafe Marigny, which I think is now called the Marigny Brasserie oe Belle Fourche. I believe all are open late but i can't vouch.
In the lower Quater on Decatur is Maxiimo's, also Italian, I haven't been in a while, but it is very lively. And of course there is always Verdi Mart, but I wouldn't call that a restaurant.
Finally, there is The Delachaise, on St. Charles Avenue, it is really a bar but they serve excellent tapas, try the bone marrow. They do a good buisness with the service crowd also. If I come up with more I will post. Charlie
Two Days in NOLA - Trip Report
in Louisiana: Dining
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Glad to see Vizard's getting some attention. I have always liked Kevin's food. All that crabmeat sure looks good. ch