ChefsGirl

Monthly Archives: April 2012

Angelo Brocato (New Orleans, LA)

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One of my favorite gelato places in the city! It’s family friendly and has a cutesy 1960s vibe. Here, you’ll find traditional gelato as well as an assortment of Italian desserts including tiramisu, spumoni, cannolis, cakes, and more. 

I’ve tried desserts other than gelato and they’re delicious, but every time I’m here, I can’t help but to order a creamy, cold gelato…My Favorite flavor: Pralines and Cream, but they didn’t have it this time =(


Assortment of desserts. There’s so much more, but with such a long line, it was hard to capture! 


Strawberries and Cream Gelato (w/ Waffle Cone)


Pistachio Gelato. (Classic version)


Angelo Brocato the ultimate dessert stop in New Orleans. Nothing fancy. Just classic, delicious Italian desserts. It can’t get any better than that! 


Angelo Brocato Ice Cream & Confectionery on Urbanspoon

Cowbell (New Orleans, LA)

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Unique and eclectic…words to describe this hidden gem. It’s tucked away in a little corner down Oak St. past several homes. Outside are a few picnic tables great for these last few days of beautiful spring weather! Inside, it’s bright and welcoming…

Decor behind the bar…


Menu.


Mac N Cheese. Long spirally macaroni topped with breadcrumbs. Delish!


Quahog Clam Chowder. Applewood Smoked Bacon. Red Bliss Potatoes. Not your usual, creamy chowder, but theirs is more of soupy concoction…really good though! Nice depth of flavor. I would recommend it!


Midnight Skirt Steak w/ Black Bean Sauce. Roasted Plaintains. Fidel’s Mango Salsa. 


Herb Roasted Turkey, Bacon, and Fontina Grilled Cheese. Not your ordinary grilled cheese! Because there were so many ingredients, I don’t know if it should be called a grilled cheese anymore, BUT since it is…it had to be the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had. Very cheesy with big chunky bits of bacon in every bite. mmMmm!


 S’mores Pie.  

For such a casual lookin’ joint, the menu was a notch up from your typical eaterie. It was like southern home-cooking meets high end bistro. Service was uber-friendly and laid back! So fun! Will return again and definitely recommended to you foodies out there =) 

Cowbell on Urbanspoon

C’est La Vie Bistro (Magazine St., New Orleans)

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So “the chef” heard about this new French restaurant on Magazine St. and we just had to try it! Of course, we were hungry for brunch, but after dining here we’ll have to come back for dinner.

Outside, the restaurant appears to be very casual and cutesy joint, but as you walk in, it has a French parlor feel. Very fancy, very elegant…Almost like I was in France at some local French bistro near the Eiffel tower. There was even French music playing…

French bread


Escargot. My favorite! Definitely a rich dish, filled with flavorful herbs and buttery goodness. I used the rest of the French bread to sop up the rest of the “sauce”. The escargot were plump and tender. Cooked to perfection! 


Eggs Parisienne. Eggs Benedict..Truly authentic version. I’m not a big pea person, but it added a nice delicate touch to the dish. 


Potatoes Au Gratin. When I saw this on the menu, I just had to get it. I was slightly disappointed when I didn’t get the good ol’ country style potatoes au gratin, but this was very light and delicate and just as you would expect from a born and raised French chef. 


Pork Forestiere Crepe. Oven-roasted Pork. Mushroom red wine sauce. Pulled pork was great…Very flavorful. Great for the New Orleanian palate.

I definitely enjoyed the dishes here and can’t wait to try their dinner menu and the mussels (They were out this time =( ). Gotta love French cuisine! Til next time, au revoir! 

  C'est la Vie French Bistro on Urbanspoon

Uchi (Houston, TX)

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“The chef” and I were spending a weekend in Houston and a friend was raving about this new restaurant that opened. Little did we know, it was actually a second location to the original Uchiko (Austin, TX) where executive chef Paul Qui works. In case you didn’t know, Paul is winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Texas! 

Our dinner was definitely an experience…every dish brought some excitement to us…both visually and to our taste buds. We ordered the Chef’s Tasting so we had no idea what would show up to our table….

Kaki No Shiki. Shigoku Oyster. Lychee Granite.

Random Fact: These are West Coast oysters. They have deeper bowl-shaped shells from the way they roll along the coast. The flavor profile is less briney than Gulf Coast oysters.

For a girl who use to be squeamish when it comes to raw oysters, these were delicious. Fresh and plump…mMmm!

Roasted Golden Beets. Skyr Yogurt. Bitter Greens. Acacia Honey. 

Chef’s Nigiri Selection. (above and below)

Hirame Uzuzukuri. Thinly-sliced Flounder Sashimi. Candied Quinoa. Olive Oil. 

This had to be one of my favorite dishes. It was refreshing with a sweet and tangy twist to it. 

Wagyu To. Short Rib. Cauliflower. Beet. Black Pepper. Kumquat. 

Hamachi Nabe. Baby Yellowtail. Koshi Hikari Rice. Farm egg. Soy broth. 

I know, this picture makes this dish look like a plain bowl of rice, but the presentation was beautiful! When the waiter brought it out, there were these dancing rice flakes on top. It was crazyyy! As the waiter mixed the bowl, the dancing flakes disappeared and I didn’t get to photograph the interesting presentation. 

Atlantic Salmon. Yokai Berry. Dinosaur Kale. Asian Pear. Yuzu. 

Hirame Shiro. Halibut. Shrimp Cocunut Milk. Basil. Candied Onion. 

Pork Jowl. Brussels Sprout Kimchee. Romaine. Preserved Lemon Creme Fraiche. 

Okashi. Coriander Creme Brulee. Carrot. Rose. Marcona Almonds. 

*Sorry for the blurry picture! Must’ve been in food coma at this point! =P

Now that I’ve seen these works of art, I definitely see the influence it had on Paul Qui. Everything from presentation to flavor…it’s no wonder he won Top Chef!

Presentation was top notch! The sashimi dishes were unbelievable! I have never had fish so fresh in my life…it was almost like they plucked them straight out of the ocean for us.  Every dish had unique flavors and textures. It’s amazing how they could combine so many different elements onto one dish, and yet, they come together and make such wonderful dishes. I just can’t say it enough! 

The experience was definitely a pricey one ($$$$), but well worth it! 

Uchi on Urbanspoon

Stanley’s Restaurant

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Stanley’s is a casual dining restaurant that branched off of Chef Boswell’s very own, Stella!. They serve good ol’ New Orleans comfort food and are best known for their delicious brunch menu. It’s located in Jackson’s Square and has a beautiful view of the St. Louis Cathedral. Since I discovered it, I’ve come here several times and introduced it to friends and out of towners who absolutely LOVE it. I love classic and simple dishes and Stanley brings that to the table with just a touch of New Orleans!

I was on a brunch date with a childhood friend of mine and of all the years she’s lived in the city, she had never been to Stanley’s so it was obvious that I should take her here. The last time I came to Stanley’s I devoured the most scrumptious Oyster Poboy ever so I was torn when I had to decide between the Eggs Stanley or the P&J Oyster Poboy. So we compromised and got the Poor boy Sliders, which offers a sample each poboy!

Poboy Sliders: Club Stanley, Korean BBQ Beef, and Oyster Poboy

Eggs Stanley! Cornmeal-crusted Oysters, Poached Eggs, Canadian bacon, and Creole Hollandaise on English Muffin.

A classic Eggs Benedict with Oysters. I don’t know where they get their oysters from, but they are so big! It’s not even JUST the oysters, but the cornmeal batter is just delectable. Not too heavy, crispy crunch, and seasoned perfectly! The hollandaise was just right..not too creamy and not too tangy (a problem I’ve had at other brunch joints). 

Breaux Bridge Benedict. Charlie T’s Boudin, Smoked Ham, American Cheese, Poached Eggs, and Creole Hollandaise.

Typically, this dish doesn’t come with oysters, but clearly, we love them ersters! ;P This dish is more on the savory side. “The Chef” loves his Boudin so this is his favorite. 

Whether you’re a local spending the day in the city or a tourist wandering the French Quarter, Stanley’s Restaurant is worth your visit. They don’t take reservations, but normally they turn tables over rather quickly, so while you wait, enjoy the sights or even grab a drink next door at Stanley’s bar. I guarantee you’ll love this place as much as I do!

Stanley Restaurant on Urbanspoon

 




The Company Burger

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Nestled in a small strip across the street from Dat Dog (best hot dog joint in NOLA!) is Freret’s sleek yet simple burger joint.

Word is spreading about their delicious Lamb Burger (pictured bottom left). It’s topped with feta, the house basil mayo, onions, and a chili mint glaze. It was flavorful and juicy…exactly as I had imagined it to be. Too bad I wasn’t the adventurous one who ordered this delicious hunk of meat…the boyfriend did and I got to steal a few bites, but I need to go back for my own!

For those who just want a burger – go for The Company Burger (pictured right). It comes with two thin patties with onions, American cheese, and homemade bread and butter pickles, all placed onto their toasted buttery buns. You have the option of adding a yard egg and/or bacon, for a small fee of course! I didn’t notice this until I sat down to wait for my order so when you try Company Burger, order a yard egg on your bun for me! ^_-

I’m a lover of tater tots so there they are! I noticed they had a unique side item – fried RED ONION rings and I hear they’re tasty, so I’ll definitely order them on the next trip. 

While you wait, make sure you make a stop at the condiment station toward the back wall on the left. The dippings and sauces are so yummy…just a little somethin somethin to tickle your taste buds. 

All in all, great service and pretty tasty burgers. The Lamb Burger is a must try! I really enjoyed the toasty buttery buns…What can I say? I enjoy the fine details. =)

The Company Burger on Urbanspoon