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Monthly Archives: July 2014

Peche Seafood Grill (Warehouse District, New Orleans, LA)

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Peche has recently been honored with the James Beard Award and it’s all thanks to Chef Ryan Prewitt, Chef of the South. I’m not going to lie, when Peche opened, I wasn’t very impressed with the menu…very simple and nothing stood out to me. I’ve heard good things from friends so I decided to give it a shot…

The feel is very “Nautical” as I described it to my friend. It’s almost like you’re dining beneath a pier…a really nice one. Dress is very casual and comfortable…especially for an award-winning restaurant, but I love that!

Now onto the food!

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Gulf Oysters. 

 

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Massachusetts, Island Creek Oysters. 

These oysters were a bit smaller and more briney than the Gulf oysters. The strange thing is that I remember the gulf oysters tasting JUST like this many years ago. Maybe the gulf waters have changed…

I prefer the gulf oysters…large, plump, and refreshing. “The Chef” preferred the Massachusetts oysters for the brininess

 

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Shrimp + Fontina Croquettes. 

 

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Fried Brussel Sprouts with Chili Vinegar. 

 

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Crab + Jalapeno Capellini.

 

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Fish Sticks with LA31 beer batter. 

 

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Crab Claws with Chili Vinegar.

 

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Shrimp + Corn Bisque. 

 

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Grilled Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde. 

For a seafood restaurant, this steak was probably better than any other steakhouses in the city.

 

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Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake. Vanilla Mascapone. Macerated Blueberries

WOW…I am a little upset that I didn’t try Peche earlier. The simplicity of the menu is just what I love, but was so skeptical about in the beginning. Every dish was well-executed and it’s very difficult the rank them by favorites. I will say that the fish sticks were the best fish sticks I’ve ever had! Everything from the moistness of the fish to the crisp of the batter. There’s only so much that words can describe so you’ll just have to try Peche for yourself.

Make sure to make your weekend reservations in advance. Ever since the James Beard award recognition, reservations are filling up quick!

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Rating: 5/5 spoons (6 if I could!)
Pêche Seafood Grill on Urbanspoon

Salu Bistro and Bar (Garden District, New Orleans, LA)

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Magazine is my go-to hangout spot whether to visit the coffee shops, boutique shopping, or to pick-up a quick bite. It’s no wonder I chose Salu to meet with my cousin, who is staying in town for school, to catch up on family and life. I walked in and it was bumpin’! We opted to sit outside since there was nice weather…

 

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It takes two to Salu!

 

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Mussels: Pesto. 

 

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Can’t eat mussels without frites!

 

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Two Run Farms Skirt Steak. Asparagus. Spicy Onion Crisps. Wild Mushroom Cream.

 

 

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Crab Cakes. 

 

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Calamari. Jalapeno. Spicy Tomato Sauce. Roasted Peppers.

 

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Wild Mushroom Empanadas. Goat Cheese. Roasted Pepper Vinaigrette. Parmesan.

 

I love small plates. It allows you to have a little bit of everything without overwhelming your palate and Salu offers that and executes well! The mussels are a must! Classic is always delicious, but my cousin and I ordered the Pesto for something a little different. My favorite dish had to be the empanadas…It’s my weakness. If I see it on the menu, I’ll most likely order it. These empanadas were the perfect texture…crispy outside with a chewy dough bite. Some places tend to have a thick and dry dough, but these were perfect, inside and out!

Salu is a great place to meet up with friends. It’s not as family friendly and I would recommend eating outdoors on a busy day. It tends to echo indoors and can get really loud.

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Rating: 4/5 spoons
Salú Bistro and Bar on Urbanspoon

Velvet Cactus (Lakeview, New Orleans, LA)

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When I think of New Orleans or even Louisiana food, Mexican is the last cuisine I’d think of. I spent a few years in Texas and have fallen in love with Mexican food. I was a bit sad that there is a lack of it here in NOLA, until I found Velvet Cactus. I was on my way home from the City Park and stumbled across this unique restaurant/art gallery…

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Decor. 

 

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Chips & Dip. 

 

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Smoked Pork Tamales. Seasoned corn mase. Smoked pork mixed with peppers. Steamed corn husk. Ranchero sauce.

 

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SlimRITA Frozen. 100 calorie frozen margarita.

 

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Shrimp and chicken enchiladas. Refried beans.

 

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Chipotle Cheese Grits and  1/2 Steak Enchilada. 

 

My favorites were the smoked pork tamales and the cheese grits. The tamales were stuffed with meat…hearty and delicious! The cheese grits were to die for! I’d eat it with the enchiladas, dip some nachos in it, pour it on top of my fajitas…haha just kidding, but I’d have some with every bite of my meal.

Cons: I had the SlimRita and it was too sweet. Next time, I’ll opt for the iced margarita.

Overall, the meal was good and the closest I’ve found to good Mexican food in the city. As far as authenticity goes, it’s more of a Tex-Mex, but I know I’ll come back when I’m craving Mexican! Tex-Mex is generally what you get throughout the U.S.. Now if you want true Mexican, you’ll have to go closer to the border of Mexico, but I prefer to drive to Lakeview for now!

 

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Rating: 3/5 spoons

 

The Velvet Cactus on Urbanspoon

Parkway Bakery and Tavern (Bayou St. John, New Orleans, LA)

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Parkway Bakery and Tavern currently holds the title for “Best Poboys in NOLA”, among other titles such as “Top 100 popular restaurants in NewOrleans”…I’ve read a little bit of the history and reviews and wanted to see what all the hype was about. There are so many poboys in the city so it’s hard to pick and choose where the “BEST” poboy is…

 

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Home-Cooked Hot Roast Beef with Gravy Poor Boy. Sweet potato fries in the background.

 

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Fried Oyster Poor Boy. Only available Mondays and Wednesdays.

 

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Outside decor. 

 

My thoughts?

Mouth-watering.

Crunchy.

Scrumptious.

There’s a lot of hype on Travel Channel, Food Network, etc. and it is well-deserved! What I love is that it’s an establishment with a great history…many struggles and they still persevered and are so successful. It’s the classic story of many New Orleanians (http://www.parkwaypoorboys.com/history.html). Oh, and also the food! The poboy bread is lightly crispy on the outside and adds the perfect crunch when you bite into it. I loved both the roast beef and the oyster poboys. The sweet potato fries were cooked to perfection! Probably the best in the city.

There’s so many poboys to choose from around here, but I’d have to agree that Parkway has the best poboy when it comes to character and authenticity. With it’s growing popularity there’s plenty of seating outside and you definitely get that southern hospitality when it comes to service.

I can’t wait to devour my next poboy!

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Rating: 4.5/5 spoons

 
Parkway Bakery & Tavern on Urbanspoon