food – Page 12 – ChefsGirl

Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs (Five Points, Denver, Colorado)

Posted on August 7, 2014 by chefsgirl

The Chef” and I have tried so many restaurants in New Orleans, but we’ve made a goal to do more traveling..first stop, Denver, Colorado!

Colfax St. and the State Capital.

Scenic View on the way to Vail, Colorado.

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Larimer Square is one of the main attractions of the city. Not too far down the road is Biker Jim’s! We read great reviews and even saw that Anthony Bourdain had endorsed these delicious dogs. The schedule was packed, but “The Chef” and I decided to fit it a quick bite a few hours before dinnertime…

Great selection of dogs, especially game dogs: Veal, antelope, pheasant, rattlesnake…

Duck Cilantro Dog topped Coney Island style. Rich, meaty New Jersey style chili. Diced onions. Yellow mustard.

Rattlesnake & Pheasant Dog topped with Biker Jim’s Classic. Cream cheese. Carmelized Onions.

Great quality dogs! My favorite of the two had to be the Rattlesnake and Pheasant. I’m not the biggest fan of game meat, but this dog had great flavor. I wish we could’ve tried more, but we will definitely return next time. I’d love to see some snow this winter! We don’t get much in NOLA!

Pho Noi Viet (Garden District, New Orleans, LA)

Posted on August 7, 2014 by chefsgirl

Vietnamese food has been popping up all over the city…and it’s no wonder! The food is always refreshing, tasty, and great for those on a budget. I’ve been skeptical of the new wave of Vietnamese restaurants, and you can’t blame me since that’s where my roots lay. Nothing can compare to mama’s homemade meal, but I’m very surprised at what Pho Noi Viet had to offer…

Goi Cuon. Spring rolls.

Jasmine Tea (left). Chystanthemum Tea (right).

Com Thit Nuong. Rice with Grilled Pork.

Pho Tai Chin. Rare Beef & brisket.

Everything was great! I love the hominess of the food especially with the rice dish with grilled pork. There’s a hominess that’s difficult to describe, but reminds me of my mom’s cooking. I really enjoyed the iced green tea…floral and refreshing. I really wouldn’t mind getting one to go right about now! The menu is very simplified and they lack Bo Vien (meatballs), which is a staple in the Pho industry, but other than that, service was awesome and the food was delicious!

Regardless of the limited menu and the lack of meatballs, those are minor when looking at the overall and I will definitely come back to try out other menu items!

Rating: 3.5/5 spoons

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

Posted on July 31, 2014 by chefsgirl

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!

Gulf Oysters.

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

Shrimp + Fontina Croquettes.

Fried Brussel Sprouts with Chili Vinegar.

Crab + Jalapeno Capellini.

Fish Sticks with LA31 beer batter.

Crab Claws with Chili Vinegar.

Shrimp + Corn Bisque.

Grilled Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde.

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

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!

Rating: 5/5 spoons (6 if I could!)

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

Posted on July 30, 2014 by chefsgirl

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…

It takes two to Salu!

Mussels: Pesto.

Can’t eat mussels without frites!

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

Crab Cakes.

Calamari. Jalapeno. Spicy Tomato Sauce. Roasted Peppers.

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.

Rating: 4/5 spoons

Velvet Cactus (Lakeview, New Orleans, LA)

Posted on July 22, 2014 by chefsgirl

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…

Decor.

Chips & Dip.

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

SlimRITA Frozen. 100 calorie frozen margarita.

Shrimp and chicken enchiladas. Refried beans.

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!

Rating: 3/5 spoons

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

Posted on July 6, 2014 by chefsgirl

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…

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

Fried Oyster Poor Boy. Only available Mondays and Wednesdays.

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!

Rating: 4.5/5 spoons

Toast (Uptown, New Orleans, LA)

Posted on June 27, 2014 by chefsgirl

With the weekend right around the corner, I thought it’d be perfect introduce Toast! Tartine’s very own chef Cara Benson has done it again and “made some Toast”. Was that a little cheesy? Regardless, I LOVE Tartine and if you aren’t familiar with this cute, quaint, and delicious restaurant, just click here for my review. I had already considered Tartine to be an awesome brunch option…great little baguettes dressed with the best pates and toppings to create these tartines that make me feel like I’m in France! Now, I’ll have so much trouble deciding whether I want tartine…or toast!

Gets my vote for the cutest restaurant logo and sign!

Toast with Proscuitto & Ricotta with Honey.

Omelette with Bacon & Cheese and Cheesy Biscuit.

I accidentally ate some of the cheese biscuit on the proscuitto plate and realized that the honey only added to this already delicious treat. I’m a carb girl…Biscuit and bread could be my dessert!

Hangar Steak. Tarragon aioli. Eggs. Lyonnaise Potatoes.

Jam Aebelskivers.

What the heck is an “Aebelskiver” you ask?? It’s basically a Danish pancake ball…a very delicious one. It was so buttery and moist with the perfect amount of jam to compliment it. I’m 100% sure the other flavors (lemon curd, maple syrup, caramel, chocolate) are just as delicious!

Chocolate and Creme anglaise Sweet Crepe.

All around THE BEST BRUNCH I’ve had. It’s more delicate and light compared to your typical loaded and elaborate New Orleans brunch. I tend to over order or sometimes I just like a light mid-day snack and Toast offers a variety of items…a simple option is the toast dressed with a variety of things like prosciutto, egg, smoked fish, and more! Otherwise, everything else is great…just check out the pictures above. Here is a link to their menu: http://www.toastneworleans.com/menu.html

The only thing I’m sad about is the seating..it’s a tad bit small, but it adds so much character!

Trust me…you’ll only thank me! Bon appetit!

Bradley’s Fine Diner (The Heights, Houston, TX)

Posted on June 26, 2014 by chefsgirl

I’d been seeing this restaurant being built every time I passed by and when “The Chef” came to visit me in Houston, I thought it would be a good idea for our last meal before he went back home to New Orleans…We were dressed really casual, but that was “fine”. It’s a diner! haha..”The Chef” wasn’t too happy when he found out that I let him dress so casual to a restaurant owned by Bradley Ogden, a James Beard award winner. For those who aren’t familiar with the James Beard award, it’s quite an accomplishment in the chef world! Check out the website here (click). It was definitely gorgeous inside and I tend to be really skeptical of the trendy and hyped up establishments, but Bradley definitely deserves 5/5 spoons in my book!

It’s like a gem hiding among some chain restaurants and establishments…

My view.

Smoked Salmon Sliders.

Crab Cake con Piri Piri. Garlic Pepper Aioli. Avocado Puree.

Kobe Beef Burger with carmelized onions.

Fish N Chips. Alaskan cod.

Our meal definitely lived up to the expectations…Best fish n chips I’ve ever had. Maybe it was the amount of delicate crispiness or maybe it was the perfectly cooked tenderness of the Cod OR it was just plain delicious!

Honestly, every dish was delicious…I wouldn’t mind going to THIS diner right about now…

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ChefsGirl

Tag Archives: food

Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs (Five Points, Denver, Colorado)

Pho Noi Viet (Garden District, New Orleans, LA)

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

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

Velvet Cactus (Lakeview, New Orleans, LA)

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

Toast (Uptown, New Orleans, LA)

Bradley’s Fine Diner (The Heights, Houston, TX)

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