Luke (Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX)

chefsgirl — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 23:53:00 +0000

I recently relocated to San Antonio…a short term career move, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying food! I was really missing home and “the Chef” surprised me this past weekend…There are quite a few great restaurants here ranging from great pizza joints (like Dough and Fralo’s), delicious BBQ, and Mexican food, but nothing here resembling NOLA cuisine. Luke was the next best thing…home away from home. New Orleans cuisine isn’t just comprised of gool ol’ Cajun seafood, gumbo, jambalaya, and poboys. There’s quite a bit of French influence as well…one of my favorite cuisines! Although Luke on the Riverwalk had a little of it’s own San Antonio twist, the food and feel brought me back into the CBD (City Business District) of New Orleans…

Grilled Watermelon. Dried Cherry Compote. 14-month Tejano Ham. Arugula, Fried Goat Cheese.

Cup of Gumbo.

Crispy Slow Cooked Pork. Green Beans. Toasted Almonds. Poached Egg. Spicy Butter Dressing.

Baked Texas Coast Oysters on the Half Shell, Shrimp, and Crab Gratin.

Hanger Steak. Steak-Frites. Garlic and Herb Butter. I know, it looks like a teaser, but I actually split this dish with the boyfriend so there’s more than appears on this plate!

*NOTE: not pictured are the raw oysters (which were inhaled immediately)… large, fresh, and delicious!

The food was delicious! Although we ordered a feast of food, everything was refreshing and very flavorful. The only downside is the cost $$$-$$$$. It’s an experience, regardless! Luke is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans so I had very high expectations for this location. San Antonio is a beautiful city…very scenic hills, beautiful riverwalk and luckily for me, John Besh brought this delicious gem to the city!

Root (Warehouse District, New Orleans)

chefsgirl — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:21:00 +0000

Root…a hip new restaurant just came to town! It’s in the Warehouse District so it’s definitely got a city vibe…the old brick walls, wooden floors, casual cool atmosphere. So cool, I even noticed the waiters and waitresses all had Converses on! haha…Of course, I would notice something like that. I liked it…it’s very chill. Great for a relaxing night on the town…no fancy clothes, no fancy occasions, just bring your grumblin’ tummies…

Amuse Bouche. Asian-inspired dish w/ Salmon Sashimi. Fresh Herbs.

Smoked Cornmeal Encrusted Louisiana Oysters. Andouille Spoon Bread. Manchego Foam.

“KFC” Korean Fried Chicken Wings. Pepper Jelly glaze. Kimchi.

Black Lacquered Duck Tortellini. Indian Orange Mascarpone. Toasted Pine Nuts. Vanilla Tapioca. Black Duck Tea.

Nice presentation! The scallops come in this vintage looking cigar box…it helps to hold the smoke in the box so the scallops absorb every bit of smokey flavor. Let’s just say..it does the job! The scallops were delicious!

Cohiba Smoked Scallops. Chorizo Dust. Carmelized Cauliflower. Fennel Choucroute.

Hanger Steak. Crispy Sweetbreads. Sweet Kumquat Bordelaise. Pommes Frites.

Sweet Corn Caramel Flan. Salted Corn and Caramel Ice Cream. Vanilla Milk Foam. “Cracker Jacks”

Strawberry Delight. Toasted Almond Cake. Smoked Black Tea Honey Crunch. Strawberry Sour Cream Ice Cream. Strawberry Gel. Fizzy Rock.

Root’s menu is extremely creative and the presentation is just superb. I love the way Chef Phillip Lopez throws together such diverse elements and combines them to build flavors that work together so well like the duck tortellini (pictured above). Vanilla tapioca and Black duck tea?? Who woulda thought? And it tastes so good! I will say that because of the design and flair in each plate, it doesn’t stuff you so order accordingly. The other downside was the desserts…Lots of elements and full of different and interesting flavors, but I felt it was a bit “deconstructed”.

Overall, innovative dishes. Great atmosphere. So if you’re feeling like refreshing your palate with molecular gastronomy-type dishes, check out Root!

Rating: 2.5/5 spoons

hanger steak – ChefsGirl

Luke (Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX)

Root (Warehouse District, New Orleans)