Front: LA Cajun Caviar. Market Potato Salad. Crème Fraiche. Parsley. Oil

Boudin Tamale. Roasted Tomatillo. Red Chile Sauce. Roasted Louisiana Oysters. Marrow. Hogs Head. Salsa Verde.

Steamed Mussels. Coconut Milk. Lime. Cilantro.

Point Judith Calamari. White Bean Purée. Lemon. Cerignola Olive.

Yellowfin Tuna Wraps.  Jalapeño. Crunchy Noodles. Citrus.

Candied Pork Ribs. Five Spice.

Upside-Down Cornbread. Pineapple. House Bacon Marmalade.

Although we set a reservation, there was a bit of a wait. Meril’s is HOT and NEW so that was to be expected. Once you’re seated, you’re good to go! Noise level is a bit high and echo-ey so if you’re looking for a quiet romantic dinner, this may not be the restaurant for you. As for the menu, every bite leaves you wanting more (in a good way!). I’m not going to lie, there were a few dishes I really wish I had all to myself.

My friends and I really enjoyed the Steamed Mussels, Caviar, Tuna wraps, and the Spiced Short Ribs. Of all the dishes we ordered these were the table favorites! When there’s that many favorites among so many people, you know it’s good! Sharing the dishes with a table of 7 was such a tease…

What to LOVE: Small plates! My personal fave was the Caviar, but the other dishes were almost just as good. Amazing job in the Meril’s kitchen!

What NOT to love: We had to wait 20-30 minutes even though we set a reservation. Noise level. It’s not rowdy but it was pretty difficult to hold steady conversations without hearing “Excuse me? What did you say?!”.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 spoons

Food: 5/5 spoons

Service: 4/5

Oysters. Mignonette and Cocktail Sauce.

Scallop Crudo. Lime. Pistou. Pickled Red Onion.

Crab Deviled Eggs. 

Old Bay Fries. Malt Aioli.

Fried Oyster Caesar. Kale. Romaine. Pecorino. Crackers.

Clam Chowder. Baked Oyster Crackers.

Seared Scallops. Jalapeno-white cheddar grits. Sweet corn. Crab. Arugula.

Complimentary Cherry Meringue. 

The menu consists of a lot of small bites and small plates that are quite small in portion so be sure to order multiple dishes. We ordered Oysters, Crab Deviled Eggs, Waffle Fries, Salmon Crudo, Clam Chowder, Fried Oyster Caesar Salad, and the Seared Scallops for my husband and I. The dishes were light and appetizing but were a tease since they were in small portions. The Waffle Fries were more like a thin potato waffle wedge as opposed to fries, but were good and went well with the aioli. The Salmon Crudo was refreshing. My favorite was the Clam Chowder. It was more of a Clam Soup but was very flavorful. There was an herbiness with a delicious oniony finish. I loved it. Too bad I had to share it with my hubby. The Kale Caesar Salad with Fried Oysters was pretty good as well. I only wish the kale were chopped into smaller pieces for easier eating. The scallops were really good and laid atop a bed of homey corn grits. It was a very light entree and I somewhat wished it was loaded with cream or butter, but I won’t complain on reduced fat since it was still very good!

I would definitely like to try Cavan again. Service was super friendly and the food came out fast! I’d really like to see what else they have to offer since this was only their first few months of opening.

Rating: 4/5 spoons

The Atomic Burger. Fresh ground beef. Special A.B. sauce. American Cheese. Dressed.

When I have a stressful day at work, I get into my car and drive home thinking “burgerrrr…”. A coworker recommended Atomic Burger as her favorite fast food burger joint so I drove straight to it. The patty was really fresh…even fresher tasting than some local, restaurant burgers. This is a neater-eating burger and doesn’t cause much of a mess. Atomic Burger’s menu is a lot more simplified and sometimes you just don’t want to complicate a burger. Every now and then, I just want my beef patty on burger buns with a side of fries and in that case Atomic Burger has my vote!

Rating: 3.5/5 spoons

Mooyah Burger. Double meat. Swiss. Dressed. Fried Onions. Mushrooms.

Mooyah isn’t too far from Atomic Burger and is located right next to World of Beer, where they have probably THE widest selection of beer. Unfortunately, the burger joint itself doesn’t sell beer so I couldn’t enjoy a cold one while I ate my burger, but that’s okay. That’s what the bar next door is for! Anyways, back to my burger, there’s the option for a double patty burger and on this particular day, I definitely needed a double. I have to mention that the service at Mooyah is a little lacking. The cashier at the counter wasn’t helpful or friendly  at all. It wasn’t busy and there was only one person behind me. Regardless, the menu is easy to figure out. Mooyah also offers a variety of toppings. I ordered my classic swiss, fried onions, mushrooms burger. Everything was great, but I will say that the bottom bun is thicker and more pillowy than most burgers. The Mooyah Burger is a lot messier, but probably a result of adding a double patty and a multitude of toppings. I like the variety and options that Mooyah offers.

Rating: 3/5 spoons

So it comes down to, who has the better burger???

In this battle of the burger, Atomic Burger wins! Both burgers are great, but when it comes down to flavor and eatability, Atomic Burger’s patties are clearly fresher tasting and ergonomically pleasing.

Bruschetta. Hummus with Red and Gold Beets. Blue Cheese & Honey. Tomato Confit.

Porchetta. Pork loin wrapped in Kurobuta pork belly. Carmelized Onions. Salsa Verde. Arugula. Fennel aioli. Hoagie.

Kurobuta Mac & Cheese. 

The Reuben. Corned beef. Sauerkraut. Swiss Cheese. “2k” Island Dressing on rye.

The Wayfare. Fresh house-cut mozzarella. Grape tomato. Kalamata olives. Orange segments. Romaine. Red Wine Vinaigrette. Blood orange infused olive oil.

Pulled Chicken Dijon. Basil puree. Dijon Vinaigrette. Tomato Confit. Kalamata olives. Diced house-made bread. Butter Pickles. Arugula. Shaved red onion. Dijon mustard on sesame seed kaiser roll.

The restaurant isn’t quite hidden, but the sign is hard to find and I’ve almost missed it twice. I went to lunch with my friend on a Wednesday afternoon and there were plenty of tables. There’s a daily menu so some menu items may change daily.

The bruschettas: The Hummus with Red and Gold Beets and Blue Cheese & Honey were my favorite. There wasn’t anything special with the Tomato Confit.

The Porchetta sandwich was sooo good. My friend is still speaking of it til this day. We shared it, but I think I could’ve definitely eaten the whole thing. It was filled with moist, savory pork with a slightly crisped hoagie bun. The only downside was the chips, which were burnt tasting and unsalted (or not enough salt) and I found that to be the same at the restaurant and when I ordered takeout.

The Mac & Cheese was super cheesy and perfectly textured. They use the Cavatappi macaroni…the elongated macaroni noodle. The pasta was perfectly al dente and cheesy, just the way I like it.

When we ordered takeout, the Reuben was so delicious. It was still slightly crispy on the outside even by the time I got home. The Pulled Chicken Dijon had good flavor, however, was a bit dry and I actually took off one of the buns and created my own open-faced sandwich, because the bread was a bit overwhelming.

Wayfare is a little taste of everything. They have great appetizers and a solid selection of our favorite sandwiches. Their drinks were pretty good too! If you’re looking for a great after work hangout or daytime deli, Wayfare is the place!

Rating: 4/5 spoons

Back in NOLA…

Years ago, I ate dinner at Atchafalaya and I loved it. I remember an Atchafalaya Pasta that I don’t see on the dinner menu anymore, but since then, there may have revamped the menu. Considering how much I loved it then, I found myself craving brunch and found my way back…

There was about a 25-30 minute wait, but while you wait, grab a Bloody Mary at the bar. You can personalize your own drink at the Bloody Mary station. From what I here, it’s supposed to be the best in the city, but personally, I’m not a Bloody Mary fan. I’m more of a mimosa kinda girl!

Mimosa. I’m more of a mimosa kind of girl!

Soup Du Jour. Crab meat soup.

Eggs Atchafalaya. Poached eggs. Fried green tomatoes. Jumbo lump crab. Hollandaise. Brunch potatoes.

Boudin cakes.

Cochon du L’eggs. Sunny-side up eggs. Pulled Pork. Cornbread pudding. Creole coleslaw. Blackberry cane syrup.

The crabmeat soup was so homey and light, and I loved it!  It was a great starter for brunch. The Eggs Atchafalaya was refreshing and elegant yet had some good ol’ Southern fried tomatoes for a touch of hominess. If I see crabmeat, I usually order it because you can never have too much! Finally, we had the Cochon du L’eggs, which is as delicious as it looks. Moist, savory pulled pork and eggs. Yes, please!

It’s been years since I’ve been back to Atchafalaya and I’m so glad I went back for brunch. I’m excited to come back for dinner again and hopefully it will be very soon…

Rating: 4/5 spoons

Biscuits & Buns on Banks is a new brunch spot that’s been open for about a year now. There was a bit of a wait, but outside there’s some seating and coffee while you wait. 3 or 4 groups were ahead of us, but we waited no more than 25 minutes. It could be more or less depending on what time of day or how busy they may get…

Mini Biscuits. Steen’s Cane Syrup & Butter.

3 Egg omelette with mushrooms, onions, and crabmeat.

Abita glazed pot roast and debris. Over grits. I added an egg!

Normally, the chef and I would order a variety of things, but thank goodness we didn’t! The portion sizes are large and trust me, I can eat, but for the first time in a long time, we had to take home to-go boxes. The omelette was great…we stuffed it with our favorite things: spinach, onions, mushrooms, and crabmeat. I love crabmeat…

My favorite dish was without a doubt, the Abita glazed pot roast and debris. Order it over grits and add an egg. So scrumptious. Every bite you can tell was so bad, but oh so good! This was the dish that I had to take home and it made the best leftovers the next morning especially since the grits just marinated in the debris and goodness overnight. The biscuit is delicious as well. I kind of wish they toasted their biscuits a bit, because it was so good when I toasted it at home. Be sure to order the jelly with your biscuits.

It’s too bad we couldn’t order more so I could get a little taste of everything. The next items I’m eyeing are the Grilled Brie on Waffles with blueberry compote. That’s a combination I can’t turn down! Another would be the BBB Seafood Etouffee over house biscuit/grits.

You can tell the owner is very involved and very friendly. Keep it up! The menu is great with a variety of delicious brunch options. I can’t wait to come back for another filling meal!

Rating: 4.5/5 spoons

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!)

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

Rum Swizzle. 

Vesper. Inspired by 007 Casino Royale. A solid, strong, and sexy martini!

French Bread & Butter. One of my favorite parts of any meal!

Crispy Gulf Oysters. Bacon & Parmesan crust. Citrus & Fennel salad. Bacon Vinaigrette. Smoked Creme Fraiche.

The bacon vinaigrette was a wonderful touch on top of these crispy oysters! It was subtle, but came through smoothly.

Melon Mojito Salad. Mint & rum cured melon. Spiced Pecans. Bacon Molasses vinaigrette.

Cracklin Crusted Duck Confit. Applewood smoked bacon. Onion glazed brussel sprouts. Creamy white bean puree. Charred Jalapeno pepper jelly.

Cast Iron Baked Blue Crab Gnocchi.  Louisiana Crab & Semolina gnocchi. Roasted garlic, Exotic mushrooms. Corn-leek veloute. Lemon-Parmesan crust.

Bananas Foster Sundae. Cinnamon-dark rum ice cream. Bananas. Crispy Plantains. Ordered without Chantilly cream.

WOW..What an amazing meal! The chef and I really enjoy ordering a bunch of menu items and sharing them so when it comes down to the very last bite, we like to save our favorites. The chef enjoyed the duck as his last bite and I finished with the crab and gnocchi dish…That most definitely didn’t mean it was our favorite, because dessert came out and we were just blown away! This Sundae has to be the best we’ve ever eaten. Fried bananas foster…how can you say “no” to that?!

The facade of Baie Rouge…bright and inviting. I’ve been wanting to come here for some time. The chef and I were just craving something delicious and had heard great things about Baie Rouge through the grapevine…so here we are!

Rum Swizzle. 

Fried Mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms. White remoulade sauce.

Mussels Marniere. Steamed in a white wine seafood broth.

Very light and tasty..unlike other more buttery versions I’ve tasted around the city.

Fish Du Jour: Drum with Saffron Beurre Blanc.

Shrimp & Risotto Milanese. Lemon seasoned jumbo shrimp. Saffron Risotto. Chili Oil. Haricot Verts.

I was very surprised at the quality and value of every dish. The restaurant is very homey, but with such refined dishes! I really enjoyed every single dish and if I had to pick a favorite..It would be the Shrimp and Risotto. Believe it or not, I don’t even like shrimp very much! The shrimp were large, seasoned, and cooked to the perfect texture. A French dish with a Cajun kick as well as some Spanish and Italian influence! Very well done! I can’t wait to try the rest of the menu…