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Tag Archives: new orleans

Fulton Alley (Warehouse District, NOLA)

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In “Bar Hopping Down Fulton St.” (Click here for blog post.) I mentioned Fulton Alley and I usually do my blog reviews on restaurants and bars, but guess what? Not only is Fulton Alley a modernized bowling alley, but they have great bar bites!

The feel is much like a bar and I’m sure it’s much more crowded on the weekends, but “the Chef” and I chose a slow hour of the day for comfortable bowling…especially since my bowling arm is a little rusty!

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Pictured food: 

Cured Meat Board. Salme Toscano. Bresaola. Prosciutto Di Parma. House Pickles & Accompaniments.

Smoked & Fried Chicken Wings. Crystal-Blue Cheese & Ranch.

Fulton Alley is among the other Fulton St. gems and is very close to Harrah’s. Maybe you’ve spent too much time in Harrah’s or you’re just looking for something new to do, Fulton Alley is fun, hip and there’s food! As you can tell, the food was impressive especially in comparison to your usual bowling alley! From a foodie perspective, I really enjoyed it. The cured meat and pickles were delicious and the wings were perfectly cooked and juicy. I have no complaints on the food, BUT as far as bowling, the rates are little more pricey so going with a larger group would be more cost effective. You’ll get more bang for your buck and it’s more fun! Happy bowling!

 

Fulton Alley on Urbanspoon

Cafe Adelaide

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Cafe Adelaide is one of the newer Brennan’s family additions to the city…and the Brennans know what they’re doin’! I’ve had great experiences at Commander’s Palace, Sobou, among others, and I did not expect any less at Cafe Adelaide…

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Rum Swizzle. 

 

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

 

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

 

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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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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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?!
Café Adelaide on Urbanspoon

Baie Rouge (Uptown, New Orleans, LA)

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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!

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Rum Swizzle. 

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Fried Mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms. White remoulade sauce.

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Mussels Marniere. Steamed in a white wine seafood broth.

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

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Fish Du Jour: Drum with Saffron Beurre Blanc.

 

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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…

 

Baie Rouge on Urbanspoon

Noodle & Pie (Uptown, New Orleans)

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After a beautiful day during spring break, “The Chef” and I went for a run in Audubon Park and it definitely built up an appetite! We opted for something refreshing, so what better than to check out the new Noodle & Pie on the way home!

 

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Sake Punch. 

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Matcha Green. Tea. 

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Korean Fried Chicken. House cucumber. Carrot Kimchi. Black bean & chili glaze.

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Mussels.

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Cayenne Rice Dumpling with Simmered Butternut Squash. Fall veggies. Sweet and salty sauce.

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8 hour Brisket Bowl. Shoyo base. broth. 8 hour brisket. Ground pork. Ginger. Fire Ball. Greens. Soft-boiled egg.

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Save room for PIE!

Unfortunately, we didn’t have room for pie, but the selection looked great and I can’t wait to try the pie! Noode&Pie is a great twist on japanese cuisine. It’s a mix like an American twist on Yuki Izakaya (click to see post). Decor was modern, but cute and fitting for Magazine St. The weather was beautiful so we opted for the seats right by the open window-doors (didn’t know what to call them)!

I didn’t care too much for the cocktails and drinks…but my favorite had to be the Korean Fried Chicken. The ramen was good with a deep brothy flavor that I’m not quite used to. It’s not quite an authentic interpretation of Japanese ramen, but it’s still very tasty. You can really tell the noodles are homemade, and I love that! I will definitely go back and will save some room for PIE!

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Rating: 3/5 spoons

Noodle & Pie on Urbanspoon

 




 

Patois (Uptown, New Orleans)

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New Orleans is just flooded with so many great restaurants and among this list is Patois. I’ve heard so much about this place, but never had the chance to dine here…so what better place for “The Chef” to surprise me for my birthday here!

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French Cauliflower Bisque

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Table bread and buttery goodness!

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Charcuterie Plate. House-made boudin. Pork Rillettes. Hogshead cheese.

Yes, this might just look  like a plate of meat, but each piece of meat had so much love! The pork rillete was so moist and savory…it reminded me so much of my favorite brunch place, Tartine (click for post), and I have to say I think I prefer this rillete! The boudin was so memorable…gosh, just get the charcuterie plate!

 

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Potato Gnocchi. Jumbo Lump crab. Wild mushrooms. Edamame. Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

 

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Sweetbreads. Brussels Leaf Salad. Carmelized Shallot. Crispy Ham. Sherry-mustard reduction.

Not too many restaurants serve sweetbreads..and don’t be fooled by the name. This item is actually a type offal, delicious organ meats. As unappetizing as they may sound, it’s very delish! Patois did an excellent job at making this “offal” sounding meat into a delicate and melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

 

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Crispy Duck Confit Salad. Crispy Lavender Goat cheese. Arugula. Spiced Pecams. Satsuma Vinaigrette.

Overall, such a great experience! Such a great pick for celebrating my birthday with “The Chef”. I’m a sucker for French cuisine and Patois nailed it! Light, rich, and perfect textures in all of the dishes! 
Patois on Urbanspoon

Besh Steak (Central Business District, New Orleans, LA)

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The Besh empire is well-known for local New Orleans restaurants like Restaurant August, Luke, Borgne, and many others. Not only are these restaurants reputable, but the food is delicious! Besh Steak is unique in that it’s nestled away in Harrah’s Casino…It’s a small, open restaurant with dark mahogany colored decor and leather chairs. Great for large groups, business meetings, and even romantic dates….

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Pate and Chips. 

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3 Little Frenchies. Beef, Duck Confit, and Foie Gras Butter Slider.

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Stuffed Jumbo Lump Crab “Shells”. Baked with Garlic and Lemon Fondue.

Now, when we ordered this dish, we were expecting actual crab shells, but enjoyed the play on words AND the overflowing amounts of crabmeat stuffed within the pasta “shells”.

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Baked Oysters.

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Bibb Salad. Butermilk Blue Cheese Dressing. Spiced Pecans. Added Benton’s Bacon.

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Slow Cooked “Blade” Steak. Added Crabmeat..I could never get enough of this stuff. I could honestly top anything off with crabmeat…even dessert lol.

I was very surprised with this restaurant! The dishes were simple, delicious, and exactly what I had hoped for in a Besh steakhouse. Each of John Besh’s restaurants have character…this restaurants embodies a true New Orleans steakhouse. Great steak, delicious appetizers, fun environment…I was actually surprised by a few reviews on the meals not being “worth it”, but honestly I think some may have spent more than they had hoped at Harrah’s.

My favorite dishes had to be the Crab Stuffed “Shells and the Blade Steak. The shells were literally stuffed with crabmeat…no extra fillers, just pure crabmeat. It was a great dish that left you wanting more. The steak was perfectly cooked to med-rare and well seasoned!

I’m normally not a fan of “steakhouses”, but this one definitely surprised me! If you happen to pass by during your trip to Harrah’s or you’re just looking for a great place for steak, I highly recommend Besh Steak.
Besh Steak on Urbanspoon

Cafe Du Monde (French Quarter, New Orleans)

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A Local’s Take…

When I think of Cafe Du Monde, I think of my childhood and how my family would take out of town relatives down to the Quarter, do a little siteseeing, and finally rest in the heart of it all at Cafe Du Monde and absorb the city sights, sounds and yes, smells =P. While living in NOLA, I took for granted the wonderful food, people, and ambiance of the city. When I relocated to a different state, I would visit often and do all the things tourists would do…visit the St. Louis Cathedral, walk down Bourbon St. with some sort of alcoholic beverage in hand, and then eventually end up at Cafe Du Monde…

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…These delicious pillows of donuts are not only a tasty treat but also a memory. Lightly crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside…and dusted with powdered sugar. So whether you’re a local or tourist, these beignets (pronounced ‘Ben-yay’) are worth trying. How can a French donut not be delicious? My favorite drink has to be the Frozen Cafe Au Lait. Definitely wakes you up and cools you down after a long walk around the French Quarter!

**TIP** If it happens to be too crowded, you can jump into a to-go line towards the back and find a place to eat, but I usually wait. The wait line moves quickly…depending on whether it’s a holiday season or not!

Café Du Monde on Urbanspoon

Emeril’s New Orleans (Warehouse District)

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The “chef” and I had some friends come into town and Emeril’s was the perfect place to take them. We had a rather large group and figured it would be great if we ordered several different entrees and appetizers to create our own “little” feast.

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Amuse Bouche. Vietnamese BBQ

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“Emeril’s” New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. Petite Rosemary Biscuit and Fresh Chives.

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Charbroiled Oysters and Escargot in Butter.

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Steamy Buffalo Chappapeela Farms Duck Wings. Shaved Celery. REd grapes. Whippe Blue Cheese Creme Fraiche.

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Crisp -Point Judith Calamari. Olive Salad. Parmesan. Smoked Tomato Sauce

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Crisp – Point Judith Calamari. House Made Pepper Jelly. Crisp Okra. Black Pepper-Buttermilk Ranch

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Seared Scallops and Softshell Crab.

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Maple-Soy Lacquered Chapapella Farms Duck. Dirty Fried Rice. Pickled Local Vegetables.

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Shrimp and Linguini.

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Truffled Shrimp “Louis” Salad. Iceberg Wedge. Applewood Smoked Bacon. Chopped Eg. Asparagus. Tobiko.

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Canteloupe Sorbet.

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BAM! Bombarded with the whole dessert menu! Man, is it good to have friends in the industry. Being the foodies that we are, the chef and I have made friends in the industry and we were treated like kings and queens. To top it all off, they served us with a buffet of desserts:

Key Lime Ice Box Pie. Torched Cinnamon Meringue. Honey Graham Crust.

Emeril’s Banana Creme Pie. Graham Cracker Crust. Caramel Sauce. Chocolate Shavings

Chocolate-Sambuca Mousse Cake. Au Lait Semifreddo. Espresso Bean Bark

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. Oreo Crust. Caramel Sauce.

Walnut Foster Bread Pudding. Cinnamon Candied Walnut. Bruleed Banana.

What a memorable meal! Tons of food and all with that Emeril’s flair! Great execution of every dish. Rich with flavor and leaving my mouth watering..even now.

Emeril's New Orleans on Urbanspoon