suck the heads

Example: New Orleans Soup Co.

2013-06-19T17:59:00.002-05:00

On the whole, I tend to steer clear of writing product reviews. On occasion, there are local items that I just LOVE and have to shout about, things like Mississippi Debris from the New Orleans Ice Cream Co. (along with almost all their other flavors), Hubig's Pies and CoolBrew to name a few, but most of the time, I just don't like doing them. Period. And there are several reasons for that...

First, I get a ton of product review requests by email. I mean, if I agreed to all of the reviews I've been offered, I'd be a morbidly obese alcoholic with an disturbingly high energy level and a large desk chair stuck to my ass...one I wouldn't be interested in removing anytime soon. More often than not, these email are DBO or "Dumped Before Opening."

Next, if I actually do consent to review a product (and sometimes even books!), I am quite frequently hassled until I do so. Not everyone is this annoying, but there are a few of those out there that will write you every few days, asking if you've tried the product, wondering when they'll see a blog or write up..blah, blah, blah. Even though I work from home and don't make a ton of cash, I am still a busy girl. I have a life, a dog, a boyfriend, all of which need and deserve my attention, not to mention other clients I work and write for. Please...if I like your product, I will definitely write about it. Just give me time.

Finally, and this one's the worst because I hate being mean (but I'm going to be honest!), what if I don't like your product? Do you still want me to write about it if I thought it sucked? No way? Yeah...that's what I thought you'd say. 100% of the product reviews I write on my blog are about things I've already tried before the manufacturer sent me a free sample. At the very least, as in the case with New Orleans Ice Cream, I'd tried several of their flavors before agreeing to review more "on the house."

So, in the future, if anyone wants me to review a product blindly must know I'm going to be honest. "It's my party," my blog. I'll cry if I want to.

Case in point: Gumbo Ya-Ya from New Orleans Soup Co.

A new company called Laugh, Eat Foods, LLC located on Bourbon Street has just begun marketing two "authentic" and "premium" soups, Gumbo Ya-Ya and Corn & Crab Bisque. The soups are made using locally sourced ingredients like duck fat roux from Chef John Folse, plus locally-made andouille and crab from Lake Pontchartrain. Each flavor comes in a green, retortable carton that is easy to store and will last for up to two years.

But how does it taste?

I am not a huge fan of canned/boxed foods in general. I mean, should chicken last for two years? Anyhow, John was willing to eat what I wouldn't, so we opened a box of the Gumbo Ya-Ya (what they sent us) and heated it through in the microwave. Since this is the only version of canned gumbo that I'd ever eaten, all I could compare it to was real gumbo.

I liked the flavor of the roux, but we both agreed it tasted kind of burnt. The sausage was nice, but there wasn't a whole lot of it, nor did it have much chicken. The rest was like a brown vegetable goo. The suggested retail price is only $3.89, but I don't think I'd ever buy it. Not when there is good gumbo all around me. Perhaps if I was a tourist and I was a terrible cook? Maybe the bisque is better?

Now I feel like a heel...

House of the week: Camelback on Laurel Street

2013-06-17T14:20:00.001-05:00

Location, location, location. The oft-used aphorism really means everything when seeking to acquire real estate. Sometimes it works in favor of the buyer, sometimes the seller, and sometimes (if you're lucky) both parties win. I think this is one of those times...

On the 6300 block of Laurel Street lies a 120-year-old Victorian camelback with all my most favorite features like hardwood floors, high ceilings, transom windows, free-standing brick fireplaces and an adorable front porch for swingin' and back yard for berlin'. There are 2-3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and almost 1800 square feet of living space.

Now, when you see that this little beauty is being listed for $539,000, one might think "Gee, Kim, that's a bit high." I sure as hell did. But when you consider the location...it kind of makes sense. This abode is less than half a block away from Audubon Park. Look at these pictures and suddenly you'll say "Ooh! That's why!"

Apolline: Food of the Gods

2013-06-07T13:33:00.002-05:00

Okay, well maybe I am exaggerating somewhat, but they sure do offer a brunch deserving of a little exaltation. Craving breakfast, as we often do, John and I visited Apolline a few weeks ago for the very first time and while we didn't start dancing naked in the street, wreathing onlookers with flowers, we certainly enjoyed ourselves.

We arrived at the beautiful Victorian house-turned-restaurant right on time for our reservation at noon. The simple, yet elegant, dining room was about half full with diners laughing over linen-covered tables and servers in long, white aprons crossing the hardwood floors. We were seated at a two-top next to closed French doors that let in soft, spring sunlight. After placing our order, we whiled away the time watching a group of laughing diners who were eating out front on the patio and admired the gorgeous peach roses in a vase on our table.

Before long, our appetizer arrived, a couple of fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in a rich, white gravy with crumbled sausage. Since we were both hungry and both big fans of biscuits and gravy, we devoured the dish in no time, carefully scraping up the last morsels with our forks and (when we thought people weren't looking) our fingers.

Our server whisked away our plate before bringing out our entrees in a flash. John ordered a juicy, Double-Thick Pork Chop with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy, fried onions and though it was moist, rich and decadent, he had difficulty finishing since he also ordered a side of Andouille & Potato Hash. Perhaps his eyes were a bit bigger than his stomach? Thankfully I, and my bottomless-pit of a belly, was there!

I chose the Eggs Apolline which featured a cornbread Belgian waffle, Jacob’s andouille sausage, peeled crawfish and two poached eggs smothered in a decadent hollandaise. I inhaled this oh-so-Cajun and delicious version of Eggs Benedict, scarfed a side of Beeler's thick-cut bacon AND I helped John finish his breakfast. Yes, I was in heaven...well, I would have been if there were no calories in that feast...but we can't have everything!

Scarfing lunch at Wayfare

2013-06-01T13:27:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, Anne and I were seeking a restaurant, both of us hungry enough to eat a bear. Instead, we opted to lunch at Wayfare. Stomachs rumbling, we headed over to the city's most recent addition in sandwich shops on Freret Street.

Standing at the counter, we drooled over the paper menus until we had decided, placed our orders and then sought out a table where we could try and relax till our food was ready. It was tough not to gape at the food coming out for other tables, but we managed to stay civilized and wipe the ravenous, envious look from our faces.

What seemed like hours later, though it was only mere minutes, our appetizer arrived. Anne and I agreed on the Jamaican Beef Meat Pies that were served with a bowl of mango salsa. The crusts were flaky and the interior was juicy and delicious with flavors minding me of earthy Indian curries. We literally inhaled them along with the salsa that added a bright, fresh flavor to the heady spices. Naturally, there were only three meat pies, more proof of my theory about the evil plot of restaurant owners and chefs to induce diners to order more than just one appetizer...there is NEVER an even number.

Feeling a bit more human and less animal, Anne and I were finally able to carry on a coherent conversation without our bellies gnawing out our backs. We felt quite a bit calmer when our sandwiches and sides arrived only a short time later. Anne chose the "BL(fg)T" with Kurobuta bacon, fried green tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, spicy mayonnaise and the restaurants own sweet potato hot sauce on toasted 7 grain bread. Although I was excited about the sandwich, I was kind of disappointed when I finally took a bite. Don't get me wrong, it was still tasty, but I think the spiciness detracted from the balance of flavor a proper BLT can offer. Additionally, adding a fresh tomato instead of fried took away the magic found when an acidic tomato meets salty bacon and creamy mayo. Perhaps I am just a purist at heart...

I chose the "Knuckle" which featured cold roast beef and pickled red onion thoroughly mixed with horseradish aioli, topped with shoe-string potato crisps and fresh arugula, and served on a pretzel bun. I do usually prefer my roast beef to be rare, but I still found this sandwich quite delicious. Anne and I agreed heartily that it was the better of the two and would gladly order it again. Both of our sandwiches came with a large pile of house made potato chips that were thick and crispy, not to mention gobbled heartily.

Because we were starving when we placed the order, our eyes might have been a bit larger than our stomachs, but there were no regrets on our additional sides. Anne got the Wayfare Oyster Dressing that came out like a dark, savory muffin. I only had a bite or two, but I found the dressing quite good even though I didn't get an oyster in any bite. I chose the Kurobuta Mac & Cheese and found it creamy, indulgent and decadent, though I wouldn't have minded tasting a bit more bacon.

Yes, we were full but the dessert menu was calling. It was a toss up, but in the end the Bread Pudding Beignets with rum crème anglaise and blueberries won out. Instead of the custard gooeyness of your average bread pudding, these were uniform rectangles of bread that were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and I found the dessert to be rather fresh tasting and not as heavy as we anticipated, which was probably for the best.

Indulgences at The American Sector

2013-05-24T20:26:00.002-05:00

“...remember that what has once been done may be done again.”
-Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

Childish though it might be, my first exposure to anything New Orleans-esque was at Disneyland. Family road trips to Disneyland in Anaheim are steeped in the memory of my favorite "land" in the park, New Orleans Square. What with the Mark Twain Riverboat, Haunted Mansion (Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize!) and small, twisting streets lined with wrought iron and curiosity shops, it was easily the best part of the park. I munched on beignets while tapping my foot to a Dixieland jazz band or shopping for beads and masks. The finest moment in my vast, 8-year-old experience in dining occurred when I enjoyed my first lunch at the Blue Bayou.

As New Orleans Square was the finest area of Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean was the best ride in the world. What could possibly be better than being trapped in a jolly boat while witnessing a band of singing pirates as they loot, plunder and set fire to a hapless village in the dead of night? Cannonballs bursting in the water, drunken sailors almost falling on your head weighted by an excess of loot...I mean c'mon! It's a childhood dream! Now imagine being able to sit under that same, imaginary nighttime sky in the middle of a swamp with the sounds of crickets and frogs, fireflies flitting in the distance while you dine on jambalaya, gumbo and sweet potato biscuits. Me? I'll have the Monte Cristo.

I've since had other Monte Cristos at a few not-so-memorable restaurants and until recently, they were pretty tough to find in New Orleans...the real one, not Walt's incarnation. So, when John, Anne and I went to The American Sector at the World War II Museum, I knew I what I wanted as soon as I spotted it on the menu. If you've never had one, you've got to understand, Monte Cristo Sandwiches are this fat girl's dreams dipped, fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

The restaurant was incredibly busy for a Wednesday afternoon and we had to wait around 20 minutes just for a table to open up. Once inside, I felt like I was on an aircraft carrier (actually toured the U.S.S. Constellation once), everything is very metallic and sleek. The hostesses were sporting 1940's clothing and hairstyles, I almost expected them to bust a bit of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" instead of smiling and showing us to our table. Strangely enough, it felt like I was back in Disneyland again. The restaurant seemed to smack of "theme-park quality" but perhaps that was only because of all the tourists.

Although our server seemed rather indifferent as to whether we ate there or not, we placed our order and eyed the dishes coming out to other tables with envy. First up, a big bowl of Italian Cheese Fries with burrata cheese and (so the menu said) homemade Italian sausage. Unfortunately, our bowl seemed to be lacking sausage, but the crispy French fries with rich tomato sauce and salty, gooey burrata made up for it's lack.

John ordered another old-time favorite of mine, a classic French Dip with buttery Thomasville Tomme cheese, shaved rib eye and Creole jus. I managed to get a bite only because I agreed to offer a bite of mine. Anne opted for the Perfect Pig Po-Boy with pork shoulder, ham, belly and crisp pickled vegetables. She thought it was a bit dry, but still flavorful and hearty.

Of course, I had the Monte Cristo. Basically a version of the French croque monsieur, this ham and cheese dream is often dipped, in it's entirety, into a thick batter and served with preserves. Instead, this version had Chisesi ham, house-cured turkey pastrami and melted Gruyere cheese between two thick slices of crispy French toast. The whole sandwich was sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with their house strawberry marmalade. I enjoyed it immensely. All of our sandwiches also came with thick, crispy potato chip that were made at the restaurant.

Our server became quite suddenly cheery and polite when offering to bring us the check and we were undecided about dessert. Since we knew there was a wider variety of shakes at the Jeri Nims Soda Shop a block away, we paid the tab and went for a walk. But when we arrived, we were treated quite rudely and told that none of the ice cream flavors we wanted were available anymore that day. We found this strange since we could see the flavor we wanted in the tubs lying open in the chilled case.

Fine.

Not to be deterred from our quest for a good shake, we returned to the American Sector. This time we were seated immediately and we ordered three shakes; chocolate, strawberry malt and bananas "foster." The chocolate was made using Valrhona and was therefore fabulous, not to mention perfect texture and temperature. John's banana's foster, however, was kind of runny, thin and generally disappointing. Anne's was strawberry-licious but again, not the right texture for a milkshake. Overall, I must say that I thought everything was quite tasty, but I would hope so considering the quality of ingredients. Unfortunately, it was also rather sloppy, from the missing sausage to the overflowing milkshakes, there needed to be a bit more polish, especially for what I would expect at a John Besh establishment inside the National World War II Museum.

Biggest regret? The restaurant was seriously lacking pirates, buried treasure and the sounds of the swamp...

House of the week: Double gallery on 8th Street

2013-05-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

"Dreams are true while they last, and do we not live in dreams?" -Alfred Lord Tennyson

If I could truly live inside my dream, it would likely look like this gorgeous, double gallery home on 8th Street in the Garden District. Can you see me flitting around, traipsing over the gleaming hardwood floors? Standing at the floor-to-ceiling windows? Feasting in the oval-shaped dining room with pocket doors? Lounging in the sun room reading a good book? Swimming in the pool out back? Swinging on the front porch with a Mint Julep in hand? I can...

This stunning house has over 6,600 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, six bathrooms, an elevator and a freaking movie theater. It's located a little over a block from the parade route and only 3 1/2 blocks from Magazine Street where I can indulge daily in deliciousness from Sucré, La Divina Gelateria, Joey K's, Gott Gourmet, Slim Goodies and so much more. Plus, as it turns out, I'd only need a paltry $2,300,000 to make this dream a reality!

Dear burgers at Phil's Grill

2013-05-10T10:09:00.004-05:00

I don't know how it is where you live, but New Orleans is going through a burger explosion. Like freaking KA BOOM already with little bits of lettuce fluttering down to the pavement that you can just make out through the grill smoke. I still have yet to try Smashburger that opened near the Bulldog or Charcoal's Gourmet Burger Bar, the building that now dominates the corner of Jackson and Magazine, visually competing with the colorful flag party across the street. Cowbell, Truburger and Company Burger all burst onto the scene a few years ago, creating some kind of a fever and now three Five Guys franchises are planning on parking in the Greater New Orleans Area including one rather near to me on Carrollton Avenue in Mid City, not far from another recent opening...Juicy Lucy's.

And what about all the burger joints that have been here for a spell. Port of Call...people still line up outside this place on Esplanade and wait for that burger. Let us not forget the holiest of the holy, Bud's Broiler that started on that strange City Park Avenue triangle street in 1952 or Lee's Burgers that started in the early 20th century, closed for a while only to be recently reborn. Oh! Don't even get me started on the number of diners and bars that serve a mean burger in this town; Beachcorner, Clover Grill, Camellia Grill, GBs, and Yo Mama's fall off my tongue without even trying hard. The restaurants that don't focus on burgers, but serve good burgers would only try your patience with my narrative even further and I'm afraid I've already jumped the shark.

Needless to say...because I have made it so patently obvious, that there are a TON of burgers to choose from these days and everyone has their own peculiarities when it comes to what they like on, in, with or around their perfect burger. What I am trying to say, and having a lot of difficulty, is that when I finally ventured into Phil's Grill a few weeks ago with John, Dani and Posie, I had quite a few expectations.

First off, the menu layout is highly confusing. We got the gist after much pondering, but it still caused confusion for the server considering there were missing burger toppings, perhaps a more vertical list as opposed to horizontal? Just a suggestion...

We got an order of fried pickles to share that was served with Ranch dressing. Seeing as we were all hungry and big fans of pickles crisply fried, we gobbled them up just in time for our burgers to arrive. John and Dani both opted for "Philet" meat with assorted toppings like Swiss and cheddar cheese, bacon, avocados and sauces like "Tiger Sauce" or "Avocado Ranch." John even switched out a regular white bun for whole wheat. I opted for the bison meat because I had heard how delicious it was and chose Swiss, avocado, fried egg and bacon and a white bun. Posie opted for a grilled cheese sandwich when she wasn't throwing crayons or a hissy fit. We also shared two orders of French fries.

All of the burgers were juicy, thick, hand-formed and quite tasty. I actually preferred the rich, meaty flavor of my bison patty over John's "Philet." Everyone seemed pretty pleased with their burgers overall. We also ordered a couple of milkshakes, I got Peanut Butter and Dani chose Chocolate. I suppose the biggest shock came when I got the bill which totaled almost $80! I realized that my burger alone was almost $17!

Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the "gourmet" aspect of serving ground filet and bison meat, and I did enjoy my burger, but that price is not one I'd pay again. Next time I go to Phil's, I'll probably just stick with Angus, though before any toppings, even cheese, it still comes in at a whopping $9.69. There's just too many other burger joints to choose from...

House of the week: Side Hall on Aline Street

2013-05-02T12:57:00.009-05:00

Unless I manage to win the jackpot from Publishers Clearing House (which I enter religiously online), I don't see poor little me ever affording a my own home. Until then, I will continue to dream, hope and work real hard...who knows what can happen? Maybe one of these days I'll write a best-selling book and this simple dream will become a wondrous reality. Until then...

There seems to be no shortage of gorgeous homes in New Orleans and I just discovered yet another beauty. Over on Aline Street is this elegant Victorian Side Hall featuring all that I love about local architecture including a large front porch, a double parlor with pocket doors, high ceilings, transoms, ceiling medallions, hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen has been wonderfully renovated while still retaining an exposed brick fireplace, lovely bathrooms with wainscoting, two walk-in closets in the master bedroom, a quaint, well-manicured backyard and an indoor spa.

The house couldn't be better located, only 1/2 block away from Magazine Street and about 5 blocks to St. Charles Avenue. Also, it's mere steps from Martin Wine Cellar and Mahony's Po-Boys, plus only a few blocks from restaurants like Lilette and Baru Bistro & Tapas. Although anything is out of my price range right now, I do think this beauty is overpriced, seeing as it's a two-bedroom home being listed for $625,000. I just gotta keep on dreaming!

A bread lover's dream: Tartine

2013-05-01T14:49:00.004-05:00

While many profess a weakness for things like chocolates, salty potato chips and bacon, my greatest vulnerability would have to be bread. There just nothing like the flavor and texture of crusty baguettes or chewy ciabatta slathered in butter or layered with deli meat. When I lived in the Bay Area, my favorite midnight snack consisted of a thick hunk of sourdough bread with cold butter from the fridge and a tall, frosty glass of whole milk.

I can honestly say I have never met a bread I didn't like from pumpernickel and bagels to injera and lavash. Even the popular (albeit flavorless) American white bread has it's place with grilled cheese and peanut butter & banana sandwiches. Suffice it to say, any excuse to go out and gorge myself on freshly baked breads or sandwiches created from these heavenly loaves are welcome, like when my good friend Anne and I went to lunch at Tartine.

Though I'd been there several times before, I simply had to go again, if only to introduce this wonderful little restaurant to Anne who had never been. We went up to the counter, placed our order and grabbed a table outside to enjoy the spring air while we waited, anxiously, for our meal to arrive.

Anne and I both ordered the soup of the day along with our sandwiches and on that particular occasion, it happened to be a sweet and savory, creamy butternut squash. The flavor was rich and wonderful, the texture was perfectly smooth and we wiped up every last drop with a slice of French bread that was served alongside.

Before we could finish, our sandwiches arrived in all their crusty glory. Anne chose the house pate on a fresh baguette that was served with a fig jam, Dijon mustard and sliced cornichons on the side. I got the Croque Monsieur with thick slices of ham and heavenly, melted Gruyere on crunchy, toasted ciabatta. Both sandwiches were served with a delightful, cold black-eyed pea salad. Anne and I shared the sandwiches, so each of us got half and we couldn't decide which was more delectable.

Ever since we went to lunch at Tartine, Anne has been following their posts on Facebook, urging me to go again and it's been difficult to resist. After all, there are so many new restaurants popping up almost daily that I feel obligated to check out. But, I would love to introduce another newbie to the simple, yet enticing, bread-centered wonders of Tartine. Anyone want to join us for lunch?

Magasin on Magazine

2013-04-19T17:40:00.001-05:00

If there is anyone I can blame my Vietnamese food addiction on, it would have to be Leigh Landeche. We started working together what seems like ages ago out of a small, mostly empty office on Hickory Avenue when NewOrleans.com was owned by very different management. Anyhow, Leigh and I would work on the site all morning and then head out into the wilds of Harahan in search of an affordable, yet delicious lunch. It was Leigh who suggested we try a tiny Vietnamese restaurant called Kim Anhs Noodle House on Jefferson Highway for my very first bowl of pho. Yes, I loved it. Perhaps not as much as Leigh who could eat it everyday, at every meal, for the rest of his life, but I still loved it nonetheless.

Recently, I tried a fairly new Vietnamese restaurant on Magazine Street called "Magasin," which is actually the French word for "shop" or "store" and I never really quite got the connection other than it sounding like a fancy way to say magazine. Regardless. my buddy Anne, John and I all decided to give it a go.

When we walked into the bright, white dining area, we saw that the restaurant was already packed. Luckily enough, we were able to score the last available table that was conveniently near a window. After a lengthy perusal of the menu, we finally placed our (massive) order and settled down to wait.

The first to arrive was a couple Goi Cuon or Spring Rolls, Chinese Sausage & Eggs and Shiitake Mushroom. Although both tasted nice and were stuffed with plenty of vermicelli and veggies, the main ingredients seem to be sadly lacking considering the price ($4 for 2 rolls) , though that still didn't stop us from dipping them in lots of peanut sauce and making them disappear.

Next, Anne and I decided to split a bahn mi while John ordered a whole one for himself. John got the Pork Roll & Pate while Anne and I chose the "deli special" which happened to be Grilled Pork, Pork Belly & Pork Pate. Both sandwiches were tasty, served on the delicious, local Don Phuong Vietnamese po-boy bread, but even after all this, we were still hungry.

For our "main dish" we all ordered soup. John got the Pho Oxtail, Anne selected the Pho Filet Mignon and I chose the Wonton Noodle Soup. The dishes arrived one-by-one, the great ceramic bowls filled with steaming liquid set before us on a platter that included plenty of fresh herbs and veggies like bean sprouts, cilantro, sliced lime, basil and jalapeno. I really enjoyed the tastes of broth I stole from both Anne and John's dishes, a rich beefy broth with earthy, exotic spices like cinnamon and star anise. My soup was a bit different though, it seemed to have the same beefy broth, but it was drastically changed by the addition of tomato. Besides strips of pork and fat, pork-filled won tons, my soup also had egg noodles, though I would have preferred the rice noodles that the menu detailed.

When we finished our soup, we all sat around breathing heavily, suddenly feeling much more sated than we expected. We rolled out of the restaurant, grinning from ear to ear, discussing the next time we could stop in and try some of the other items on the menu as their Com or rice dishes sounded (and looked) amazing. I betcha Leigh would've loved it...

House of the week: Victorian on St. Thomas Street

2013-04-10T18:21:00.002-05:00

Throughout all this dreaming and admiration of big, four bedroom (or more) houses with guest cottages and swimming pools, it all comes down to one simple thing; I want to own my own home. It doesn't have to be a grand mansion with exquisite architectural details, with stain glass windows and soaring ceilings. I don't need sprawling grounds, state-of-the-art appliances and antique chandeliers. Sure, all that would be nice, but what would I do with such a place? Me, John and Pippin would be lost in something so massive, using two to three rooms of the house at most on a regular basis.

No. What I really want is a little place to call my own. A small house with maybe two or three bedrooms and a cute backyard. A house exactly like this...

Located on St. Thomas Street in the Irish Channel, this adorable, unassuming little property offers high ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, exposed-brick fireplaces, a lovely galley kitchen, recessed ceilings, marble tile and a small, gated yard perfect for a frolicking, little shih-tzu and maybe a crawfish boil or two. It has two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms and is a little over 1,000 square feet. Plus, it's only five blocks from Magazine Street (four from Parasol's) which mean access to Coquette, Joey K's, Sucre, La Divina Gelateria and the glory of the Garden District. This little (nearly accessible) dream is listed for only $237,000. Maybe it's time to buy...

The pleasure is all mine...

2013-04-05T16:30:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be selected to judge for the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience's Fleur de Lis awards. Aside from gorging myself in some of the city's best restaurants, I was able to hang with food professionals like writers Dale Curry, Sharon Litwin, Gwendolyn Knapp, Brenda Maitland, Lisa LeBlanc-Berry, Kendall Gensler and photographer Romney Caruso.

What is most stunning, aside from being able stuff myself silly in two 7-hour periods, is the miraculous creativity and enthusiasm we encountered from each and every chef. Although, I thought almost all of the dishes were phenomenal this year, there a few dishes that really stood out to me as being above and beyond the typically fabulous cuisine we have available to us here in New Orleans.

Palace Cafe blew me away with these Flambeed Duck Hearts served cold on toasted brioche, a dish I was actually afraid to try. Let me tell you, once I had my first taste, I scarfed down the rest with ease and avid enjoyment.

Now, it should come as no surprise that Chef Tory McPhail at Commander's Palace wowed us, but I am still raving about this Jamaican Jerk Pork served atop "island paella" with pickled fruit and aqua fresca. My mouth is watering as I type...

After tasting this next dish, I cannot wait for Tableau to open inside Le Petite Theatre...it was an adorably delicious Creole French Onion Soup with andouille sausage and a baby croque madame on top made with Chisesi ham and a quail's egg.

Chef Chuck Subra at the JW Marriott nearly destroyed our appetite for anything else when he presented this Green Tomato Courtbouillon with Louisiana seafood (a.k.a. oysters, shrimp, crab and crawfish) served atop buttery grits. They also offered us some warm, crusty French bread that we all couldn't help but devour, using it as a spoon to scoop up the luscious courtbouillon.

Finally, the last dish I'm going to mention is from 8 Block at the Hyatt Regency. It's last not because it actually was last or because there weren't anymore superb offerings, but because if I keep talking about this, I might just eat my keyboard. Also, when I was presented with this delectable dainty, I literally inhaled it after being so incredibly full, I didn't think I could manage another bite. It was Petit Chilled Raviol de Royan with roasted Creole tomato, arugula salad and burratta cheese.

Just from the twenty or so dishes I tasted, I wouldn't miss the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Grand Tasting event for the world...and you shouldn't either.

Instant gratification

2013-03-28T15:05:00.002-05:00

It really shouldn't surprise you to know that for Valentine's Day a few weeks ago, John and I had lunch at Patois. It should be equally evident that the food was incredible, considering several rave reviews I have posted in the past. Since no fanfare is really needed, I'll just show you a few of the dishes we had for lunch and then YOU can decide.

We shared two delicious appetizers, but John's choice was ultimately the star, a Mississippi Rabbit Terrine with kumquat compote, pistachios, whole grain mustard and toasted baguette slices.

John got the burger, but I tried this deliciously messy Short Rib Sandwich with giardiniera and Provolone on toasted ciabatta.

We finished off the meal with this "made-just-for-two" chocolate, chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream that I could have easily finished off myself.

Where are you going? Making a reservation for tonight? I thought so...

House of the week: Creole cottage on Marais Street

2013-03-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

"If I had a million dollars
If I had a million dollars
Well, I’d buy you a house
I would buy you a house"
-Barenaked Ladies

When I do things like prepare my taxes or pay yet another doctor bill, I tend to avoid torturing myself by "window" shopping for things I can't buy...hence the lack of house posts. But, today I had just a bit more time on my hands and what do I do? I start by looking at really expensive and beautiful clothes and then couches (I haven't had a couch in over a year, longer if you don't count futons) and then inevitably my interest drifts to homes.

"If I had a million dollars" I would buy myself a house and it's extremely likely that it would look something like this gorgeous Creole cottage double on Marais Street. Originally built in 1900, this six bedroom, four bathroom multi-family house has been stunningly renovated into almost 3000 square feet of absolute fabulousness. It features original, wide-plank hardwood floors, exposed brick fireplaces, transoms, plantation shutters, floor-to-ceiling windows, French doors, wood-beamed ceilings, a bricked courtyard and a guesthouse.

It's basically three units, but I would love for it to be mine all mine. A place where I could invite friends and family to stay with me, yet they would have their own privacy...and their own entrances just in case they decided to enjoy a late night in the Quarter or on Frenchmen Street only a few blocks away. This incredible house is listed at a mere $436,000. What would you do if you had a million dollars?

Caffeine clip: Making the switch...

2013-03-18T11:31:00.003-05:00

When the weather gets warmer and the sun makes more frequent appearances in the sky overhead, one of things I look forward to is making the switch...

...from hot coffee to cold.

Liuzza's...the other one!

2013-03-15T19:23:00.002-05:00

No, I'm not talking about Liuzza's Restaurant & Bar. I'm talking about Liuzza's by the Track. "What's the difference?" Well, one is located on North Lopez Street, just a jump off of Esplanade and less that two blocks from Fairgrounds Race Course & Slots, while the other is on Bienveille, not far from North Carrollton Avenue. One focuses much more on "Creole-Italian" cuisine while the other is more concerned with making the perfect po-boy. I don't know the history of why there are two restaurants in Mid City that both bear the same name, but I do know that they are owned by two totally different people and that the restaurants are no longer related to one another in any way (if, in fact, they ever were). In a city where a street can be spelled Zimpel when it's headed towards the river and Zimple heading towards the lake, it's sometimes easier to avoid all the questions and just go with it. So we did...

A few weeks back, we (John, Posie and I) hopped in my friend Dani's van and cruised over to Liuzza's by the Track for lunch. It's a little difficult to get to considering the strange angle of streets around the Fairgrounds and Bayou St. John, but like my dad always told me, "three rights always make a left." A valuable lesson to learn if you are navigating the streets of San Francisco or New Orleans.

We moseyed into the small, neighborhood restaurant and fortunately, there was one table left to hold us all. Actually, there were two smaller tables that the friendly waitresses pushed together to accommodate our party, all with bright, genuine smiles and enthusiasm. While I looked over the menu, I couldn't help gawking at the plates that were coming out and it was difficult for me to decide what to order, but I finally settled on something and tried to wait patiently amidst the other diners gobbling away.

Right as my stomach began to audibly growl, the bowl of gumbo I ordered arrived with a basket of French bread and butter. The gumbo was rich, thick and dark with big chunks of chicken and sliced smoked sausage with almost every bite. It was so good, that I think it is fighting for first place as the best gumbo I've ever tasted. I had no difficulty (and a lot of help), slurping down the whole bowl and using the bread to wipe up the leftovers.

For our entrees, we all ordered sandwiches. John chose a Reuben that featured sliced rye piled high with corned beef, provolone and sauerkraut. Dani selected the house special, their BBQ Shrimp Po-Boy that was a "stuffed" version with butter-sauteed shrimp literally pouring out of a hollowed pistolette. It was greasy and fabulous with the peppery, buttery flavor oozing into the French bread and coating all of the shrimp. Posie had a grilled cheese and everyone shared a large plate of hand-cut French fries. I had been craving one for sometime, so I chose a fried shrimp po-boy that was fully (and most excellently) dressed. I dig a lot of mayo on my fried shrimp po-boys and Liuzza's definitely delivered.

Although I was only able to devour half of my sandwich, I saved the rest for dinner and wouldn't let my company escape without ordering dessert. Everyone moaned and groaned, saying they were too full (everyone except Posie), but I went ahead and ordered a slice of Double Chocolate Cake and the forks were flying. Posie especially dug the rich, chocolaty cake and was wholly willing to lick the plate clean. Lunch again at Liuzza's? I'm in!

And the elephant asked me too...

2013-03-13T18:20:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back, several members of John's family came down from Pontchatoula and we all went to the Audubon Zoo. Believe it or not, I have lived here almost 10 years and have never been to the zoo. I vaguely remember going to the San Francisco Zoo when I was a little girl and all I can recall is chasing my twin brothers around who were endlessly fascinated by the huge flocks of pigeons that they could startle into the sky with their high pitched screams and upraised arms. Oh and the giraffe. How can one forget a giraffe?

At any rate, it had been a long time, but with John's 4-year-old niece Ava in tow, I began to remember how fun it could be. Like an outdoor museum with a display of nature's art and a chance to meet face-to-face with wild animals from distant places only seen in movies or books...or nowadays iPads. There's also opportunities to touch and interact, not only with tamed or safe animals, but with other people...other kids and learn more about the wide-wide world around us.

We looped around through the Asian Domain in time to catch the elephants and touch one, watch the lazy lions and tigers sleeping in the sun, wander through the children's museum and make a pit stop at the playground. It was interesting to me because out of everything we saw and did, from the white alligator and bright zebras to petting a snake and brushing a sheep, the most fascinating attraction that absorbed a largish chunk of our day was Monkey Hill.

Coming from the San Francisco Bay Area, I'm always amused when I hear the alleged story about how this hill was originally constructed back in the 30's to show the children of Louisiana what a hill really looked like. Where I grew up, there was nothing but hills and they often recall bad memories like trudging up steep inclines when walking home from school in the sun or how treacherous it was to park in the city without a good e-brake. When I saw these kids running up the hill, the look of accomplishment as they reached the top and the sheer delight they took in rolling back down, recalled some of the better hill memories...like racing down Sugarloaf Drive on my 10-speed.

The only bummers of the day were seeing the apes and the jaguar. The apes, specifically the gorillas, seemed so bored, unhappy and people were jeering at them from their places of relative safety on the other side of the moat. It made me angry and I started to hush them. Me! Publicly reprimanding strangers I mistakenly assumed were adults. Don't they know how intelligent apes and gorillas are? Don't they care that they might be hurting their feelings? I couldn't understand the lack of respect and awe...it made me sick to my stomach.

Another fellow that was hard to see caged was the ferocious jaguar. You could tell that he was NOT a happy camper as he paced in front of the fence, expecting a younger cat make way every time he changed his route around the enclosure. It saddened me because with all that angst, you could tell that he really didn't belong there and he'd likely prefer to die in the wild than live a life being fed like a kitten and trapped by someone else's boundaries.

On a brighter note, the whole day proved to be a lot more fun than I had hoped. I really enjoyed spending time with John's mom Glenda and sister Ashley, who we don't get to see often due to lack of a car. We even finished off the day with a tasty meal at Liuzza's Restaurant & Bar. Maybe when they come back next time we'll go to the Aquarium or the Insectarium. I think I might finally be brave enough to eat a bug...

*In case you didn't know, my title is from the lyrics for The Meter's song "They All Ask'd for You"

La Fin du Monde sans Zaphod

2013-03-01T15:33:00.005-06:00

“Good evening,” it lowed and sat back heavily on its haunches, “I am the main Dish of the Day. May I interest you in parts of my body?”
-Douglas Adams

We've already established that I am a complete dork, so it should come as no surprise to you that when I first heard the name "La Fin du Monde" (which means "the end of the world"), I couldn't help thinking about Douglas Adams' hilarious book The Restaurant at the End of the Universe.

The new restaurant on Magazine Street, however, did not offer a constant replay of the end of everything outside the windows, nor did it contain one Zaphod Beeblebrox, but it did offer a pretty tasty meal for my friend Lorin and I.

A few weeks ago, we decided to meet up for lunch at La Fin du Monde, located in the spot formerly housed by Cafe Rani, and were a bit surprised to be presented by a "lunch" menu that offered "brunch" items. We rolled with it, placed our order and discussed the rather sparse atmosphere. I sure hope they add just a bit more color since our visit, as it seemed rather drab.

Like most restaurants seem to be doing these days, La Fin du Monde offers its own house-made charcuterie, so we thought we'd give it a try. We ordered a large plate full of soppressata, prosciutto and salami with some cornichon, crostini and whole grain mustard. We enjoyed it all, but my favorite was the large, spicy wheels of salami.

For her entree, Lorin chose their "daily" quiche, which was cheddar, bacon and spinach. I got to try a bite and found it to have a delightful, buttery crust with a creamy, eggy interior full of thick-sliced bacon and fresh leaves of spinach.

I chose the BLT with their thick-cut, house-smoked bacon, Boston lettuce, fresh slices of tomato, aioli and agrodulce (a.k.a. a traditional Italian sweet & sour sauce often made with vinegar and sugar). I also chose to add some extra cholesterol with a freshly poached egg that oozed magnificently over the other ingredients when I cut the sandwich in half. I gobbled it up with alacrity before the egg could get too cold, but I did manage share a bite with Lorin.

They didn't offer any dessert, so we opted for some coffee, which luckily was sourced from French Truck. Lorin downed a quick shot of espresso while I opted for a cappuccino. While everything was well-prepared, I found that the portions were kind of small for the price. It might be worth it if I spot Marvin the Paranoid Android the next time I visit...

Girls' lunch at Gott Gourmet

2013-02-21T17:15:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago, my good friend Anne and I went out to lunch together at Gott Gourmet. Although I have never mentioned this restaurant before, I have been there many times. It used to be one of our go-to lunch spots when I still worked in the Warehouse District, a great spot for breakfast, and I have often recommend it for folks who were looking for a delicious, not-too-expensive spot for lunch with dishes that were just a little bit different than the usual New Orleans fare.

Anne and I parked ourselves at one of the only tables that were left, a high bar table next to the window with backless stools. My wide butt perched on the corner of a high stool is not the most flattering or comfortable of positions, but it was worth a little pain for the pleasure we were about to receive.

For an appetizer, Anne and I both opted for the Mushroom Soup that was on special that cold and blustery day. Though not pretty (grayish-brown goo will never be porn), the hot, creamy soup was absolutely earthy and delicious. We both had no difficulty scraping every last drop from the bottom of our bowls. Although unnecessary, a few slices of ciabatta would have been perfect to sop up what the spoon couldn't reach.

For her entree, Anne chose the Shrimp BLT Wrap with Tabasco butter sauteed shrimp, thick slices of apple wood-smoked bacon, creamy avocado, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers and tomatoes, organic greens and chipotle cream cheese dressed with chili mayo on a sun dried tomato wrap. Anne shared this flavor bomb and I almost regretted not choosing her dish instead. Almost...

After all, what I ordered was not at all a sandwich to regret. I got the Cochon de Lait Cuban with braised, pulled pork, Dr. Pepper & honey baked ham, sliced pickles, Swiss cheese, ancho-honey slaw, honey mustard and chili mayo. It was so huge I could only eat half. I brought the rest home to John who quickly devoured it. Anne and I also shared a large plate of hand-cut French fries that were brilliant - crisp, plentiful and perfect.

Since Gott Gourmet doesn't serve dessert (why the hell not?), Anne and I sped over to Bittersweet Confections where we treated ourselves to a pecan tart, macaroons, a few choice truffles and a large cappuccino. The candy and pastry were gobbled in short order, but I have to admit, I was kind of bummed out that they served our coffee in go-cups. Maybe I'm a java snob, but I think the foamy tastiness of a well-made cappuccino is destroyed when served in a lidded paper cup. Oh well! I'll be sure to specify my desires more clearly next time.

House of the week: Sidehall on Gallier Street

2013-02-19T13:57:00.001-06:00

Sometimes the strangest, most insignificant things will sell me on a house. One small architectural or design detail will get stuck in my head and wham, I'm sold. Who cares if the plumbing is shot! Did you see that stained glass window of a duck? Adorable! Thankfully, my significant other is around to deter me from making inane purchases, especially on something as expensive and life-changing as a house. But it still doesn't prevent me from falling in love...

For example, during my latest bout of self-torture, I came across this little beauty in Bywater. Located on Gallier Street, this cute, colorful sidehall cottage has many of the classic New Orleans architectural details I love from heart pine floors and high ceilings to a claw foot tub and French doors. But, the "piece de resistance," the feature that made me squeal in delight, was the booth-like kitchen table. Insane...no? Though these are the things that drive me.

Plus, this darling cottage is located in that big, booming area of Bywater where Pizza Delicious, Satsuma Cafe, Booty's Street Food and Elizabeth's are all only mere blocks away. It's also super close to Markey Park where the Mirliton Festival is held every year. It doesn't really matter what quirkiness I love about this house, though, considering this three bedroom, two bathroom, 1,896 square foot cottage is out of my price range, listed at $398,000.

Savoring Serendipity

2013-02-08T15:37:00.002-06:00

It's not a case of accidental fortune that I follow Chef Chris DeBarr wherever he may roam. From his days at The Delachaise on St. Charles Avenue to his highly successful venture with Chef Paul Artigues at Green Goddess in the French Quarter, DeBarr has earned my respect and devotion for his delightfully eclectic dishes and willingness to take a chance on something completely different. These qualities remain at his latest restaurant Serendipity, located in the American Can Company building on Orleans Avenue.

Several weeks ago, John and I decided to try Serendipity when they finally opened for lunch. Not only does a lunchtime menu offer us a more affordable option, the light is perfect for picture-taking.

When we walked into the restaurant, there was only one other table filled, so we got to choose where we wanted to sit. We chose a high table near the window and scanned the brand new lunch menu to see what tickled our fancy. While we waited for our food, John and I indulged in a couple of cocktails that were created by the geniuses at Bar Tonique in the French Quarter. I had the "Serendipity Punch" featuring Quinta Infantado Port, house-made sherbet syrup, fresh lemon juice and Bittermen's Amere Sauvage. John chose a "Fancy Brandy Cocktail" with Pierre Ferand Cognac, Lucardo Maraschino, strawberry and Angostura Orange Bitters. Both drinks literally danced on our tongues and we didn't regret the happy little buzz one bit.

We decided to try two, very different appetizers, the first being 3 Sisters Stew made with black beans, hominy and winter squash that was finished with pumpkin seed and jalapeno molé. I thought it was hearty, warm and filling, but some flavor threw John off and after one bite, he wouldn't take another. More for me! Our second dish was Crab & Corn Johnnycakes, basically cornmeal "blinis" topped with jumbo lump crab meat, roasted red pepper and eggplant puree and a sprinkling of wasabi caviar. While I enjoyed the flavors, I think the dish could have used a touch more of the puree because the thick cakes tended to make even the crab feel dry.

Before we could even gobble everything down, our entrees arrived. I chose a Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Shrimp & Oyster Salad with Romaine lettuce, radish, cucumber, yellow squash and Remoulade dressing. I inhaled the salad and John had to work fast to get a hunk of the shrimp that was wrapped in a slice of thick, smokey bacon. John chose the Two Run Farm Sirloin Steak with chimichurri sauce and a twice-baked potato and suffice it to say, there were no leftovers.

Finally, for dessert we decided to try the Chocolate & Almond Cake 'Bruschetta.' The cake was actually grilled (char marks and all) and topped with a honey-whipped ricotta and rich, dark cherries. Although I think it was a brave effort at the first-ever dessert bruschetta I'd ever encountered and the flavors sang well together, I couldn't help being just a tiny bit thrown by the warm, grainy texture of the ricotta. To each his own! It certainly doesn't mean I won't be back to try his Tequila Shrimp Po-Boy or Homage to Hubig's Pie.

O! Cochon

2013-01-28T13:50:00.000-06:00

Cochon is a wonderful restaurant, we all know this to be true. It's almost a waste of time for me to write about it because, you all know and have heard over and over and over and over and over and over again about the fabulous Cochon Restaurant. You've heard it from local, national and even international media outlets and what is one more, puny, insignificant blog going to do?

It's going to say it AGAIN!

A few weeks ago, John and I heard the squealing siren song all the way Uptown and could not longer resist it's magnetic pull. It had been way too long since we'd been to Cochon.

We arrived a bit later in the afternoon and the restaurant was about half full. I had requested a table near the window when I made the reservations, but they were summarily ignored by the blasé hostess that seated us. Thankfully, she was not our server, though we remarked on her obliviousness and complete lack of enthusiasm or charisma during the course of our "gorge-fest" which made for entertaining lunchtime banter.

Instead of ordering any entrees, John and I just chose several small plates and sides. After a short wait, everything flooded out of the kitchen at once, the plates just kept coming. We had fried alligator with a spicy, chili-garlic aioli and a pork & black-eyed pea gumbo that was quickly inhaled and swabbed up with soft, buttery dinner rolls.

John had specifically requested a dish of grilled shrimp with white beans and tasso that he coveted in a corner of the table, but I made him share the pork cheeks with feta and fried sauerkraut cake. I know, I know, everyone raves about the pork cheek dishes at Cochon, but dammit...there's good reason! We also had a massive, twice-stuffed baked potato that was creamy and cheesy and delicious...oh my...and an eggplant & broccoli casserole, both of which we couldn't finish, despite how tasty, until we got home.

We finished off this fabulous meal with a huge slab of Malted-Milk Chocolate with a sour cream ganache created by Cochon's pastry maestro, Rhonda Ruckman. John realized too late that he didn't like malt so the whole wonderful slice was mine all mine. We really shouldn't wait so long between visits.

Caffeine clip: Satsuma Cafe

2013-01-21T11:21:00.001-06:00

Dreaming of another cappuccino from Satsuma Cafe on Maple Street. They use GTO Espresso Blend from Coffee Roasters of New Orleans. Not only do they have great coffee and food, but they are the nicest staff ever... an unfortunate rarity when surrounded by college students and snobs...or snobby college students!

Cookbook: Taste of Tremé

2013-01-16T13:59:00.000-06:00

A couple of months ago, author Todd-Michael St. Pierre sent me a copy of his brand new cookbook, Taste of Tremé. What with the holidays and work, I have been so busy, but I finally got a chance to check out the cookbook and try several of the recipes. This is the first cookbook by St. Pierre that is offered with a ton of gorgeous food images and lots of local art. I really enjoyed the little descriptions before each recipe, but you know what I enjoyed more? The food!

The first recipe I tried is called "Ernestine's Easy-Peasy Black-Eyed Peas & Rice." I'm always looking out for simple recipes to whip up on a busy evening and this one sounded perfect. It consists basically of ground beef, the Holy Trinity (chopped onion, bell pepper and celery), long-grained rice, Cajun seasoning (can you say Tony Chachere's?) and canned, black-eyed peas - Trappey's brand if you can find them. The dish turned out pretty tasty, but since I am not a huge fan of plain ol' ground beef, the next time I make this I might add 1/2 pound of ground pork or sausage just to jazz it up a bit.

Although I've played around with my own version of stuffed mirlitons since I discovered this amazingly delicious vegetable upon moving down here, but I have always been on the lookout for different recipes. In Taste of Tremé, St. Pierre has his version called "Pretty Boy Zane's Stuffed Mirlitons." The dish turned out perfectly. I invited my friend Dani over to try it and between the three of us, we almost demolished the whole pan. The mirliton were sweet and juicy, but I think the key to this dish is fresh Louisiana shrimp. My mouth is watering while I write this...time to make it again!

Now you just know I had to try one of the dessert recipes and I picked the "Devil's Halo Pie," which St. Pierre describes as "the epitome of the devil and angel on each shoulder." Basically, a graham cracker pie shell is filled with a mixture of brown sugar, cane syrup (I used Steen's, of course!), corn syrup, butter, eggs, pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips and a healthy shot of Southern Comfort. Although the filling was a bit too much for the pie shell, the pie turned out perfectly! It serves up very gooey and sloppy, but what it lacks in presentation, it makes up for in flavor...absolutely fantastic!

I can't wait to try more recipes from the cookbook, I already have quite a few marked for future indulgence. Kudos to you Todd-Michael! You've done it again...

House of the week: Castle on St. Charles Avenue

2013-01-07T14:27:00.003-06:00

When I was in high school, I used to joke with my friends that one day I would own a castle and they could all live there, performing different duties in exchange for room and board. Johnny was the chauffeur, Eva organized the parties, Charlene took care of the horses...you get the idea. Although the castle I had in mind back then was one of those classic, stone monuments in England replete with battlements, turrets and a moat, I think this pretty purple palace on St. Charles Avenue would do.

This abode fit for a princess was built in 1877 and is far bigger than I imagined from seeing its facade many, many times while cruising down the Avenue. The house features close to 6,000 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a separate cabana, in-ground pool and a whirlpool hot tub. This fantasy property has all the features I want in my New Orleans dream house including hardwood floors, sliding pocket doors, high ceilings, stained glass windows, ceiling medallions and (as you can tell from the picture) a turret! It's not surprising that this palace is listed at a whopping $2,995,000...