Friday, April 30, 2010

New Orleans :: Days 1-2

drinks ::
Carousel Bar
Monteleone Cocktail

dinner ::
Cuvee
Many review books refer to this as a restaurant that could almost be called the best in town. And perhaps because of that expectation I was disappointed. The staff were friendly, and the menu was well planned, but it was lacking that extra umpphff that would have bumped it from 85% to 100%. But I'm a picky audience.
  • shrimp napoleon, with fried mirliton
  • (husband had) pork belly - after having michael symon's a few weeks ago, was not impressed.
  • duck confit leg, seared duck breast, drizzled with an oregano-lemon sauce (needed more of this intensity and acid on the plate), sat on a warm white bean and frisee salad
  • housemade praline ice cream (nice intensity- but again nothing to push it over the top)
breakfast ::
Cafe du Monde
  • cafe au lait
  • traditional beignet


lunch!!! ::
Jazz and Heritage Festival


(click on the link above, then the food tab at the bottom, then the 2010 Jazz Fest Food List. prepare to be amazed. and hungry)

  • shrimp and grits
  • sausage and chicken gumbo
  • boudin balls - with tabasco and creole mustard
  • crawfish beignets *** a clear favorite
  • cracklins (had to try them once - despite my love of pork that'll probably be enough for me. or maybe i just need to try another thinner warmer version.)
  • sweet iced tea
  • pralines

I wanted to keep trying other things, but between the heat and the crowds, I was feeling a little bit queasy, so I had to stop. Or it would have been ugly.

dinner ::
Commander's Palace

Divine.
  • artichoke salad
  • spring vegetable tart - layers of seasonal vegetables, soft brie-like cheese, puff pastry, surrounded by a savory tomato based sauce
  • creole bread pudding souffle - more like a bread pudding topped with a delicious meringue, drizzled with a whiskey cream sauce.

4 comments:

Tina Puntigam said...

Between the heat and the grease, you have to train yourself to eat down South. Even when I head back home, I have to pace myself :D

Unknown said...

Who is Mama Tina?

zegliano said...

Tina, meet my mom, a God-fearing woman you would love, who sometimes is a bit low on tact. :) Mom, meet Tina. She's a friend from bible study who shares a passion for cooking. love y'all.

Lilies of the Field said...

i just shuddered at that online meeting just now as i read it .. i'm twitter and blog friends with mama too ::) we go way back, right??? ::) fun chatting with you. have to eventually meet you in real life!!