Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I am moving to New Orleans!!!

Okay, maybe not.  But I would.  I know it is a wild-ass, out-of-control kinda place but I really love it.  Crazy Bourbon Street activity aside, New Orleans is a great city with culture, art, and fantastic restaurants.  The down-side would be ballooning up to 500 pounds and being bed-ridden.  It is a city that promotes a total lack of moderation.

We have gone the last four years and have certain places we can't miss.  Acme makes a nice char-grilled oyster and the rest of the food is not too bad, either.  If you like po-boys, the Peacemaker is one of the best in town.  it can be a little tourist-y and you pay a small premium for the reputation.  If you are going for the char-grilled oysters and there is a long line you should check out Felix's across the street.  Shorter lines and great oysters (but be forewarned, a little strong on the garlic).  On friend's recommendation, we also tried Drago's this trip and the oysters were great there, too.  To summarize the Char-grilled Oyster situation (at least for this visit):

Acme - Good oysters on the smallish side with just the right amount of cheese cooked to a just-right crispness

Drago's - The champion on this trip.  Short wait, delicious oysters and good service.  Don't be fooled by the fact that it is a huge restaurant in the Hilton.  Still great.

Felix's - HUGE oysters, lots of butter, and strong garlic.  I love these but they leaned toward Italian instead of cajun.

Our first morning, when we finally make it out of bed, starts with a walk straight to Mother's.  If you haven't had the black ham you don't know how good ham can be.  Two egg breakfast over easy, grits, and black ham.  Run, don't walk.  If you are on your cheat day (like I was) you should have the bread pudding for breakfast.  I know no self-control.

Mister B's is a great spot for brunch.  The food is great (Eggs Benedict for me) and the atmosphere and music is everything New Orleans should be.  Sweet sounding jazz trio that makes you forget what year it is.  The service is perfect.

Opinions on Emeril's restaurants vary but we have always enjoyed Delmonico.  Not for everybody, but great service in a beautiful old Garden District house is work the trip. 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I am pretty sure that I have fallen a bit off the wagon, but it sounds like you had a cheat weekend.

And by the way, how can you eat that many oysters in a single trip?

Unknown said...

Because the oysters are like magic in New Orleans. I think I pooped a pearl.