shywri1ter's Profile
Green Goddess Tips
Well, when this happens it's just my excuse to give a place another try! Never hurts to manage another meal ... :} (although as I mentioned, both of us at the time I went left unimpressed, so who knows.)
Dinner tonite: how's Cuvee these days?
Thanks to you both -- late in my reply, but did have anniversary dinner there in Mid-late August and have to admit, was fairly disappointed. My entre was meh, my salad was weird, hubby's appetizer was so-so but he did say his lobster entre was superb.
I guess the fun thing about having New Orleans food so available is that your standards can become so ridiculously high...!
Thanks again -- was glad to try it, at least!
NOLA or bust a gut
PS: I know Emeril's is supposed to be the best of the 3 local Emeril restaurants, but the one time hubby & I had a disappointing meal at any of his places (inc'g the Fish House in Gpt) was the one time we ate there (my lentils were underdone & crunchy & the salad greens had started turning slimy/.smelly! Hubby's meal was ho-hum too.) We've been to Delmonico's 3 times and NOLA more times that I can remember -- you might want to consider one of his other places, too -- maybe check out the menus, etc. Emeril's is probably the nicest place, but we are unlikely to go back, just because we've done so well at the other places--
NOLA or bust a gut
Just went to the Gospel Brunch at HoB about a month ago -- the food is passable at best, the service was LOUSY (place packed, first half of the time got NOTHING to drink & second half, finally got some water, coffee, & mimosas but practically jumping to ambush every waiter who came near.)
HOWEVER-- the music was worth it and it was a great time! So if you're in town for food, go have a great meal and buy a gospel CD instead, but if you want to have the fun of a live gospel show, check it out! If you go, go EARLY and you might actually be able to get to the food. Also, seats are reserved; you might want to be sure there are still seats if you do want to go.
Green Goddess Tips
You know, I was there about a month ago for a late lunch. My guest & I had been SO looking forward to it -- and we were both disappointed. The food was pretty 'meh' and actually, mine was burned on the bottom (not intentional for that dish!)
We were served by one of the owners, and he & the waiter were lovely and gracious, but we were so disappointed. Maybe I'll try again, since I'm nearby and as so many people have said great things, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone with limited time in N.O. -- there are far too many other places which are out of this world!
MS Gulf Coast
Indian food has arrived!!
Clay Oven, the new Indian *and* Mexican restaurant has been open for about a month now, and while they still seem to be getting their act together with the staff (they're all as nice and as helpful as can be, but all seem new and uncertain about what's what -- but I'm basing this on only 2 visits.)
I've ordered from the dinner menu twice now and am in love!
Thoughts: I love and crave Indian food. Have eaten a lot, but several simply buffets, and I honestly don't know if I've ever had "good" Indian food despite having eaten in a variety of restaurants. That said, I've now tried four dishes at Clay Oven and all were worthy of recommendation!
I had the Chicken Korma last night and it was wonderful! Rich and creamy and so good! One concern I'd have for them is that the menu states it's not spicy, and specifically recommends it for those who don't like spicy food. What I had last night had a definite kick to it; not at all "spicy" for Indian & eastern food, true, but knowing people who don't like "spicy" I can imagine they'd have thought this was on fire. It's wonderful as it is, so don't think they should change the recipe, only the description. It came with a lovely basmati rice.
During their first week I tried their curry just to get a sense of how they would do the most well known, basic dish -- and it was great! The spice combination was a bit different than my favorite blend but it was clearly well done and it gave me high hopes for the rest of the menu. Both in this curry and last night's korma, the chicken itself is very good, very moist, generous and good pieces (never ran into those bits of fat or other less appetizing bits). And though the menu said basmati rice, I swear the rice that first night was jasmine rice -- the smell was heaven!
That first week I also tried the spinach paneer dish that they have on every buffet and that normally I can pass -- but I've never had it made so well! I wonder if they make their own paneer -- both it and the greens were very good. I also tried the vegetable samosas -- not my thing, and probably not the best ever made, but tasty.
The combination of Mexican & Indian had me thinking at first that Mexican was a hedge against trying to start a restaurant with Indian alone in an area that might not be ready for it -- but I was told they have TWO chefs, one Indian and one Mexican. One downside to that is that instead of being served Indian bread when you arrive, you get chips & salsa. They're very good -- and the long list of several Indian breads on the menu look great -- but the bread will cost ya. :P Haven't tried them yet (the entrees are too generous) but plan to. Oh -- and the guacamole was passable; maybe more me in the Indian mindset to be too interested in any of the Mexican foods -- unusual for me!
One note of warning: I haven't been at lunch yet but was told they have a very limited lunch menu -- maybe 4 Indian dishes, not sure how many Mexican dishes. I heard that for the first week; no idea if it's still true. So if you go at lunch and they don't have much, don't dispair, DO go at night! I've talked with 5 other people who have tried it and all were sold and will return.
So GO GO GO for Indian food, right there in Gulfport within sight of the "new" federal courthouse! Let's give them enough business that we have Indian food on the coast for a long time!
Emeril's Gulf Coast Fish House
Amen and amen! I'm replying mainly to pop this up on the list again! And to note that they're doing a special "Study in Turkey" from 10:30 am to 7 pm for Thanksgiving: http://marketing.emerils.com/egrams/egcfh/thanks/gulf-thanks.pdf -- looks great, if you're not cooking that day!
This restaurant needs attention and visitors. We had an extraordinary dinner a few months ago when the table ordered a chef's tasting (a flat out steal at $55/person -- TONS of brilliantly done food!) and I've recommended it to everyone I can. I have heard back from four people who did the tasting after we did and were as pleased as we were.
So what if it's in the casino! This is not to be missed if you love good food!
MS Gulf Coast
I have to stick my nose in -- I have eaten at both these places and wouldn't recommend either.
Very true that Vrazel's is a local favorite and often the recommended restaurant by Gpt natives, but other than the yeast bread (very plain but if you like crusty white bread, yummy) I had only ho-hum dishes. I'm not into seafood but the chicken/meat dishes I've had are passable but not what you'd expect from a place with the reputation it has. Again, I have been with others who have really enjoyed their meals, but it all strikes me as a throwback to the restaurants of the 50's and 60's, small side salads and ho-hum, high fat dishes.
Salute means well but just isn't very good -- getting better but way off on the pasta-to-sauce balance early on, odd combinations ... newer dishes getting more on track. Service also well meaning but spotty.
MS Gulf Coast
Great news; thanks!
I had called and was told they were opening last weekend, but was out of town last week and unable to check it out.
Can't wait; with luck will be able to report in a few days!
Vegetarian- friendly recs?
A very belated thanks for your recs! My friend found Boucherie on the web and has added it to her list to try, so am glad to hear it's gotten your vote (I kept thinking it looked like a meat-heavy place, but she looked more closely than I did and knows what she's looking for!)
We also saw Cafe Bamboo, and her comment was much like yours, that they seem to be "faux meat" oriented. That's on the maybe-list.
Your pub grub suggestions are great too, and will help round out the visit.
Again, thanks for all the good suggestions -- sorry I'm so late in my appreciation.
Vegetarian- friendly recs?
My guest has happily reminded me that she can always find a salad or sides, and I know that's true, but that seems second best sometimes. I know how much I'm missing as someone who doesn't care for seafood, as usually there are only one or two menu items which are non-seafood. So all these suggestions for places that have meatless entres in mind are so much appreciated!
And maybe it wasn't here-- but I've been told by a couple sources that Bayona is very accommodating if you ask for a meatless dish; years ago when Stella opened they did the same for someone in our group.
Vegetarian- friendly recs?
Thanks for all the good ideas -- and sorry if I wasn't clear, would love any and all suggestions for good vegetarian food, no matter the cuisine -- I just have been stubbornly hoping to show off the great tastes of creole & cajun food as a part of this New Orleans trip.
Thanks again everyone -- my guest won't be here until mid-October, so if you have any other more ideas along the way we'll happily add them to the list of where to go!
MS Gulf Coast
I saw Gulfport's new Indian (and Mexican) place with my own eyes! Not open yet -- the exterior looks painted & ready, but the property around it is torn up -- no idea if that's the future parking lot, or what -- and workmen still around. No one I know who usually has the scoop on local businesses has an ETA on its opening.
However: it's the Clay Oven, and is in 'downtown' Gulfport 2 blocks due south of the Federal Court building, at 14th Street where it T's into 21st Avenue -- in the old Merle Norman building.
If anyone knows when it will open, please tell! If I hear anything more, will pass it on.
Vegetarian- friendly recs?
Thanks, everyone! We'll have several days so may get to try them all!
Last year, someone here recommended Gumbo Shop a bit apologetically, saying she knew it was touristy. However, it was a perfect stop on a suddenly rain-chilled day, and we tried both the vegetarian entre and veg gumbo of the day (by the way, they were nice enough to serve us the entre in a soup cup size as well as the gumbo, so we could have a bit of both.) My guest enjoyed them both, but still talks about the gumbo z'herbes.
Also enjoyed Bennachin's -- one bit of pre-planning we didn't know we'd need was that at least last year, they didn't take credit cards. Once we managed some cash, we had great, interesting meals. (and we may not be able to resist Lebanon's Cafe, a fave that can accommodate both vegetarians and meat-eaters.)
Thanks again -- always fun to try new places!
A new Orleans Jazz Brunch - something other than Arnaud's!
Two Sisters gets a bad rap -- not the best food ever, but something for everyone, beautiful courtyard if you're into outdoor dining, decent bar and old timey service and jazz. Not for everyone (obviously) but for a laid back Sunday brunch where everyone seems to be treated well, not a bad place.
MS Gulf Coast
Have you tried Mr. Greek?
On Pass, nearly into Keesler's entry gate -- small place and nothing fancy at all, but very good, very generous portions. A couple of us got a sampler plate to share for lunch with a side salad; it would have been an ample dinner-- could have split the salad, even. Maybe not the best Greek ever, but very tasty, and closer than the Phoenician for some of us on the Gpt/ Hancock Co side of the coast.
MS Gulf Coast
Maybe if we all go eat early & often they will be able to stay in the area! Keeping my fingers crossed that they'll be decent & will do well.
MS Gulf Coast
Near the old library; will see about getting more specific info soon -- see above for what I have now.
MS Gulf Coast
Indian in Hancock County??? Hadn't heard; will run & try if you can provide details! (I thought it was cool enough that we have a Cuban place there -- or had; is Las Palmas still around? Have been only once since the storm and it just didn't seem quite as good as before; best black bean soup ever, back then! (on the menu as simply "black beans") .
My sources in the office have seen the sign for the place: I haven't yet, but the name is (will be?) the Clay Oven, and it's around the area where the library used to be in Gulfport -- which was in the block south of the Federal bldg (that one tall building, the new, tannish thing there in "downtown" Gpt.)
I have been meaning to drive by and check it out; will try to head that way early next week -- if it's open I gotta get myself there soon!
MS Gulf Coast
Found a good article about him, his pre-Katrina restaurant (Bay City Grill) *and* another of his tasting menus! Try http://blog.nola.com/millieball/2008/03/emerils_in_gulfport.html
...and as I said, we like the menu as well -- all the fish eaters in our group swear by the andouille-crusted redfish -- it never disappoints!
(Yes, have been "local" for 10 years, work in Gpt)
Vegetarian- friendly recs?
Any new recs or thoughts about places for vegetarians visiting NO? I got some great recs here for a visiting friend last year (thank you!!), and see there was a request for suggestions last March, with several new ideas included. All recommendations appreciated, but if there are places we could come close to more Cajun/ creole foods (I know, how can that be done without porkfat or seafood??) would love to hear them. Thanks!!
MS Gulf Coast
Can't wait! No idea when it will open or the details, but Gpt is getting an Indian place! Well, the sign says Indian & Mexican -- maybe they're adding Mexican as a hedge against the locals not too keen on Indian?
I'm so craving Indian since moving here from a bigger city I will be less than picky -- at least for a while! :}
MS Gulf Coast
I know I'm in the minority, and happy for the Shed -- but I've always thought that AnJAc's BBQ put them to shame, both the pulled pork itself and their sauce...
MS Gulf Coast
Wow, do I have a recommendation!!
As an intro: I've noticed that Emeril's Fish House in Gulfport is being largely ignored by the locals. We have eaten there several times and the seafood eaters in our crowd are always very pleased -- I'm not into seafood but usually have a very enjoyable meal. We've all tried and like Emeril's New Orleans restaurants, too.
But last night, 5 of us asked about a chef's tasting menu -- and Chef Steve D'Angelo and his assistant Frank did for us one of the most spectacular, extraordinary meals any of us could remember! They were willing to work with requests, likes/dislikes, all that -- and it was all just superb! It was five courses of heaven -- salad, appetizer (could have been an entre!), two main course/meat entrees, and a wealth of deserts -- a tasting of its own.
Maybe the most stunning was that this was all for only $55 per person -- clearly what we could have paid for less food at one of his Emeril's New Orleans places, let alone that these were created for the table.
I really, really have to hand it to them, it was a remarkable evening. I really worry that every time I go, they seem to have so many empty tables. If you tried them early and were disappointed, go back and try again -- I would hate to see them fold up and leave.
Chefs Steve and Frank -- WOW again and THANK YOU!!
Dinner tonite: how's Cuvee these days?
Thanks! Found out Brigsten's is booked anyway and was about to reserve Cuvee, so your reply was timed perfectly! Thanks a bunch--
Tell me your Emeril's Story: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
I completely agree about Emeril's focus on flavors; no one on the NO food front takes bold flavors and mixes them so well.
NOLA was our very 1st NO restaurant about 10 years ago and I still have a soft spot for it -- not always a perfect meal, but always good and an enjoyable visit. My best lunch ever was pre-K at Delmonico's (off the menu now -- so sad!) but the worst meal I've had in NO was at Emerils (lentils not done; salad greens old and turning bad!)
Just goes to show, eh?
When a wealthy, world traveling but chatty client wanted a recommendation of where to go for dinner on his overnight trip to NO (pre-K), I told him to go to NOLA and sit at the chef's bar. He did, and called me the next day to report what a great time he'd had -- as with my experience, not only did the chef feed him tastes and small complimentary appetiser bites, but other solo diners started trading bites of their dishes. Client went home and recommended NOLA to colleagues and his clients... everyone was happy!
We just went to dinner again at NOLA 2 weeks ago (1st since K) and everyone had a great time & great meal. It remains one of my first recommendations for newcomers.
Dinner tonite: how's Cuvee these days?
Thinking of Cuvee or Brigstens for dinner this evening -- never have made it to either (we're fairly recent transplants; live about 90 minutes outside of the city so get there frequently.) Clearly Brigsten's gets a lot of good comments here but haven't seen much here about Cuvee -- have had it recommended by a couple foodie-friends.
And what about Stella? We went when it was new; others in our party raved; not my favorite but decent meal and terrific service then. Still recommended...?
(Thanks!)
Any suggestions for cajun/creole vegetarian?
Coming on to thank you all for the suggestions -- and I have the same response about Gumbo Shop! We went in for a light lunch, got a cup of Gumbo Z'herbes (vegetarian) and a cup portion of the vegetarian entre, the black beans mentioned. PERFECT light lunch on a very wet day and left room for dinner at the other great suggestion, Bennachin's. We also made ot to Lebanon's Cafe and even Brennan's for breakfast. My guest left very full and happy, and convinced that New Orleans was head & shoulders above all the other US cities she visited in the food department! (of course, we all could have told her that...)
