Samuel Smith's Profile
Here's what I've got so far...
Cuvee is on Magazine. They do great food. Lunch there would have to be Friday, as they only do dinner on Saturday. Either meal would be great. Also in the lunch consideration should be Cochon, which is run by Donald Link, who is an owner of the previously mentioned Herbsaint. Bayonna would also be a great fit in your itenerary as would MiLa. I have no been to Green Goddess, but that looks as though it could be a wonderful lunch spot as well. No liquor license, so BYOB, but they do make some interesting fruit juice "cocktails."
Creole Tomatoes
Creoles are meaty with good tomato flavor when fully ripened on the vine. The allure down here, is that they are almost as distinctive as heirlooms, in that they are all we grow around here. So, when we get the local creoles, they are fresher. Almost the Louisiana strawberry being better than Cali berries or even Florida avocados being better than South American ones. The closer to the source you buy them, the riper they should have been when picked. The closer to the farm they're bought, the fresher and better tasting they will be.
Disappointing food trip to NOLA (very long review)
Why are we stuck on Cooter's? The poster said Coop's!!!!!!
Dinner time question...
The 9:00 and 10:00 times are there so restaurants can have the option of shutting down on slower nights. If you make a 9:00 or 10:00 reservation, there should still be people dining around you, especially on the weekends. You could be one of the last ones out, but you have paid your rent for that table, and the restaurants will be happy to have you dining no matter what the time. A lot of places use those closing times as an arbitrary number. We will post a 12:00 closing time, but we really want to close at 11:00. If business is slow tonight, we will shut her down. But, if we are busy, we will seat until midnight.
Lunch after Abita Brewery tour
The Dakota and Del Porto, both in Covington, would be great if you are doing a week day trip. Del Porto is closed on Monday. Both are closed lunch on weekends.
Metairie/Kenner options
Why not do both. They are only a block apart. park in a public lot there on Williams and hit both for a few appetizers or share an entree at both spots. That way there is no need to choose.
Set Menus or Specials with Great Value for Money
Dakota has been doing a 3 course lunch ay $25.00. Good size portions too. The crab & brie soup is on it. 'Nuff said.
Soft-shells gone already?!?
The Dakota in Covington had them last week as well... just depends on who takes the time to search for purveyors with the fresh crabs.
BBQ Shrimp Secret
I too enjoy the lemon & rosemary... I also like the added flavors a dark style beer adds. Make sure to reduce the beer with chopped onion/shallot, garlic and mushrooms. Then add the rosemary, butter and worcestershire. Put the shrimp in and bake. Simple
No holds barred dinner for 80?
Cuvee on Magazine St. would fit your bill. They have plenty of space to accommodate your group and also have a spectacular wine list. The restaurant has no private room, so a buyout would be in order, but they also have a courtyard located next door that they use as a reception area as well. Worth consideration...
soft shell crab poboy
Not exactly in season... anything you have would be frozen, watered down version of softies.
Del Porto - review
I dined there recently and had superb food also, with the exception of dessert. Had a pear tart with vanilla "gelato." The gelato tasted like store bought ice cream and I have had better apple pie from Mrs. Smith. Our menu choices were very close. I also had the fennel sausage cavatelli and thought it amazing. My mushroom salad was to die for... especially the crisp mushrooms. Can't rave enough about them. I did the artichoke & white bean puree as well as the carpaccio. I also had a pizza there that evening. The pizza was amazing and was topped with sopprasotta. A wonderful meal, but with what I considered slow service. I was displeased to wait 10 minutes for a cocktail, but while waiting I watched the manager standing behind the bar eating and another waitstaff member seated at the bar eating. There was nothing wrong with the service provided by Lauren, but the idea of watching employees eat threw me a curveball. Amazing food though, so I will return.
Restaurants outside of New Orleans
The Dakota in Covington is a wonderful spot to try. Kim Kringlie puts out a great product and they have a nice wine list. Also, Del Porto in Covington serves great Italian fair... not Americanized Italian, but very traditional. Both are worth the 45 minute or so drive across the bridge.
Red Beans and Rice - dutch oven necessary?
What to do with the remaining beer??? What's a guy to do...
Extreme Foodies Seeking Down and Dirty
The Dakota in Covington would be something to check out after the brewery tour. There is also another brewery in downtown Covington called Heiner Brau... I probably mixed the spelling up, but they do great brews as well. Lighter than the Abita stuff with a little more hops.
best lamb shank/osso bucco?
Must be a Northshore thing, because Dakota serves one as well. Big and meaty, over fontina polenta with roasted pearl onions and charred tomatoes. Rich and delish.
Wine v. Beer in N.O.-Style BBQ Shrimp
I too am a wine freak... but a nice amber beer or nut brown ale is great. Porter works really nice here too. Porter and oysters are a classic pairing. It's not a far stretch with shrimp and I think it works very well.
Wine v. Beer in N.O.-Style BBQ Shrimp
I love beer in my bbq shrimp. The darker, the better. About 3 ounces for 2 servings. Lots of fresh shallots and garlic, sauteed. Add FRESH rosemary and the beer. Reduced the beer down until very tick. Add sliced mushrooms, whatever your favorite variety and worschestshire. Bring to a quick simmer, then add your shrimp. Cook until shrimp are done, and swirl in about 3 tablespoons of butter, A little different than traditional NO bbq shrimp, but the best way to go for me, Serve with crusty french bread for mooping p sauce and maybe your favorite hot sauce.
Snowballs.
Pappa Sams on the northshore??? A favorite of mine here on the other side of the lake. I have moved over and love thier concoctions as well. I find their wedding cake with condensed milk to be hard to resist. But then again, the famous nectar is a pleasur I must indulge in periodocally. The only problem I have with this spot is the high school kids who work there are extremely slow, so a line forms quickly and takes forever to move. Oh well, a small price to pay for refreshment on those hot summer days,
Coming to Jazz Fest
Rambla might be a fun place for a teenager... It is tapas in a fun, casual atmosphere. The perfect later evening snack after Jazz Fest. A 5 minute cab ride from the convention center. Also recommended was Cochon. Once again, a casual spot that would be great after an evening at the fest.
Ramblas at the International House Hotel
An excellent restaurant and fun environment. Those guys have a top notch menu there.
Huevos
Try Me Coffee is awesome... a few other restaurants I've been to serve it. A local owned company that roasts the beans just prior to them being shipped out, so the beans are nice and fresh. Good stuff.
Reservations during Jazz Fest
The Sooner the better... everyone who is in town for Jazz Fest will also be making the same plans you are.
Large Group Dinner
Cuvee might be an option. I think they have the space. It would have to be a restaurant buyout, as there is no private room.
Del Porto in Covington
I will be heading up to the Northshore this weekend and I thought I would check it out. Anyone out there have anything to say on the matter? Any recommendations or recent experiences?
Del Porto in Covington
I will be heading up to the Northshore this weekend and I thought I would check it out. Anyone out there have anything to say on the matter? Any recommendations or recent experiences?
