New Orleans - The Hungry Nomad

Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant (New Orleans, USA)

April 14, 2012 1 Comment

Another great restaurant discovery in New Orleans. This one is located in the Central Business District and caters to the more professional crowd (at least for lunch). After having lunch at Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant yesterday I watched an episode of Anthony Bourdain in New Orleans post-Katrina and learned that the passionate co-owner and chef, Donald Link, came right back to New Orleans within weeks to re-open his restaurant, followed by opening the ever-so-famous Cochon (another favorite of mine). That is dedication!

The restaurant serves a mix of French and Italian flavors with a southern twist. We wanted something light for lunch so opted for the tuna sandwich and goat salad. At first I thought the goat salad was goat cheese but the server informed us that the goat salad was actually crispy goat meat served over a mix of greens. I’m a fan of goat meat ever since I’ve learned that it is much healthier than other forms of meat and the taste is delicious (have you ever tried a goat roti?).

Our food arrived and was both perfect. The grilled tuna sandwich was served with a side of salad and crispy chips and was ever so tasty. Actual fresh tuna pieces mixed with a melange of flavors and avocado- delicious! The goat salad was also great although I didn’t like the crispy texture of the goat meat but the salad was delicious and fresh- the mint flavor overtaking all others. It was perfect for a perfectly sunny hot day.

Herbsaint Bar & Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Gourmand, New Orleans, Tapas, USA

Salú (New Orleans, USA)

April 12, 2012 No Comments

Salu is located on Magazine street and offers hot and cold Spanish and Mediterranean tapas (although they also had some Indian dishes). It is a pretty large restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior dining area is decorated with eclectic art pieces and a hand-painted circular skylight designed by local artist E. Lee Jahncke. There is also a large colorful bar offering a wide range of wines.

This place has been around for over a year now; however, I’ve always passed it by without considering it. What a mistake! Everything from the decor, ambiance, service and food was great. The food….

…ahhh the food was delicious. Although I wouldn’t exactly describe all the dishes as tapas since some came in large portions. We ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, Patatas Bravas, Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanadas and Grilled Lamb Lollipops.

As soon as we finished ordering we were served with warm white bread and a plate of olive oil and herbs. Each plate came out as prepared. We went on a Thursday which also happened to be Paella night. The Grilled lamp lollipops was served on top of roasted red pepper fava bean hummus and crumbled goat cheese with two pieces of flat bread.

The wild mushroom and goat cheese empanadas was amazing. I could go back just for those. It was served in a delicious sauce with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

The patatas bravas (roasted potatoes served in tomato sauce) was perfect. Usually the skin is not crispy however this one was crispy yet absorbed in delicious sauce. And on to my favorite dish of the night, the Chicken tikka masala. The masala was a perfect blend of spices and flavors, served over top saffron rice and flat bread. It was delicious and the portion was huge considering it was meant to be a tapas…but I’m not one to complain about larger portions.

Gourmand, New Orleans, Sandwich Shop

Psycho Sandwiches at Milk Bar (New Orleans, USA)

February 22, 2012 1 Comment

The Milk Bar is hands down the best sandwich shop in New Orleans. It serves a variety of gourmet sandwiches, po boys and salads. The likes of Psycho Chicken, I Dream of Aubergine and Clooney’s choice are available- and are all delicious. The space is small and always full- conveniently located across from Touro hospital for the doctors amongst us who crave a sandwich here and there. The walls are pink covered in cow artwork and the delicious smells permeate the room. You order your sandwich and take a seat while its prepared by the team. The menu is extremely creative with sandwich combinations I’ve never tasted. We tend to order the psycho chicken and the Clooney. I’ve never tried the milkshakes but also hear that they are to die for. You also get a free lolly pop which always brings a smile to my face. If you are not from New Orleans you may have a hard time finding it since its tucked away into a small side street off of Saint Charles. Just follow your nose and stomach I am sure they will lead you there.

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Travel

Mardi Gras- the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in New Orleans

February 17, 2012 No Comments

If you looked at the tile of this post and thought that perhaps it was almost Christmas, you were wrong. Very wrong. For it is almost time for Mardi Gras, a time in New Orleans were magic happens. I mean who really looks forward to turkey dinner when you have the fabulous king cake to look foward to?

I will take a wild guess here and say that many of those reading this blog have never experienced carnival season or ‘mardi gras‘. Others don’t even know what it is. I had read about Mardi Gras in my high school french class and always wanted to come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Who knew that destiny would make New Orleans my home allowing me to experience this wonderful time of year first hand.

For many here, Mardi Gras season seems to be more important than any other holiday. That is because Mardi Gras brings with it weeks of music, parades, floats, parties, balls and playing dress up. (Any excuse will get your average N’awliner playing dress up). Many are part of ‘societies’ or ‘krewes’, have balls to prepare for, and most importantly ride in a ‘float’. Now not anyone can ride in a float…you have to earn your place in a krewe. The whole process and tradition is still a little cloudy to me but all in all in simple language modern day mardi gras season is an excuse to party day and night for one whole month (it seems like a month at least) leading up to fat tuesday and lent. Basically the average Christian is getting it all out of their system before lent. There are different parades everyday. And you have to attend all of them. Since each has its own creative theme and floats. Riding the floats are many in really beautiful outfits (other times not so much) throwing colorful beads and other goodies at those who yell loud enough and manage to make eye contact. I happen to have mastered the ‘googly eye’ and so was happy to have my neck full of beads by the end of each night (that and having a really tall fiance that can reach over everyone else). Everywhere you look you will see flashes of purple, green and gold. Purple being my favorite color you can imagine how happy this color scheme makes me.

The city shuts down for the duration of the mardi gras season. There are people running around the streets day and night in crazy costumes. And generally everyone is just happy. As happy as I have seen such a large group of people. I’ll be writing more about my mardi gras experience along with adding a bit of a historical context and explaining the traditions. I am also on a mission to eat my way through all the king cakes in town to find the best one. What is a king cake? A delicious treat to be found in most bakeries around this time of year. I’ve had many kingcakes in Europe although New Orleanians have added their own flare to it (as they do to all things) and splash it with purple, green and gold colored sugar and fill it up with delicious fillings including cream cheese, pralines, etc. Any suggestions as to the best King Cake in town? Do share your thoughts. (Also note: I collected the photos below from the wonderful world wide web. I will be adding my own collection shortly).

Gourmand, New Orleans, Spanish

Spanish food at Cafe Granada (New Orleans, USA)

February 15, 2012 No Comments

Cafe Grenada serves authentic Spanish tapas in the heart of New Orleans. You all know by now that I love tapas style cuisine since it allows me to taste as many possible flavors in one go. This restaurant is located on South Carrollton in one of my favorite neighbourhoods. Besides the amazing food, sangria, service and ambiance you also get to sit outside under the oak trees and watch the street cars go by and absorb some of that New Orleans charm. This restaurant is in my top 3 choices of places to dine in New Orleans. The food is always fresh and delicious and I just love the atmosphere. Once a month they also have flamenco nights where you can watch Spanish flamenco dancing while you dine. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Gourmand, New Orleans

Franco- German Cuisine at Chef John Besh’s Luke (New Orleans, USA)

January 27, 2012 No Comments

Luke is another John Besh restaurant combining Franco-German food and decor to create another masterpiece. I’ve been here several times and each time its completely full. On this occasion we went on Christmas night expecting it to either be closed or empty and were surprised to find it so full that we were offered seats at the bar. Not that I mind… I enjoyed watching the oyster man hard at work cracking oyster shells and placing them neatly on ice trays. Who knew it was such hard work?

We started off with turtle soup (our favorite)…but weren’t too happy when it was served lukewarm. It was still tasty but less than what we expected at a John Besh restaurant. Next, for our main course we ordered the moules & frites and the Luke Burger. Both were very tasty. Having just arrived from Canada I was shocked at the large portion but was quick to adapt to the almost triple sized portions served in the States. The mussels were enough to feed a whole family!!! I highly recommend sharing…unless you got a really healthy appetite. Most people order their oysters…however not being a fan of raw oysters I am yet to try.

The burger was good…served along with their house made fries…salty but good! And of course we never leave without dessert: dark chocolate mousse served with orange marmalade.

Bucket of mussels

Chocolate Mousse

Gourmand, New Orleans

Eat like a President at Commander’s Palace (New Orleans, USA)

January 20, 2012 2 Comments

Around since 1880, Commander’s Palace is history served on a platter. The restaurant is located in the Garden District directly across from the famous Lafayette Cemetery. It is my most favourite spot for Sunday brunch in the city. Imagine yourself walking through doors back in time. At first you are greeted by the friendly staff and escorted to your table. If you are lucky enough to go for Sunday brunch you’ll immediately be serenaded by jazz musicians. Then it is time for the food. Chef Tory McPhail creates a combination of haute Creole and Louisiana inspired cooking on every plate (see menu). During the week you also get 25 cent martinis! Really!

On a foggy day in late December the Count and I embarked on a a culinary journey through time to Commander’s Palace. As soon as we sat down, we were served martinis, warm bread and butter. For our starters, of course the turtle soup (that is one of the main reasons we keep going back), its creamy with the right amount of spices and sherry making every spoonful heaven in your mouth.

For our main dishes, we had the Quail and Gulf Coast shrimp pasta. Both delicious as always. If I had to choose between meals, I definitely choose the restaurant’s brunch menu over their lunch and dinner menu. However, that is not to say that I don’t thoroughly enjoy lunch each and every time. The best part as always is dessert: this time we ordered the strawberry shortcake and their world renown bread pudding souffle which is truly to die for.

Strawberry Shortcake delight!!!

Vanished in seconds 🙁

Bread Pudding Souffle

The Hungry Nomad’s Must-Try Suggestions:

1- Turtle Soup

2- Bread Pudding Souffle

3- Ponchatoula Strawberry Shortcake

Gourmand, New Orleans, Spanish

Authentic Spanish Food at Lola’s (New Orleans, USA)

January 19, 2012 1 Comment

If you ever crave Paella and other authentic Spanish delicacies, then I highly suggest you check out this small and quaint restaurant in Bayou St. John. Living by City Park made Lola’s one of our favorite spots to visit for a nice meal.

On our last visit we started off with the usual: a bottle of their red wine sangria with mixed fresh fruits and a loaf of their freshly baked warm bread served with the most amazing garlic butter on earth.

Next, an assortment of their tapas: calamari salad, oysters, garlic mushrooms and crab meat salad. The Crab meat is tossed with their homemade alioli sauce served over avocado on a bed of lettuce. Yum! And for the main dish the obvious choice is always the seafood paella which is really delicious and tastes just as good if not better than some paella dishes I tasted while travelling in Barcelona a few years back (of course the setting and views are not comparable). To finish off, we never leave without sharing a piece of their flour less dark chocolate cake which is to die for and leaves us usually fighting for the last piece. (see menu)

Sangria perfection

Crabmeat tossed with our homemade alioli , served over avocado on a bed of lettuce

Marinated calamari tossed with calamata olives, tomatoes, & toasted almonds

Shrimp, fish, calamari, scallops, mussels and vegetables, well seasoned with garlic, saffron and herbs

Chocolate Cake

The Hungry Nomad’s Must-Try Suggestions:

1- Seafood Paella
2- Ceviche
3- Chocolate cake

Breakfast, Gourmand, New Orleans, Sandwich Shop

Il Posto Cafe (New Orleans, USA)

January 16, 2012 No Comments

I am so happy I finally got a chance to try this amazing spot. Its nestled in on Dryades street away from street traffic and therefore hard to find if you don’t know about it.

Il Posto is definitely my new favorite sandwich shop in New Orleans. They have an amazing sandwich and salad selection. It is so refreshing to have some quality, delicious, tasty and healthy salads in New Orleans. Trust me I’ve searched around the city and can confirm that a healthy salad is hard to come by down here. There is also a wide selection of meats and cheeses served on your choice of bread either as a traditional sandwich or grilled panini (see menu).

The inside is a bit cramped (due to popularity) but its a great spot for a quick and healthy breakfast and/or lunch with friends.

Breakfast, Gourmand, New Orleans

Bagels at Artz Bagelz (New Orleans, USA)

January 15, 2012 No Comments

Finally! A New York Style bagels and cream cheese shop opens in New Orleans…with a southern twist of course. Everything from spicy Cajun to pecan praline flavor cream cheese is available. Healthy salads and sandwiches for those looking for something different then bagels are also offered on the menu.

The bagels are tasty and I thought reasonably priced…although others seem to disagree. We tried the spicy Cajun and garlic herb and both were happy with our meal. The shop is located just off of Magazine street with both indoor and outdoor seating available. A casual, smart clean atmosphere awaits you for your quick bagel break.