There are so many remarkable restaurants in New Orleans, from casual little huts to the grand culinary institutions, like me, these people take their meals seriously! Today I’ll start sharing some of my favorites {because now is the time to start planning for Mardi Gras}! Superior Seafoods is usually one of my first stops for a plate of Char-grilled oysters… fresh shuck oysters topped with garlic, herbs, butter, Parmesan and Romano cheeses then grilled to perfection. I have actually been caught gnawing on the theses shells to enjoy every last morsel.
An added delight to this restaurant is that it is at stop #24 on the St. Charles streetcar, my favorite mode of transportation in New Orleans. I crave the views, the click-clack sound of the tracks and the culture of this streetcar, it is really so unique to this vibrant city. The last time I was in the city I got to ride it everyday from the Garden District to the French Quarter for the International Food Blogger Conference, it made me feel like a local and I loved it!
Don’t pass on the Shrimp Brochette while you’re there, because I know don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love these plump tender Gulf shrimp, wrapped in bacon that has been broiled to a crisp {love the grilled lemon too!}.
Part of the charm of Atchafalaya Restaurant are the reclaimed materials from Hurricane Katrina that were used for the interiors. Owned by a fun couple who’s eccentricities are reflected in food, drinks, service and general great vibration at this fabulous place. It’s cozy and intimate for dinner. Lively for brunch when the music spills out to the tables on the sidewalk. Their version of Shrimp and Grits with Creole Country andouille, smoked tomatoes and stone-ground Papa Tom’s grits cannot be beat.
Their Bloody Mary Bar offers plenty of flavorful ingredients….
….allowing you to make a bloody masterpiece with ease.
Jacque Imo’s is a fun lively restaurant with an open kitchen you can pass through. Their cornbread muffins are unbelievably delicious with a great crusty top and crumbly center. Do not pass on their Creole Jambalaya, it is the best I’ve ever tasted {I usually order extra, freeze it in my hotel’s freezer and bring it home to share}.
Murial’s Jackson Square is one of the great, grand dame restaurants in the French Quarter. It is steeped in history, formerly a bordello and reportedly haunted you can almost hear the walls talking to you as you visit. I do believe their Eggs Benedict is truly the best I’ve ever tasted. I don’t know if it was just the right amount of thick, tangy Sauce Hollandaise over the perfectly poached egg or the slices of melt in your mouth tender ham perched on that fluffy biscuit. The roasted tomato on the side was the perfect accompaniment.
Bright, elegant and very French, Tableau is delightful restaurant in the French Quarter, sitting in the well appointed dining room or perched over the quarter on their wrap around deck, you’ll definitely feel your in a different land here.
More deliciousness to come!!
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