chefsgirl

There’s a new restaurant in town! Fat Bao took the traditional steamed bun and converted it into a delicious new concept. Steamed buns were most popularly stuffed with delicious roasted Peking duck, but Fat Bao has taken that idea and created their own variety of stuffed steamed buns, delicious appetizers, and even desserts…

Avocado Chips. Panko crusted w/ Jalapeno Dip

Crab Daddy Bao. Soft shell crab. Spicy mayo. Asian Slaw. Bulgogi Bao. Beef ribeye. Kimchi. Green onions. Peking Duck Bao. Roasted Duck. Green onions. Hoisin sauce.

Curry Bao. Beef brisket. Cilantro. Pickled Red Onions.Crab Daddy. (close up)

Peking Duck (left) and *Special*: Fried Portabello Bao w/ Asian Slaw

 

Fried Bao: Cafe du Monde Bao (left) Spicy Chocolate Bao (right)

Something so simple, but transformed into something so delicious! The idea of stuffed baos is not only impressive but the quality of the food is unexpected. Along with good food, the customer service here is awesome! Check this place out..you’ll love it!

Just what the Carrollton area needed! In the past year, various restaurants have opened down Oak St. and its newest addition is Pho Bistreaux. They have just recently opened but already have crowds of hungry patrons entering the restaurant and leaving satiated…

Chicken and Pork Sliders. 

Pho with Brisket. 

Flan. 

The restaurant has opened its doors for only a little over a week, but the food is delicious and authentic. Great service overall, especially in comparison to its competitors throughout the city! The restaurant is quite small, but the environment is modern and family-friendly. 

Click HERE for more restaurant reviews!

New Orleans is known for it’s boiling pot of great restaurants all around the city, but when it comes to fast food, where do you go? With the superbowl right around the corner, wings are a hot commodity and Bayou Hot Wings has to be one of the best wings around! It’s so good that the Travel Channel selected BHW to be one of three other restaurants in the city to be on Adam Richman’s special “Super Bowl Tailgate Takeover” airing January 30 9ET/8CT.  The owners are local New Orleans chefs that take pride in local flavors and homemade dishes. All the wings are 24+hr marinated and the sauces are made in house. They even offer local dishes: jambalaya, fried frog legs, and gator bites.  

Sausage and Seafood Jambalaya. Tasso. Sausage. Shrimp. 

Deep Fried Frog Legs. Excellent when paired with Remoulade sauce. 

 

Thick Seasoned Onion Rings.  

Caesar Wrap with a touch of Hotboy Sauce. 

 

1/2 lb Burger with Hotboy Sauce. Steak fries. 

 

Last but not least…WINGS: (left to right) Hotboy, Chipotle BBQ, Sweet, Lemon Pepper

I’ve basically tried the whole menu and I have to say it deserves more than the “best fast food” title…Every menu item comes out fully garnished, steaming hot, and packed with authentic chef-made flavors. I LOVE that their specialty is wings, but even the burgers are delicious…probably one of the best burgers I’ve had! 

My favorites: Chipotle BBQ wings, Hotboy wings, onion rings, coleslaw, and ALL of the burgers

Local favorites: Jambalaya, Fried Gator Bites, and Fried Frog Legs w/ Remoulade sauce

If you haven’t tried them yet, I HIGHLY recommend this local wing joint. Not into wings? No worries, because I enjoy their non-wing items just as much..if not more! Tell them chefsgirl sent you ^_^ 

Chef John Besh does it again! I’ve heard about Borgne by word of mouth, but what really inspired me to go try it out for myself was when I tried the Oyster Amandine at New Orleans Oyster Festival at Woldenburg Park 2012 (click for pictures). I swear, festival food is always the best..Have you ever heard of the law of Diminishing returns? Basically, when applied to food, it means serving food in small bites that leave your palate longing for more…so when I tried multiple miniscule oyster dishes at the festival, you can only imagine how I felt when I only got to enjoy a BITE of Oysters Amandine…After that experience, I’ve had high expectations for Borgne…

Panoramic restaurant view.

Early for lunch…

Charbroiled Oysters. 

Duck Poppers. Jalapeno. Bacon.

Slow Smoked Pork Empanadas. White BBQ Sauce.

Sopa Ajo (Garlic Soup). Garlic Soup. Idiazabal Cheese. Cured Egg Yolk. 

Honeysuckle Hotty. Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka. Hot Chamomile Tea. (Missing: Sugar Candy pop)

Marinated Crab Fingers. Bread Salad. Torn Herbs.

Ragout of Louisiana Rabbit (Lunch Special). Orecchiette Pasta. Garlic. Tomatoes. Rapini. Reminds me a lot of the Spicy Lamb Meatball dish at Domenica’s except with rabbit! 

Fried P&J Oysters Amandine. Grilled Mushrooms. Wilted Spinach. Oh..the delicious Oysters Amandine…Delicious and LOADED with cornmeal crusted oysters!

Seared Jumbo Shrimp. Brandade Ravioli. Shrimp Chorizo Consomme. Brussel Sprouts. Pumpkin. Chick Peas. 

Pecan Praline Beignets. 

My favorite dishes had to be anything with oysters: Charbroiled oysters and Oysters Amandine. I also LOVED the Pork Empanadas...Honestly, I hadn’t known much about Spanish or Mexican food until I relocated to Texas and since then, I just LOVE it. It’s just so rich, but can be so refreshing at the same time. 

What didn’t I like? We had a grapefruit sorbet (not pictured) that was definitely homemade, but the fruit itself was not ripe and left a not-so-enjoyable bitter aftertaste. Another item I could’ve done without was the Honeysuckle Hotty. My girlfriend said the same about her cocktail so if anything, I would suggest grabbing a local beer like NOLA Brewing. I really like the blonde ale..it’s lighter and goes great with the food at Borgne.

Overall, good meal! I feel like Borgne’s menu is a boiling pot of Domenica and Luke…The rusticness of Luke together the Italian refinement of Domenica. If you’re in the CBD and looking for a fine lunch, Borgne is a great place to try! 

If you’re familiar with Chef Donald Link’s restaurant, Cochon, well you’re in luck because Cochon Butcher is right around the corner! It’s a casual deli as opposed to the finer Cochon. They offer a variety of meats, sausages, and best of all sandwiches! Cochon is known for their charcuterie so it’s only natural that the sandwiches are fresh and equally as delicious as the fine meals at its finer counterpart. 

Pastrami w/ Sauerkraut on Rye. 

BBQ Pork. “Carolina Style”

Hot Boudin. To Go! I’ve been on a boudin craze lately so anywhere there’s boudin, you know I’ll be getting it! This particular boudin was SO good. Who would’ve thought that creole mustard could go so well with it? 

Each dish was served with homemade sweet pickles. Great for balancing out their savory dishes. After dining at Cochon Butcher, I ordered a few other sandwiches for “the chef” so he could enjoy at work…and he agrees! Not a single sandwich disappointed us. Every bite infused with flavor… 

Cochon Butcher has been open for quite some time now, but lately has been “Talk Of The Town” (on Urbanspoon). Why now? Who knows, but it deserves the recognition! 

A guide with LINKS to all of my reviews…Still thinking of a good way to organize them for y’all, but until then… Enjoy!

NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANTS REVIEWS

• Bayou Hot Wings
• Borgne (Hyatt Regency)
• Boucherie
• C’est La Vie Bistro [Closed]
• Cafe Zen
• The Company Burger
• Coquette
• Coulis
• Cowbell
• Dante’s Kitchen
• Dick and Jenny’s 
• Emeril’s Delmonico
• Gott Gourmet (Brunch)
• Gott Gourmet (Lunch)
• Katie’s Restaurant and Bar
• La Petite Grocery
• La Petite Grocery (Brunch)
• Luke
• Milk Bar
• NOLA (Emeril Lagasse)
• Ralph’s on the Park
• Restaurant R’evolution
• Root
• Stanley’s Restaurant
• Stein’s Market & Deli
• Truburger
• Tartine
• Vizards
• Yuki Izakaya

NOLA DESSERTS

• Angelo Brocato
• Honeydeux

NOLA EVENTS

• New Orleans Oyster Festival 2012

HOUSTON

• Fat Bao
• Torchy’s Tacos
• Uchi

FLORIDA

• The Pancakery

Of all of Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans restaurants, NOLA is the most casual and laid back but still very nice. Great for a night out with the family or just a casual date night with your significant other. The restaurant is very warehouse district. There are approximately 3 stories…just my guess since I’ve only been on the first and second floor, but the see-through elevators are constantly taking guests up and down between floors. 

View from my seat..

Table with a view! 

Casual dining at its best!

Enough pictures of the restaurant..let’s get to the food! When “the chef” and I looked at the menu, many of the appetizers stood out to us much more than the actual entrees so we created our very own tasting menu…

Complimentary Ciabatta bread and Cornbread. 

Miss Hay’s Stuffed Chicken Wings. Homemade Hoisin Dipping Sauce. 

LOVED this dish…I’m typically not a fan of “fusion” types of food, but here, American + Asian = DIVINE! The authentic Vietnamese egg roll stuffing inside a juicy deep fried chicken wing was interesting and leaves you wanting more…

Duck Confit and Fried Egg Pizza. Parmesan Cheese. Truffle Oil. Baby Arugula.

Although it appears large, it’s light and savory…

Aged Allen Benton’s Country Ham Salad. Moonshine Spiked Watermelon. Arugula. Feta Cheese. Citrus-Herb Vinaigrette. 

Gumbo of the Day: Cochon and Andouille Gumbo.

New Orleans Style Crab Cake. Spicy Corn Relish. Crystal-Butter Sauce. 

Good but not my favorite. The corn relish balanced the heavily seasoned crab cake and gave it a refreshing kick with the Crystal-Butter sauce. 

Crispy Smoked Duck and Mushroom Boudin Balls. Tomato-Bacon Jam. Creole Mustard. 

NOLA Banana Pudding Layer Cake. Graham Cracker Crust. Vanilla Wafers. Fudge Sauce. 

One thing I’ve learned is when you’re craving a good ol’ homemade banana pudding, you won’t get it at these upper echelon restaurants…but what you will get is an overly decadent yet still so delicious version. Not too far from the original homemade kind…fresh slices of banana, light pudding cream, graham cracker crust…loved it! 

Great experience at NOLA in Nola! Great service. Cool and casual vibe. Great place for a laid back night but very good food. Props to Mr. Emeril Lagasse!

Dick and Jenny’s is located along New Orleans’ own Tchoupitoulas street, known for it’s old time New Orleans homes and traditional warehouse architecture. You could almost miss this restaurant, because it blends right in with the homes around it.

Inside…homey decor. Reminds me of Grandma’s house…will it compare to grandma’s food??

Breads!

Corn Fried Oysters, Southern Coleslaw, and Remoulade.

Garlicky Escargot. Sauteed Escargot. Neuske Bacon and Mushrooms. Garlic Butter Reduction. Not your classic French-style escargot, but the touch of bacon and mushrooms was a nice surprise.

.

Duck Confit and Louisiana Alligator Sauce. Slow cooked duck confit leg quarter. Alligator Sausage w/ Spaghettie Squash, Southern Greens, and Tangy Orange-Chili Glaze.

Abita Braised Beef Short Ribs. Decadent Mac & Cheese, Brown Butter Sauteed Brussel Sprouts. Spiced Bourbon Demi-Glace.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sundae w/ Vanilla Creole Creamery Ice Cream.

As you can see, the food was delicious! Very hardy and homey. I loved the Corn fried oysters and remoulade…perfectly crispy and with the addition of coleslaw and remoulade was soooo good! My personal favorite dish had to be the dessert…Yes, it looks overwhelming, but the chocolate chip cookie wasn’t just your ordinary chocolate chip. Two decadent cookies filled with your local ice cream…yum!

If you’re looking for some good ‘ol Southern cooking, Dick and Jenny’s is a great place to try out. They offer large portions so either be prepared for it OR order less. That’s something the chef and I need to learn…Our eyes tend to be larger than our stomachs!

So many burger joints are popping up in the Orleans area, it’s hard to pick a favorite! Truburger offers a simple menu: beef burger or veggie burger. Choose your own toppings: grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon, etc. Other items include corndogs, hot dogs, and milkshakes. 

At the bar!

Double Cheeseburger and Fresh Cut Fries. 

I really enjoyed the burgers here…cooked perfectly. Juicy. Flavorful. Dressed with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.  They don’t ask for a temp on the burger, but as you burger eaters out there know…medium is the way to go! But if for some reason you like it otherwise, I’m sure they’ll cook to your liking. The handcut fries were awesome…One order has enough to share between 2 people! They were crispy and had the perfect amount of salt for me. Loved it! 

I travel a lot between New Orleans and Houston so I thought I’d spice this blog up a little with some Mexican food!

Torchy’s Tacos was originally an Austin taco joint, which expanded and finally reached Houston. Austin is known for it’s laid back atmosphere and character and you can definitely see that in Torchy’s menu and atmosphere…

I ordered To Go so it’s not plated up as nice as when you’re dining in, but I tried! 

Chicken Fajita. Tender marinated & grilled chicken breast. Grilled onions and peppers, cheese and pico. Flour tortilla.

Taco of the Month: Tuk Tuk. Marinated and grilled Thai beef fajitas. Cooked cabbage slaw. Pickled cucumbers and carrots. Sriracha. Avocado sauce. Jack Cheese. Lime. Crushed peanuts and mint. Corn Tortilla.

The next taco I’d love to try is “The Independent”…it has hand-battered deep fried portobello mushroom strips and more…but it had me at portobello…

Whether you’re dining in or ordering take out, Torchy’s is a great place when you’re craving some delicious tacos. The service is always friendly and helpful and food service is quick. The tacos vary from authentic Mexican versions to creative concoctions that are just as delicious. I know Houston has tons of taco joints, but Torchy’s will definitely satiate that taco craving! 

After hearing rave reviews, I just had to try it. Tucked onto a corner, Coquette adds a little character to the street. Outside it almost looks like a French Quarter home. Inside…very romantic feel…brickwalls, candlelit tables. There was a bar that took up almost half the restaurant, but who’s complaining?? haha..

Now let’s get to the food….

Bread and Butter!

Fried Oysters.

Pork Belly Fritters.

Duck Breast. Roasted Fennel. English Peas. Citrus. 

Black Drum. Crawfish tails. Green Asparagus. Ricotta gnocchi. 

Old Fashioned Donut. Huckleberries. Oatmeal Crunch. Sour Cream Ice Cream. 

On the house treat. Some sort of jelly swirl…very light treat to a delicious meal! Don’t be fooled like I did, the cup is filled with sand and serves as a holder for the lollipops! There’s nothing edible in there…=P

Everything was delicious. Simplistic yet flavorful. Light, so you’re not overwhelmed with flavors. I don’t think I’ve seen dishes like this anywhere else in New Orleans so  their dishes are definitely original. Only disadvantage was the small portions, but I have quite the appetite so that most likely explains that! 

Looking for a refreshing treat in this HOT weather? Honeydeux is a new local dessert shop located on the slightly hidden area of Magazine St. They have bubble teas, ice cream, and shaved ice. They even offer lunch wraps. 

Inside. Clean and sleek decor. Great service. 

Shaved Ice. Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream. Strawberries. Mangoes. Condensed Milk. Above is the Regular, which is about $5.50 and well worth it, because the cup is HUGE. 

Lovin’ the new shaved ice concept! If you’re in the mood for a refreshing, fruity treat, try Honeydeux! I love commercial places like Pinkberry, but Honeydeux is just as great. Support the locals! 

Known for their brunch, Coulis is located in Uptown New Orleans…it’s great spot where the locals eat. Short and simple brunch menu, which I love. It’s as if the fewer items a restaurant has, the better the food is in quality and taste!  

Biscuit! Love the crispiness of these biscuits… 

Croissant and Egg Sandwich. Cheese, Eggs, and Bacon. I have a thing for croissant with my breakfast so this was a must.  

Eggs Benedict. Jalapeno Corn Cake. Pulled Pork Debris. Poached Eggs. Hollandaise.

This was my first time for brunch at Coulis, but I’d love to go again to try their lunch menu. Simple brunch, amped with a touch of New Orleans flava! Coulis was EGGcellent! You won’t regret it =D 

Root…a hip new restaurant just came to town! It’s in the Warehouse District so it’s definitely got a city vibe…the old brick walls, wooden floors, casual cool atmosphere. So cool, I even noticed the waiters and waitresses all had Converses on! haha…Of course, I would notice something like that. I liked it…it’s very chill. Great for a relaxing night on the town…no fancy clothes, no fancy occasions, just bring your grumblin’ tummies…

Amuse Bouche. Asian-inspired dish w/ Salmon Sashimi. Fresh Herbs. 

Smoked Cornmeal Encrusted Louisiana Oysters. Andouille Spoon Bread. Manchego Foam. 

“KFC” Korean Fried Chicken Wings. Pepper Jelly glaze. Kimchi. 

Black Lacquered Duck Tortellini. Indian Orange Mascarpone. Toasted Pine Nuts. Vanilla Tapioca. Black Duck Tea. 

Nice presentation! The scallops come in this vintage looking cigar box…it helps to hold the smoke in the box so the scallops absorb every bit of smokey flavor. Let’s just say..it does the job! The scallops were delicious!

Cohiba Smoked Scallops. Chorizo Dust. Carmelized Cauliflower. Fennel Choucroute. 

Hanger Steak. Crispy Sweetbreads. Sweet Kumquat Bordelaise. Pommes Frites. 

Sweet Corn Caramel Flan. Salted Corn and Caramel Ice Cream. Vanilla Milk Foam. “Cracker Jacks”

Strawberry Delight. Toasted Almond Cake. Smoked Black Tea Honey Crunch. Strawberry Sour Cream Ice Cream. Strawberry Gel. Fizzy Rock. 

Root’s menu is extremely creative and the presentation is just superb. I love the way Chef Phillip Lopez throws together such diverse elements and combines them to build flavors that work together so well like the duck tortellini (pictured above). Vanilla tapioca and Black duck tea?? Who woulda thought? And it tastes so good! The only downside I found was the desserts…Lots of elements and full of different flavors, but I felt it didn’t come together like it should have.

Overall, a very enjoyable meal. Innovative dishes. Great atmosphere. So if you’re feeling like refreshing your palate with delicious food that you can’t find anywhere else, go to the root of it all….Root, in the Warehouse District. 

Romantic setting…Great food…Excellent service…if any of these are what you’re looking for, La Petite Grocery has it all! It’s one of my top 5 restaurants in the city.  My very first time was a few years ago…”the chef” and I ordered a Crawfish Ravioli app that was DElicious and ever since then, we try to go back for it…but sadly, they never have it when we go. On the other hand, the other dishes never fail to please…

Pictured here Blue Crab Beignets, Crabmeat Au Gratin, and Sweetbreads..as you can tell, we have a thing for crabmeat! 

Shrimp and Grits. Love this dish…lighter and more delicate than other versions around the city. 

Clams and Linguine. 

Even though La Petite means small, the flavors are anything but petite! Beautifully plated dishes with a blend of elegant New Orleans and French cuisine…AND the chef, Chef Justin Devillier, just so happens to be a James Beard Award winner. What else do you need? Just go!