Local Love.... For Food.
I love getting calls from out of town friends that are looking for local spots to eat when they come to visit. I've always felt as if I was the go-to girl for all things local. Especially when people are looking for places to eat. Just last week a friend of mine called me and asked to send her a "local guide to NOLA" for some friends of hers that will be visiting here in December. I, of course, said sure because like I said I am the "go to girl" (in my mind).
As I started to compile my list, I realized that I need to visit more restaurants. Sidebar: I'm a loyal customer, and when I like a place I shout it out from the rooftop, I go so much I usually become friends with the staff and sometimes owners (this is why I'm broke). New Orleans has so many great restaurants, and I feel as the "go to girl" I'm doing a disservice to those who come to me for the best places to eat. (Look, I'm always hungry, and this gives me an excuse, no judgment..K!) As locals, I feel we don't explore enough. We tend to gravitate to old faithful. I walk around the quarter all the time and pass these cute restaurants tucked off in courtyards, and always say, I must try that place, but I never get around to it. This city is known for the best cuisine in the world. This is why we have a hundred and one festivals... I mean, we have festivals for EVERYTHING... LOL Fried Chicken, Gumbo, Beignets... you name it.. we got it. Just last week a friend of mine brought me to this restaurant called Angeline. I've probably walked past this place a million times. It was tucked off in the quarter next to an old French Quarter hotel. No bells and whistles from the outside, When we sat down the waitress asked how long we were in town for. When we told her we were local she smiled and said great, we don't get many locals.(Reason number 101 why locals need to explore) Well, let me tell you... the food was AWESOME! I cleaned my plate. Between the server making us feel like family and the food being so damn good. I will be back with my squad. Have you tried a new place lately? If so, drop the name in my comments. I would love to check them out. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite places. I can't wait to update this list soon!
1. Angeline. This is the restaurant I went to last week. When I tell you everything I ate was excellent. (The blueberry donuts pictured above are a must!) The servers are very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The food came out fast and damned near perfect. I put them on my Insta-story (my new obsession), and one of my friends (who happens to be a health inspector) commented that she loves the place and the kitchen was spotless! Well, that's a plus for me! Lol!
2. La Thai. My go-to restaurant for crab cakes, however, everything on the menu is great I'm just a sucker for an excellent crab cake. If you're like me and love crabmeat, try the crab three ways. A jumbo crab cake with a fried softshell crab topped with lump crabmeat. A true crab lovers dish.
3. Bennachins. I've been going to this restaurant for years. They've moved locations a few times, and I've made sure to stalk (I mean, follow.. they are currently in the French Quarter) This restaurant prides themselves on serving authentic African food from Gambia and Cameroon. This is one of my favorite places to bring my out of town friends because it's laid back and everyone can find something. My favorite dish there is the Sisay Singho, baked chicken leg quarter served with spinach, coconut rice, and plantains.
4. Country Club. You want to have a fun time with your girls. GO HERE! Located in the Bywater, you will find one of the most exquisite restaurants. The food and service are top notch. The drinks are creative and yummy. And if you go on the right day, you just might see a drag show. The Country Club is a fun environment for those with an open mind. In the summertime go hang out by the pool and enjoy the beautiful people. The Country Clubber cocktail is yummy, and The Black Angus Hamburger is pretty damn good. FYI no kids allowed here. :-)
5. Restaurant Revolution. If you know me personally, you know that I love me some Revolution! Actually, you don't have to know me personally because I've professed my love for this place a few times on my Insta-story. Now let me start off by saying, this restaurant is a little on the high-end side. You don't have to wear a ball gown, but you sure can't go in there with flipflops on. Cute jeans and a top will do. Men don't have to wear jackets. When you step foot in this place, you are immediately drawn to the beautiful decor. They made sure to stay true to the French Quarter ambiance. From the hand-painted walls to the black and white tile floor. It is a stunning restaurant. The food is equally beautiful. Revolution is one of those places that pride themselves on presentation in addition to the quality of food. Make sure to have your phone handy because you will snap a few pics before diving in. I've been here a handful of times, and each time the food gets better and better. The crazy thing is every time I go here; I luck up with the same server, Rory. Rory is so attentive and makes your dining experience just that, an experience. The last time I went he treated my husband and I to a tour of the kitchen (which is spotless per my friend the health inspector and myself) I can go on and on about this place, But you really should try it out for yourself. My go-to dishes there are the Crabmeat Beignets for appetizers and the Sheep Ricotta Gnocchi with Lobster for my entree.
Enjoy!
