I like to eat out – a lot. So I think I might make this a monthly entry, if anyone is interested. Apologies in advance for making your taste buds water. In no particular order, my five favorite dishes from the month of May, all in New Orleans, were:
1. Coulis – Eggs Benecio
If you know me, you know that I go to Coulis prettyyyy frequently. I get pretty much the same thing every time I go. And so, at this point, I must confess I did not order the Eggs Benecio. I’m a pretty basic brunch eater and I generally order the build-a-breakfast, which can include a pancake (pictured below). The pancakes are awesome and I love the toppings. However, I don’t have a photo of my build-a-breakfast and the Eggs Benecio is pretty tasty. In case you’re wondering what exactly is in that picture, Eggs Benecio is two jalapeno cheddar corn cakes, topped with pulled pork debris and two poached eggs with hollandaise sauce. This little brunch spot is packed on weekends, as most brunch spots are, with a long line out front. It usually moves pretty quickly, though, and it’s BYOB. I often go during the week when it’s quieter, as it was a post-class brunch favorite for my “study group”.
2. Philly Cheesesteak – Liberty’s Cheesesteaks
Some of you may be cheesesteak buffs and, if so, I don’t care whether it is authentic or not. I really couldn’t tell you. I can tell you that it tastes really good. And that’s pretty much all I care about. As a bonus, they may have the best fries I’ve had in a long, long time. (I like the squishy ones, to these were right up my alley. Crispy fry aficionados may not feel the same way.) It’s relatively new on Freret St., in the teeny place where Dat Dog started out. I’m sure they hope for the same success, now that Dat Dog is planning its third location. I personally prefer a cheesesteak and their house-made sauces are the perfect compliment to the sandwich (pictured on the side).
3. Dot’s Diner – Beignet Sticks
I will be the first to admit that a real beignet is better, so I kind of chose this for the novelty. These are heavy, so be prepared. I was told on good authority that our batch was greasier than usual, in which case I would love these even more. They were still tasty as a post-exam appetizer to a patty melt. I’ve seen Dot’s Diners around, but I had never been before we ventured out to the one on Jefferson Highway. Not only was the food good, but we had possibly the friendliest waitress ever. As you may have noticed, I like diners, and as much as I love Coulis, I’ll definitely be back to Dot’s.
4. Arnaud’s – Veal Tournedos Chantal
Apparently I dug right in and forgot to take a picture of my veal, but I wish you could see it! It was heavenly. I went to Arnaud’s for my college graduation in 2009 and this is what I ordered. It was so good, I’ve been thinking about it for the past four years and so we returned for my law school graduation dinner with my mom and I ordered the same thing. It was just as good as, if not better than, I remembered and I loved the ambience in both the jazz courtyard and the formal dining room. We had a lovely wine that is one of my favorites and went over well with the whole family, which I consider a great success. I’m no wine expert, but I think the Belle Glos “Meiomi” Pinot Noir is a fantastically well-priced wine that goes with just about everything. As a bonus note, Arnaud’s didn’t have a special menu listed on their website, but they offered a select 3-course menu for $40 (the veal is not on that menu, so as not to mislead anyone), which is a great deal.
5. Commander’s Palace – Strawberry Shortcake
We went to Commander’s with my Dad for graduation and, as usual, everything was spot-on. From the service to the cocktails, I don’t think I can find any room for improvement, but that is what Commander’s prides itself on. I did a 3-course special, with gumbo and the candy apple lacquered quail before the strawberry shortcake. The quail also deserves a place on this list, but again, I stuffed myself before I realized I should have taken a picture. It comes with a sausage dressing, wilted bacon cabbage, and spiced pecans. And, as per my personal beliefs, no trip to Commander’s is complete without a cocktail (and wine, obviously). I tried some variation on a French 75, which was delicious, and Ryan had the Big Daddy, which I’ve mentioned before. It’s a moonshine-based drink and it’s probably better suited for fall, but it’s absolutely delicious.
What have your favorite eats been recently? I’d love to hear!
