Non-Traditional New Orleans

My last post was about some New Orleans staples. But everything I have read & heard tells me there are plenty of things to try in the Crescent City other than po-boys and gumbo.

My wife and I stopped for some beer samples at Crescent City Brewhouse and decided to try the Seafood Cheesecake.  The name sounded gross, so we weren't even considering it -- but I'm glad the waiter explained it. We were persuaded. It was really tasty and a great appetizer.  It was made with crawfish, shrimp, and imported cheeses. The it was topped with crab meat, red pepper mayo, and a fried shrimp. Tell me that doesn't sound good.  I dare you.

Next was tapas at Mimi's in the Marigny on Frenchman's Street. A friend of our had heard about this place, and we were told it was a very cool neighborhood just East of the French Quarter.  We had patatas bravas, goatcheese croquetas, calamari con chorizo, mushroom manchego toast, lollipop lamb chops, alcachofa confit pinxo, salmon pinxo, Spanish cheeses, and marinated olives. Yum, yum, yum! They were all fantastic. Definitely try the muschroom & manchego toast and the alcachofa confit pinxo. They also have life music and this is in a very cool part of town.

Bon Apetit magazine suggested we go to James Beard Award winning Cochon, and a well-eaten traveler told us to get a sandwich at the adjacent Cochon Butcher.  It was fantastic, let me tell you. Yum. It was packed at 2:30 in the afternoon. And it is worth a line, wait, or whatever may be in the way of you and one of these awesome sandwiches.  I had the Buckboard Bacon Melt with collards and it was a good thing I was sitting down.  My wife had the Cuban and it was also really quite good.

Finally we had our last meal at Merchant in the Warehouse District, based on a recommendation from the coolest bartender in the world from the 21st Amendment bar.

I had a duck con fit crepe with blue cheese and balsamic. I really shouldn't have to say any more. The peppery greens served along side gave a nice counter-point.  My wife got a savory crepe and it was nice too. Enjoy some Illy coffee and a fantastic crepe if you make it over to this neighborhood.

Four nights was barely enough to scratch the surface of this great eating city. But I thoroughly enjoyed each & every bite. And I'm really looking forward to going back in two years.

Now I'm inspired to do some cooking!