NOLA, French Quarter, New Orleans
NOLA, French Quarter, New Orleans
I heard that regardless of what you think of Emeril Lagasse, some people love him and some people hate him, his restaurants in New Orleans are fabulous. He did win a James Beard award, after all. The last time I was in New Orleans, I didn’t plan ahead and couldn’t get in to eat at one of Emeril’s restaurants. This time we planned ahead. After some beers at Crescent City Brewhouse, we had a fabulous dinner at NOLA.
Gulf Oysters and Crabmeat Baked in the Wood Oven with Garlic Butter and Herb Bread Crumbs :: NOLA, French Quarter, New Orleans
“Shrimp & Grits” Sautéed Gulf Shrimp, Grilled Green Onions, Smoked Cheddar Grits, Apple Smoked Bacon, Crimini Mushrooms, Creole Tomato Glaze and Red Chili-Abita Butter Sauce (topped with crab meat) :: NOLA, French Quarter, New Orleans
Grilled Pork Porterhouse with Brown Sugar Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Toasted Pecans and Caramelized Onion Reduction Sauce :: NOLA, French Quarter, New Orleans
NOLA Banana Pudding Layer Cake with a Graham Cracker Crust, Homemade Vanilla Wafers and a Warm Fudge Drizzle (a la mode with Drunken Monkey Ice Cream) :: NOLA, French Quarter, New Orleans
I thought that the food was really delicious and well prepared. I can see how Emeril says his style is New New Orleans. There are some of the classics you’d think of in Cajun and Creole cooking, but with a modern twist. Also, the service was really great. I loved our wait staff. Our waiter was really knowledgeable, but into joking around with us all the same. There was also a bread girl who came around to tempt us with her wares. Instead of getting a bread basket at the table, as the bread was made, she’d bring it out from the kitchen and offer it to us. I had the onion foccacia roll, a tiny french loaf, and a jalepeno cornbread muffin, all hot out of the oven. So good.
For anyone who is visiting New Orleans and wants to go out one night for a nice dinner, I’d recommend NOLA. I also want to try one of John Besh’s restaurants next time I visit.
