eating through the big easy

I should have guessed how important food is to New Orleans after watching several Food Network shows stuffed to capacity with the things dreams are made of.  But I didn't.  Eating is apparently a N'awlins tradition.  And eat we did!  If you like seafood, this is definitely the town for you. But if you're like me and cringe at the sight of shrimp, let me tell you, there is plenty of everything wonderful to be had in the Big Easy.  Here are a few of my favorites from our trip.

First, Cafe Beignet.  This little cafe introduced me to the world of beignets and life will never be the same.  Actually a chain, Cafe Beignet has locations on Bourbon Street and a block over on Royal.  We frequented Royal more often but enjoyed the Bourbon Street location one evening as we listened to live jazz en plein aire.  Aside from the beignets, which are killer, they have some great little sandwiches and venues that are just oozing with character.  Did I mention the beignets? Dang..they're good.  We may or may not have planned our departure around when Cafe Beignet opened in the morning..

Next up, Commander's Palace, a New Orleans institution.  I admit, I was underwhelmed.  My family, however, left with tighter pants and euphoric compliments.  Looking back, I think my dissatisfaction stemmed from the fact that I was more hungry than the entree I ordered could handle.  Mind you, if you ever wondered what Meyer lemons and asparagus would taste like in a risotto, boy howdy do I have the meal for you!  At our table we also had quail, veal, and a hefty serving of lamb, all cooked to perfection.

What you really have to get here is the bread pudding souffle.  Oh gosh, is it good!  So good, truly every other person in the dining room ordered it.  Except me.  I ordered strawberry shortcake, which was absolutely divine.  Heads up, you must make a reservation to eat here.  And be dressed appropriately.  We learned both the hard way.  Absolutely no shorts allowed.  Ladies, I'd recommend nice pants or an easy dress.  Also, it's pricey.  Worth it, but pricey.  If you really want to splurge on one meal though, I HIGHLY recommend...

Mr. B's Bistro.  Oh. My. Gosh.  This is hands down the best food I have ever eaten in the history of me eating.  I had this ginger crusted pork chop that was glazed in heaven and served with a side of angels. Oh my golly...  Divine is the closest word to what that pork was.  Not only was my meal good, everything was good.  We shared tastes all around the table, except Dr. Dad.  He ate it too fast and was considering seconds by the time we were passing around forks.  What's so amazing about this is we ended up here on a total fluke.  No, really!  It was our first night and the skies opened up pommelling us lowly, exhausted travelers with soaking rain.  We had gone walking in search of food and ended up at Mr. B's purely because it was the first place we came to with tables inside, that wasn't an IHOP or McDonald's, and it looked dry and warm.  Best surprise ever when we walked in and saw mahogany covered walls and tables covered with crisp white linen.  We feasted like kings, drank hot cups of delicious herbal tea, and then rallied for the walk home with scrumptiously scrumptious desserts.

If ever I go back to New Orleans, I will make a mad dash for Mr. B's.  In fact, I blame Mr. B's for my lackluster opinion of Commander's Palace.  After tasting perfection on our first night, nothing could ever taste as good.  It was truly the best food I have ever eaten.

So tell me, have you ever been to New Orleans?  Where did you eat? What were your favorites?