There is so much great pho over here on the Westbank, we’re practically swimming in it, but pity the poor slob who needs a bowl after 6pm . . . even on the weekends! Do they have a thing against late-ish night diners? Do we smell funny? My theory is […]
Breaking Bread: John Gendusa Bakery
Loafing around with French bread from John Gendusa’s, a century-old New Orleans bakery in Gentilly. Lovers of local culinary history all know the oft-told origin story of New Orleans’ famed po-boy. As the legend goes, restaurateurs Benny and Clovis Martin (a.k.a. the “Martin Bros.”) created the inexpensive meal to feed […]
NOLA’s Biggest Slice is Coming to the Westbank
This Thursday, December 22nd, wankers will be able to drive-thru for the GNO’s biggest slice at Fat Boy’s Pizza Express located at 1535 Lapalco Boulevard! Because everyone needs a 30-inch pizza, the folks behind Fat Boy’s decided to capitulate to our demands and bring that big boy across the river. […]
Around the World T-Day Dinner at Mister Mao
It’s become something of a tradition for John and I to dine out for our Thanksgiving dinner, and let me tell you, we’ve had some truly memorable meals. Just off the top of my head I fondly recall watching my friend’s daughter (she was almost 1!) enjoy her first foie […]
Take Me Out for Chinese Food
Though it’s long been seen in American culture as take-out or delivery food, Chinese cuisine has always been a special night out for me. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area allowed me the distinct privilege of enjoying some of the finest Chinese cuisine available in the U.S. decades […]
Celebrate the Holidays at Couvant
Several years ago, French brasserie Couvant opened inside The Eliza Jane, a stunningly-renovated Hyatt property in the Central Business District. After surviving a two-year, pandemic-induced hiatus, the restaurant (and the hotel) swung back into business this spring with a new lead in the kitchen and inspired menus. After spending time […]
Hong Minh in Harvey Gains Another Groupie
I am positive I’m over-simplifying the arduous process involved in creating a great restaurant, but in its essence, it seems pretty simple to me. In order to make me a lifelong fan, a restaurant has to meet four important criteria. First and foremost, you have to make delicious food, recipes […]
One Heck of a Wingding!
Our weather has gotten cooler, the holidays are right around the corner, and footballs are soaring – all setting the tone for one hell of a party! Sure, we’re all scrambling to get ready to feast for Thanksgiving, singing Christmas celebrations, and ringing in the New Year (and Mardi Gras), […]
French Brasserie Tonti’s Hand Opening in Algiers Point
When you live in a small, tight-knit neighborhood like Algiers Point, you’re bound to hear about new happenings just by visiting the corner bar. Point in fact, it was while in line at Joel’s Lobster Rolls pop-up hosted outside the Crown & Anchor Pub that I heard about Tonti’s Hand. […]
Strut Your Stuff!
There’s little in this world you cannot stuff. You can stuff your face, a teddy bear, your house (with all kinds of stuff), a mattress, your butt into a tight pair of jeans . . . the possibilities are endless! Of all that’s available, arguably the best (and tastiest) stuff […]
For the Love of Lobster
Innumerable and ubiquitous are the comments that disparage the lobster. From the simple and non-descript “it’s overrated” to conceit regarding it’s supposed lack of flavor and “rubbery” (translation: poorly cooked) texture. How many times have I heard folks comparing it to its crustaceous relatives; the ever elevated crab and ginormous […]
Unheralded Success: Chef Robert Haten at Mandina’s Restaurant
When Robert Haten began his employment at Mandina’s Restaurant thirty years ago, he never expected his ascent to head chef of the nearly century-old, Mid-City landmark. The pastel pink building on the corner of Canal Street and North Cortez was already a well-established, much-beloved neighborhood restaurant in Mid-City when Robert […]