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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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GAMBIT > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JANUARY 25 > 2011

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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but its enrollment is currently more than 19,000. UNO and SUNO were built to serve a combined student body of roughly 24,000, yet their combined enrollments are less than 15,000. Even in flush economic times, those numbers are not tenable. We point out these facts not to endorse the merger prematurely, but to underscore the need for an honest, objective study. Under the best of circumstances, merging two universities will be difficult. It may even be impossible, or undesirable. We urge the regents to complete the study honestly, objectively and on time — and to provide all the facts and figures backing up their recommendation. We urge lawmakers to withhold judgment until the study is completed. Meanwhile, we hope Jindal will expand his higher ed to-do list. That list should

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Politics should play no role in this decision; it should be all about serving students better. include potential consolidations, downsizings and redirecting missions at all public colleges and universities — not just those in New Orleans. It also should include combining the four post-secondary management systems and five governing boards into one system governed by one board. The old model of separate systems (and boards) for LSU and Southern University just doesn’t work. The main campuses never achieved “flagship” status outside Louisiana, and the satellite campuses have been treated like stepchildren. Academically, separate systems have given us duplication, inconsistency and mediocrity. Putting all post-secondary institutions into one system, under one board, will pave the way for the kinds of changes needed to put Louisiana’s colleges and universities on the road to excellence. We think the governor is on the right track, but we hope he will expand his focus and push for wholesale reform of higher education. The budget crisis gives him the opportunity; the need to serve students better makes it a mandate.

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

ov. Bobby Jindal touched off a firestorm last week when he suggested the University of New Orleans (UNO) and Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) should merge and move into the University of Louisiana System. Actually, what the governor said was that he wanted the state Board of Regents, which oversees all higher education in Louisiana, to study the idea and report back by March 1. Predictably, those with a stake in maintaining the status quo were up in arms — six weeks before the study’s results come in. Many no doubt suspect that the study is a “done deal” that will conclude precisely what Jindal has suggested. Truth be told, the regents have been studying ways to cut higher education costs for a while in response to the state’s fiscal bind. Budgets at both UNO and SUNO have been whacked in recent years, but no one can truthfully argue that Louisiana’s five post-secondary education systems aren’t rife with programmatic duplication and bureaucratic waste. The idea of a UNO-SUNO merger was probably already under consideration by the regents, albeit quietly until Jindal’s announcement. Now that the governor has signaled his support, the proposal will likely become a focal point of the legislative session that begins April 25. “We must do what’s best for our students,” Jindal said last week. “It cannot be driven by politics.” Unfortunately, it will be impossible to keep politics out of this decision, particularly when it requires a twothirds vote of the Legislature. Jindal added that any possible merger should include “better collaboration with nearby Delgado Community College,” which is seriously overcrowded. We agree wholeheartedly with the governor on those points. Politics — especially attempts to protect bloated, dysfunctional political fiefdoms — should play no role in this decision; it should be all about serving students better. UNO and SUNO are important institutions, but this decision should not be about institutions; it should be about students — and how to give them educational excellence. Citing low graduation rates at UNO and SUNO, Jindal said the study “must be an objective analysis driven by facts.” He’s right. Only 5 percent of SUNO’s freshmen graduate within six years; UNO’s rate is better, but still a low 21 percent. We think Jindal also was correct to mention Delgado in this discussion. Though not part of a potential merger, Delgado plays a key role in preparing area students for the workforce. Moreover, in contrast to UNO and SUNO, Delgado’s enrollment has surged in recent years. Delgado’s campus was built to serve approximately 14,000 students,

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Questions for Blake: askblake@gambitweekly.com

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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I’m sure there are hundreds of stories the residents and visitors could tell, but one is particularly sad. Some of you remember the Beverly Country Club that opened in 1945 and was turned into a plush gambling house. In 1951, the Senate Crime Investigation Committee forced its closure. One of the owners, “Dandy Phil” Kastel, reopened the club in 1959 and promised it would be a dinner and supper club only. But when gambling commenced again, court action followed. In 1962, Kastel, aging, nearly blind and broke from trying to reopen the Beverly, took his own life with a .38-caliber revolver in his apartment at the Claiborne Towers.

It was not roaches that caused concern; it was rats. Claiborne Towers was the creation of Paul Kapelow, a real estate developer whose commercial and residential projects in the New Orleans area began in the 1950s. It was constructed in 1950-51 as the city’s largest apartment complex. Located on Canal Street at South Claiborne Avenue, it had 1,000 units in 17 stories. Over the years, it has had numerous owners, and repeated efforts to revive the property as a hotel have failed. The property has been HEY BLAKE, sold three times, and its Now vacant and in WHERE CAN I FIND A PICname has changed as disrepair, Claiborne TURE OF LAKESIDE MALL Towers has been closed well as the way it was since Hurricane Katrina WHEN IT WAS FIRST BUILT used. Those uses includand was sold at public IN 1960? ed apartments, hotel auction in 2008. rooms and offices. Once DEBRA GUARNERI it operated as a Ramada Hotel of New Orleans. Back in 2003, a class-action lawsuit DEAR DEBRA, Your question is connected to the was filed by people who had stayed or worked in the hotel and had complained one above, because Lakeside Shopping of being exposed to mold and other fun- Center was developed by the same Paul gal substances. With the lawsuit pending, Kapelow who built the Claiborne Towers. Louisiana Worship Hospitality paid $1.1 Construction began in 1958 when today’s million for what was then the Crescent Veterans Memorial Boulevard was just a shell road and the site was surrounded on Canal. Expedia.com and Hotels.com removed by cow pastures. It was the first shopping the hotel from their websites in 2004 mall in Louisiana. The single-level, 431,700-square-foot after many visitors complained about rusty water coming from the faucets, complex opened for business on March 22, 1960, and included D.H. Holmes, dirty carpets and rodents. A year later, the owners of the Crescent Godchaux’s and J.C. Penney. There is a website where you can find on Canal settled the lawsuit. The hotel has been closed since several pictures of Lakeside Shopping Hurricane Katrina, and in 2007 the owners Center at www.mall-hall-of-fame.blogfiled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Eventually spot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html. Kapelow also founded Terrytown, a the way was cleared for the sale of the hotel to a Georgia real estate investment 6,000-home unincorporated community firm for $7.5 million. However, the deal in Jefferson Parish on the West Bank, fell through and the hotel was sold at and he named some of the streets after public auction on April 18, 2008, to a people who were important to him. Washington, D.C. investment company Terry Parkway and Carol Sue Avenue are named for his two daughters. for $3.3 million.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > MORE SCUTTLEBUTT CLANCY DUBOS < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < KNOWLEDGE < < < < < < < < < < <IS < <POWER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 11 13 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

scuttle Butt

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act.” — The official title of H.R. 2 in the new Congress, which sought to repeal the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). It passed 245-189 Jan. 19 in the now-Republican-controlled House of Representatives. The vote, like the name, was largely symbolic; the GOP needs the agreement of the Democraticcontrolled Senate to move forward, prompting Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., to say, “This is political theater. It’s a charade.”

Hive Mind AS EVERYTHING AROUND NEW ORLEANS HORNETS COACH MONTY WILLIAMS SEEMS CHAOTIC, HE GUIDES HIS TEAM WITH PATIENCE AND FAITH.

SKIN IN THE GAME

BY ALEJANDRO DE LOS RIOS

During an October game against the Denver Nuggets, Hornets coach Monty Williams shouts advice to point guard Chris Paul.

PAGE 11

PHOTO BY JON ATH A N BACHM A N

faced the Detroit Pistons went on for six minutes, and every question related to the NBA purchase. Williams, usually loath to talk about anything other than basketball, fielded the questions despite having relatively little to say of significance. At one point, Williams — at 39, the league’s youngest head coach — was able to find humor in the situation. “You know, I’ve had a number of firsts this year,” he said, laughing. “It can be a distraction, I’m not going to lie about that, it can be. But we get to play ball and that’s a good thing.” Williams has been dealing with distractions sur-

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Vote on “c’est what?” on bestofneworleans.com THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

PAGE 10

BoUQuets

21%

Should Louisiana outlaw smoking in bars in 2011, or let bars continue to set their own smoking policies?

THIS WEEK’S HEROES AND ZEROES

was among patrons honored by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) at its 20th anniversary gala Jan. 16. The City Council vice-president and longtime supporter of the arts was among 12 honorees cited by the LPO for their extraordinary levels of devotion and support of the orchestra, which is the only symphony in the nation owned and operated by its musicians.

Tyler Clark

of Northlake Christian School in Covington was honored as one of two state winners of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award, which is given in conjunction with the college Heisman. Clark was chosen from 55,000 applicants statewide, and he and fellow winner Kari Payton of Bastrop were honored last week at a lunch featuring former New Orleans Saint Deuce McAllister.

Chords for Charity

donated $10,000 to Rebuilding Together, the New Orleans-based group dedicated to home recovery. Each time someone downloaded a free copy of Holly Montgomery’s single, “My Brother’s Keeper,” Chords for Charity gave $1 to the rebuilding cause. The group has moved on to a new nonprofit beneficiary. To get your free music and trigger a $1 donation, visit www.choicehotelsmusic.com.

Dr. Ed Blakely,

the bloviating “master of disaster” whose post-Hurricane Katrina tenure as New Orleans’ recovery czar was marked by, well, not much, is now advising Australians on what to do in the wake of the catastrophic Queensland floods, which have left three-quarters of the state a disaster zone. Blakely is already boasting he warned Australians years ago of the potential for flooding and “they scoffed.” Haven’t the Aussies been through enough?

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

fter the Jan. 24 game against the San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans — and the NBA — will know whether the Hornets have averaged enough fans to lock them into their lease with the New Orleans Arena, or whether the team can opt out, putting the future location of the franchise into play. The Hornets have been struggling with attendance all season long (the team ranks 25th of 30 in the league), though a late surge due to blocks of tickets bought by the New Orleans Business Council has given them a bump. An estimated crowd of 15,155 people came to see the Hornets play the Toronto Raptors in an afternoon game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and nearly 16,000 showed up for the Jan. 19 showdown against the Memphis Grizzlies, which ended in a thrilling overtime victory that gave the Hornets their sixth straight win. Regardless of the attendance markers, the NBA — which bought the Hornets in December and, ultimately, is the only entity that has the final say on what will happen to this franchise — made it clear that attendance markers of the last few weeks are key to determining the team’s long-term viability in New Orleans. By now, rookie head coach Monty Williams has fielded questions about every story angle sportswriters can come up with about his team’s attendance and ownership situation. “My thing is that it could be a lot worse. Nobody’s lost their job,” Williams said before his team’s first game after David Stern announced the NBA would buy the Hornets. That meeting with print media before the Hornets

Several members of the 112th U.S. Congress — all GOP freshmen and all foes of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) — made news this week when they announced they would forego enrollment in the Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Plan, which offers health coverage at reduced rates to government employees. According to a 2009 survey by the Los Angeles Times, the average member of Congress receives about $700 per month in taxpayersubsidized health care funds. Among representatives turning down the benefit was Congressman Jeff Landry, R-New Iberia, who sent out a press release saying, “American taxpayers — burdened with nearrecord deficits — cannot afford to pay members of Congress, who already receive $174,000 a year salary, an additional benefit. … The only way Congress will repeal Obamacare and fight for affordable health care is to have skin in the game.” Landry is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm and would therefore be eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits, including VA insurance and hospitalization. Gambit called him this week to see how Landry and his family were managing their medical coverage.

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rounding the Hornets since before the season began. He was hired over the summer while rumors swirled that Chris Paul was demanding a trade from New Orleans. The preseason didn’t go much better as the team won only a single game. Then Williams and his players turned things around, winning 11 out of their first 12 games before the winning streak went south again. Now the ownership situation is front and center. Williams, though, has dealt with bigger distractions. When he attended Notre Dame, he was diagnosed with a heart condition and was disqualified from playing because of it. “To be 18 years old and be told that you’re going to die, that’s not a career

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— David West, Hornets forward

goal,” he says, adding that, as tough as that time was for him, he doesn’t regret the changes it wrought. Up to that point, basketball dominated his life, but once he couldn’t play the game he loved, he says, he needed to reprioritize things. “I could say, ‘I became a better student, or I became more focused on this or my family was important’ — but that wasn’t it,” he says. “It was strictly faith-based. That was the perspective to me, that God had to be No. 1 in my life.” Doctors forbade Williams from playing basketball for two years. But then, in the summer of 1992, he underwent a series of tests at the National Institutes of Health and was cleared to play. In a Sports Illustrated article written after Williams was drafted by the New York Knicks, he was quoted as saying he “started praying and crying” when he learned he was cleared to play ball. When he returned to the court, however, Williams couldn’t dodge questions

about his heart and how he was able to overcome his condition. “I got so sick of telling people, ‘God healed my heart,’” he says. “I just wanted to hold up a transcript of my answer to everyone.” FlasH-FOrWarD 16 Years aND NOW Williams heads an NBa team and fields questions about his star player’s happiness and what he thinks of the league being his boss. every day seems like it brings a new twist, but Williams says he’s unfazed, relying on his faith. “One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6: ‘Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight,’” he said. “sometimes you’re just not going to understand. I know if I trust in the lord things will be OK.” But while Williams puts his trust in his faith, his players put their trust in his intelligence. Paul began the season by praising Williams’ basketball IQ as “unbelievable.” after the team beat the raptors Jan. 17, power forward David West said the players “bought in, and we bought in early” to Williams’ system. The reason? “You gotta respect intelligence,” he said. “[The coaching staff] proved that they’re a very smart, astute group.” Wiliams gained much of that savvy playing under NBa champion head coaches larry Brown, Gregg Popovich and Doc rivers. It was the san antonio spurs’ Popovich who gave Williams his first coaching job. “We just thought he had the intelligence and the work ethic,” Popovich told reporters before facing off against Williams for the first time (the Hornets won that night, 99-90). rivers, another Popovich protege, shared a similar story before the Hornets played the Boston Celtics on New Year’s eve (another game the Hornets won, this time 83-81). When Williams played for rivers in Orlando, the then-rookie coach told Williams he had what it takes to be a coach. “You knew right when he retired that he would be a head coach,” rivers told NesN before the Dec. 31 game. “It was no secret with Monty.” at the time, Williams took it as another seemingly crazy bit of advice similar to what he’s heard from coaches all his life. “I remember they’d say something to me and I thought that they were nuts,” Williams says. Now, though, Williams says he’s realized the wisdom of the advice he received and finds himself repeating the same things to the players he coaches. “It enforces why I say what I say because I know the benefit of it,” he says. IN NeW OrleaNs, THe BeNeFITs are tangible. Together with general manager Dell Demps, another student of

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IT’S Popovich’s tutelage, Williams has overhauled New Orleans’ roster and turned the Hornets into a strong defensive team that’s played exceedingly well for two stretches this season — at least well enough that the cacophony of trade rumors surrounding Paul has subsided while he’s returned to being the most efficient and effective point guard in the NBA. West, meanwhile, is also in All-Star form, anchoring the offense and demonstrating the ability to score 20 points in any given game. Put together, it’s a team that, despite what attendance figures suggest, is well worth watching. And Williams has made it possible despite all the problems that landed in his lap when he took the job. But he says none of that factored into his decision. “Bottom line: it was a job and I think people lose track of that,” he says. “In this economy you can’t turn your nose up at a job. For me to sit here and com-

plain about what happened last summer — most people laugh at you. You know, it’s not that big of a deal.” Williams has kept the same dialogue going all season long. When his team won 11 straight games to start the season, he kept talking about the Hornets’ need to get better every day. During their 3-12 skid after Thanksgiving, Williams again stressed fundamentals, insisting at the time that “it’s not hard” for the Hornets to get back to winning. Turns out it wasn’t that hard: Williams stayed on message, his players listened, the Hornets pulled out of their funk and rebounded for a winning streak in midJanuary — just as the league attendance numbers were coming due. The coach credits his players for the bounce back. “When guys know your heart and they know where your comments are coming from, if they’re coming from a good place, guys are more willing to listen,” Wiliams says.

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U.S. Sen. David Vitter’s victorious reelection campaign against Congressman Charlie Melancon left Vitter with more than $442,000 of debt, according to campaign finance reports filed Jan. 20. The figure was remarkable on several counts, not the least of which was the whopping amount of money Vitter raised during the campaign: more than $12.5 million. Melancon raised less than $4 million. It was difficult not to notice the irony in Vitter’s many fundraising emails dur-

ing the race, which emphasized his fight against what he called the “Melancon/ Obama big-spending, big-government agenda.” An Election Day email signed by his wife, Wendy Vitter, assured supporters, “Without your dedication and long hours, we would not have been able to get out David’s message of conservative reform and fiscal sanity to our fellow Louisianans.” Meanwhile, in the Louisiana House races, the victorious candidates raised between $1 million and $2 million each, while defeated Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao took in just over $2 million. The victor in that race, new Rep. Cedric Richmond, raised only half that. Cao, who ended the election cycle with $33,000 of debt, will attempt to balance his books Feb. 3 at a “campaign debt retirement reception” hosted by Plaquemines Parish president Billy Nungesser and others at a private home in New Orleans’ Garden District. The suggested contribution for individuals and couples is $500. But others have it far worse. Congressman Alan Grayson of Florida, who emerged as a Democratic firebrand and progressive favorite in 2010, lost to new Congressman Daniel Webster by 18 percentage points. According to the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, Grayson’s defeat left his campaign more than $1.6 million in debt, making the red-ink column of Vitter’s and Cao’s ledgers look puny by comparison. — Allman

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“Congressman Landry is enrolled in an individual health savings account (HSA) policy,” said Landry spokesman Millard Mulé. “‘It’s an individual policy that he pays for himself. That’s what he uses for health insurance.” According to guidelines set down by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “If the veteran receives any health benefits from the VA or one of its facilities, including prescription drugs, in the last three months, he/she will not be eligible for an HSA.” Several lawmakers — including former Sen. Larry Craig and U.S. Rep John Campbell — have introduced bills that would allow veterans to use HSAs in addition to their VA benefits. Health savings accounts were established as part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, and signed into law by then-President George W. Bush. — Kevin Allman

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clancy DUBOS

POLITICS Follow Clancy on Twitter @clancygambit.

Showing Some Real Backbone ne persistent criticism of Gov. Bobby Jindal has been his reluctance to risk his political capital in pursuit of controversial but necessary reform. He talks tough in front of citizens, but lawmakers know he mostly runs from tough fights — preferring to play it safe. For example, in his first year in office, Jindal initially (but quietly) opposed a move to roll back the so-called Stelly income tax hikes. When his behind-the-scenes efforts failed, he ran to the front of the rollback parade and loudly embraced the idea as his own. In 2009, instead of beginning the difficult task of trimming the state budget in advance of this year’s totally foreseeable fiscal “cliff,” Jindal made sex predators the centerpiece of his legislative agenda. And last year, while he laudably helped pass the GRAD Act to begin the work of reforming higher education funding (the act allows public universities to raise tuitions if they meet certain performance goals), he caved on the more difficult issue of tightening the state’s overall budget. That was particularly disappointing to House

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Republicans who led the fight to prepare for the current fiscal nightmare. That reluctance to take big political risks, combined with his frequent out-of-state travels to promote his book (and himself), steadily eroded Jindal’s once stratospheric poll numbers. He’s still popular — and in no real danger of losing his re-election bid later this year — but he no longer carries the aura of invincibility. Tough times will do that to any politician. But last week, in the face of declining poll numbers and a $1.6 billion budget shortfall, Jindal showed some real backbone. He announced his support for the potential merger of the University of New Orleans (UNO) and Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO). His sudden announcement caught even supporters of the idea off guard, and it triggered the expected howls from members of the Legislative Black Caucus, who consider Louisiana’s historically black colleges and universities a sacred cow. Technically, Jindal announced his support for the idea of the merger; he asked the state Board of Regents to study it and report back by March 1. Even if the regents report

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do to get his proposal passed, but a win will set him up nicely as a budget hawk — just in time for his re-election campaign. Meanwhile, Jindal signaled his support for another, even more controversial reform: combining the state’s five higher ed boards into one. If he rolls up his sleeves and pushes that one through (as a constitutional amendment, it requires two-thirds legislative approval and statewide voter approval), he will have earned his stripes as a reformer. Hopefully, the governor also will work to dissolve Louisiana’s four separate “systems” of post-secondary education in favor of one system under one board — and apply his belt-tightening strategy to public universities across the state. Combining UNO and SUNO is a popular idea outside of New Orleans, but what about the six public universities in sparsely populated north Louisiana? Real leadership requires boldness — putting one’s political capital at risk in pursuit of a greater good. The state’s budget mess presents Jindal with a genuine crisis — and a golden opportunity to prove the wisdom of the old saying, “No guts, no glory.”

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favorably, Jindal faces a tough legislative fight. The proposed merger requires a twothirds vote among lawmakers. To get it done, the governor will have to spend some of that precious political capital he’s been hoarding for the past three years. That will mark a significant change in Jindal’s approach to governing, but it will be good for him. He’ll learn the value of spending time with lawmakers, which he’ll have to

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WINTER restaurant guide

dressed impress TO

african BENNACHIN

1212 Royal St., 522-1230 Bennachin serves traditional West African dishes, including its spicy namesake, made with rice, chunks of beef and plenty of pepper. Vegetarian options are plentiful. Akara, or blackeyed pea fritters, are a popular appetizer, and the jama-jama ni makondo features sauteed spinach served with coconut rice and plantains. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

american ALLIGATOR PEAR

BY JAMIE CARROLL , MARIA CL ARK , W ILL COV IELLO, LINDSAY HILTON, L AU R EN L A BOR DE , I A N MCN U LT Y, M ICH A EL PAT R ICK W EL CH , P ET ER W I L S ON A N D A L E X W O OD WA R D PHOTOS

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f you want to see how restaurants are dressing up anything, from gourmet burgers to local seafood, let Gambit’s Winter Restaurant Guide be your fashion plate. Organized by cuisine, the guide has details on hundreds of restaurants, menus and culinary inspirations. There’s everything from fine dining to diner fare, seafood houses to sushi bars, African to Vietnamese cuisine, and everything in between. Peruse the guide by cuisine category or locate a restaurant in the alphabetical directory beginning on page 81. Listings include menu descriptions, hours of operation, reservation policies and more.

PRICES

Dollar signs indicate the average price of a dinner entree.

Indian/Pakistani .................................... 51 Italian ....................................................... 52 Japanese/Sushi .....................................54 Korean ........................................................57 Latin American .......................................57 Louisiana Contemporary ...................57 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern...... 61 Mexican/Southwestern.................... 62 Music and Food ....................................63 Neighborhood ...................................... 63 Pan-Asian ................................................. 67 Pizza ......................................................... 69 Sandwiches and Po-boys ..................70 Seafood .....................................................73 Soul Food .................................................76 Steakhouse .............................................76 Tapas/Spanish ....................................... 77 Thai ............................................................. 77 Vietnamese ............................................79 Directory ..................................................81

= Under $10

= $11-$20

$$$ = $21+

APPLEBEE’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL & BAR

Citywide; www.applebees.com Applebee’s aims to please every palate with its menu of steaks, ribs, burgers, sandwiches, fried seafood, fajitas and pasta bowls. There also are menus of drinks, desserts, low-calorie and kids’ items. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

AUDUBON CLUBHOUSE CAFE

6500 Magazine St., 212-5282; www.auduboninstitute.org Enjoy views from the Clubhouse while indulging in specialties like the chunky chicken salad plate, featuring chicken salad with red grapes and pecans, served on a bed of spring mix. The clubhouse serves breakfast dishes like the Second Tee, including two eggs, bacon or sausage and two pieces of toast. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $

THE BUFFET AT HARRAH’S

8 Canal St., 533-6000; www.harrahsneworleans.com The buffet is all in with pastas, boiled seafood, steaks, plenty of desserts and weekly specials. Thursday is all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab night. Praline treats are among the 40 items on the dessert bar. Reservations accepted. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $$

CHECKERED PARROT

133 Royal St., 592-1270; www.checkeredparrot.com The Checkered Parrot offers Tex-Mex options such as quesadillas, burritos and nachos, as well as burgers, wings, hot

COPELAND’S CHEESECAKE BISTRO

2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955; 4517 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-7620; www.copelandscheesecakebistro.com Copeland’s sampler platter includes favorites like the artichoke and spinach dip, bayou broccoli and Al’s Cajun popcorn. The Big Easy barbecue features slow-smoked pork shoulder served with a choice of side. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

DAISY DUKES

121 Chartres St., 561-5171; www.daisydukesrestaurant.com This French Quarter eatery offers breakfast and Cajun favorites all day. Menu options include omelets, pizza, red beans and rice, and daily specials. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $$

FAIR GROUNDS RACE COURSE 1751 Gentilly Blvd., 944-5515; www.fairgroundsracecourse.com The Grandstand buffet offers everything from shrimp Creole to fried chicken to General Tso’s chicken to pepper steak. The double duck salad features smoked duck and duck confit. The bread pudding with rum sauce is popular. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Fri.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

HARD ROCK CAFE

418 N. Peters St., 529-5617; www.hardrock.com Burgers, sizzling fajitas and hearty appetizers are the greatest hits at the New Orleans edition of this international chain. The Legendary burger is a 10-oz. patty topped with bacon, cheddar, an onion ring, lettuce, tomato and pickles. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

HOUSE OF BLUES

225 Decatur St., 310-4999; www.houseofblues.com The House of Blues focuses on Southern and soul food dishes. Creole seafood jambalaya adds local flair. The Sunday gospel brunch features unlimited mimosas and dishes like Creole shrimp with cheddar cheese grits. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

HOUSTON’S RESTAURANT

1755 St. Charles Ave., 524-1578; 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-2301; www.hillstone.com The spinach artichoke dip is the most popular item on Houston’s menu, served with sour cream and salsa. Ribs, sandwiches, burgers and seafood dishes are entree favorites. PAGE 16

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

African......................................................... 15 American .................................................. 15 Bar & Grill .................................................16 Barbecue ...................................................23 Belgian .......................................................23 Brewpub ...................................................23 Burgers ......................................................23 Cafe .............................................................23 Cajun ..........................................................33 Caribbean/Cuban .................................35 Chinese ......................................................35 Coffee & Dessert .................................36 Contemporary .......................................39 Creole ........................................................42 Deli .............................................................46 Diner .......................................................... 47 Fondue .......................................................49 French ...................................................... 49 German ..................................................... 51 Gourmet to Go ....................................... 51 Greek ......................................................... 51

1901 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 281-4472; www.alligatorpearcafe.com The wide-ranging menu at this eclectic restaurant includes Asian dishes like Mongolian beef and pad thai, New Orleans favorites like seafood po-boys, and Southern fried chicken served with a choice of two side items. The “monster Cajun burger” is loaded with mushrooms, bacon, onions and cheese. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

dogs, wraps, salads and New Orleans specialties. Red beans and rice with grilled smoked sausage and fried seafood platters add Creole flavor to the mix. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

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winter restaurant guide

page 15

Houston’s also offers seasonal fish specials. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

JIMMY BUFFETT’S MARGARITAVILLE CAFE

1104 Decatur St., 592-2565; www.margaritavilleneworleans.com Gulf Coast and Caribbean touches brighten the menu at Jimmy Buffett’s restaurant. Volcano nachos are topped with chili, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, tomatoes and scallions. Jamaican jerk chicken features two breasts served with rice and vegetables. There are burgers and sandwiches galore and a menu of frozen drinks. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

LUCY’S RETIRED SURFERS BAR & RESTAURANT

701 Tchoupitoulas St., 523-8995; www.lucysretiredsurfers.com The Warehouse District surf shack features casual fare like fish tacos — choose grilled or fried grouper topped with cheese, shredded cabbage and shrimp sauce — or ceviche with black bean salad. The Maui tuna steak sandwich is dressed with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and tartar sauce and served with fries or salad. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

O’HENRY’S FOOD & SPIRITS

634 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9741; 8859 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 461-9840; www.ohenrys.com O’Henry’s favorites include crawfish Monica, crawfish tails served over penne pasta tossed in spicy sauce, and the Cajun burger, a spicy patty covered with coleslaw and Zydeco special sauce on a jalapenocheddar bun. The menu also offers seafood platters, pasta, sandwiches, salads, steaks and a build-your-own-burger with choices of toppings including Southwestern cilantro sauce and avocado and blue cheese. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

PICCADILLY

Citywide; www.piccadilly.com Southern favorites fill the buffet at Piccadilly. There is everything from roast beef and pork to fried chicken and local favorites like crawfish etouffee. Extras include soups, salads, vegetables and desserts ranging from pecan pie to red velvet cake. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

PIER 4

Boomtown Casino, 4132 Peters Road, Harvey, 366-7711; www.boomtownneworleans.com Steak and seafood dishes are good bets at Pier 4. The seafood platter includes catfish, a jumbo lump crab cake, Gulf shrimp, a soft-shell crab and spicy onion rings. Other choices include rib-eyes and filets, New Orleans barbecue shrimp, burg-

ers and an avocado and crab salad. No reservations. Dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

Malena Rodriguez and Marcella Byrne serve thin-crust pies at theo’s neighborhood Pizza.

POPEYES

Citywide; www.popeyes.com Popeyes is known for spicy fried chicken. Whole pieces, nuggets and tenders are served in combo meals, baskets and sandwiches. Popular sides include red beans and rice, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, Cajun rice, spicy battered fries and biscuits. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS

Citywide; www.raisingcanes.com You can count the meal deal options at Raising Cane’s on a handful of chicken fingers. Try them in a three-piece combo or a sandwich. The Caniac Combo includes six fingers, french fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, a fountain drink and two dipping sauces. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

SEMOLINA

Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 4547930; www.semolina.com Semolina reworks classic pasta dishes from around the world. Pasta jambalaya features andouille sausage and chicken in Creole sauce over penne pasta. Double cheeseburger pasta is made with Angus beef and onions in barbecue marinara sauce and topped with lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, french fry sticks and sesame seeds. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SPUDLY’S SUPER SPUDS

2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 455-3250; www.spudlys.com Create your own super baked potato at Spudly’s with toppings ranging from crawfish and shrimp to fried chicken and jalapenos. The spinach and artichoke spud is smothered with creamy dip, mozzarella cheese and chives. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

SUN RAY GRILL

619 Pink St., Metairie, 837-0055; 1051 Annunciation St., 566-0021; 2424 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 305-4704; 2600 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 391-0053; www.sunraygrill.com Known for its Southwestern and Asian accents, Sun Ray Grill serves seafood, steaks and small plates. Guacamole with blue corn chips is a signature appetizer, and other noshing items include goat cheese fritters, ribs, spring rolls and nachos. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

WING ZONE

Citywide; www.wingzone.com The Zone serves chicken wings, fingers, wedge fries, fried mushrooms and spicy options such as Buffalo shrimp. Sauces vary in levels of heat, and choices include sweet and

tangy barbecue varieties, Thai chili, garlic Parmesan and cool ranch. Salads and burgers also are available. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

WOW CAFE & WINGERY

Citywide; www.wowcafe.com WOW’s dipping sauces round up a world of flavor, from teriyaki, peppery Santa Fe and Bombay coconut curry to Jamaican jerk spice and Buffalo sauce. The restaurant offers a similarly wide array of dishes including wraps, burgers, salads, quesadillas, cheese fries, nachos, Southwestern egg rolls and some New Orleans dishes like red beans and rice. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

bar & grill 13

517 Frenchmen St., 942-1345; www.13monaghan.com The menu at 13 offers diner favorites and vegetarian options. The “tater tachos” are crispy baked Tater Tots smothered in melted cheddar, jalapenos, black beans, salsa and sour cream. Sesame chicken salad is combined with mixed greens and toasted almonds and served on toasted multigrain bread. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

ALIBI BAR AND GRILL

811 Iberville St., 522-9187; www.alibineworleans.com The Alibi is a favorite among service industry types, especially because of its late hours. The selection of appetizers will help get a night going or end it well. The Alibi is noted for its menu of burgers, barbecue shrimp, chili cheese fries and

more than 150 brands of beer. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily, open 24 hours Fri.-Sun. Credit cards. $

dar ranch chicken sandwich also is popular. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

THE AVENUE PUB

BEAR’S AT GENNARO’S

1732 St. Charles Ave., 586-9243; www.theavenuepub.com Graze on gourmet pub grub at this 24-hour bar overlooking St. Charles Avenue. Waffle cheese fries are tossed in a cheddargarlic bechamel. A “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich houses drunken goat cheese and a house-blend of artisanal cheeses between sourdough slices. Also look for beer pairings and cheese plates. No reservations. Open 24-hours daily. Credit cards. $

BALCONY BAR & CAFE

3201 Magazine St., 894-8888 Balcony Bar is a late night hang out with outdoor seating on the second story balcony as well as plenty of space inside. When late night hunger hits, try cheese fries or quesadillas. No reservations. Dinner and latenight daily. Credit cards. $

THE BEACH HOUSE

2401 N. Woodlawn St., Metairie, 456-7470 The Beach House cooks hearty burgers topped with cheese and served with french fries or sweet potato fries. The Big Ass grilled center-cut pork chop is served with potato salad, a baked potato or sweet potato. Reservations accepted. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun., latenight Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

BEACHCORNER BAR & GRILL

4905 Canal St., 488-7357; www.beachcornerbarandgrill.yolasite.com Beachcorner is known for its 10-oz. burgers. The hot and spicy burger has jalapenos and pepper Jack cheese topped with a spicy sauce. The bacon ched-

3206 Metairie Road, Metairie, 833-9226 Bear’s at Gennaro’s dishes up all types of po-boys, filled with fried catfish, shrimp, barbecued meats, grilled ham or french fries. Appetizers include jalapeno and onion rings. No reservations. Lunch daily. Credit cards. $

BEAR’S GRILL & SPIRITS

550 Gause Blvd., Slidell, (985) 201-8905; 1809 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 6749090; 3206 Metairie Road, 833-9226; www.bearsgrillandspirits.com The slow-cooked roast beef and gravy is popular at Bear’s, where it’s stuffed into po-boys, ladled over cheese fries and draped over the 8-oz. New Orleans burger. Appetizers include onion rings, fried dill pickles and buffalo wings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

BROOKS SEAHORSE SALOON 1648 Gentilly Blvd., 218-4217 Just across from the Fair Grounds Race Course, this neighborhood tavern offers a wide range of bar food. The burger weighs in at half a pound and there’s a veggie burger as well. Other options include egg rolls and onion rings. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

BRUNO’S TAVERN

7538 Maple St., 861-7615; www.brunostavern.com This neighborhood tavern has been around since the 1930s. The one-eyed jack burger is topped with bacon, fried onion

rings, pepper Jack cheese and a fried egg. The Ponchatoula chicken salad is slathered in strawberry poppyseed dressing. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch, dinner and latenight daily. Credit cards. $

THE BULLDOG

3236 Magazine St., 891-1516; 5135 Canal Blvd., 488-4191; www.draftfreak.com The outdoor patios at both Bulldogs are good places to hang out in nice weather. The Bulldog features a wide selection of beers on draft and by the bottle. Head to the kitchen window to order burgers, nachos, quesadillas or fries. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $

CADDYSHACK

3217 Ridgelake Drive, Metairie, 833-1799 This tavern serves pub grub to go with cold suds. The Original Caddy burger is topped with caramelized onions, and the Caribbean burger adds bacon, cheese and jerk sauce. No reservations. Lunch daily. Credit cards. $

CALYPSO PATIO BAR AND GRILL

326 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 875-9676; www.calypsopatio.com Latin flavors meet tropical accents at Calypso. Tuna tostadas and shrimp nachos are popular appetizers. Fish tacos are filled with fried tilapia and cilantro-lime crema. Burgers, salads and pastas round out the options. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Mon.Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CHECKPOINT CHARLIE

501 Esplanade Ave., 281-4847 Wash your clothes and satisfy your cravings at this corner page 19

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

1/2 block from jackson square

local catering & nationwide shipping

FRench Quarter patio dining

AUTHENTIC CREOLE CUISINE IN THE CASUAL ELEGANCE OF A RESTORED 1795 CREOLE COTTAGE AND GARDEN PATIO.

MARCH 4TH-8TH {every party includes}

OPEN PREMIUM BAR GOURMET BUFFET SERVICE -featuring New Orleans fare-

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

Bourbon Vieux

has 130 feet of balcony at the corner of Bourbon & St. Louis!

d Fri., March 4th • Evening Celebration • 6pm-1am $160 per guest, all inclusive

Sun., March 6th • Evening Bonsoir! • 6pm-1am $140 per guest, all inclusive

Sat., March 5th • Daytime Carnival • 11am-5pm $100 per guest, all inclusive

Mon., March 7th • Daytime Bienvenue • 11am-5pm $100 per guest, all inclusive

Sat., March 5th • Evening Soirée • 6pm-1am $160 per guest, all inclusive

Mon., March 7th • Evening Lundi Gras • 6pm-1am $140 per guest, all inclusive

Sun., March 6th • Daytime Hullabaloo • 11am-5pm $100 per guest, all inclusive

Tues., March 8th • All Day Mardi Gras • 12pm-11pm $250 per guest, all inclusive

Group parties are also available • Take advantage of our discounted day passes with any night time ticket purchase.

503 Bourbon St. • 504-586-1155

www.bourbonvieux.com info@bourbonvieux.com

Appetizers & SIDES Spinach & Artichoke Dip Blackened Fish Nuggets Grilled Boudin Macque Choux Corn

6.99 8.99 5.99 3.99

po-boys

Hot Roast Beef Po-boy Sauteed Shrimp Po-boy Blackened Catfish Po-boy Blackened Chicken Po-boy

GUMBOS & SALADS

Seafood Okra Gumbo with Shrimp and Crabs Chicken Andouille Gumbo selected by locals as The Best in the city! Large Shrimp or Crawfish Remoulade Salad Blackened Catfish or Chicken Salad Grilled Shrimp Salad

entrees

Jambalaya with Smoked Sausage, Shrimp & Chicken Shrimp Creole Shrimp in a spicy Creole Tomato sauce Red Beans & Rice with Smoked Sausage Creole Combination: Shrimp Creole, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice Creole Vegetarian Dish of the Day Crawfish Etouffee in a Spicy Sauce, served over rice Crawfish & Pasta in Tasso Cream Fresh Catfish Florentine over seasoned spinach, topped w/ hollandaise Blackened Catfish pan-broiled in a hot iron skillet, w/ vegetable Fresh Fish Creole Catfish topped w/ Shrimp Creole, w/ vegetable Chicken Espagnole simmered w/ mushrooms, shallots, garlic & wine Grilled/blackened Chicken w/ garlic mashed potatoes & vegetable Filet Mignon topped w/ seasoned sauteed mushrooms, w/ potatoes

8.99 9.99 8.99 7.99

7.99 7.99 11.99 10.99 11.99

11.99 13.99 10.99 12.99 9.99 15.99 15.99 15.99 14.99 15.99 13.99 13.99 23.99

This is a taste of our menu. View our entire menu at gumboshop.com!

winter restaurant guide

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page 16

Chef Mark Latino matches local seafood with Germanstyle beers at the CresCent City Brewhouse.

CLUBHOUSE BAR & GRILL

4617 Sanford St., Metairie, 883-5905; www.theclubhousebarandgrill.com Salads, burgers and Louisiana classics round out this eatery’s menu. The Clubhouse jambalaya is made with chicken, andouille sausage and shrimp. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

COLUMBIA STREET TAP ROOM & GRILL

434 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 898-0899; www.columbiastreettaproom.com This kitchen features far more than typical pub grub. Start with an order of sauteed crab claws or barbecue shrimp. Entrees include catfish Lafayette with crawfish, mushrooms and green onions and spinach salad topped with

fried oysters, almonds and feta. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

COOTER BROWN’S TAVERN

509 S. Carrollton Ave., 8669104; www.cooterbrowns.com Order a dozen raw oysters and one of Cooter Brown’s more than 400 brands of domestic and imported beer. Hungry patrons can sup on burgers, po-boys and seafood platters. Try the NOLA Philly, a sandwich stuffed with alligator sausage, green peppers, house-made onion barbecue sauce and American cheese. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

COPPER MONKEY BAR & GRILL

725 Conti St., 527-0869 Traditional Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya and red beans and rice are barroom favorites at Copper Monkey. The menu also includes burgers, quesadillas, salads and steaks. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

DEANIE’S RESTAURANT & BAR

7350 Hayne Blvd., 248-6700 Deanie’s offers eight daily lunch specials. The regular menu’s Showboat platter piles on fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, stuffed crabs and stuffed shrimp. Other entrees include the stuffed catfish St. Charles, topped with lobster cream sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sat, dinner Fri. Credit cards. $

DINO’S BAR & GRILL

1128 Tchoupitoulas St., 558-0900 Dino’s Bar & Grill offers a range of tasty bar food and healthy fare. Dishes vary from salads and sandwiches to half-pound burgers. Wraps are filled with Buffalo chicken, chicken Caesar or chicken bacon ranch. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

DOWN THE HATCH

1921 Sophie Wright Place, 5220909; www.downthehatchnola.com page 21

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

spot. The jalapeno poppers, tots and french fries are popular appetizers. Choose from a menu of half-pound burgers, sandwiches and specials. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

The place to go for a

melt-in-your-mouth,

sloppy,

delicious

roast beef Poboy

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

sMall regular king French / Bun French French

roasT Beef – Delicious, always tender and juicy, prepared in our own rich gravy, hot or cold......... BBQ roasT Beef – The same tender beef in our rich barbecue sauce ......................................................... HoT sausage PaTTies – Hot and spicy, cooked in its own juices............................................................... HoT sausage links – Spicy, hot links served the way you like ............................................................... iTalian sausage – A delicious patty with just the right hint of anise; try it with tomato gravy ....................... BBQ sMoke sausage – A delicious juicy sausage smothered with BBQ Sauce ........................................ HaMBurger – Pure beef patties, tender and juicy, with gravy and onions if desired ............................................... cHeeseBurger – Same tender beef patty with American, Swiss or Provolone cheese ............................ MeaTBall – Homemade, delicious tomato gravy and meatballs ................................................................................ caTfisH – Thick, tender farm grown fillets, battered and fried ......................................................................... oysTer – Fresh Louisiana oysters, fried crispy, try catsup, hot sauce and pickles ............................................... sHriMP – Freshly breaded and fried crisp to order .......... crayfisH Tails – Battered and fried crisp to order ....... cHicken – Spicy or mild, fried in a spiced breading, a succulent piece of chicken breast tenderloin ...................... frencH fry – Delicious golden fries with our roast beef gravy, if desired ......................................................... HaM – A generous portion of juicy boiled ham .................... HaM anD cHeese – The same amount of ham with a layer of American, Swiss or Provolone cheese ................... colD cuT PoBoys – Luncheon Meat, Salami, Livercheese or Bologna (any one) ............................................ aMerican cHeese – A generous portion of American cheese dressed your way ................................... swiss cHeese – Big-Eye Swiss cheese on french, bun or slice.................................................................. Provolone cHeese – Dressed the way you like ......... Turkey BreasT – A generous portion of 96% fat free baked turkey....................................................... cHicken salaD – For a lighter lunch, served on a bed of lettuce, whole wheat, sliced or french....................... Tuna salaD – For a lighter lunch, served on a bed of lettuce, whole wheat, sliced or french....................... four MeaT sPecial – Ham, Luncheon Meat, Bologna, Salami ............................................................................. cHeese – American, Swiss or Provolone, add..................... guMBo – Chicken and Sausage or Seafood (Seafood on Friday only) .............................................................

3.79

5.75

7.80

3.99

5.99

8.25

2.99

4.89

6.99

2.99

4.50

6.19

3.20

5.50

7.75

3.20

4.60

6.50

3.59

5.49

7.15

4.09

6.25

8.15

3.79

5.39

6.98

4.99

7.40

10.40

6.25 5.49 5.70

9.50 7.99 8.25

13.75 10.99 10.75

3.99

6.05

8.40

2.50 2.85

4.00 3.90

5.25 5.85

3.35

4.65

6.85

2.35

3.50

5.35

2.70

4.10

6.10

3.30 2.85

4.75 4.40

7.15 6.10

3.59

5.00

7.15

3.60

5.75

7.90

3.60

5.75

7.90

.50

5.25 .75

1.00

3.75

5.00

voTeD BesT roasT Beef PoBoy on wwl’s fooD wars no exTra cHarge for Dressing PriCeS SubjeCT To ChaNge wiThouT NoTiCe

caTering iTeMs availaBle for your nexT ParTy: Poboy Finger Sandwich Tray • chicken, SauSage and andouille gumbo by The gallon • SeaFood gumbo by The gallon • Jambalaya by The Pan 119 TransconTinenTal Drive · MeTairie · la (Near airliNe Drive)

885-4572

Mon–Thurs 8am–7:30pm · Fri & Sat 8am–9pm · Closed on Sunday Visit our website! www.shortstoppoboys.com

We’ve Got All Your Favorites! Gumbo | Seafood Hand-Tossed Pizza Italian Dishes | Po-Boys Muffalettas Stuffed Artichokes & More!

216 Old Hammond Highway Bucktown | 831-1248

PO-BOYS & CATERING SEAFOOD • SALADS WRAPS • LUNCH SPECIALS MONDAY-THURSDAY 11AM-9PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11AM-10PM • SUNDAY 5PM-9PM

901 Veterans Blvd. • Metairie, LA • 835-0916

WWW.SAMMYSPOBOYS.COM

winter restaurant guide

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page 19

The Texas burger at this Garden District pub hosts an Angus beef patty topped with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cheddar and a fried egg. Look for salads, wraps, wings and other casual fare. The bar also offers barbecue ribs and pulled pork. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

DRY DOCK CAFE

133 Delaronde St., 361-8240; www.thedrydockcafe.com Right off the Algiers Point ferry landing, Dry Dock offers burgers, soups, salads, New Orleans classics and sandwiches. The Best Bank burger is topped with cheese, bacon, grilled onions and mushrooms. Changing lunch specials include spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant muffulettas and soups. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

THE EDGE BAR & GRILL

3400 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, 780-2266 The Edge Bar & Grill offers tasty snacks and hearty meals. Appetizers include cheese and chili-cheese fries. Nightly specials include steak dishes and spaghetti and meatballs. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

ERNST CAFE

F&M PATIO BAR

4841 Tchoupitoulas St., 8956784; www.fandmpatiobar.com College students and night owls head to F&M for deluxe cheese fries topped with bacon, chili and jalapenos. Get a hamburger with your choice of shredded cheese, bacon, mushrooms, jalapenos, grilled onions and peppers or chili. No reservations. Dinner and latenight daily. Cash only. $

FAT HARRY’S

4330 St. Charles Ave., 895-9582 Fat Harry’s features burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and other bar fare. The jazz burger is an 8-oz. patty of hot sausage and ground beef topped with cheese and barbecue sauce and dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, onion and pickles. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and latenight daily. Credit cards. $

FOX AND HOUND

1200 S. Clearview Pkwy., Harahan, 731-6000; www.foxandhound.com Salads, soups, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches are available at this spacious sports bar and restaurant. The taco salad is popu-

HANDSOME WILLY’S PATIO BAR

218 S. Robertson St., 525-0377; www.handsomewillys.com The site of an illicit 1930s nightspot, Handsome Willy’s now offers simple pleasures like beer, hot dogs, and roast beef and pulled pork sandwiches. On Fridays, free food is served on the patio. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

HARBOR BAR & GRILL

3024 17th St., Metairie, 835-6111 In addition to the restaurant’s signature three-quarter pound hamburgers and fries, Harbor Bar & Grill serves tuna steaks and po-boys. Popular appetizers include chicken drumettes, jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, meat pies and oysters bordelaise. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

HOOTERS

2781 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 393-7177; 4748 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 8890160; www.hooterslouisiana.com Hooters turns up the heat on chicken wings with sauces ranging from mild to Three Mile Island, 911 and spicy garlic. The menu also features burgers, sandwiches, salads and fried seafood. Cheese sticks, quesadillas and Buffalo shrimp are among Hooter’s popular dishes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

IGOR’S BUDDHA BELLY BURGER BAR

4437 Magazine St., 891-6105 Find burgers and bar food at this Magazine Street bar. Choose from several burgers, including the Cajun burger, spiced up with Tabasco and Creole seasonings. Chicken nuggets and onion rings also are popular. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

LAGER’S INTERNATIONAL ALE HOUSE

3501 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-9923; www.draftfreak.com Lager’s offers finger foods and traditional pub grub like the porter fries tossed in hot sauce and covered with chili, cheese and jalapenos. The crawfish banditos are whole-wheat tortillas stuffed with crawfish and cheese and topped with avocado and sour cream. Tex Mex egg rolls are filled with spicy grilled chicken, corn, peppers, onions, black beans and cheese and served with raspberry chipotle sauce. No reservation. Lunch, dinner and late night daily. Credit cards. $

LIUZZA’S BY THE TRACK

1518 N. Lopez St., 218-7888; www.liuzzabythetrack.com The signature dish at this corner bar is the barbecue shrimp poboy, with sweet pepper shrimp spilling out of a hollowed-out pistolette. The roast beef is soaked in gravy and covered with horseradish sauce. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

LIVE BAIT BAR AND GRILL

200 Old Hammond Hwy., Metairie, 840-0902; www.livebaitnola.com The daily specials at Live Bait range from red beans and rice with a fried or grilled pork chop or smoked sausage to meatloaf with brown gravy and mashed potatoes. The regular menu features seafood platters, ribs, po-boys and burgers. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MELIUS BAR & CAFE

1701 Lake Ave., Metairie, 828-9446 For breakfast, try the bacon, cheese and egg sandwich on Texas toast. French fries are covered in Swiss cheese and gravy. For lunch, try the Lake Avenue grilled chicken sandwich. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Fri, lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

OSCAR’S RESTAURANT & BAR

2133 St. Charles Ave., 568-9811 While you’re finishing a load of laundry, get started on a charbroiled half-pound patty on the Igor burger. There also are cheese fries, jalapeno poppers and other pub grub. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

2027 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-9540 Oscar’s serves its half-pound hamburgers with an overstuffed baked potato. The roast beef po-boy is made with pulled, home-cooked meat, and the Oscarlotta is a version of a muffuletta served on French bread. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Tue.Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $

JIGGERS BAR & GRILL

RAG’S SEAFOOD & GRILL

IGOR’S LOUNGE & GAMEROOM

1645 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-3555; www.jiggersgrill.com Jiggers serves sandwiches, pizza, salads and wraps. The 10-oz. burger has a special blend of meats and spices. Munch on 25 cent wings while cheering on your favorite New Orleans sports team. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

Lori Beth DeGrusha and Johnny DeGrusha Jr. offer an array of sandwiches at Johnny’s Po-Boys.

4960 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 792-1744; www.ragsmandeville.com Rag’s chicken Pontchartrain is a boneless fried chicken breast topped with shredded pepper Jack cheese and a ladle of seafood gumbo. Other options include po-boys, salads and seafood platters. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sun., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

RED EYE GRILL

852 S. Peters St., 593-9393; www.redeyegrill.net Red Eye will help you close out a long night with a menu of bar snacks, big burgers and sandwiches. Order a sandwich with grilled tuna steak, or grab a beer and a plate of hot wings or french fries. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

RIVERSHACK TAVERN

3449 River Road, Jefferson, 834-4938; www.therivershacktavern.com Favorite sandwiches at Rivershack include the roast beef po-boy slathered with debris gravy, and a chicken sandwich fried in Italian breadcrumbs and topped with ranch dressing. The seafood platter is loaded with oysters, shrimp, catfish and alligator sausage. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late night daily. Credit cards. $

ROCKY & CARLO’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

613 W. St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette, 279-8323; www.rockyandcarlos.com This Chalmette favorite is the neighborhood’s go-to spot for dripping roast beef po-boys and crisp onion rings. Other popular items include a breaded veal cutlet served over spaghetti. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $

ROOSEVELT HOTEL BAR

116 University Place, 566-9444; www.roosevelthotelbar.com The creative cooking at this CBD lounge includes duck confit po-boys with pickled red onions

and Satsuma jam, and crawfish waffle cakes made with a tarragon johnnycake batter and topped with crawfish tails and creme fraiche. Shrimp corn dogs are served with remoulade and sweet chili dressing. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and latenight daily. Credit cards. $$

playing pool, grab an order of hot wings, egg rolls or chicken quesadillas. Entrees include the 10-oz. burger, homemade hot tamales and sandwiches with grilled or fried chicken. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

SID-MAR’S RESTAURANT & BAR

4971 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 889-9856; www.stepsbarandgrill.com The pub grub at Step Brothers includes chicken quesadillas, wraps and salads. The popular Timmy burger combines a hot sausage patty and hamburger on French bread. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and latenight daily. Credit cards. $

3322 N. Turnbull Drive, Metairie, 831-9541; www.sidmarsrestaurant.com Sid-Mar’s returns to its roots with the Bucktown Special, a roast beef and ham sandwich with brown gravy and cheese. Another favorite is the hot sausage with brown gravy and cheese. The menu also features seafood platters, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, salads and grilled shrimp. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

SIDELINES BAR & GRILL

1229 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 831-4002 Watch sports on Sidelines’ flat-screen TVs while enjoying sandwiches, burgers or wraps. House-smoked beef brisket is served on a brioche bun with onions and pepper Jack cheese. The seared tuna melt features a tuna steak with jalapeno tartar sauce, smoked Gouda, lettuce and tomato on sourdough bread. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

SPEAKEASY SPORTS BAR & GRILL

4345 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 466-4069 Before singing karaoke or

STEP BROTHERS BAR & GRILL

TAVERN ON CITRUS

5708 Citrus Ave., Harahan, 218-5186; www.myspace.com/taverncitrus Watch sports on one of nine flat-screen televisions while noshing on appetizers like chili cheese fries, Buffalo chicken tenders, onion rings and jalapeno poppers. Top a grilled black Angus beef burger with jalapenos, chili and cheese, mushrooms and Swiss, or Buffalo sauce. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

VIC’S KANGAROO CAFE

636 Tchoupitoulas St., 524-4329 This pub offers a taste of Australia. Hearty options include chicken and sausage jambalaya and shepherd’s pie made with minced beef, vegetables and mashed potatoes and topped with melted cheddar. There’s a daily sandwich special and some noshing page 23

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

600 S. Peters St., 525-8544; www.ernstcafe.net This downtown tavern is known for burgers, fried seafood, poboys and wraps. To whet your appetite, choose from appetizers like Southwest egg rolls, chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. Other options include the grilled tuna fillet sandwich and the fried chicken wrap. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Sun.-Tue. Credit cards. $

lar. There’s a large selection of beers on draft. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

Bayona is proud to be a name dropper. James Beard winner, Chef Susan Spicer of Bayona has received the coveted 2011 New Orleans Top Food award by ZAGAT. Chef Spicer was honored in the December issue of New Orleans Magazine as Chef of the Year! T hanks to o fans and ur loyal p keeping u atrons for s at the t op their din ing list f of or the past 20 years.

GAMBIT > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JANUARY 25 > 2011

430 RUE DaUphinE • 504.525.4455 • www.bayona.com

winter restaurant guide

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items. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

WINSTON’S PUB & PATIO

531 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-8705 This Old Metairie tavern offers hearty bar-fare standbys like half-pound cheeseburgers, onion rings and fried mozzarella sticks, as well as lighter lunch and dinner options including grilled chicken Caeser pitas. Southwestern egg rolls are filled with black beans, red peppers, cheese and onions and served with ranch sauce. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

ZACHARY’S BY THE LAKE

7224 Pontchartrain Blvd., 8729832; www.zacharysbythelake.com This Lakeview bar and grill serves Creole favorites and some original creations. Sugar cane shrimp feature marinated shrimp wrapped in bacon and breadcrumbs, which are then fried and served with pickled okra. The seafood platter rounds up fried oysters, shrimp, catfish, stuffed crab, onion rings, hushpuppies, french fries and gumbo. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

barbecue ABITA BAR-B-Q

CORKY’S RIBS & BAR-B-Q

4243 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-5000; www.corkysbarbq.com Corky’s offers home-style barbecue with all the fixings. Ribs come wet, dry or both. The barbecue pork, beef brisket and fried chicken sandwich are among the sandwich choices. Trimmings include beans, coleslaw, fries and more. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

HILLBILLY BAR-B-Q

208 Tallulah Ave., River Ridge, 738-1508; www.hillbillybbq.com All of Hillbilly’s meats, including boudin, alligator sausage and pork spare ribs are smoked with hickory wood. Daily lunch specials include a boneless pork loin with macaroni and cheese and green beans. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

801 Poland Ave., 949-3232; www.alwayssmokin.com The Joint serves everything from home-smoked meats to homemade pecan, key lime and peanut butter pies. Locally made chaurice sausage gets spicy heat from garlic and jalapeno and is served in a sandwich or on a combo plate. Smoked baby back ribs are always popular. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $

SHANE’S RIB SHACK

1855 Barataria Blvd., Suite E, Marrero, 341-2226; www.shanesribshack.com The ribs get top billing, but extras like stuffed potatoes and fried pickles fortify the menu. The Big Dad sandwich features slow-smoked, handchopped pork on Texas toast topped with Shack sauce — a spicy version of remoulade. A gluten-free menu also includes a variety of barbecue dishes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SQUEAL BAR-B-Q

8400 Oak St., 302-7370; www.squeal-nola.com For starters, try the smoked pork cakes or the black-eyed pea, bacon and andouille egg rolls. The barbecue meat sandwich includes your choice of hickory-smoked pulled pork topped with house-made barbecue sauce and coleslaw. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SWEET DADDY’S BBQ

420 S. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 898-2166; www.sweetdaddysbarbq.com Whether you choose a meat platter or a sandwich platter, Sweet Daddy’s BBQ offers a choice of two sides to load up the plate. Customers can order smoked meats by the pound, ribs by the rack and whole chickens to go. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

TEXAS BAR-B-QUE COMPANY 3320 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 456-2832 The Texas Bar-B-Que company is known for its ribs slowsmoked with hickory wood. Also try the brisket, pulled pork, chicken, smoked sausage and sides like baked beans and coleslaw. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $

UGLY DOG SALOON

401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., 5698459; www.uglydogsaloon.net This bar serves house-smoked pork spare ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork and rotisserie chicken. There’s also lighter fare like chicken Caeser salad and steamed broccoli. Daily lunch and dinner specials include meatloaf and 14-oz. New York strip steaks. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

VOODOO BBQ & GRILL

1501 St. Charles Ave., 522-4647; 2740 Severn Ave., Metairie, 353-4227; 2999 Hwy. 190 E., Mandeville, (985) 629-2021; www.voodoobbqandgrill.com Brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs are slow-smoked for up to 18 hours over pecan and oak wood, then served with homemade sauces on platters or in po-boys. Side dishes include macaroni and cheese, steamed vegetables and coleslaw. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

Camellia Cafe serves a variety of Creole and Italian favorites.

WALKER’S SOUTHERN STYLE BBQ

10828 Hayne Blvd., 241-8227; www.cochondelaitpoboys.com The cochon de lait po-boy is this rib shack’s claim to fame. The po-boy is dressed with cabbage and creamy Cajun sauce. Meat is sold by the pound, and the “family feast” includes ribs, chicken, brisket, pork and side dishes such as smothered mustard greens, baked beans, corn bread and candied yams. No reservations. Lunch Wed.-Sat. Cash only. $

WHOLE HOG CAFE

639 Loyola Ave., 525-4044; www.wholehogcafe.com Pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken and pork loin fill sandwiches and dinner plates. Choices of sides include salad, baked beans and coleslaw. An array of barbecue sauces ranges from mild molasses to spicy Southern style. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

belgian CLEMENTINE’S BELGIAN BISTROT

2505 Whitney Ave., Gretna, 3663995; www.bistrogallerie.com Clementine’s offers classic Belgian cuisine in a bistro setting and there are Belgian beers to complement the menu. Popular items include classics like mussel dishes and thick cut fries. Cheese fondue and the beef stew called carbonnades Flamandes are hearty dishes to stave off winter chills. Spinach and goat cheese crepes are a lighter option. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri, dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

brewpub ABITA BREW PUB

72011 Holly St., Abita Springs, (985) 892-5837; www.abitabrewpub.com The original home of Abita Brewing Company is a tavern serving creative renditions of Louisiana comfort food. The fried quail is stuffed with boudin and served over andouille cornbread dressing, and baby back ribs are marinated in Purple Haze beer. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE

527 Decatur St., 522-0571; www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com Live jazz and German-style beers complement creative cooking at this brewpub. Pan-seared redfish St. Louis is topped with fried oysters and barbecue sauce. Starters include Brewhouse hot wings, baked oysters and fried calamari with spicy marinara. The Brewhouse celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special of three small plates and three beers for $20 through the end of Janurary. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

GORDON BIERSCH

200 Poydras St., 552-2739; www.gordonbiersch.com This chain brewpub offers German and Czech-style beers and a diverse menu of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, seafood and pizza. The barbecue salmon is brushed with Asian barbecue sauce and served with balsamic grilled red onion, spinach and sweet ginger rice. Garlic fries are a popular side. Reservations accepted. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

burgers BUD’S BROILER

Citywide Bud’s built its reputation on flame-broiled burgers. Order a single- or double-patty burger and top it with grated cheddar, hickory sauce or chili. The menu also offers grilled chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. For dessert there are apple, peach and cherry pies. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Cash only. $

CLOVER GRILL

900 Bourbon St., 598-1010; www.clovergrill.com Grill cooks slap hubcaps over savory burgers as they sizzle on the grill at this campy retrodiner where breakfast is offered around the clock. Massive omelets, chili cheese fries and a range of sandwiches also are available. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

GROUND PAT’I RESTAURANT

11 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 367-9512; 1305 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 466-8060 Burger options include the smoking ring burger, a patty topped with barbecue sauce, applewood-smoked bacon, cheese and an onion ring with fries on the side. The barbecue rib and chicken combo includes a half rack of ribs, mesquitegrilled chicken breast, salad and your choice of fries, baked potato or vegetables. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

KRYSTAL

116 Bourbon St., 523-4030; www.krystal.com A menu filled with burgers, fries, chicken wings and chili cheese dogs makes Krystal a haven for finger food fanatics. The Famous Krystal features a grilled all-beef burger topped with diced tomatoes, mustard and a dill pickle on a square bun. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

NEW ORLEANS HAMBURGER AND SEAFOOD COMPANY

Citywide; www.nohsc.com Choose from 10 different halfpound burgers, including the Ragin’ Cajun topped with wing sauce, jalapenos, grilled onions, banana peppers and pepper Jack cheese. Specialty sandwiches, po-boys, salads, sea-

food platters and local favorites like red beans and rice round out the menu. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

PHIL’S GRILL

1640 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 305-1705; 3020 Severn Ave., Metairie, 324-9080; www.philsgrill.com The staple at Phil’s Grill is the build-your-own burger menu with your choice of bun, sauce, toppings and meat. Can’t decide? Order the trio of sliders, with gator, hot sausage and Angus mini burgers. For the carb conscious, an iceberg lettuce bun is available. The Fat City burger features meat injected with cheese, battered and fried. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

PORT OF CALL

838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120; www.portofcallneworleans.com Massive burgers and overstuffed baked potatoes are the calling cards of Port of Call. All the restaurant’s half-pound burgers are ground fresh daily and are served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onion on the side. Potato toppings are on the house. Salads and steaks also are served. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

cafe ANTOINE’S ANNEX

513 Royal St., 581-4422; www.antoines.com Making use of its sprawling labyrinth of dining rooms and space, Antoine’s cafe space opens its doors onto Royal Street. The nook offers pastries

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

69399 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs, (985) 892-0205 Besides the usual barbecue suspects like pulled pork and chicken, this rustic smokehouse serves up specialties including boudin, pork steaks and turkey legs. Make a feast of it with a combo plate of ribs, brisket and sausage served with a couple of sides. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $

THE JOINT

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winter restaurant guide

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GAMBIT > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JANUARY 25 > 2011

VINCENTSITALIANCU ISINE.COM

open til 5pm www.ter r a z u .net

in the morning and a menu of light fare including salads and sandwiches, like the barbecue pulled pork panini with provolone cheese and a relish of peppers, mushrooms, onions and garlic. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

BECK-N-CALL CAFE

534 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 875-9390 This casual Covington spot gets busy early with regulars dropping in for omelets and breakfast combos. The lunch menu features salads, wraps and sandwiches like the pressed Cuban and traditional Reuben. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

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BELLA BREW

2701 Airline Drive, Suite L, Metairie, 846-9930 Stop by this coffeehouse to warm up with a hot latte or tea and grab a bite to eat. Breakfast options include coffee drinks, juices and pastries. Grilled chicken with pepper Jack cheese is a popular sandwich. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

BETSY’S PANCAKE HOUSE

2542 Canal St., 822-0214 Betsy’s breakfast menu offers eggs, omelets, pancakes and waffles. Lunch brings sandwiches filled with hot sausage, tuna, oysters, roast beef and other options. Lunch plates include chicken-fried steak, liver and onions, and red beans and rice with smoked sausage. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Sun.-Fri. Credit cards. $

BLUE TOMATO

4401 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 734-3000 Variety is the name of the game at the Blue Tomato. Baja tacos feature grilled mahi mahi and are topped with pico de gallo, coleslaw, jalapenos, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Shrimp and eggplant Parmesan is served with angel hair pasta in red sauce with mozzarella. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

BOUCHERIE

8115 Jeannette St., 862-5514; www.boucherie-nola.com Southern flavors get creative updates at this cottage cafe, where chef Nathanial Zimet plates pulled-pork cakes with potato confit and purple cabbage slaw. Or try the smoked Wagyu beef brisket or applewood-smoked scallops.

Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

THE BREAKROOM CAFE

3431 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 941-7607 The Breakroom offers eggs, waffles, and burritos for breakfast or lunch. Get a breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, tomato, bell pepper and onions served with a side of salsa. At lunch, the East Jefferson club is layered with turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss and cheddar on your choice of bread. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

BROTHERS OLE NEW ORLEANS CAFE

1502 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, 366-1073 Serving traditional Creole cooking since 1975, this neighborhood cafe features daily specials from Monday’s red beans and rice to Friday’s fried seafood. Seafood gumbo is filled with shrimp, crabmeat and okra. For dessert, try bread pudding with praline sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $ page 27

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

. S A L A D S I C H E S W . D N A S P I Z Z A . F O C A C C I A . P A S T A C A L Z O N E

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

WALK THE DOG

(N. / ORIG. UK)

An expression used in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, to disguise the fact that one is going to the pub for a Newcastle Brown Ale® . Henceforth, Newcastle became known as “The Dog.” Note: The dog was never taken to the pub.

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CAFE AT THE SQUARE

500 St. Charles Ave., 304-7831 Downtown denizens count on this cafe for quick morning meals, like the breakfast melt with over-easy eggs, bacon, cheese and spinach piled on sourdough bread with grits or hash brown casserole. The lunch menu features soups, salads and sandwiches. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

CAFE BEIGNET

311 Bourbon St., 525-2611; 334B Royal St., 524-5530; www.cafebeignet.com Hearty breakfasts and standard New Orleans fare are served at these French Quarter restaurants. In addition to beignets, there are Cajun hash browns with andouille sausage and scrambled eggs, and crawfish cakes with fries and fried okra. No reservations. Bourbon Street: Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Thu.-Sun., late-night Fri.-Sat. Royal Street: Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

CAFE D’CAPPUCCINO

4041 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-2299 Regulars stop by this convenient cafe for their morning coffee and breakfast items like bagels, Belgian waffles and omelets. For lunch, try the veggie wrap or spinach salad with grilled chicken. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

CAFE ENVIE

CAFE ETIENNE

423 10th St., Gretna, 309-4072 This cottage cafe exudes homey charm, and the menu offers creative takes on Creole standards like fried green tomatoes with remoulade. Coconutcrusted lollipop shrimp are served with sweet chili glaze. For an entree, try a braised lamb shank served with white truffle polenta. Sunday features a cochon de lait pig picking. Reservations accepted. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

CAFE FLEUR DE LIS

307 Chartres St., 529-9641; www.cafefleurdelis.com Patrons get a hearty start to the day with the Fleur De Lis omelet, filled with crawfish, cheese, peppers and onions and topped with Cajun crawfish

CAFE FRERET

7329 Freret St., 861-7890; www.cafefreret.com Cafe Freret has an eclectic menu and large patio for outdoor dining. The voodoo burger is smothered with the house “bomb” sauce. The sirloin Benedict adds steak to the brunch classic of poached eggs, hollandaise and English muffins. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Fri.-Wed., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

CAFE FRESCA

4441 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 887-2010 Get a pastry and coffee in the morning at Cafe Fresca or choose from the menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and daily specials for lunch or dinner. The portobello deluxe combines char-grilled eggplant and mushrooms with sauteed onions, provolone and feta on eight-grain bread. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

CAFE HOPE

1101 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 756-4673; www.cafehope.org Cafe Hope serves contemporary Creole dishes while providing at-risk youth with professional training and work experience. The menu includes dishes like quesadillas filled with blackened shrimp and topped with citrus salsa. Pecan-crusted catfish is topped with praline meuniere sauce. There also are soups, salads and sandwiches. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

CAFE LUNA

802 Nashville Ave., 269-2444 Cafe Luna’s breakfast ciabatta comes with scrambled eggs, bacon, pesto mayo and Swiss and cheddar cheese with a side of roasted rosemary potatoes. For something sweet try the honey lavender French toast. The turkey panino is topped with mustard, bacon, tomatoes and alfalfa sprouts. There also is a selection of tea, coffee and pastries. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $

CAFE NAVARRE

800 Navarre Ave., 483-8828 This casual cafe features creative specialty sandwiches, like the spinach and artichoke panino filled with feta and mozzarella. For breakfast, the “health plate” features scrambled egg whites with avocado, grilled turkey and wheat toast. The cafe serves mimosas. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

CAFE RANI

2917 Magazine St., 895-2500; www.caferanimagazine.com This Garden District cafe offers several vegetarian and low calorie options, like the grilled

portobello sandwich with sauteed onions. Favorites also include gourmet salads like the Magazine, featuring chopped egg, bacon, almonds and chicken salad on a bed of romaine lettuce. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

CAFE RECONCILE

1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 568-1157; www.reconcileneworleans.org This nonprofit opened as a job training program for at-risk youth. Teenagers learn to cook and manage a restaurant. Their efforts have paid off with food that is both hearty and deeply satisfying, like the pot roast served on Wednesdays or the creamy crawfish pasta on Tuesdays. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

CAFE ROYALE

3343 Metairie Road, Metairie, 304-8438 This casual cafe offers a menu of local favorites and zesty options. Thai chicken salad combines almonds and spicy peanut and ginger dressings with chicken breast over romaine lettuce. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Sat., lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

CAFFE ANGELINA

5024 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 889-7770 The namesake roast beef Angelina is a ciabatta sandwich filled with roast beef, grilled peppers and avocado. Pasta and meatballs come with red sauce, Italian cheese, French bread and salad. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

CAFFE! CAFFE!

3547 N. Hullen St., Metairie, 267-9190; 4301 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 885-4845; www.caffecaffe.com Soups, salads, quiche and daily specials fill these cafes’ menus. The Greek wrap bundles grilled chicken, greens, feta, red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, kalamata olives and Greek dressing. The avocado salad is topped with Gorgonzola, walnuts, red onion, orange slices and mango vinaigrette. No reservations. Clearview Parkway: Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Mon.-Fri. N. Hullen Street: breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

CAFFE LATTE DA

5860 Citrus Blvd., Harahan, 8180052; www.caffelatteda.com The breakfast menu at this sunny cafe includes sandwiches, Danishes, waffles and pancakes. Soups, salads and sandwiches are featured on the lunch menu, as are burgers, quesadillas and wraps. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $

CAMELLIA CAFE

525 Gause Blvd. W., Slidell, (985) 649-6211; 69455 Hwy. 59, Abita

noodles is a popular Thai dish. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

bodacious burgers by ian mcnulty

Beachcorner Bar & Grill 4905 Canal St., 488-7357

The bar burger incarnate — large but manageable bite for bite, a greasy, guilty pleasure.

Brewster’s restaurant

8751 W. Judge Perez drive, Chalmette, 309-7548

St. Bernard’s best, a generous 10-oz. sirloin patty on a French bread bun.

cowBell

8801 Oak St., 298-8689 www.cowbell-nola.com

A promising newcomer with grass-fed beef patties on exceptional rolls.

Dickie Brennan’s steakhouse

716 iberville St., 522-2467 www.dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com

Ground steak trimmings make the patty; chopped bacon goes on top.

elizaBeth’s restaurant

601 gallier St., 944-9272 www.elizabeths-restaurant.com

The “dream burger” gets a layer of the house praline bacon for a salty/sweet crunch.

la Petite Grocery 4238 magazine St., 891-3377 www.lapetitegrocery.com

Upscale dressings abound, but the patty’s kingly texture remains paramount.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Martin wine cellar

714 elmeer ave., metairie, 896-7300 www.martinwine.com

The prodigious deli serves a flavor-packed patty with admirable exterior char.

saMMy’s FooD service & Deli

3000 elySian FieldS ave., 947-0675 www.sammysfood.com

Butcher shop roots shine in this kitchen’s towering, hand-ground, bargain burgers.

snuG harBor Jazz Bistro

626 FrenChmen St., 949-0696 www.snugjazz.com

Just like a Port of Call burger (same founders), but without the Port of Call wait.

ye olDe colleGe inn

3000 S. CarrOlltOn ave., 866-3683 www.collegeinn1933.com

One of the few holdovers from this restaurant’s past and is still a classic.

7 8

COME BACK INN

3826 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-1623; 8016 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 467-9316 Pizza, crawfish etouffee and a wide variety of sandwiches and po-boys are available at this casual cafe. Specials like shrimp Creole and red beans and rice with hot sausage are customer favorites. No reservations. Williams Boulevard: Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. West Metairie Avenue: Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

COMMON GROUNDS

335 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 227-2200 Start the day with a Common breakfast featuring two eggs, toast, grits or hash browns, and ham, bacon or sausage. The lunch and dinner menu features sandwiches and seafood dishes. Artichoke Amelia is a dish of Italian-seasoned artichoke hearts topped with Parmesan. Shrimp Julia is the restaurant’s version of shrimp cocktail. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

CORNER CAFE

3316 Green Acres Road, Metairie, 454-1008 Corner Cafe dishes up hearty meals like pancakes and sausage for breakfast and a variety of seafood and po-boys for lunch or dinner. The seafood platter for two includes gumbo, salad, an appetizer platter, stuffed shrimp and fried shrimp, oysters and catfish. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and dinner Tue.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

COULIS

9 10

3625 Prytania St., 304-4265 Coulis’ gourmet diner fare combines Creole and Latin American accents. Huevos rancheros feature eggs and tortillas topped with melted pepper Jack cheese, house-made salsa and Creole sauce. Coulis’ eggs Benedict are assembled with corn cakes and pulled pork. No reservations. Breakfast daily, lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. Checks $

THE COUNTRY CLUB Springs, (985) 809-6313; www.thecamelliacafe.com The extensive menus at these family-oriented eateries are full of local flavor. You can go the comfort food route with seafood platters and po-boys or opt for the fish of the day topped with a creamy blend of shrimp, crab and crawfish. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CHATEAU COFFEE HOUSE AND CAFE

139 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 286-1777; 701 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 465-1338; East Bank Regional

Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 888-0601 Choose from a menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads and quesadillas. Specials include catfish plates, turkey and bacon salad, and burgers topped with cheese. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards and checks. $

634 Louisa St., 945-0742; www.thecountryclubneworleans.com The kitchen at this Bywater pool and lounge serves salads, sandwiches and pizza. Appetizers include sweet potato gnocci. Try the 8-oz. Black Angus rib-eye over arugula and potatoes. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

CHILL OUT CAFE

CRESCENT CITY GRILL

729 Burdette St., 872-9628 Traditional American breakfast in the morning gives way to spicy Thai soups and basil-steeped coconut curries at lunch and dinner. Drunken

101 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 394-7272 Crescent City Grill’s 1-2-3 special features one egg, two strips of bacon and three pancakes for less than $5. The fisherman’s page 29

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

1241 Decatur St., 524-3689; www.cafeenvienola.com This picturesque corner cafe welcomes early risers with breakfast fare like eggs Envie, a mini omelet filled with melted Brie, topped with ham on a toasted croissant, and served with hash browns and grits. The Caprese panino is filled with fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes and pesto sauce on a sourdough hoagie. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and late-night dinner daily. Credit cards. $

sauce. The lunch menu includes soups, salads and sandwiches, plus the half-pound Cajun burger. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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platter combines fried fish, oysters and shrimp. Crawfish bisque is a popular soup. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

and petit fours. The Metairie location serves soups, salads and muffulettas during lunch. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

CROISSANT D’OR

GOOD EARTH MARKET AND CAFE

617 Ursulines Ave., 524-4663 Diners flock to this quaint cafe known for baked items. In the morning, settle into the Parisian ambience with a cafe au lait, the morning paper and a pastry. There are croissant and baguette sandwiches, quiches and homemade soup for lunch. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch. Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $

DIAMOND CAFE

1299 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 737-0720; www.diamondcafeonline.com Sample a wide variety of New York-style pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. The namesake pie is loaded with ham, pepperoni, salami, onion and black olives. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$

DIMARTINO’S FAMOUS NEW ORLEANS MUFFULETTAS

1788 Carol Sue Ave., Terrytown, 392-7589; 3900 Gen. DeGaulle Drive., 367-0227; 6641 Westbank Expwy., Marrero, 341-4096; www.dimartinos.com Home of the famous muffuletta, DiMartino’s also offers burgers, po-boys and seafood platters. Entrees include shrimp etouffee, grilled Gulf fish, and spaghetti with meatballs or Italian sausage. Seafood gumbo is filled with crab legs, shrimp and okra. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $ 601 Gallier St., 944-9272; www.elizabeths-restaurant.com The eclectic menu at Elizabeth’s includes everything from fresh daily fish specials to homemade desserts. Main dishes include seared duck breast with cherry port and a burger topped with blue cheese and the restaurant’s signature praline bacon. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast Tue.-Fri., lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

ESPRESSO EXPRESS

One Shell Square, 701 Poydras St., Suite 116, 524-5115 CBD workers appreciate breakfast burritos, pastries and quick lunch options like salads, wraps and panini. Creole crusted pork loin is a daily special served with dirty rice and a vegetable. Meatloaf with baked macaroni is the special every other Tuesday. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $

GAMBINO’S BAKERY

300 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 3910600; 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-3620; www.gambinos.com In addition to king cakes and doberge cakes, Gambino’s also bakes specialty cakes, pies,

GOTT GOURMET CAFE

3100 Magazine St., 373-6579; www.gottgourmetcafe.com Gott Gourmet puts a gourmet spin on diner fare, like a BLT wrap with Tabasco butter-sauteed shrimp, mozzarella, baby greens, roasted red pepper, avocado, applewood-smoked bacon and chipotle cream cheese. A Chicago-style hot dog is loaded with toppings. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Tue.-Sun, dinner Tue.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $

GUSTO

333 Canal St., The Shops at Canal Place, third floor; www.thetheatres.com Order Gusto’s flatbread pizzas, panini or small plates at the cafe or from inside The Theaters at Canal Place. There are dips including hummus and caponata, salads and sandwiches such as a Spanish muffuletta with serrano ham, chorizo and manchego cheese. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

HEY! CAFE

4332 Magazine St., 891-8682; www.heycafe.biz Fresh, local and homemade snacks and light bites like muffins and quick breads fill the pastry case at this Uptown spot. There is homemade hummus and other vegan options. Flip through crates of vinyl records while sipping on fair trade coffees. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

HICKORY CAFE AND GRILL

1313 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 7370033; www.hickorycafe.com Sandwiches, salads and burgers top the menu at this cafe and grill. Dishes include the roasted vegetable sandwich, cobb salad and blackened redfish po-boy. No reservations. Lunch Mon.Fri. Credit cards and checks. $

HOBNOBBER CAFE

5928 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 734-8448; www.hobnobbercafe.com The corn and crab bisque is a popular starter at this neighborhood cafe. Other dishes

HUEVOS COFFEE & BREAKFAST

4408 Banks St., 482-6264; www.crescentpieandsausage.com Crescent Pie and Sausage Company’s sister restaurant offers pulled-pork tamales with poached eggs, ancho chili and salsa verde. House-made biscuits and gravy. The daily special omelette features produce from the Hollygrove Market and Farm. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

IL POSTO ITALIAN CAFE

4607 Dryades St., 895-2620; www.ilpostocafe-nola.com Italian meats and cheeses are the attraction at this cafe. For lighter fare, try a panino or the antipasti platter. The prosciutto panino features house-made basil pesto, creamy mozzarella and prosciutto on ciabatta. The “adventure” grilled cheese sandwich combines Gorgonzola, honey and walnuts on multi-grain bread. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun., early dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

LA BOULANGERIE

4600 Magazine St., 269-3777 This French bakery serves a wide array of fresh breads, pastries, fruit tarts, chocolate eclairs, lemon tarts and more. The menu also features Italian and Mediterranean panini, croissant sandwiches and quiches. Fougasse is bread baked with kalamata and Mount Athos olives. No reservations. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $

LA MADELEINE

601 S. Carrollton Ave., 8618662; 5171 Citrus Blvd., Suite 2000, Harahan, 818-2450; 3300 Severn Ave., Suite 201, Metairie, 456-1624; 3434 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 626-7004; www.lamadeleine.com This chain of casual French cafes offers rustic Gallic cooking in a quick-serve format. Enjoy quiche Lorraine, a bowl of French onion soup or a crepe Romanoff with strawberries and brandy sour cream sauce. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

LA PENICHE RESTAURANT

1940 Dauphine St., 943-1460 Order breakfast any time or choose from a menu of New Orleans classics and burgers at this late-night destination. Eggs Benedict sit on an English muffin with grilled tomatoes, Canadian bacon and homemade hollandaise. The Kathryn burger is a half-pound patty topped with grilled ham, onions

and Swiss cheese. There are local seafood dishes as well. Delivery available. No reservations. Open 24 hours Thu.-Tues. Credit cards. $$

LAKEVIEW BREW COFFEE CAFE

5606 Canal Blvd., 483-7001; www.lakeviewbrew.com Lakeview Brew offers gourmet coffees and teas, a full breakfast including omelets, brewritos, quiches, as well as homemade pies, soups, salads and sandwiches. Try a roasted vegetable sandwich with peppers, zucchini, squash, baby spinach, red onions, mushrooms and feta and Romano cheeses. Fresh organic spinach tossed in raspberry vinaigrette with candied walnuts, blue cheese, mushrooms and sliced apples comprises the Lakeview Brew salad. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

LAUREL STREET BAKERY

5433 Laurel St., 897-0576; www.laurelstreetbakery.com Find breakfast pastries and bagels, pies, tarts and other baked goods at this cozy bakery. The patisserie offers ham and cheese croissants, smoked turkey sandwiches and muffulettas. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash and checks. $

LI’L DIZZY’S CAFE

The Whitney Wyndham Hotel, 610 Poydras St., 212-5656; 1500 Esplanade Ave., 569-8997 This popular lunch spot features trout Baquet, fried chicken, gumbo with house-made hot sausage, the 7th Ward pork chop and cheesy grits with brown gravy. Reservations recommended. Poydras location: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Esplanade location: Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $$

LIBERTY’S KITCHEN

422 1/2 S. Broad St., 822-4011; www.libertyskitchen.org In the morning, Liberty’s Kitchen offers baked goods, breakfast platters and breakfast croissants topped with scrambled eggs, cheddar and a choice of ham, turkey, andouille sausage or mushrooms. Shrimp and grits are complemented by crimini mushrooms sauteed with white wine and served with salad. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

LOUIE & THE REDHEAD LADY

1851 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 626-8101; www.louieandtheredheadlady.com Things get cracking early at this Northshore neighborhood cafe where the roster of eggs Benedict variations includes eggs Buras with fried oysters. At dinner, the pasta Finnan has your choice of chicken or shrimp with artichoke hearts in sherry cream sauce. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

MAPLE STREET PATISSERIE

7638 Maple St., 304-1526 This new bakery offers a range of breads, European pastries, croissants, fruit tarts, turnovers, Danishes and cakes. Three sandwiches are offered at lunchtime, including roasted turkey and Havarti on a choice of house-made bread. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

MILK BAR

1514 Delachaise St., 891-9361 The Milk Bar is located inside Cafe Prytania. Gourmet sandwiches include Clooney’s Choice, made with ciabatta from La Boulangerie and filled with grilled chicken, avocado, roasted red peppers, red onion, cilantro and mozzarella. Wash it down with a hand-dipped milkshake. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

MOJO COFFEE HOUSE

1500 Magazine St., 525-2244; www.myspace.com/mojocoffee Mojo serves coffee and tea drinks as well as a menu of soups and sandwiches. The Magazine sandwich features ham, apple and Brie on your choice of seven-grain, tomatobasil or sourdough bread. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $

MORNING CALL

3325 Severn Ave., Metairie, 8854068; www.morningcallcoffeestand.com When Morning Call moved from its French Market location in 1974, it brought all of the original furnishings. Beignets are made with a sourdough recipe. New Orleans classics like red beans and rice, jambalaya and crawfish etouffee are on the menu as well. Try the frozen cafe au lait. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Cash only. $

NAPOLEON HOUSE BAR & CAFE

500 Chartres St., 524-9752; www.napoleonhouse.com The charming and historic Napoleon House offers a slate of casual New Orleans favorites including po-boys, red beans and rice and chicken and sausage jambalaya. The specialty is the muffuletta, which is heated through, softening the cheese and blending flavors. Seafood gumbo is filled with shrimp, crab and okra. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.Sat. Credit cards. $$

NEW ORLEANS CAKE CAFE & BAKERY

2440 Chartres St., 943-0010; www.nolacakes.com Fresh cakes, breads, bagels and biscuits are this cozy Marigny cafe’s daytime specialty. The boudin and eggs make the perfect Louisiana breakfast. Choose from a variety of lunch specials, including the crab

sandwich with spinach, Brie and bacon. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

NOLA BEANS

762 Harrison Ave., 267-0783; www.nolabeans.com Wake up to a breakfast sandwich, pancakes, or an omelet at NOLA Beans. Lunch items include soup, salad, sandwiches and wraps, like the Argonne with roasted turkey, sprouts, Havarti cheese, avocado and tomato. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

OAK STREET CAFE

8140 Oak St., 866-8710; www.oakstreetcafe.com This all-day breakfast joint serves classic New Orleans diner fare. The Florentine scramble mixes three eggs, spinach, basil, tomato, sundried tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, mushrooms, mozzarella and feta cheeses and is served with grits or potatoes and a biscuit or toast. The Gallina sandwich combines sliced chicken, guacamole, salsa fresca, feta cheese, lettuce, tomato and green onion on wheat toast or French bread. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Mon. Credit cards and checks. $

OLIVE BRANCH CAFE

1995 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 348-2008; 3700 Orleans Ave., 302-1220; 5145 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 393-1107; www.olivebranchcafe.com The Algiers and Marrero locations offer gourmet pizzas, wraps, sandwiches and pasta. The Mid-City restaurant offers a larger menu. Red snapper Oscar is topped with asparagus, crab and hollandaise sauce. Delivery available. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $$

P & G RESTAURANT

345 Baronne St., 525-9678 This CBD lunch spot also boasts homemade biscuits and gravy and other breakfast items in the morning, but is best known for its large menu of po-boys stuffed with fried seafood and lunch plates of fried shrimp or catfish. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

PARADISE CAFE

3717 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-4141 For breakfast, try Paradise Cafe’s special with two eggs, two pieces of bacon, grits and toast. For lunch, the Paradise Club is a double-decker sandwich with turkey and bacon. The Reuben features the cafe’s own sauce. Daily hot lunch specials include red beans and rice, seafood gumbo and lentils. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.Fri., lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

PARROT PETE’S

1901 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 362-9780: www.parrotpetes.com page 30

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

ELIZABETH’S

821 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 674-4329; www.goodearthmarket.net The kitchen at this neighborhood market offers salads and sandwiches, including veggie burgers and a grilled shrimp remoulade wrap. In the morning, order pork or beef debris over grits. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

include catfish with creamy crawfish sauce, grilled chicken with vegetables and a range of overstuffed po-boys. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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10828 Hayne Blvd. (btwn Read & Bullard) • New Orleans • 241-8BBQ cochondelaitpoboys.com • Wed-Fri Lunch Only • Saturday till 6pm

The cafe specializes in freshbaked pastries and cakes. Choose from beignets, waffle cones, triple berry cake, brownies and croissants. Parrot Pete’s breakfast options include a menu of omelets, grits and biscuits, plus unlimited pancakes on weekdays. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

RENDEZ VOUS CAFE

3001 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 367-6013; www.myrendezvouscafe.com Rendez Vous’ extensive menu covers Mediterranean cuisine as well as wraps, sandwiches and salads. Popular items include hummus, chicken shawarma and chicken Parmesan. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, open 24 hours Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $

RICCOBONO’S PANOLA STREET CAFE

7801 Panola St., 314-1810 Neighbors and students fill this sunny Uptown cafe where breakfast is always the specialty, with a menu boasting everything from liver and onions to huevos rancheros. Try eggs Benedict reworked with either crab cakes or Pontchartrain style with crawfish. For a sandwich, try paneed veal with mozzarella

served on a bun. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

THE RUBY SLIPPER CAFE

139 S. Cortez St., 309-5531; 200 Magazine St., 525-9355; www.therubyslippercafe.net This breakfast and lunch place features Southern and Creole menu options. The eggs Blackstone features poached eggs with grilled tomato, applewood-smoked bacon and hollandaise on a biscuit. The barbecue shrimp and grits are cooked in an Abita Amber rosemary reduction. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $

RUE DE LA COURSE

1140 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-4343; 3121 Magazine St., 899-0242 The Rue serves a range of hot and cold coffee drinks, teas and baked goods like fresh cupcakes, croissants, muffins and biscotti. Sandwiches include the Caprese with tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette on Dong Phuong French bread. Try a breakfast wrap stuffed with eggs, cheese, ham and Crystal Hot Sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. $

STILL PERKIN’

2727 Prytania St., 899-0335 Still Perkin’ serves coffee drinks and has a counter stocked with pastries, bagels, wraps and salads. The mixed greens salad features broccoli, chicken, grape tomatoes and sweet and sour dressing. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SUNSHINE CAFE

111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 100, Metairie, 834-6040; www.sunshinecafenola.com The most popular item is the Sunshine breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, grits and a biscuit. Lunch specials include dishes like chicken fajitas with yellow rice and black beans, crab cakes with potato salad and green salad, and brisket with green bean and artichoke casserole and garlic mashed potatoes. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

SURREY’S CAFE & JUICE BAR 1418 Magazine St., 524-3828; 4807 Magazine St., 895-5757 www.surreyscafeandjuicebar.com Surrey’s blends organic juices to order and offers Southern and Latin breakfasts. The carmelized apple French toast features Leidenheimer bread page 33

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

1/19/11 2:13 PM

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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winter restaurant guide

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topped with carmelized apple cream cheese and candied pecans. Salads and sandwiches are lunchtime options. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and brunch daily. Cash only. $

SURREY’S LA PLAYA

1200 Carondelet St., 525-4300 For a juice fix head to La Playa, where Surrey’s signature fresh-squeezed creations are available at the counter. Try the cafe’s homemade pastries, scones, cakes and quiches, as well as coffee drinks and sandwiches like the exotic baked Brie with avocado, plantains and pineapple chutney. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. $

TERRAZU

Place St. Charles, 201 St. Charles Ave., 287-0877 This vegan-friendly cafe and coffeehouse keeps CBD diners caffeinated with coffee, tea and espresso drinks. The fontina press combines turkey, fontina cheese, spinach, tomato and basil pesto mayo. Or choose from the lunchtime selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and pastries. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

TOUT DE SUITE CAFE

gourmet cheese boards, housemade pate and ciabatta bruschettas. There also is a menu of appetizers, sandwiches and quesadillas. The toasted triplecream Brie and crab au gratin appetizer is popular. No reservations. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

347 Verret St., 362-2264 This cafe and coffeeshop serves stick-to-your ribs breakfast fare like the Atchafalaya, which features two crawfish cakes topped with poached eggs and sauce piquant. Sweet breakfast items include almond-crusted French toast with orange zest. The menu also features vegan, vegetarian and organic items. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $

VITALITY JUICE, JAVA & SMOOTHIE BAR

4350 Highway 22, Suite H, Mandeville, (985) 727-3482; www.vitalityjuice.com Choose from organic coffees, smoothies, juices and teas. The lunch menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps. A free-range turkey burger is served with a choice of toppings. Vegetarian chili uses fire-roasted tomatoes instead of beans as a base. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

VIANNE’S TEA HOUSE

544 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-5683; www.viannes.com Walk into Vianne’s and you will see the Great Wall of Tea: The 20-foot wall features more than 120 different types of tea offered at the tea bar. The cozy teahouse also serves changing daily soups, including classics like lentil, gumbo and portobello mushroom soup. The brunch menu offers gourmet sandwiches and salads. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$

cajun BON TON CAFE

401 Magazine St., 524-3386; www.thebontoncafe.com Since it opened in the 1950s, the Bon Ton has been a destination for traditional Cajun flavor. Appetizers include the oysters Alvin, lightly flavored and fried

VINE AND DINE

141 Delaronde St., 361-1402; www.vine-dine.com This wine shop has seating for guests to open a bottle of wine and drink with a selection of

with Alvin sauce. Namesake redfish Bon Ton is seared, finished in the broiler and served with lemon-butter sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$$

BROCATO’S EAT DAT

8480 Morrison Road, 309-3465 Seasoned Cajun fare is the surprise find at this unassuming lunch spot. Order fried thinsliced catfish served with crawfish etouffee. Smothered rabbit comes with rice and gravy, and roasted pork is complemented by eggplant dirty rice. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

JAN’S CAJUN RESTAURANT

4831 Jean Lafitte Blvd., Lafitte, 689-2748 Jan’s offers a variety of seafood, Creole-Italian dishes and poboys. Both shrimp and sausage gumbo and chicken gumbo have spicy heat. The stuffed crab plate includes fries, salad and toast. Sauteed shrimp comes with a baked potato and salad. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

K-PAUL’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN 416 Chartres St., 524-7394; www.kpauls.com

Chef Paul Miller upholds the traditions of legendary founder Paul Prudhomme. Signature items include chicken and andouille gumbo, blackened drum and jalapeno and cheese muffins. The pork osso buco with rice and gravy is an affordable special, and there’s delistyle lunch service. Reservations recommended. Lunch Thu.Sat., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards $$$

MULATE’S CAJUN RESTAURANT

201 Julia St., 522-1492; www.mulates.com Live Cajun music and traditional Cajun cuisine go hand-in-hand at this rustic-styled restaurant. Try grilled alligator, fried seafood platters or crabmeatstuffed catfish. Gumbo, pasta, burgers, chicken and salads round out the menu. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

NEW ORLEANS FOOD AND SPIRITS

208 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 875-0432 Voodoo eggrolls stuffed with crawfish start things off at this casual eatery. Catfish is fried or grilled and topped with crawfish etouffee, and blackened

chicken is served with creamy Alfredo sauce over pasta. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

RAJUN CAJUN CAFE

5209 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 883-5513; www.rajuncajuncafe.com Seafood platters of shrimp, oyster, trout, catfish and soft-shell crabs come with hush puppies and french fries. Fried catfish comes with crawfish cream sauce, fries and hush puppies. For a sandwich, a fried chicken breast topped with grilled ham and Swiss is served on a bun with fries or onion rings. Rajun Cajun also serves muffulettas and po-boys. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $

ROUX BISTRO

500 Canal St., 595-5506; www.sheratonneworleans.com Find New Orleans specialties at this bistro inside the Sheraton New Orleans. Breakfast options include a buffet or waffles, pancakes and eggs cooked to order. For lunch, try a redfish po-boy dressed with spicy remoulade sauce. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $$ page 35

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Wednesday - Saturday 5-10pm

www.parrotpetes.com • (504) 362-9780

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

BERRY

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

ENJOY OUR BAR BITES

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527 Decatur St. • 504-522-0571 • www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com

winter restaurant guide

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Chef Ryan Gall prepares creative tapas dishes at Salu.

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BOSWELL’S JAMAICAN GRILL

3521 Tulane Ave., 482-6600 Jerk chicken, curried chicken, mac and cheese and vegetable chop suey reside on the lunch buffet. The menu features other Jamaican specialties, including curried goat and oxtail stew with brown gravy. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

CHURROS CAFE

3100 Kingman St., Suite 104, Metairie, 885-6516 The namesake churro is a sweet, fried dough stick, Cuba’s version of a beignet. The menu boasts a wide selection of Cuban dishes such as roast pork with congri and yucca. The Cuban sandwich and shredded beef with rice and tostones are other menu staples. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Wed.Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

COCO HUT

2515 Bayou Road, 945-8788 The Caribbean staple jerk chicken served with plantain chips is the most popular item on the menu at this casual cafe. Also try vegetarian tamales, avocado sandwiches or

fish specials. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., late-night Sat. Credit cards. $$

LIBORIO CUBAN RESTAURANT

321 Magazine St., 581-9680; www.liboriocuban.com Liborio specializes in dishes from old Havana. The bistec Cubana is seasoned with garlic, lime and herbs and served with onions, parsley, sweet green plantains, black beans and rice. Reservations for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

patty, a side item and four tacos with choices of islandstyle marinated steak, smoked pork, beer-battered mahi mahi and jerk chicken. Curried lamb shank is simmered in red curry sauce and served with ancho mashed potatoes. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Tue.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

chinese BEIJING

437 Esplanade Ave., 252-4800 Mojito’s serves a mix of Cuban, Caribbean and Creole cuisines. Crabmeat stuffed Gulf shrimp are served with calypso rice, and sauteed Gulf shrimp top creamy cheese grits made with Gouda, applewoodsmoked bacon, shallots and roasted garlic. Reservations accepted. Breakfast Tue.-Sat., dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

2222 Clearview Pkwy., Suite B2, Metairie, 885-8881 Beijing offers a wide array of popular Chinese dishes including Mongolian beef, Beijing duck, spring rolls, kung pao chicken and vegetable bean curd soup. Hot pepper triple delight combines chicken, beef, shrimp, onions, red pepper and mushrooms in spicy sauce. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.- Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

THE RUM HOUSE

CHINA DOLL

MOJITO’s RUM BAR & GRILL

3128 Magazine St., 941-7560; www.rumhousenola.com This Caribbean cantina offers a mix of tropical and south of the border flavors. Mr. Bigg’s taco plate includes a beef

830 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 366-8822 China Doll serves Chinese staples like emperor’s lo mein and crab rangoons — fried wontons filled with cream cheese

FOR

LUNCH

LUNCH SPECIALS $5.25 STARTING AT

Mandarin Chicken Moo Goo Gai Pan Green Pepper Steak Shrimp with Mixed Vegetables Sweet & Sour Shrimp or Pork Curry Chicken

Daily LUNCH SPECIALS MoNdAy All DAy TueS-SuN 11AM-4PM

Open 7 Days a Week! Mon-Sun • 11am-10pm 3501 N. Arnoult (Corner of N. Arnoult & 14th St.) Near Fat City • Metairie • 887-3295

Sandwich Specials!

monday: Pulled Pork tuesday: Cuban wednesday: BBQ Shrimp thursday: Chicken Parmesan friday: Soft Shell Crab

6215 WILSON ST. • HARAHAN • 737-3933 515 HARRISON AVE.• LAKEVIEW • 484-0841

GAMBIT > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JANUARY 25 > 2011

caribbean/ cuban

(1 block off Broadway)

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winter restaurant guide

and crabmeat. Other classic Chinese dishes include sweetand-sour chicken and wonton soup. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

CHINA ORCHID RESTAURANT

704 S. Carrollton Ave., 865-1428; www.chinaorchidneworleans.com China Orchid offers affordable Chinese-American dishes. The seafood hot pot simmers with shrimp, crawfish, scallops, tofu and assorted Chinese vegetables. Spicy General Tso’s chicken is a mainstay, along with dishes like peppery redfish. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

CHINA ROSE

3501 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 887-3295 Regulars file in for combo plates of sweet-and-sour pork and Szechuan beef. The China Rose special features a marinated half duck sauteed with bell peppers and served with brown sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

CHRISTINA’S EMPRESS OF CHINA

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

429 Wall Blvd., Suite 8, Gretna, 392-3939; www.empressofchina.net Christina Tsang’s restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Chinese dishes, as well as specialties such as Emperor’s lo mein, which includes chicken, beef and shrimp over angel hair pasta. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

CHUN LEE CHINESE RESTAURANT

1100 Elmwood Park Blvd., Harahan, 733-8562 Chun Lee features AmericanChinese dishes combining everything from fried rice to fried chicken. There also are a few Vietnamese items, including vermicelli bowls with grilled meats and pho soups with beef or chicken. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

FIVE HAPPINESS

3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 4823935; www.fivehappiness.com For more than three decades, Five Happiness has served a wide array of Chinese dishes, including favorites like General Tso’s chicken and ginger shrimp. Try grilled chicken salad and grilled shrimp salad. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

FONG’S CHINESE AND CANTONESE RESTAURANT

2101 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 469-8216 Cantonese cuisine is Fong’s specialty, and the many options include chop suey, chow mein and egg foo young. The Triple Treat is a stir-fried mix of shrimp, roast pork, chicken, snow peas, mushrooms, bok

choy and water chestnuts. General Fong’s chicken is served with a sauce that’s spicy and tangy. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri. Credit cards. $

GREEN TEA

1116 Louisiana Ave., 899-8005; www.greenteano.com Green Tea serves a wide array of Chinese dishes including lo mein, fried rice, noodle soups, egg foo young, moo shu items served with pancakes, sweet and sour chicken or pork, pepper steak with onions, shrimp with cashews and more. Appetizer options range from egg rolls and spare ribs to Buffalo wings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

IMPERIAL GARDEN

3331 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-5691 Imperial Garden offers a wide range of Hong Kong-style dishes, including dumplings, egg rolls and beef teriyaki. Chef’s specials include fried and baked tofu, fried pork with a spicy sauce, pork dumplings and vegetarian spring rolls. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

JUNG’S GOLDEN DRAGON

3009 Magazine St., 891-8280; www.jungsgoldendragon2.com Find authentic Chinese and Korean dishes on the large menu at this Uptown restaurant. Peking duck is served whole with steamed buns and tofu vegetable soup. Pork and vegetables fill homemade pot stickers and dumplings. Delivery available. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MANDARIN HOUSE

3501 Severn Ave., Metairie, 779-0888 The Mandarin House buffet has more than 200 items including Chinese dishes, sushi and seafood specialties. Honey chicken and sweet and sour chicken are popular. The boiled seafood options include crawfish, shrimp, king crab and more. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

THE RED PALACE

1025 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 366-7071 An extensive menu includes pot stickers, lo mein dishes, curries and more. Other items range from soft-shell crabs topped with crawfish tails in spicy sauce to chicken Shanghai, to two sesame-coated fried chicken breasts served with a spicy soy-based sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $

RED STAR CHINESE RESTAURANT

8330 Earhart Blvd., 861-1933; www.redstarchineserestaurant.com

Red Star’s large menu features Mandarin, Szechuan and other regional Chinese dishes. Popular items include General Tso’s chicken, Peking duck, kung pao chicken and beef and scallops in brown sauce. There is a menu of lighter dishes prepared with no added salt, sugar or cornstarch. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

TEA GARDEN

1918 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-9455 Popular dishes include Singapore noodles, which are stir-fried in curry sauce with pork and shrimp; and Cantonese lo mien, pan-fried egg noodles topped with beef and mixed vegetables. For something a different, try rumaki, which features chicken livers fried with water chestnuts and bacon. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $

TREY YUEN CUISINE OF CHINA 600 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-4476; 2100 N. Morrison Blvd., Hammond, (985) 345-6789; www.treyyuen.com Trey Yuen serves traditional Chinese cuisine like hot-andsour soup and Mandarin chicken. Popular items include the “choo choo” chicken, stirfried chicken served with a Polynesian sauce made with bell peppers, carrots and onions. Reservations accepted. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

YUMMY YUMMY

220 N. Carrollton Ave., 483-9122 Chinese staples like lo mein, shrimp curry, fried rice and General Tso’s tofu star in Yummy Yummy’s all-you-caneat lunch buffet, or you can order an entree from the menu. Pay by the pound for buffet meals to go. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

coffee & Dessert ANGELO BROCATO

214 N. Carrollton Ave., 4860078; www.angelobrocatoicecream.com For traditional Italian cannoli, head to Angelo Brocato. The pastries are hand-stuffed with chocolate and vanilla-flavored ricotta mixtures. The gelato and Italian ice also are popular. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

THE BEAN GALLERY

637 N. Carrollton Ave., 324-8176; www.thebeangallery.net Along with coffee, pastries, croissants and muffins, the Bean Gallery serves panini made with fresh ingredients. The Anatolian has mushrooms, goat cheese, spinach, roasted red peppers and hummus. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch

and dinner daily, late-night Sun.-Thu. Credit cards. $

reservations. Breakfast Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $

BEN & JERRY’S ICE CREAM

CHERRYBERRY FROZEN YOGURT & SHAVED ICE

3500A Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-5656; www.benjerry.com Indulgences at this ice cream parlor include Cinnamon Buns, a savory caramel ice cream with cinnamon streusel swirl. Original flavors include Boston Cream Pie and Dulce Delish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

BITTERSWEET CONFECTIONS

5331 Canal Blvd., 484-0780; www.bittersweetconfections.com Bittersweet offers flavored handmade chocolate truffles with dark, milk and white chocolate, as well as cookies, fudge, macaroons, candied orange peels, caramels, sugar-free chocolates, cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

CC’S COFFEEHOUSE

Citywide; www.communitycoffee.com This local coffeehouse chain uses its own roasted blends in both hot and iced specialty drinks. There also are gourmet teas and fruit smoothies. Baked goods include muffins, pastries, brownies, scones and bagels. Many locations have free wireless Internet. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

CAFE DU MONDE

Citywide; www.cafedumonde.com Cafe Du Monde is synonymous with cafe au lait and beignets loaded with powdered sugar. While the original Decatur Street location remains a French Quarter landmark, satellite shops are scattered throughout the metro area. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Cash only. $

CAFE ROSE NICAUD

632 Frenchmen St., 949-3300; www.caferosenicaud.com Cafe Rose Nicaud stays hopping with regulars sipping coffee and enjoying light meals. Specialties include Belgian waffles with Steen’s cane syrup and croissant sandwiches filled with spicy jerk chicken. A perfect dessert spot, Nicaud also offers homemade chocolate and cheesecakes. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $

CAMPBELL’S COFFEE & TEA

516 S. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 246-6992; www.campbellscoffee.com Customers queuing for their morning mug at Campbell’s find some tempting options at the counter, starting with cinnamon rolls and scones made with white chocolate and raspberries. Sandwiches from Columbia Street Natural Market are available at lunchtime. No

1950 Manhattan Blvd., Suite 110, Harvey, 267-4764; 3348 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 3222118; www.cherryberryyogurt.com Cherryberry serves shaved ice treats and all-natural frozen yogurt in a wide variety of flavors. Both can be topped with fruit, candy, nuts, crushed cookies, flavored syrups or drizzled condensed milk. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

COFFEE RANI

234 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 893-6158; 3510 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 674-0560; www.coffeerani.com The large menu at these casual cafes includes creative salads and sandwiches. The tandoori tuna sandwich has a chutney-mayo spread. The shrimp and pesto salad serves shrimp, pesto, purple cabbage and bowtie pasta over a bed of Caesar salad. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $

COLD STONE CREAMERY

624 S. Carrollton Ave., 2188900; www.coldstonecreamery.com Cold Stone’s ice cream is made in house and mixed with nuts, fruit and candy at the counter. There also are shakes, smoothies, blended coffee drinks, ice cream cupcakes and ice cream cakes. Birthday Cake Remix features cake batter ice cream mixed with fudge, brownies and rainbow sprinkles. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

THE CREOLE CREAMERY

4924 Prytania St., 894-8680; 6260 Vicksburg St., 482-2924; www.creolecreamery.com This old-fashioned-style ice cream parlor offers specialties like milkshake floats and traditional ice cream sundaes. There is a changing roster of ice cream and sorbet flavors, including cafe au lait and creme brulee. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $

THE ENGLISH TEA ROOM

734 E. Rutland St., Covington, (985) 898-3988; www.englishtearoom.com A Covington cottage sets the stage for traditional English tea service, with options ranging from a simple pot of tea to a full spread of finger sandwiches, quiches, scones and sweets. The lunch menu features salads and sandwiches and a ploughman’s lunch of British cheeses, crusty bread and salad. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

FAIR GRINDS COFFEEHOUSE

3133 Ponce de Leon St., 913-9072; www.fairgrinds.com This coffeehouse grinds fair trade coffee and offers more than 30 organic teas. The locally

produced pastries include vegan breads, cookies and energy bars. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Checks. $

FLORA GALLERY & COFFEE SHOP

2600 Royal St., 947-8358 This eclectic coffeehouse offers French, Colombian and Ethiopian coffees. Flora also serves homemade falafel with pita bread, black bean burritos, chicken quesadillas and a changing selection of baked goods. There’s an affordable five-item daily breakfast special. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $

FRENCH PRESS COFFEEHOUSE 3236 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 305-0276; www.frenchpresscoffeehouse.com Choose from specialty drinks like Southern pecan freeze, a pecan-flavored frozen latte topped with whipped cream and crushed pecans. The cookies and cream freeze is made with Oreos and espresso. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

HAAGEN-DAZS

Riverwalk Marketplace, 1 Poydras St., 523-3566; Aquarium of the Americas, 1 Canal St., 378-2624; Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., phone n.a.; www.haagen-dazs.com Haagen-Dazs offers 30 signature flavors including mainstays such as Rocky Road, mint chocolate chip and Java Chip. Milkshakes, smoothies and coffee drinks round out the menu of sweet treats. No reservations. Lunch daily. Credit cards. $

LA DIVINA GELATERIA

621 St. Peter St., 302-2692; 3005 Magazine St., 342-2634; Loyola University, Carrollton Residence Hall, 258-2115; www.ladivinagelateria.com House-made gelati and classic Italian-style panini fill the menu at these sweet shops. A muffalino features a muffuletta’s insides on pressed ciabatta. Find gelati flavors like creme brulee, Turbo Dog chocolate sorbetto and honey-sesame goat’s milk. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

LA DOLCE NOLA SNACKERY AND GELATERIA

200 Metairie Road, Metairie, Suite 100, 832-1122; www.ladolcenola.com La Dolce Nola serves an array of house-made gelati and sorbettos in flavors including Louisiana strawberry, Meyer lemon and basil, goat yogurt with strawberry, white chocolate peppermint and Italian chocolate chip. There also are bagels, muffins and scones. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

THE LITTLE PASTRY SHOPPE

2309 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-2253; www.litpage 39

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3330 veterans memorial blvd | new orleans 504.454.1400 | AvedaInstituteNewOrleans.com All services are performed by students under the supervision of licensed educators.

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OPEN LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH

LUNCH TUESDAY-FRIDAY • DINNER TUESDAY -SUNDAY • BRUNCH SUNDAY

Call For Reservations Or Special Events (504) 309-3570

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

Chakra™ 7 - Wisdom

LOCALLY OWNED FAMILY RUN WITH OVER

MR. JOHN’S STEAK HOUSE

100 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVING NEW ORLEANS &

PROUD TO CALL IT HOME Reservations recommended

Join Us For Lunch

EVERY FRIDAY 11:30AM - 2PM Valet Parking Available

2111 St. Charles Avenue

Paul Varisco

Desi Vega

Rodney Salvaggio

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

“Most Romantic Restaurant”

VALENTINE’S DAY featuring WHOLE MAINE LOBSTER Along with Our Regular Menu

WELCOME OUR NEW BAR CHEF, CHERYL CHARMING

-Wed. & Thurs. Night Drink Specials830 Conti Street • in the Prince Conti Hotel 504.586.0972 • 800.699.7711 • www.bombayclub.com VALIDATED PARKING CORNER OF IBERVILLE & DAUPHINE RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED

DINNER

Served Nightly

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Every Evening

679-7697 • mrjohnssteakhouse.com

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tlepastryshoppe.com This bakery specializes in whole custom cakes, but also serves an assortment of muffins and pastries. The Mardi Gras muffin is a cinnamon cake with king cake icing. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

M’S COFFEE & CAFE

322 Lafayette St., 592-8244; www.mcoffeecafe.com Stop in for breakfasts of pancakes or breakfast burritos and the house special blend coffee. Lunch options include a chicken panino filled with shredded chicken, roasted garlic and house-made basil pesto. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

MAPLE STREET CAFE

7623 Maple St., 314-9003; www.maplestreetcafenola.com New Orleans, Italian and Mediterranean cuisines fuse at this Uptown restaurant. Oysters amandine are fried and topped with roasted almonds and white wine lemon butter. Entrees include veal osso buco, pastas and seafood options including soft-shell crabs. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY

MAURICE FRENCH PASTRIES

3501 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, 885-1526; 4949 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 455-0830; www.mauricefrenchpastries.com Along with breakfast and lunch pastries, Maurice offers a wide selection of sugar-free baked goods, including a king cake. The most popular item is the kugelhopf, a specialty pound cake. Hessmer Avenue: breakfast Mon.-Sat. West Napoleon Avenue: breakfast Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

NONNA’S ITALIAN BAKERY & CAFFE

2033 N. Hwy. 190, Suite 5, Covington, (985) 893-1488; www.nonnarandazzo.com King cake season keeps this Northshore bakery busy making traditional treats. Try the pecan praline-style king cake topped with praline sauce. The lunch menu features soups, panini and salads. No reservations. Breakfast Tue.-Sun., lunch Tue.Sat. Credit cards. $

ORANGE COUCH

2339 Royal St., 267-7327; www.theorangecouchcoffee.com Enjoy coffee and baked goods such as fresh carrot cake. On

PJ’S COFFEE OF NEW ORLEANS

Citywide; www.pjscoffee.com This local coffeeshop chain offers a full range of coffee drinks, iced concoctions, bagels and a variety of baked goods. Some locations have a menu of sandwiches. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

PUCCINO’S COFFEEHOUSE

Lakeside Shopping Center Annex, 17th Street at Severn Avenue, Metairie, 835-3151; 5200 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-9970; www.lovepuccinos.com The cafe serves sandwiches, salads, soup and pizzas. For breakfast, the eggs Puccino sandwich features an egg, ham and cheese on an English muffin. The create-your-own grits can be filled with your choice of five different cheeses, bacon, turkey, ham or Italian sausage. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

PURE YOGURT CULTURE

8108 Hampson St., 864-8108 This frozen yogurt shop offers a changing selection of seasonal flavors, plus pomegranate, “Pure Tart” and the “Who Dat” mystery flavor. No sugar is added to the chocolate, vanilla or peanut butter flavors, and yogurts are nonfat and kosher. Topping choices include chopped fruit, berries, almonds, walnuts, toasted coconut, chocolate, caramel and granola. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

RED MANGO

1640 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 575-3576; www.redmangousa.com Red Mango offers self-serve frozen, nonfat, probiotic yogurt, smoothies and iced teas. Ghiradelli chocolate, peach, Key lime pie, pumpkin spice and wildberry hibiscus are among the 50 flavors offered in changing rotations. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Fri., lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

REFUEL COFFEE AND NOSH

8124 Hampson St., 872-0187; www.refuelcafe.com Get your fill at this Riverbend spot. The weekend brunch menu includes classics like huevos rancheros and brioche French toast. Lunch options include a Cuban sandwich filled with pork, ham and Swiss cheese and the spring sandwich features turkey, Swiss, alfalfa sprouts, spinach, tomato and avocado. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $

ROYAL BLEND COFFEE & TEA HOUSE

240 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-7779; 621 Royal St., 523-2716; www.royalblendcoffee.com The food selection at this coffee and tea house features mainly breakfast pastries, sandwiches and salads. During weekends, the breakfast menu expands to include eggs Benedict, shrimp and grits, grillades and grits, and blueberry or bananas Foster pancakes. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $

ST. JOHN’S COFFEEHOUSE

535 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 893-5553; www.stjohnscoffeehouse.com Coffee drinks keep patrons perky at St. John’s, and the lunch menu offers serious sustenance with sandwiches like le grand cochon with pulled pork and slaw on ciabatta. The weekend breakfast menu includes French toast, croque madame sandwiches and grits and grillades. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., early dinner Sun. Checks. $

SATSUMA CAFE

3218 Dauphine St., 304-5962 Satsuma’s menu changes often to reflect local and seasonal availability of produce. Satsuma’s most popular breakfast item is the pesto-infused Green Eggs and Ham sandwich. Or try the roasted pear sandwich with melted Brie. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SOUND CAFE

2700 Chartres St., 947-4477 This Faubourg Marigny coffeeshop and bookstore offers gourmet sandwiches such as turkey, Brie and apple on a baguette. Bagels are served with sliced lox, capers, red onions, tomatoes and cream cheese. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

SUCRE

3025 Magazine St., 520-8311; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-2277; www.shopsucre.com Double dark chocolate gelato, Bailey’s and Godiva liquors fill an adults-only milkshake at this upscale sweet stop. The All Things NOLA sundae stacks brown butter pecan gelato, bread pudding pieces, candied pecans, whipped cream and bananas Foster. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

TUTTI FRUTTI FROZEN YOGURT

4316 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite B, Metairie, 371-5195; www.tfyogurt.com Frozen yogurt at Tutti Frutti comes in sugar-free, nondairy, nonfat and gluten-free options. Of the 14 flavors, crowd favor-

Mui Tran and niece Megan Nguyen enjoy Vietnamese and Chinese dishes at three happiness. ites are the original tart version, yellow cake batter and Death by Chocolate. Pile on fruit, nuts and candy toppings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

Z’OTZ COFFEEHOUSE

8210 Oak St., 861-2224 Z’otz offers fair trade coffees, teas, saucer-sized chocolate chip cookies and vegan pastries in an artsy, eclectic atmosphere. A changing menu features options like turkey chili and vegan yam and garlic soup. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Cash only. $

contemporary THE AMERICAN SECTOR

The National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St., 528-1940; www.nationalww2museum.org Innovative updates on Americana classics are the focus at John Besh’s restaurant inside the National World War II Museum. Lamb meatballs top ricotta-stuffed tortellini with tomatoes and mint pesto. Beef short ribs are served with macaroni and cheese and Southern greens. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

BAYONA

430 Dauphine St., 525-4455; www.bayona.com Chef Susan Spicer’s menu change combines long-standing favorites and changing specials. Start with the oyster and Italian sausage gratin with spinach, fennel and Parmesan breadcrumbs. A combination of chorizo-stuffed rabbit roulade and paneed leg is served with toasted angel hair esca-

role and sherry garlic sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Sat., dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$$

BOMBAY CLUB

830 Conti St., 586-0972; www.thebombayclub.com Chef Ricky Cheramie is at the helm of this elegant restaurant and martini lounge. The menu features modern takes on Creole dishes like eggplant stuffed shrimp Creole and Bombay drum with sauteed crabmeat and grilled asparagus. The cowboy steak is a 22-oz grilled bone-in rib-eye topped with foie gras butter, mustard greens and red wine braised mushrooms. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, latenight Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

BOUCHE

840 Tchoupitoulas St., 267-7485; www.bouchenola.com The menu at this restaurant and wine bar features an array of seasonal contemporary Creole dishes. The chili-cocoa grilled salmon is served with fried spinach and hot mustard. Cheese plates feature selections from St. James Cheese Company. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat., latenight Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

BOULIGNY TAVERN

3641 Magazine St., 895-1810; www.boulignytavern.com This elegant wine bar is open late, serving small plates like gougeres, small puff pastries with comte cheese, as well as fries with aioli and charcuterie boards. The 7-oz. grilled sirloin burger is served with arugula, roasted tomatoes and herb aioli. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

CAPDEVILLE

520 Capdeville St., 371-5161; www.capdevillenola.com This stylish pub attracts a business lunch crowd and after-work scene. Try a duck confit club sandwich with lettuce, tomato and roasted garlic aioli on brioche or sourdough bread. Roasted pork tenderloin medallions are glazed with pepper jelly and served with Abita Amber-braised mustard greens. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat., latenight Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CHAD’S BISTRO RESTAURANT AND CATERING

3216 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 838-9935; www.chadsbistro.com Chad’s offers an extensive menu of seafood, steaks, pastas, pizza, sandwiches and salads. The seafood boat features fried shrimp, oysters and catfish in a bread bowl. Reservations accepted. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

COWBELL

8801 Oak St., 298-8689; www.cowbell-nola.com At his new restaurant, Chef Brack May gets creative with American comfort food. The natural beef burger is topped with Gruyere and Zinfandel bacon and onion compote and served with hand-cut fries and Agogo sauce. Grilled skirt steak is served with black bean sauce, roasted plantains and Fidel’s mango salsa. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

CURE

4905 Freret St., 302-2357; www.curenola.com Gourmet bar snacks and small plates boost a menu of craft

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite D, Metairie, 887-2167; www.marbleslab.com Customers choose their own ice cream mixes from more than 15 flavors and toppings from blueberries and Gummi Bears to Kit Kat and mint patties. Other creations include Tiramisu Crunch with yellow cake and Nestle Crunch. There also are cakes, floats, shakes and banana splits. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

Fridays the cafe serves light Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls and bun. For an additional treat, try one of the Japanese mochi ice cream flavors like lychee or chocolate coconut. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

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winter restaurant guide

Chef Ricky Cheramie uses local seafood in his contemporary American cooking at the BomBay CluB.

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

A New Orleans, LA Co.

PINTS & POBOYS

Choose a 3-inch Poboy & a Pint of Beer • $8

plus tax

Every Night • 8-10pm Choices include: Fried Green Tomato & Remoulade, Overstuffed Shrimp, Root Beer & Glazed Ham & Cheese, Pattons Hot Sausage, Certified Angus Roast Beef, or French Fry, Roast Beef & Cheddar Poboy

NEW HOURS! Now Open

Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

3454 Magazine St. NOLA 504-899-3374

cocktails. Albondigas sliders are spicy pork meatballs on brioche with house-made tomato chutney and baby spinach. Cheese plates feature artisanal cheeses from St. James Cheese Company. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

EIFFEL SOCIETY RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

2040 St. Charles Ave., 525-2951; www.eiffelsociety.com The Eiffel Society is an upscale watering hole in a landmark building on St. Charles Avenue. Small plates and tapas style dishes include hanger steak, chicken and waffles, plantain tostones with smoked pork and queso fresco, cheese plates and Parmesan fries. Reservations accepted. Dinner Wed.-Sat., late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

FEAST NEW ORLEANS

200 Julia St., 304-6318; www.feastneworleans.com Feast specializes in rustic European fare, particularly traditional British dishes. Crispy roasted pork belly is served with braised red cabbage and a potato cake. The “Cock-aLeekie” appetizer features braised chicken with cream, leeks, bacon, plums and red potatoes. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

THE GREEN GODDESS

4608 freret street nola 70115 ·

504.899.1142 · freretstreetyoga.com · off street parking available ·

307 Exchange Alley, 301-3347; www.greengoddessnola.com

The creative cooking at Green Goddess combines classic techniques, exotic ingredients and culinary wit. Try the Mofongo de Camarones, a grilled mashed plantain cake with sauteed honey-lime shrimp, topped with tequila crema and crunchy bacon. The Louisiana “Bangers & Mash” has Marciante’s duck sausage and mashed sweet potatoes, with hints of orange and roasted garlic, finished with Steen’s cane syrup. No reservations. Lunch and brunch Wed.Mon., dinner Thu.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

THE GRILL ROOM AT THE WINDSOR COURT

300 Gravier St., 522-1994; www.grillroomneworleans.com Chef Drew Dzejak prepares dishes like grilled Hudson Valley foie gras and Niman Ranch rack of lamb. For weekend brunch, try the grilled Ashley Farms chicken breast and white sausage gravy over a waffle, or the marinated Louisiana Gulf shrimp and crab salad with avocado, tomato and croutons. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

IRIS

321 N. Peters St., 299-3944; www.irisneworleans.com Start a meal with well-crafted original cocktails and settle in for Iris’ new American cooking. Lamb meatball soup is

made with fresh herbs, braised greens and basil oil and served with kalamata olive tapenade. Niman Ranch pork osso buco is served au jus with roasted butternut squash, cauliflower and gremolata. Reservations recommended. Lunch Thu.-Fri., dinner Mon. and Wed.-Sat. $$$

JACKSON RESTAURANT

1910 Magazine St., 522-5766; www.jacksonnola.net The creative menu at Jackson includes savory appetizers like Gorgonzola cheesecake made with a cheese cracker crust, a Gorgonzola and soft cream cheese filling and toasted walnuts on top. Baked oysters Jackson are served on the half shell, topped with sauteed shrimp and finished with Worcestershire and Tabasco butter and Parmesan shavings. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

LE MERITAGE

Maison Dupuy Hotel, 1001 Toulouse St., 522-8800; wwwlemeritagerestaurant.com Chef Michael Farrell has organized his imaginative menu around food and wine pairings, available in small and large plates. Light white wines are suggested with dishes like the pan-roasted striped bass with chive potato cake, applewoodsmoked bacon and lump crabmeat. A fruity red is recommended for the duck two ways with fig compote, foie

w rg gras and butter potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

M BISTRO

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 921 Canal St., 524-1331; www.ritzcarlton.com The Ritz-Carlton’s M Bistro is named for executive chef Matt Murphy. Blackened redfish is served with saffron crab risotto, asparagus and blue corn bisque. Locally accented dishes include duck and Northshore mushroom gumbo and New Orleans barbecue shrimp with Abita beer and cane syrup sauce. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

MAT & NADDIE’S

937 Leonidas St., 861-9600; www.matandnaddies.com Settle into one of the cozy dining rooms and sample the cafe’s innovative cooking. Veal schnitzel and duck liver roulade is topped with poached celery, Herbsaint, bacon and mushroom cream. Braised Eden Farms Berkshire pork shank is served with herbed dumplings and fireroasted pepper. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon. and Thu.Sat. Credit cards. $$$

MESON 923

923 S. Peters St., 523-9200; www.meson923.com Chef Baruch Rabasa’s menu changes often and features refined dishes like braised veal cheeks with homemade herbed pappardelle pasta, haricots verts, black trumpets, shiitake mushrooms, chanterelles and veal jus. The tuna tartare tops sushi-grade tuna with Asian pears, kimchi, seaweed and a raw quail egg. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.Sat. Credit cards. $$$

MONDO

PETUNIA’S PLACE

2020 Hwy. 59, Mandeville, (985) 674-3436: www.petuniasplace.com This cozy neighborhood restaurant cooks up a variety of tempting dishes like bourbon pork tenderloin accompanied with baby potato cakes and topped with a drizzle of bourbon sauce. Or try house specialties like hand-battered onion rings or the Sunday-only special of barbecue chicken and homemade mac and cheese. Reservations accepted. Lunch Thu.-Tue., dinner. Thu.-Mon. Credit cards. $$

PRAVDA!

1113 Decatur St., 581-1112; www.pravdaofnola.com Pravda! is known for its Soviet kitsch and selection of absinthes. The kitchen offers Eastern European-style pierogies, or dense dumplings, with different fillings. There also are vegetarian and vegan dishes. No reservations. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

MARDI GRAS BALL GOWNS Sizes 0-24 METAIRIE

3213 17th Street

Romeo, Romeo Wherefore art mine

Chocolate Romeo? (PS-Plan Ahead!)

UPTOWN

1206 St. Charles Ave. FRENCH QUARTER

927 Royal

RIB ROOM

621 St. Louis St., 529-7046; www.ribroomneworleans.com Prime rib arrives sizzling at your table

www.PrimaDonnasCloset.com

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

900 Harrison Ave., 224-2633; www.mondoneworleans.com Chef Susan Spicer’s Lakeview cafe offers upscale takes on comfort food from around the globe. Thai shrimp and pork meatballs on lemongrass skewers are served with sweet and spicy chili dipping sauce. Pork shoulder is slow roasted in a wood-burning oven and served with black beans, plantains, pico de gallo and chipotle lime crema. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Wed.Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat., bunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

5707 Magazine St. 504.269.5707 www.BlueFrogChocolates.com

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winter restaurant guide

at this French-style rotisserie and prime rib juggernaut. The house specialty, prime rib, is roasted for three hours and served au jus with horseradish sour cream and a baked potato. Blackened Atlantic salmon is served over stone ground grits and Tabasco sweet and sour butter. Andouille mac and cheese is topped with pitroasted shrimp. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

ROYAL PALM

1901 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 644-4100; www.royalpalmrestaurant.com Try appetizers like calamari Italiano, which is fried squid and zucchini sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan and served with marinara dipping sauce. Royal One is a bone-in 22-oz. certified Angus beef ribeye served with roasted garlic, red-skinned mashed potatoes and sauteed asparagus. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards $$$

RUE 127

127 N. Carrollton Ave., 483-1571; www.rue127.com French onion soup and steamed muscles in white wine sauce are specialties at this cozy bistro. Citrus-glazed duck is served with caramelized fennel, potato puree and orange supremes in a Louisiana citrus jus. Yellowfin tuna is served with sauteed Broccolini, herbed gnocchi and sherry emulsion. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

THE SAZERAC RESTAURANT

Roosevelt Hotel, 123 Baronne St., 648-5486; www.therooseveltneworleans.com There’s more than cocktails at the Sazerac. Try dishes such as Colorado lamb chops with creamed shallots and pepper jus, steak frites with green peppercorn sauce and grilled tuna with bean ragout and lemon and parsley relish. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

STELLA!

1032 Chartres St., 587-0091; www.restaurantstella.com The menu at Stella! changes often but diners can always expect to find creative global influences with a touch of Louisiana flair. Try miso and sake-glazed Japanese Mero sea bass with udon, green tea and soba noodles, Canadian lobster, blue crab and shrimp broth. Chef Scott Boswell offers a seven-course tasting menu. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

SYLVAIN

625 Chartres St., 265-8123; www.sylvainnola.com This new gastropub offers craft cocktails and gourmet pub fare. The menu features hearty dishes like pappardelle pasta with bolognese sauce and

shredded Brussels sprouts with apples, hazelnuts and Pecorino cheese. Daily specials include seafood dishes. Reservations accepted. Lunch Fri.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

Other options range from crispy crab tacos to truffle fries with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

ZEA ROTISSERIE AND GRILL

BRENNAN’S RESTAURANT

Citywide; www.zearestaurants.com Zea’s menu revolves around slow-roasted meats from the rotisserie and features creative takes on American and Asian favorites. There is everything from Thai ribs to American Kobe beef burgers to roasted crispy duck to local seafood dishes. Reservation policies vary by location. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $$

creole THE ALPINE

620 Chartres St., 523-3005; www.thealpinebistro.com A series of dining rooms surround an inner courtyard at the Alpine, which specializes in Creole and Cajun cuisine. Tuna la Boheme is topped with barbecue shrimp. Blackened duck Boudreaux is served with jambalaya on the side. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

ANTOINE’S RESTAURANT

713 St. Louis St., 581-4422; www.antoines.com Opened in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest restaurant in New Orleans. The signature oysters Rockefeller, the pompano Pontchartrain and Baked Alaska remain classics. New twists include brunch on Sundays and three-course prix fixe lunch menu for $20.11. For a lighter sampling try the oyster Foch po-boy, available from the special menu at the Hermes Bar. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

ARNAUD’S RESTAURANT

813 Bienville St., 523-5433; www.arnaudsrestaurant.com Dating back to 1918, Arnaud’s is one of the grand New Orleans Creole restaurants. The menu is filled with traditional specialties, from the shrimp Arnaud with signature tangy Creole remoulade to the speckled trout meuniere and crawfish O’Connor. Sample one of mixologist Chris Hannah’s refined cocktails at the French 75 bar while waiting for a table. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

BISTREAUX

1001 Toulouse St., 568-8000; www.maisondupuy.com/bistreaux.html The casual bistro adjoining chef Michael Farrell’s Le Meritage restaurant features New Orleans favorites such as jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, a cochon de lait sandwich and crab cakes with beurre blanc and a micro citrus salad.

Proprietor Eddie Meyer offers seafood in a casual setting at Seymour’S reStaurant & Bar.

417 Royal St., 525-9711; www.brennansneworleans.com Tradition abounds at this French Creole stalwart, and the menu features many Brennan’s originals, including eggs Hussarde and bananas Foster. The turtle soup with sherry is a classic starter. Shrimp Samantha features shrimp and andouille sauteed with fresh mushrooms, garlic, green onions and white wine, served on a bed of parsley rice. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

BROUSSARD’S RESTAURANT

819 Conti St., 581-3866; www.broussards.com The dining rooms and courtyard at Broussard’s exude old New Orleans charm, while the menu offers an innovative take on French-Creole and contemporary cooking. Grilled pompano Napoleon is served with shrimp, scallops and Creole mustardcaper sauce. Redfish Broussard’s is a pan-fried fillet served with shrimp, crabmeat, crawfish and oyster mushroom etouffee. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

CAFE PONTALBA

546 St. Peter St., 522-1180 Holding down one corner of bustling Jackson Square, this eatery serves the most popular New Orleans dishes, including gumbo, po-boys and fried seafood. The shrimp and oyster platter piles on crispy shrimp and oysters with cocktail and tartar sauce on the side. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CHARTRES HOUSE CAFE

601 Chartres St., 586-8383; www.chartreshousecafe.com Enjoy traditional New Orleans fare at this corner cafe in the heart of the French Quarter. Crawfish cakes come three to a plate and are topped with crawfish sauce. Red beans are cooked slowly and served with smoked sausage and rice. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.Sun. Credit cards. $$

CLANCY’S

6100 Annunciation St., 895-1111 This bustling Uptown gathering place has a changing menu that features a mix of steaks, chops and local seafood. Smoked pork loin is served with a green peppercorn demi-glace. The veal chop is served with roasted tomatoes and herb demi-glace. Reservations recommended. Lunch Thu.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

COMMANDER’S PALACE

1403 Washington Ave., 8998221; www.commanderspalace.com Chef Tory McPhail highlights

Louisiana seafood in his innovative Creole cooking. Foie gras Du Monde includes seared foie gras, beignets, foie gras infused cafe au lait, Abita beer-braised apples, candied pecans, spiced sugarcane syrup and chicory coffee mist. Creole seafood courtbouillon combines Gulf fish, oysters and wild white shrimp simmered with tomatoes, Spanish saffron and herbs and served with Louisiana popcorn rice. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

COOP’S PLACE

1109 Decatur St., 525-9053; www.coopsplace.net Rabbit and sausage jambalaya is a mainstay at this casual bar and eatery. The smoked duck quesadilla is a flavorful starter. Other options include Cajun fried chicken, redfish meuniere, shrimp Creole, red beans and rice, and pasta Opelousas. For breakfast, the Coop omelet is made with shrimp, ham and Swiss cheese and topped with Creole sauce. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Credit cards. $

COPELAND’S RESTAURANT

Citywide; www.alcopeland.com Creative spins on classic Cajun and Creole dishes fill the menu at this local chain. Traditional offerings include shrimp Creole and etouffee as well as seafood combinations. There also are burgers and steaks, and many locations offer barbecue platters with ribs, pulled pork or brisket, and cornbread. A children’s menu is available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

COURT OF TWO SISTERS

613 Royal St., 522-7261; www.courtoftwosisters.com

Stop in at Court of Two Sisters any day for a jazz brunch complete with hot and cold buffet lines offering everything from boiled seafood to salad and fresh fruit. Dinner entrees include corn-fried Des Allemands catfish served with jumbo lump crabmeat, Napa slaw and green onions. Reservations recommended. Lunch, brunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

DUNBAR’S CREOLE COOKING

THE CREOLE GRILLE & BAR

2600 Chartres St., 945-2222; www.feelingscafe.com Extending throughout an old plantation house, Feelings’ dining rooms exude warmth and charm. The Gulf fish Nicholas is served with grilled shrimp and creamed spinach. Seafood baked eggplant combines shrimp, crab and crawfish in a spicy casserole of dirty rice and sausage. Reservations accepted. Dinner Thu.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

5241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-7992; www.thecreolegrille.com Appetizers at the Creole Grille include Louisiana blue crab dip and hot tamale chili nachos. The char-broiled bourbonglazed pork chops are served with Creole blue potatoes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CRYSTAL ROOM AT LE PAVILLON

833 Poydras St., 620-8899; www.lepavillon.com Diners can feast on New Orleans and Southern favorites like gumbo, crab cakes and shrimp cocktail at this elegant establishment. Locals and hotel guests alike can enjoy the expansive breakfast buffet. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

DOOKY CHASE RESTAURANT

2301 Orleans Ave., 821-0535 A Creole institution in Treme for more than six decades, Dooky Chase serves stuffed shrimp, gumbo, fried chicken, stewed okra and other classic dishes. The popular lunch spot offers a buffet and takeout until 4:30 p.m. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri. Credit cards. $$

Loyola University, Broadway Activities Center, 501 Pine St., 861-5451 Located on Loyola’s campus, Dunbar’s kitchen serves signature fried or smothered chicken, red beans and rice, stuffed bell peppers and sticky bread pudding. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Thu. Credit cards. $

FEELINGS CAFE

GALATOIRE’S RESTAURANT

209 Bourbon St., 525-2021; www.galatoires.com Galatoire’s has been a bastion of Creole dining for more than a century. Many Galatoire’s regulars start with the grand goute, a combination platter of shrimp remoulade and crabmeat maison, often including oysters en brochette. Pompano with crabmeat is a fixture, and the flaming cafe brulot makes a dramatic finale. Jackets required at dinner. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$$

GAZEBO CAFE

1018 Decatur St., 525-8899; www.gazebocafenola.com The Gazebo features a mix of Cajun and Creole dishes and ice cream daiquiris. The New Orleans sampler rounds up gumbo, jambalaya and red page 45

Complete menu available online: www.ﬁvehappiness.com CHEF’S SPECIALTIES

LUNCH MENU

SIZZLING JUMBO SHRIMP – plump gulf shrimp sautéed with fresh

SWEET & SOUR PORK OR CHICKEN

CRISPY GINGER SHRIMP – chef’s own sweet ginger sauce over light

SHREDDED PORK IN HOT GARLIC SAUCE

FISH FILET WITH CHEF’S SPECIAL SAUCE – light battered Tilapia

TWICE COOKED PORK

mushroom, baby corn, and snow peas.

battered plump gulf shrimps.

with fresh vegetables top with chef’s own blend of ginger, garlic and scallion sauce.

ASPARAGUS SAUTÉED WITH SHRIMP/CHICKEN. CRISPY BEEF WITH BLACK PEPPER AND ONION – crispy beef in

seasoned black pepper and onion.

JUMBO SCALLOP WITH ASPARAGUS AND BABY CORN.

MOO GOO GAI PAN HUNAN CHICKEN

COMBINATION OF CHICKEN, BEEF AND SHRIMP WITH VEGETABLES

MONGOLIAN BEEF

COCONUT SHRIMP WITH SWEET AND SOUR HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE (appetizer)

HUNAN BEEF

LUNCH SPECIALS

PEPPER SHRIMP IN BLACK BEAN SAUCE

PEPPER STEAK

CHICKEN ALMOND CRUST WITH LEMON SAUCE – lemon sauce

over chicken breast with crusted almond slices.

SHRIMP IN LOBSTER SAUCE

SHRIMP EGG FOO YOUNG

STUFFED CHINESE EGGPLANT – Chinese eggplant stuffed with

SALT AND PEPPER FRIED CALAMARI (appetizer)

SHRIMP IN HOT GARLIC SAUCE

SLICED CHICKEN HOT GARLIC SAUCE BEEF W/ HOT GARLIC SAUCE

grounded shrimp and pork with brown sauce.

HUNAN SHRIMP

MON - S AT 1 1:0 0 -4:0 0

VEGETARIAN DELIGHT

OPEN 7 DAYS > LUNCH & DINNER

Reservations · Take Out

GENERAL’S CHICKEN

We Deliver! Please Call For Area Delivery

482-3935

3605 S. CARROLLTON AVE.

NOW SERVING

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER Wed. 7am-early dinner ∙ Thur.-Fri. 7am-8pm Sat. 7:30am-4pm ∙ Sun. 7:30 am-1:30 pm

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or more

COME & TRY OUR

Po-Boys & Catering

612 Sena Drive Metairie, La. 70005

504-833-5882 View our full menu at

www.jamspoboys.com WE DELIVER

delectable EGGS BENEDICT for breakfast, sloppy homemade ROAST BEEF for lunch or our famous

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

Mon. 10am-4pm ∙ Tues. 10am-early dinner

Use these ECONOMY BUCKS to keep your NEW YEAR in balance.

come enjoy your soon to be new favorite plates

Fredy Omar

HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI 3-7

MAGAZINE LOCATION ONLY

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

3218 MAGAZINE ST. 894.1233

1501 METAIRIE RD 834.9773

con su Banda EST 1994

2020 VETERANS BLVD 837.9777

LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER 830.7333

eymour Ferina opened Seymour’s Restaurant in 1955 at the corner of Carrollton and Canal in Mid City New Orleans. In 1968, Seymour’s moved it’s location to West End on the Lake. In 2004, Seymour’s Restaurant & Bar opened in Harahan at Hickory Avenue and Sauve Road. Seymour Ferina’s son, Don Ferina, is still the Chef at Seymour’s serving the freshest seafood, soft shell crab, hamburgers and Italian dishes.

LIVE - Wed. Jan 26 7pm-till

open daily lunch & dinner til midnight fri & sat happy hour mon-fri 4-7 pm

3226 mag az i ne street

371. 58 0 9

Chill Down Plate

Veal St. Pierre

SHRIMP REMOULADE, SHRIMP COCKTAIL, SHRIMP SALAD AND POTATO SALAD

“The Don”

1/2 LB. HOMEMADE HAMBURGER

Seafood Platter

SHRIMP, OYSTERS, FISH, STUFFED SHRIMP & CHOICE OF CRAB CAKES OR SOFTSHELL CRAB

PANNED VEAL TOPPED WITH A MUSHROOM & WINE GRAVY, THEN COVERED WITH MOZZARELLA CHEESE. SERVED WITH A SIDE OF FETTUCINI ALFREDO.

Captain Eddie’s Grilled Mahi Mahi

TOPPED WITH FRESH CRABMEAT & SHRIMP

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

Monday-Saturday - 11am-9pm • 2216 Hickory Ave, Harahan, LA (corner of Hickory Ave and Sauve Rd) • 504-737-3148

winter restaurant guide

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page 43

beans and rice. Other options include salads, seafood poboys and burgers. Reservations accepted. Lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

GUMBO SHOP

630 St. Peter St., 525-1486; www.gumboshop.com Gumbo lovers have a choice of several varieties, including seafood, chicken and sausage, and meatless gumbo z’herbes. A popular entree is chicken espagnole, featuring half a chicken seasoned and broiled, then simmered in brown sauce with mushrooms, shallots, wine and garlic. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

IGNATIUS EATERY

4200 Magazine St., 896-2225 The menu at this casual cafe features updated New Orleans classics in a setting reminiscent of a corner grocery. The sauteed shrimp remoulade po-boy is stuffed with Gulf shrimp and remoulade. Creole crawfish etouffee is served over white rice. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

J. GUMBO’S

1169 Robert Blvd., Suite 1, Slidell, (985) 646-0017; www.jgumbos.com J. Gumbo’s serves spicy Cajun and Creole dishes like bumblebee stew, a creamy blend of yellow corn, stewed tomatoes, onions and black beans. The Voodoo Chicken is a spicy option featuring slow-cooked chicken in spicy Cajun tomato sauce with crushed red pepper and garlic. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Thu.Sat. Credit cards. $ 8324 Oak St., 861-0886; www.jacquesimoscafe.com With its fast-paced, exposed kitchen, swamp murals, boisterous bar and seating everywhere, Jacques-Imo’s provides dinner and a show. The shrimp and alligator cheesecake is filled with cream cheese, smoked Gouda, onions, peppers, shrimp and alligator sausage. Crab and chili hollandaise tops blackened redfish. Reservations accepted for large parties. Dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$$

JOE SEPIE’S CAFE

4402 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 324-5613 Joe Sepie’s menu includes New Orleans classics like shrimp Creole, jumbo lump crab cakes, gumbo and seafood po-boys. The menu also offers soups, burgers, panini and pasta dishes. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

LA BAYOU RESTAURANT

208 Bourbon St., 525-4755; www.labayourestaurant.com Seafood stars in dishes like the Zydeco salad, featuring fried crawfish and shrimp over greens. The crawfish pasta features sauteed crawfish tails

LE CITRON BISTRO

1539 Religious St., 566-9051; www.le-citronbistro.com Le Citron Bistro occupies a historic building in the Lower Garden Distric and offers a menu of Creole and Italian items. Popular dishes include duck gumbo, New Orleansbarbecue shrimp and ravioli stuffed with lump crabmeat. Whole Maine lobster is stuffed with crabmeat and topped with crabmeat hollandaise. Reservations accepted. Dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

MANDINA’S RESTAURANT

3800 Canal St., 482-9179; 4240 Hwy. 22, Suite 1, Mandeville, (985) 674-9883; www.mandinasrestaurant.com The original Mandina’s is a MidCity institution known for New Orleans dishes with an Italian flair. The trout meuniere, turtle soup and shrimp remoulade are popular choices. Try eggplant sticks with marinara dipping sauce or thick onion rings for a starter. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MARIGNY BRASSERIE

640 Frenchmen St., 945-4472; www.marignybrasserie.com This eatery offers a modern take on classic Creole and Italian cuisines. New Orleans barbecue shrimp come atop stone-ground grits with smothered collard greens with andouille sausage. There also are salads, soups, po-boys and sandwiches. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

THE MARKET CAFE

1000 Decatur St., 527-5000; www.marketcafenola.com Indoors or out, dine on seafood fried for po-boys and platters or highlighted in dishes such as crawfish pie, crawfish etouffee, gumbo and shrimp Creole. Red beans and rice and bread pudding also are served. Sandwich options include muffulettas, Philly cheese steaks on po-boy bread and gyros. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MONTREL’S BISTRO

1000 N. Peters St., 524-4747 This casual restaurant in the French Quarter serves Creole favorites such as crawfish etouffee, boiled crawfish, red beans and rice and bread pudding for dessert. Outdoor seating is adjacent to Dutch Alley and the French Market. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MURIEL’S JACKSON SQUARE 801 Chartres St., 568-1885; www.muriels.com This attractive restaurant sit-

grilled fish and a menu of veal and steaks, including a 14-oz. New York strip. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

ting on the corner of Jackson Square boasts a menu of contemporary Creole cooking. A wood-grilled double-cut pork chop is topped with sugar cane apple glaze and served with pecan sweet potatoes and Southern-style greens. Shrimp and goat cheese crepes are topped with Louisiana shrimp in a buttery sauce of Chardonnay, onion, tomato and bell pepper. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

PERE ANTOINE

741 Royal St., 581-4478; www.pereantoine.com This French Quarter restaurant serves New Orleans fare with some Cajun spice. The bayou bowl is a meal of shrimp scampi, barbecue shrimp and fried Gulf shrimp, served with the chef’s special Cajun shrimp rice. Catfish Antoine is a blackened catfish fillet topped with crawfish reduction sauce and served with rice and vegetables. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

NATHAN’S RESTAURANT

36440 Old Bayou Liberty Road, Slidell, (985) 643-0443; www.nathansrestaurant.net Nathan’s serves a mix of seafood, Creole and Italian dishes. Tuesday evening is Italian night, meaning customers can order an Italian salad with small portions of spinach cannelloni, lasagna and chicken parmigiana. Wednesday’s surf-and-turf special includes a 6-oz. steak, a lobster tail and a side of thinsliced potatoes in bordelaise sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

NEYOW’S CREOLE CAFE

3340 Bienville St., 822-4529 Smothered okra, jambalaya, barbecue chicken breasts and po-boys are staples on the menu at Neyow’s. Daily specials include southern fried chicken and Pasta on the Bayou: penne with sauteed shrimp and crawfish in cheesy butter cream sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. Credit cards. $$

NUVOLARI’S

246 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 626-5619; www.nuvolaris.com Open since 1983, this Mandeville mainstay focuses on Creole cuisine, including dishes like jumbo lump crabmeat cooked with pecans and topped with citrus meuniere sauce. Another popular item is grilled redfish served with a side of wild rice and sauteed haricot verts. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$$

OCEANA GRILL

739 Conti St., 525-6002; www.oceanagrill.com This restaurant puts a twist on seafood favorites. Crab cakes are topped with crawfish and mushroom sauce. Eggs Melanzana top eggplant rounds with grilled ham and tomatoes, poached eggs and hollandaise. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

THE OLD COFFEEPOT RESTAURANT

714 St. Peter St., 524-3500; www.theoldcoffeepot.com The Old Coffeepot is known for calas — Creole fried rice cakes sprinkled with sugar. The menu also offers gumbo, crawfish etouffee and shrimp Creole. The fleur de lis chicken is served with grilled shrimp, crabmeat

THE PRALINE CONNECTION

Chef Ray Gruezke offers creative contemporary American cooking at rue 127 in Mid-City.

542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934; www.pralineconnection.com Stick-to-your-ribs Creole soul food is the draw at this Marigny spot. You need look no further for home-style red beans and rice, file gumbo, stuffed bell peppers and sides like mac and cheese, fried okra and fried pickles. Fried soft-shell crawfish are served with sweet and spicy cocktail sauce and fried pickles. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

THE ROYAL SONESTA and crawfish dressing on a bed of asparagus. Reservations recommended for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

OLIVIER’S CREOLE RESTAURANT

204 Decatur St., 525-7734; www.olivierscreole.com Olivier’s serves Creole dishes inspired by and named for family members and their recipes. Braised Creole rabbit is served with sage-seasoned oyster dressing. Crab and salmon cakes combine poached salmon and blue crab and come with green onion aioli. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

THE ORIGINAL PIERRE MASPERO’S

440 Chartres St., 524-8990; www.pierremasperosrestaurant.com Maspero’s updates local classics. The “hot and blue” oyster po-boy is dressed with Tabasco mayonnaise and blue cheese crumbles. Cochon de lait is stuffed with garlic and jalapenos. Reservations recommended for large parties. Breakfast Fri.-Mon., lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

ORLEANS GRAPEVINE WINE BAR AND BISTRO

720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930; www.orleansgrapevine.com Just off Bourbon Street, this bistro offers an extensive selection of wines by the glass and a

menu of French-inspired dishes. Black mussels are served in tomato-saffron broth, and the chipotle crab cakes come with caramelized oranges. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

PALM COURT JAZZ CAFE

1204 Decatur St., 525-0200; www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com Traditional New Orleans jazz holds court at this jazz club and Creole cafe. Shrimp ambrosia features shrimp sauteed with fennel and light Pernod cream sauce over pasta. Other options include crawfish pie, jambalaya and oysters bordelaise. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

PALMETTOS ON THE BAYOU

1901 Bayou Lane, Slidell, (985) 643-0050; www.palmettosonthebayou.net Palmettos features traditional Louisiana seafood dishes like seafood gumbo and corn and crab bisque. Other options include chicken Alfredo and a daily fish special. A children’s menu is available. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$

PASCAL’S MANALE RESTAURANT

1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877 The calling card at this New Orleans classic is its barbecue shrimp, served in buttery garlic sauce and requiring a bib. There are other seafood options,

300 Bourbon St., 553-2278; www.beguesneworleans.com Sunday brunch is popular at the Royal Sonesta, which rolls out standard breakfast fare and elaborate New Orleans dishes like eggs Sardou and Creole crab Benedict. The lush courtyard provides a beautiful backdrop as diners sip champagne cocktails. Reservations recommended. Brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

SEYMOUR’S RESTAURANT

2216 Hickory Ave., River Ridge, 737-3148 Seymour’s specializes in Creole and Italian fare. Menu options include the fried soft-shell crab atop crabmeat fettuccine and grilled mahi mahi topped with shrimp and crabmeat. The Chill Down Plate combines shrimp salad, shrimp cocktail, shrimp remoulade and potato salad. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

TUJAGUE’S RESTAURANT

823 Decatur St., 525-8676; www.tujagues.com Tujague’s embraces old Creole dining traditions with its sixcourse table d’ hote menu. Dinner includes its signature beef brisket with Creole sauce, shrimp remoulade, a choice of entree and bread pudding for dessert. Dark-roast coffee, microbrewed Tujague beer and hot French bread complement the meal. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

UPPERLINE RESTAURANT

1413 Upperline St., 891-9822; www.upperline.com page 46

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

JACQUES-IMO’S CAFE

in Cajun cream sauce tossed with linguini and topped with crunchy fried crawfish tails and Parmesan cheese. Reservations accepted. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

Join Us for LUNCH Specializing in

HOT PASTRAMI & CORNED BEEF • FALAFEL CHOPPED LIVER • MATZOH BALL SOUP

come join us for great food and margaritas, in our dining room or on our beautiful courtyard.

Buy 1 Sandwich & Get 1 FREE of equal or lesser value. Dine in only. Up to $5.95 Value.

Expires 3/01/2011

“Best New York Deli in New Orleans”

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Owner JoAnn Clevenger’s menu weds down-home country dishes such as turtle soup and gumbo with sophisticated Creole classics like sweetbreads. The popular fish piquant with “hot and hot” shrimp is grilled baby drum accompanied by shrimp cooked with jalapeno peppers and served with a habanero sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

THE GROCERY

YE OLDE COLLEGE INN

GUILLORY’S GROCERY

3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 8663683; www.collegeinn1933.com The famous po-boys on Leidenheimer bread at Ye Old College Inn range from chicken-fried steak to shrimp. The most popular po-boy features oysters, Havarti cheese and bacon. Steaks, gumbo, seafood and chicken entrees also are available. Try the fried bread pudding for dessert. Reservations accepted. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

open 7 nights a week drink specials daily

deli

3519 SEVERN

755 tchoupitoulas st. 504.527.0942

Mon-Thur 10am-7pm • Fri.& Sun. 10am-3pm

available for for private parties.

888-2010

www.koshercajun.com

ACQUISTAPACE’S COVINGTON SUPERMARKET

125 E. 21st Ave., Covington, (985) 893-7554; www.acquistapace.com A whole rotisserie chicken and a few sides from the deli case make a quick, square meal courtesy of this family-run grocery. The deli also prepares full slabs of ribs, pulled pork and sandwiches. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

BREAUX MART

Citywide; www.breauxmart.com Breaux Mart’s deli counter offers a variety of sandwiches and hot entrees. Changing daily specials include crispy fried or lemon-baked catfish and hearty dishes like meatloaf and pot roast. Other popular dishes include ribs, savory beef brisket and seafood gumbo. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

CELLARS OF RIVER RIDGE

(504) 522-9897

1801 Dickory Ave., River Ridge, 734-8455; www.cellarsrr.com The deli at this wine shop serves up hearty dishes and creative sandwiches like the “spicy bird” with smoked turkey, applewood-smoked bacon, pepper Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a croissant. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

CENTRAL GROCERY

923 Decatur St., 523-1620 This landmark Italian deli is the perfector of the muffuletta, which is the only item on the menu. Get in line, order sandwiches by the half or whole round and make sure you have a stack of napkins ready. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

4920

Prytania Street 891-3644 kyotonola.com cloSed SundayS

www.theoriginalleakspecialist.com

ALD-A028-1

2854 St. Charles Ave., 895-9524; www.thegroceryneworleans.com This deli sells pressed sandwiches, po-boys, chicken and sausage gumbo, and desserts. Look for Cuban sandwiches and Creole corned beef topped with provolone cheese, Creole coleslaw and Russian dressing pressed into French or rye bread. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $ 3708 Derbigny St., Metairie, 833-1390 Guillory’s offers po-boys, sandwiches, fried chicken and homemade New Orleansstyle tamales topped with red sauce. Daily specials include a grilled 12-oz. hamburger steak served with onions and mashed potatoes. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

KOSHER CAJUN NEW YORK DELI & GROCERY

3519 Severn Ave., Metairie, 8882010; www.koshercajun.com Metairie gets a taste of Manhattan with favorites like bagels and lox and delistyle sandwiches. The J&N combines hot corned beef and pastrami on New York rye with mustard, horseradish, coleslaw and a barrel pickle on the side. The Reuben is a deli classic made with hot corned beef, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye bread. No reservations. Lunch Sun.-Fri., early dinner Mon.-Thu. Credit cards. $

LA BELLA’S

2118 Third St., Kenner, 4664675; www.labellascatering.com Stop in at this lunch spot for big sandwiches. The slowroasted, thinly sliced roast beef po-boy oozes with gravy. LaBella’s toasted muffuletta is loaded with Genoa salami, Chisesi ham, provolone and homemade olive salad. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $

LAKEVIEW DELI & CATERING

872 Harrison Ave., 304-8501; www.lakeviewdelicatessen.com Lakeview Deli dishes out poboys, sandwiches, burgers and salads. The hot roast beef drizzled with gravy is popular, as are the fried chicken tender po-boy and the crab cake sandwich. The Baltimore features fried oysters, bacon and Swiss cheese. Burgers and daily specials like red beans and rice also are available. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

LAKEVIEW GROCERY

801 Harrison Ave., 293-1201; www.lakeviewgrocery.com The deli offers waffles and hot breakfast items in the morning and sandwiches and hot plates throughout the day. There are muffulettas and po-boys, and daily specials include meat-

balls and spaghetti, baked or fried chicken, roast beef with gravy and sides like macaroni or sweet potatoes. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MARDI GRAS ZONE

2706 Royal St., 947-8787; www.mardigraszone.com Mardi Gras Zone stocks its shelves with groceries and fresh produce, and there’s a deli that serves po-boys and hot items like lasagna, brisket and baked or fried chicken. Delivery available. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards and checks. $

MARTIN WINE CELLAR

714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 8967350; www.martinwine.com This fine-food emporium stocks wine, cheese, deli meats and prepared dishes. The steamboat sandwich is an onion roll loaded with corned beef, ham, hickory-smoked bacon, Swiss, red onions and Creole mustard. The executive club stacks turkey, ham, hickory-smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$

MCALISTER’S DELI

Citywide; www.mcalistersdeli.com McAlister’s signature sandwiches include the “big nasty,” roast beef served on a toasted open-face hoagie with “come back” gravy and cheddar Jack cheese. McAlister’s is known for its baked potatoes and also serves wraps, salads and flatbread pizzas. A children’s menu is available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

NOR-JOE IMPORT COMPANY

505 Frisco Ave., Metairie, 8339240; www.norjoe.com Nor-Joe is an Italian grocery stocked with olive oil, cheese and cured meats. Try out these specialties on the muffuletta Nor-Joe’s offers all day. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

ROUSES

Citywide; www.rouses.com Rouses grocery stores have a hot line for baked items, rotisserie chicken, fried chicken or fish, and daily specials such as red beans and rice. There also are po-boys, muffulettas and sandwiches as well as sushi, soup and a salad bar. The coffee bar serves smoothies. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

ST. JAMES CHEESE COMPANY 5004 Prytania St., 899-4737; www.stjamescheese.com With more than 100 varieties from around the globe, this emporium is an homage to fromage. The raclette sandwich features house-smoked pastrami, raclette cheese,

w rg McClure’s spicy pickles and whole grain mustard on grilled wild flour rye bread. The croque monsieur combines ham and Alpine cheeses on sliced brioche and tops it all with melted cheese. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

SAMMY’S FOOD SERVICE & DELI

3000 Elysian Fields Ave., 947-0675; www.sammysfood.com Sammy’s offers breakfast, po-boys, burgers and sandwiches, as well as fried seafood plates and salads. Check for daily specials like seafood stuffed catfish or the fried redfish po-boy. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

SPITALE’S DELI

2408 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 837-9912; www.spitalesdeli.com The Italian lunch specials of chicken Parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna supplement the menu of sandwiches and salads. The dirty turkey sandwich is the most popular, with turkey, grilled onions, brown gravy and provolone cheese. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

STEIN’S MARKET & DELI

2207 Magazine St., 527-0771; www.steinsdeli.net New Orleans’ answer to a Big Apple deli features sandwiches like the Sam with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and house-made Russian dressing on Jewish rye bread. The Italian hoagie is layered with hot coppa, mortadella, Molinari Genoa, aged provolone, lettuce, tomato and onions with garlic vinaigrette. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $

TAG’S MEAT MARKET & DELI

WELTY’S DELI AND CATERING

336 Camp St., 592-0223; www.weltysdeli.com This CBD lunch spot features daily specials like corn and crab soup and Cajun duck po-boys, but the real stars of the menu are classic deli sandwiches like the French dip and the A.K. (After Katrina), a 24-oz. sandwich with four meats and four cheeses. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

diner

Celebrating over 100 years of Serving New Orleans the Best!

AMERICAN PIE DINER

2244 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Kenner, 468-2187 American Pie serves breakfast around the clock and a menu of burgers and other diner classics. The Reuben has melted Swiss over pastrami and sauerkraut and is served with fries or chips. Chicken quesadillas with provolone and sauteed onions and peppers are among the changing daily specials. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

CAMELLIA GRILL

540 Chartres St., 522-1800; 626 S. Carrollton Ave., 309-2679; www.camelliagrill.net page 49

Homemade Gelato Pastries · Cannoli · Spumoni

HOMEMADE ITALIAN ICE CREAM & PASTRIES SINCE 1905

214 NORTH CARROLLTON AVENUE MID CITY | 486-0078 NEW WINTER FLAVORS

BLOOD ORANGE & SICILIAN CHESTNUT GELATO

Lo at firve bite!st 10828 Hayne Blvd. (btwn Read & Bullard) • New Orleans • 241-8BBQ cochondelaitpoboys.com • Wed-Fri Lunch Only • Saturday till 6pm

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

1207 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 277-6594 Tag’s is part deli and part butcher shop and makes its own Italian sausage. The menu features po-boys, muffulettas and burgers, including the enormous Papa Tag’s, which weighs in at a pound and a half. Chicken fingers also are served. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

www.culinarysuperstores.com

Restaurant Equipment and Supplies

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC COME ON IN AND GRAB A BASKET! • Complete line of smallwares and equipment • Widest selection of knives at the best prices anywhere • Everything you need from baking to bartending • Fryers or Ranges at sizzling low prices • All your coolers and freezers in-stock LOTZ-NEW ORLEANS

ALACK-NORTHSHORE

(504) 733-3790

(985) 345-9476

5133 River Rd.

17420 Hwy. 190

Harahan, LA 70123

Hammond, LA 70401

GAMBIT > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JANUARY 25 > 2011

slow

& low

real

pit

t s e b a k fa s t

bbq

bre

southern "q" benedict Pulled Pork on top of Grilled Corn Bread w/ a Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce

try us for lunch & dinn

Fresh ground daily Black Angus Beef and Hand Cut French Fries

st. louis style bbq pork ribs

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winter restaurant guide

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New Orleanians can choose between two locations of this longtime Riverbend favorite. The legendary chili cheese omelet reigns at breakfast. Lunch offers diner fare like catfish and turkey sandwiches. Order a milkshake with a slice of pecan pie warmed on the grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $

CITY DINER

3116 S. I-10 Service Road, Metairie, 831-1030; www.citydiner.biz The “bottom of the bowl” features a French bread bowl filled with crabmeat, crawfish, shrimp, cheese, green onions and Cajun cream sauce. Other menu items include waffles, meatloaf and club sandwiches. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

DOT’S DINER

Citywide; www.dotsdiner.com Stop in for pancakes, waffles or breakfast platters served anytime. Classic diner options include meatloaf, country-fried steak and an open-face roast beef sandwich with gravy. For lunch, there are burgers, sandwiches and salads. A kids’ menu is available. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

FAT CITY DINER

FAT HEN GRILL

1821 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 2874581; www.fathengrill.com Fat burgers topped with Gorgonzola and old-school patty melts are popular choices at this grill. Other options include barbecue, salads and sandwiches. Breakfast offers a wide variety of omelets, including some served on a Belgian waffle. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

IHOP

151 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 366-4177; 833 Canal St., 5930440; 3400 S. I-10 Service Road, Metairie, 212-3280; 12150 I-10 Service Road, 244-0013; www.ihop.com While best known for its breakfast platters, this diner-style chain also offers a variety of lunch and dinner options. The grilled tilapia is lightly seasoned and served with hollandaise, red potatoes, steamed broccoli and garlic bread. Breakfast options include omelets, French toast, waffles and combination platters. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

1122 Decatur St., 566-6003; www.magnoliagrillofnola.com Magnolia Grill is known for spicy Bloody Marys and diner food. Breakfast is served all day. Choose from 12 omelets, the country breakfast or French toast. Lunch and dinner options include salads, burgers, sandwiches, po-boys, and blackened or fried seafood. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MATTINA BELLA

421 E. Gibson St., Covington, (985) 892-0708 Many items on the robust menu of breakfast dishes at this Covington cafe carry over to lunchtime. The California omelet is filled with mushrooms, avocados and Swiss, and the Florentine omelet is stuffed with creamed spinach and artichokes and topped with mozzarella. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $

MOTHER’S RESTAURANT

401 Poydras St., 523-9656; www.mothersrestaurant.net The line for counter service often stretches out the door at this downtown eatery. Creole soul food specials include Mae’s file gumbo and Jerry’s jambalaya. All the meats—including the beef and ham for the Famous Ferdi special — are cooked fresh every day. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$

ST. CHARLES TAVERN

1433 St. Charles Ave., 523-9823; www.stcharlestavern.com Order New Orleans classics any time at this 24-hour diner. There are red beans and rice, po-boys, crawfish pies, pastas and breakfast plates. For dessert, try the white chocolate bread pudding. Delivery available. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

SLIM GOODIES DINER

3322 Magazine St., 891-3447 Slim Goodies’ creative breakfast plates include the “Jewish coonass,” featuring potato latkes topped with grilled spinach, eggs and crawfish etouffee. The Guatemalan breakfast features two eggs, avocado, plantains, tortillas, black beans and homemade salsa. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Checks. $

STEVE’S DINER

Place St. Charles, 201 St. Charles Ave., Suite 210, 522-8198; www.steves-diner.com. Steve’s offers breakfast, diner classics and char-grilled halfpound burgers alongside fried catfish, chicken tenders and poboys. Slow-roasted beef brisket is served with gravy made from its drippings. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

TED’S FROSTOP

3100 Calhoun St., 861-3615 Burgers, fries and milkshakes

keep this fast food restaurant packed with university students and those craving simple, tasty eats. Plate lunches include fried shrimp, pork chops and all-youcan-eat catfish. The Frostop also serves doughnuts. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

Diners head to Jack Dempsey’s for broiled and fried seafood platters.

THE TROLLEY STOP CAFE

1923 St. Charles Ave., 523-0090 Standard diner fare like omelets, pancakes and biscuits are the cornerstone of this cafe’s extensive menu. Savory lunch and dinner options include fried seafood, red beans and rice, gumbo and po-boys. Daily specials range from white beans and smothered pork chops on Wednesdays to seafood specials like stuffed shrimp on Fridays. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, open 24 hours Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $

fondue THE MELTING POT

1820 St. Charles Ave., 525-3225; www.meltingpot.com Grab a fork and go for a dip (or several) at this fondue favorite. Fontina and Butterkase cheeses fill a garlicky spinach and artichoke fondue. For dessert, try the white chocolate creme brulee, or choose from a decadent list of chocolate fondues. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

french BISTRO 38

New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway, 3838 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 832-3838 Nestled in the New Orleans Marriott in Metairie, this bistro offers classic French dishes with many local touches. The Louisiana bouillabaisse combines local seafood in rich broth. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

BLACK ORCHID BISTRO

3749 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 832-1444 A combination of French dishes and Creole creations share the billing at this bistro. Choose from trout amandine, a steak frites or Cornish hen served with lardons and paprika sauce. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$

CAFE DEGAS

3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635; www.cafedegas.com This casual cafe specializes in classic French dishes. Duck foie gras with Armagnac and black truffles is served on toasted caraway brioche with Champagne gelee. A pan-seared veal chop is served with Brabant sweet potatoes, shiitake mushrooms and cherry brandy sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Sat.,

dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

CAFE LYNN

3051 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, (985) 624-9007; www.cafelynn.com Chef Joey Najolia prepares his rendition of French bistro classics like filet mignon au poivre and onion tarts baked in puff pastry with Gruyere and herbs. Many dinner dishes are reprised on Sunday’s Champagne brunch menu. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

CHATEAU DU LAC WINE BISTRO

2037 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-3773; www.chateaudulacbistro.com Cheese plates are among the starters at this traditional French bistro. Diners also can choose escargot or steak tartare. For a main course, try the red wine-braised beef short ribs with pearl onions and Cabernet jus. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.- Fri., dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$$

CIRO’S CÔTE SUD

7918 Maple St., 866-9551; www.cotesudrestaurant.com Filling a cozy nook along Maple Street, Cote Sud’s version of steak frites is a grilled hanger steak served au jus with sauteed vegetables and french fries. Sauteed duck breast is complemented by a sauce of peaches, prunes, apricots and bourbon and is served with mashed potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Checks. $$

DOMINQUE’S ON MAGAZINE 4729 Magazine St., 894-8881; www.dominiquesonmag.com Chef Dominique Macquet’s new restaurant focuses on classic French techniques and creative flavors. Duck fat-fried

chicken features a chicken thigh fried in duck fat served with cheddar and bechamel macaroni and cheese. Creole cream cheese-stuffed Wagyu beef is a stuffed coulette steak served with glazed carrots and potato gratin. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

FLAMING TORCH RESTAURANT

737 Octavia St., 895-0900; www.flamingtorchnola.com The restaurant offers a menu of classic French and New Orleans dishes. Coq au vin features a free-range chicken braised in red wine, and barbecue shrimp are prepared New Orleans style. Lamb shanks are slowly braised in Cabernet Sauvignon. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

HERBSAINT BAR AND RESTAURANT

701 St. Charles Ave., 524-4114; www.herbsaint.com Award-winning chef Donald Link creates a French-inspired menu with Southern flair. Small plates include gnocchi with pancetta, oven-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, and house spaghetti with a poached farm egg and guanciale (unsmoked Italian bacon). For entrees, try the crispy confit duck leg with dirty rice and orange gastrique. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards $$$

THE HUNGRY FORAGER

902 Coffee St., Mandeville, (985) 626-8883; www.thehungryforager.com This culinary hub offers sandwiches, burgers and fish and chips at lunch, and the dinner menu includes dishes like lamb with rosemary sauce and garlic confit. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri., din-

ner Thu.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$$

LA CREPE NANOU

1410 Robert St., 899-2670; www.lacrepenanou.com Sweet and savory crepes fill the menu at this romantic French bistro. Start with escargot with garlic, parsley and butter sauce, or try salad Tropical, with avocado, hearts of palm, artichoke and tomato. Jumbo lump crabmeat stars in a crepe with creamed spinach that is topped with Mornay sauce. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

LA PROVENCE

25020 Hwy. 190, Lacombe, (985) 626-7662; www.laprovencerestaurant.com One of John Besh’s restaurants, La Provence draws diners with dishes like slow-cooked lamb and rabbit grandmere, which is served with potato gnocchi and spring vegetables. Bouillabaisse features redfish, Gulf shrimp, mussels, clams, fennel and saffron broth. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

LILETTE RESTAURANT

3637 Magazine St., 895-1636; www.liletterestaurant.com Chef John Harris features French and Italian influences on the menu at his bistro. Entrees include grilled hanger steak with fries and saffron-infused bouillabaisse with lobster, a king crab claw, scallops, shrimp, cod, mussels, clams, fennel and a rouille crouton. Appetizers include sizzling shrimp with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

LUKE RESTAURANT

333 St. Charles Ave., 378-2840; www.lukeneworleans.com Luke combines Old World French and German cuisines. page 51

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

3555 18th St., Metairie, 888-4940 This down-home diner serves seafood platters, fried chicken and roast beef and hot sausage po-boys. Daily specials include red beans and rice, countryfried steak and grilled pork chops. For side items, there are french fries, onion rings and jalapeno hushpuppies. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

MAGNOLIA GRILL

Discover the Taste of India

this Valentine’s Day! ∙ NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS ∙

OPEN FOR

VALENTINE’S DAY LUNCH & DINNER PLANNING A MARDI GRAS PARTY? CALL FOR DETAILS ABOUT CATERING PACKAGES & OUR 2500 SQ. FT. BANQUET ROOM NEXT TO THE PARADE ROUTE

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LUNCH 11:30AM - 2:30PM DINNER 5:30 - 10:30PM CLOSED TUESDAYS

4308 MAGAZINE ST • 894-9797 OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY LUNCH: 11:30AM-2:30PM DINNER: 5:30-10:30PM

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

9 2 3 M E TA I R I E R D . 8 3 6 - 6 8 5 9

Serving the Greater N.O. Area since 1982

3800 Canal Street New Orleans (504) 482-9179 www.mandinasrestaurant.com 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Thurs 11am - 9:30pm Fri & Sat 11am - 10pm Sunday 12noon - 9pm ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

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Sample one of the restaurant’s daily specials or enjoy Prince Edward Island mussels steamed with garlic and thyme and served with fries. The raw bar offers oysters and chilled seafood dishes. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$

MARTINIQUE BISTRO

5908 Magazine St., 891-8495; www.martiniquebistro.com Find a table on the patio or inside the intimate dining room at this French-Caribbean influenced restaurant. Prince Edward Island mussels are bathed in white wine with leeks, applewood-smoked bacon, Maytag blue cheese and cream. Radish sprouts and caperberries garnish Gulf shrimp sauteed with Meyer lemon and Champagne. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

MEAUXBAR BISTRO

942 N. Rampart St., 569-9979; www.meauxbar.com Expect new twists on bistro classics at Meauxbar. Appetizers include onion soup gratinee with Gruyere crouton. The mac and cheese is made with baked ziti, mushrooms duxelles, goat

cheese, Gruyere and truffle oil. The civet of rabbit fricassee is served with pappardelle, bacon lardons, wild mushrooms and Creole mustard. Duck confit comes with garlic sauteed potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, garlic confit and frisee salad. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

german JAGER HAUS GERMAN BISTRO & COFFEE SHOP 833 Conti St., 525-9200; www.jager-haus.com This Bavarian restaurant dishes up a hearty spread of wursts and schnitzels. Breakfast features thin-crust German pizzas. The pork shank entree comes with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

gourmet to go CANSECO’S MARKET

1519 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-5979; 3135 Esplanade Ave., 322-2594; 5217 Elysian Fields Ave., 218-7048

The Best Beef Noodle Soup in Town

CHEZ NOUS CHARCUTERIE

5701 Magazine St., 899-7303; www.gotocheznous.com Chez Nous’ daily menu offers a variety of items including salads, quiches and sandwiches. Hot appetizers include seafood cakes and cheese puffs made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan and chives. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

DORIGNAC’S

710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-8216; www.dorignacs.com The longtime Metairie grocery is known for its bakery, deli and large wine selection. The selection of prepared dishes includes fried chicken, lasagna, soups, sandwiches and daily specials, such as red beans and rice, bacon-wrapped pork filet, and baked macaroni. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $

Attiki

LANGENSTEIN’S

135 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 2823428; 5016 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 885-7005; 8115 S. Claiborne Ave, 488-0536; www.robertfreshmarket.com Choose from rotisserie chicken, an extensive salad bar, sushi bar, daily soup specials, po-boys made-to-order and deli items. The fried fish dinner includes two side items and rolls. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

HARVEY OPEN 7 DAYS | 7AM-7PM

greek ACROPOLIS CUISINE

3841 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-9046 The menu at Acropolis showcases traditional Greek and Italian fare. Choose from dishes like kebabs, gyro plates, moussaka, veal parmigiana and lasagna al forno. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

3420 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-8225; 5600 Magazine St., 899-9119; www.wholefoods.com This organic grocery chain offers hot dishes such as couscous, stuffed mirlitons

MR. GYROS GREEK RESTAURANT

3620 N. Causeway Blvd.,

More than just great food...

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DECATUR

587-3756

www.attikineworleans.com

1200 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-9033 Curry Corner serves meals cafeteria style with choices including curried vegetables and Indian specialties. Thai green curry with vegetables is prepared with coconut cream. Chicken masala features breast meat cooked with ginger, garlic, tomato, cumin, turmeric and coriander. No reservations. Brunch, lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $

INDIA 4 U

1703 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-5657; www.indiafood4u.com The wide-ranging menu at India 4 U covers many special-

COUNTRY FLAME seasoned shredded beef or chicken cooked in a spanish red sauce, served with white rice, black beans & house salad

230

Food Served until 1am

CURRY CORNER

Ropa Vieja $7.95

BELLY DANCER

11AM-4AM DAILY LUNCH & DINNER

indian/ pakistani

pork marinated for days to ensure tenderness, with choice of yuca, rice, fries, or tostones

AUTHENTIC MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE ALONG WITH A VARIETY OF VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN DISHES

MONDAY − 2 for 1 Martinis TUESDAY − 2 for 1 Margaritas

Metairie, 833-9228; www.mrgyros.org Pita sandwiches come with your choice of chicken, souvlaki (pork), falafel (bean croquettes), veggie (two kinds of cheese) or gyro meat (a combination of ground beef and lamb). Mr. Gyros also has daily specials including pasta, fish and veal dishes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

Puerco Frito $10.25

experience the mediterranean

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 3-6PM

504.302.2094

4838 Prytania St., 895-0581 The market’s deli counter serves fried chicken, sandwiches, soup and daily specials. Monday features red beans and rice with sausage. Chicken and sausage gumbo and corn and crab chowder are among the soup choices. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

bar & grill

HAPPY HOUR

1308 manhattan blvd

ZARA’S MARKET

ROBERT FRESH MARKET

Every Fri & Sat Night

Banh Mi • Beef Stew Vermicelli • Spring Rolls

and rotisserie chicken. There are separate stations for pizza, sandwiches, soups, sushi to go, fresh baked bread and desserts and coffee. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

800 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-6682; 1330 Arabella St., 8999283; www.langensteins.com Langenstein’s offers local specialties, shrimp and crawfish etouffees and crawfish bisque. Favorites include “le Popeye” dip with spinach, cream cheese and sour cream, Better Cheddar dip mixed with garlic, herbs and spices and double stuffed potatoes. Daily specials are available in family-size portions. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

Call Our Special Events Planner Gift Certificates Available

mon-fri 9am-5pm

504.581.1103 or

504.525.4790 tommysneworleans.com

Seafood Plates $7.15-$14.75

oysters/fried shrimp or catfish/shrimp & catfish/ calamari; served with house salad & choice of baked potato or fries

Hickory Smoked Barbecue $7.85-$12.25 (smoked in house) baby back ribs/pork ribs/ sliced beef/sausage/combo platter

Charbroiled Specialties $7.50-$16.00 t-bone/ribeye steak/new york strip/chicken breast/ pork chops/tuna steak/ hamburger steak; served with house salad & choice of baked potato or fries

I620DELIVER! IBERVILLE STREET • 522.1138 OPEN EVERYDAY ‘TIL 8:30PM

GAMBIT > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JANUARY 25 > 2011

vietnamese restaurant

Head to the deli counter for rotisserie-roasted chicken, cold salads, daily plate lunches and sandwiches. The Cuban sandwich is loaded with roasted pork and ham and pressed warm and crisp. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

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ties, including dishes from the tandoor oven and seafood such as lobster with coconut cream. The goat Korma is simmered with yogurt and cream and seasoned with cashew paste. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

JULIE’S LITTLE INDIA KITCHEN AT SCHIRO’S CAFE & BAR

2483 Royal St., 945-4425; www.schiroscafe.com The Little Kitchen at Schiro’s grocery serves Indian dishes like spicy sauteed chicken, lamb or shrimp vindaloo. New Orleans fare includes a seafood combo featuring Cajun-spiced shrimp, catfish and oysters plus potato salad, vegetables, tartar sauce, hushpuppies and bread. Lunch specials are served all day. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $

NIRVANA INDIAN CUISINE

4308 Magazine St., 894-9797; www.insidenirvana.com Nirvana offers traditional Indian curries and tandoori items as well as seafood, vegetarian and rice dishes. The lamb achar is a very spicy and tart curry. Murgh sonya is a chicken breast stuffed with nuts, raisins, herbs and farmer’s cheese. Lunch is served buffet style. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

SALT N’ PEPPER

403 Iberville St., 561-6070 Pakistani-style curries and kebabs made with halal meats are among the finds at this backstreet cafe. Start with an order of flatbread or potatostuffed samosas. For a curry, try the spoon-tender goat masala. Pizza and sandwiches also are available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, latenight Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $

TAJ MAHAL INDIAN CUISINE

TARKA

3207 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 471-6141 Tarka serves Indian and Pakistani dishes including many options made with halal meats. The tandoori mixed grill includes kebabs of spiced chicken and beef marinated in yogurt. Chicken or lamb biryani feature meat marinated overnight and steam cooked with rice, tomatoes and herbs. Lunch is served buffet style. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

italian A MANO

870 Tchoupitoulas St., 2089280; www.amanonola.com A Mano takes a hands-on approach to regional Italian cuisine. A wide variety of cured meats are made in house and featured on tasting plates or in pastas. The coniglio della casa features slow-cooked rabbit with oil-cured olives, roasted garlic and thyme. The pici all’aglione is hand-rolled pici pasta with garlic, parsley, olive oil and breadcrumbs. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

ADOLFO’S

611 Frenchmen St., 948-3800 This cozy Creole-Italian cafe serves steamed mussels as an appetizer, and stuffed cannelloni are a specialty. There are usually five different fish offered each night, including choices such as grouper, which can be prepared a number of ways and optionally topped with seafood-laden “ocean” sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Dinner daily. Checks. $$

ANDREA’S RESTAURANT

923 C Metairie Road, Metairie, 836-6859 This longtime Metairie fixture features an array of wellspiced classic Indian dishes. Masala dosa is a large rice and lentil crepe filled with a spicy blend of potatoes, onions, herbs and spices. Chicken pasanda features tender chunks of boneless chicken in cashew almond sauce with fresh herbs. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$

3100 19th St., Metairie, 8348583; www.andreasrestaurant.com Northern Italian cooking anchors chef Andrea Apuzzo’s namesake restaurant. The veal chop Valdostana is stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto and topped with mushroom sauce. Red snapper Crazy Water features a sauteed snapper fillet served with tomatoes, garlic, oregano and pepperoncini peppers. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

TANDOORI CHICKEN RESTAURANT

ASSUNTA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

2916 Cleary Ave., Metairie, 889-7880; www.tandoorichickennola.com Along with tandoori chicken, fish, shrimp and lamb, the restaurant serves a number of traditional Indian dishes. The dinner combos come with lentils, rice and naan. The most popular items are chicken tikka masala and butter chicken. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sun., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

2631 Gause Blvd. W, Slidell, (985) 649-9768; www.assuntas.com For more than 20 years, Assunta’s has served Neapolitan cuisine. Veal Assunta is lightly breaded and topped with creamy shrimp baciamella sauce. Veal osso buco is sauteed with diced tomatoes and onions and served over bowtie pasta. Reservations accepted for large parties. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

BOSCO’S ITALIAN CAFE

2040 Hwy. 59, Suite D, Mandeville, (985) 624-5066; www.boscositalian.com Italian favorites are served in hearty portions at Bosco’s. Calamari is sauteed in olive oil with garlic and green onions, and the tomato and mozzarella salad is dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Meatballs are piled high over pasta or stuffed into Italian bread with provolone and red sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Tue.-Sun., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$$

Sherrie Le and Mark Mitchell serve boiled crawfish and diner fare at Daisy Dukes.

BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA

3413 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-8828; www.bravoitalian.com Hearty, Italian-style entrees like rigatoni tossed with grilled chicken and mushrooms are the main attraction at Bravo. The meatless verduta pizza is topped with asparagus, mushrooms, tomatoes, red onions and two cheeses. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CAFE DIBLASI

1801 Stumpf Blvd., Terrytown, 361-3106; www.cafediblasi.com Cafe DiBlasi’s Italian cooking traces its roots to family traditions from Florence and Palermo. Pan-fried chicken is topped with capers and artichokes in lemon butter sauce. Bracioloni is steak flattened out and rolled with Italian meats and cheeses and simmered in tomato sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CAFE DITALI’S

2104 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-0058 Cafe Ditali’s shows a knack for creative renditions of Italian classics. Crab cake Parmesan is served over angel hair pasta with spicy marinara. Shrimp carbonara combines bacon, sauteed shrimp and Alfredo sauce over penne. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. Credit cards. $$

CAFE GIOVANNI

117 Decatur St., 529-2154; www.cafegiovanni.com Chef Duke LoCicero puts a creative twist on Italian fare. Signature oysters Giovanni are lightly fried oysters served on a colorful bed of five sauces. A traditional option is spaghetti with homemade meatballs with marinara sauce. Duck classico is a garlic-glazed roasted half duck served with sweet Marsala sauce and mashed potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, latenight Fri-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

CAFE ROMA

1901 Sophie Wright Place, 524-2419; www.caferomauptown.com Best known for gourmet pizza, Cafe Roma turns out popular items like barbecue chicken pizza with sliced tomatoes, red onions, green peppers

and tangy barbecue sauce. Fettuccini Alfredo is topped with grilled chicken. The dessert selection includes tiramisu. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and latenight daily. Credit cards. $

DICRISTINA’S

810 N. Covington St., Suite C, Covington, (985) 875-0160; www.dicristinas.com Baked macaroni is a crowdpleaser at DiCristina’s, and it appears alongside dishes ranging from meatballs and eggplant Parmesan to chicken bordelaise and fried seafood. Look for specials like trout Jacob, which is served over pasta with crawfish sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

DOMENICA

123 Baronne St., 648-6020; www.domenicarestaurant.com Located in the Roosevelt Hotel, chef John Besh’s rustic Italian dishes combine imported Italian cured meats and cheeses with local ingredients, such as pork from pigs raised on the Northshore for his restaurants. Dishes include wood-grilled pizza and tagliatelle with rabbit ragu and porcini mushrooms. Many pastas are made in house. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

ELEVEN79

1179 Annunciation St., 299-1179; www.eleven79.com Classic Italian dishes fill the menu at this intimate restaurant just outside the Warehouse District. Osso buco is a veal shank served Milanese style with pappardelle. The tomato and crab salad features balsamic vinaigrette drizzled over vine-ripened tomato slices and jumbo lump crabmeat.

Reservations recommended. Lunch Thu.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

FAUSTO’S BISTRO

530 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-7121; www.faustosbistro.com Fausto’s prepares Northern Italian and Sicilian cuisine. Veal saltimbocca features veal medallions sauteed with mushrooms and herbs, topped with prosciutto and mozzarella and flamed in Marsala. Parmesancrusted Gulf fish is topped with crabmeat, tomato and white wine butter sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

FAZZIO’S RESTAURANT

1841 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 624-9704; www.fazziosrestaurant.com Traditional Italian dishes and Louisiana seafood share the billing at Fazzio’s. The Jimbob shrimp are stuffed with crabmeat and served over pasta with crabmeat cream sauce. Veal Ledet is topped with crawfish and artichokes in brandy cream sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

FRANK’S RESTAURANT

933 Decatur St., 525-1602; www.franksrestaurantneworleans.com Frank’s started out as an Italian deli and became a full-service restaurant. The muffuletta remains a fixture on the menu. Entrees include shrimp or crawfish Gagliano, cooked in butter with garlic, green onions, fresh sweet basil, served over angel hair pasta with Romano cheese. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

GIO’S VILLA VANCHERI

2890 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, (985) 624-2597; www.giosvillavancheri.com Specialties at this upscale Italian eatery include cioppino de mare, a stew of mixed seafood in a rich broth. There is an array of veal dishes and steaks, like the filetto Gorgonzola cooked with shallots and topped with blue cheese. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

GIORLANDO’S RESTAURANT

741 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, 835-8593; www.giorlandos.com Giorlando’s mix of casual Italian and Creole cuisine includes everything from mashed potatoes and gravy to meatballs and spaghetti. Mama G’s eggplant features lightly fried eggplant slices over angel hair pasta with shrimp au gratin sauce. Grilled chicken is served with a side of tomato-basil pasta. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.Fri. Credit cards and checks. $$

IMPASTATO’S RESTAURANT

3400 16th St., Metairie, 455-1545; www.impastatos.com Impastato’s offers a four-course menu with your choice of appetizer, house-made pasta, salad du jour and choice of entree. Try the pecan-smoked filet mignon or soft-shell crab. The osso buco is a slow-roasted veal shank served with gravy, vegetables and rice. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

IRENE’S CUISINE

539 St. Philip St., 529-8811 Aromas of garlic, rosemary and basil perfume the air inside this intimate eatery. Signature dishes include baked oysters Irene, topped with Italian cheeses and pancetta, mussels steamed in wine, and roasted chicken. page 54

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Reservations accepted. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

ITALIAN BARREL

430 Barracks St., 569-0198; www.italianbarrel.com This casual cafe by the French Market specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. Bresaola, the cured, thinly sliced beef, is served as an appetizer or entree. Popular entrees include veal osso buco and porcini and truffle ravioli served with white wine cream sauce. There also are cheese boards and curedmeat plates. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

LEONARDO TRATTORIA

709 St. Charles Ave., 558-8986 Leonardo specializes in woodoven pizzas and pasta made in house. There also are calzones, salads and seafood, veal and chicken dishes. Pasta choices include spaghetti carbonara with pancetta, Pecorino cheese, egg and creamy sauce. The namesake bruschetta Leonardo tops toasted focaccia with goat cheese, herbs and dried blueberries. Reservations accepted. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

MAXIMO’S ITALIAN GRILL

1117 Decatur St., 586-8883; www.maximosgrill.com The open kitchen allows guests to watch as cooks prepare their meals. Diver scallops are seared in habanero-infused oil and served atop warm seasonal greens. The osso buco features a braised veal shank finished with garlic, thyme and white wine demi-glace, served with grilled asparagus and roasted red potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

MIMI’S ITALIAN AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

10160 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 737-6464; www.mimisriverridge.com Chef Pete Vazquez has helped add a creative flourish to Italian and Creole cooking at Mimi’s. Ligurian braised pork is slow cooked with anchovies, olives, basil and garlic and served with fontina cheese polenta. House-made duck liver tortellini is combined with caramelized onions, pancetta and red wine vinegar sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

MR. ED’S SEAFOOD AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT

910 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 463-3030; 1001 Live Oak St., Metairie, 838-0022; www.austinsno.com Mr. Ed’s is known for fried chicken and Italian dishes. Diners can choose red, white or lima beans with rice. Seasonal specialties include shepherd’s pie, crawfish and soft-shell crab dishes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

MONA LISA RESTAURANT

1212 Royal St., 522-6746 Specialty pizzas and pasta dishes are featured at this bohemian French Quarter hideaway. Mardi Gras linguine includes andouille and shrimp in tomato cream sauce. A combination pizza is loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, black olives, onions, mushrooms and green peppers. The lasagna is popular. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Mon., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MOSCA’S

4137 Hwy. 90 W., Avondale, 436-9942; www.moscasrestaurant.com Mosca’s hearty Italian cooking is perfect for family-style dining. Oysters Mosca are local oysters baked with breadcrumbs and Italian seasonings. Chicken a la Grande features chicken sauteed with rosemary, seasonings, whole garlic cloves and white wine. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Cash only. $$$

NONNA MIA

3125 Esplanade Ave., 948-1717; www.nonnamia.net This cafe and pizzeria serves gourmet pies, pasta, panini and salads. The Divine portobello appetizer combines mushrooms, grilled chicken and spinach with creamy, spicy red pepper sauce. There are daily ravioli specials and housemade tiramisu and cheesecake. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

R & O’S RESTAURANT

216 Old Hammond Hwy., Metairie, 831-1248 R & O’s offers pizza, po-boys and hot tamales. The seafood platters come feature combinations of shrimp, fish, oysters and soft-shell crabs. The most popular pizza is meatball and onion. The po-boy selection includes roast beef and chicken Parmesan. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

RED GRAVY

125 Camp St., 561-8844; www.redgravycafe.com Order one of this casual cafe’s sandwiches dressed New Orleans style, or Parmesanstyle with mozzarella and red sauce or Italian-style with sauteed greens and provolone. Pasta dishes are topped with homemade sauce and served with garlic bread. Meatballs are made from ground beef or pork. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

RISTORANTE CARMELO

1901 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 624-4844; www.ristorantecarmelo.com Ristorante Carmelo serves a range of traditional Italian dishes. Pasta dishes include mushroom ravioli and tortellini served with meat sauce. The veal chop Provence is a hand-

cut chop stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese. For dessert, try the homemade ice cream or chocolate pannacotta. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$$

RISTORANTE DA PIERO

401 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 469-8585; www.ristorantedapiero.net The menu at Ristorante Da Piero combines original dishes with those of the Romaga region of Northern Italy. Pastas are made in house, including the popular crabmeat ravioli served with lobster sauce, or try the free-range duck. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

RISTORANTE DEL PORTO

501 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 875-1006; www.delportoristorante.com Tuscan flavors inspire the contemporary Italian cooking at Ristorante del Porto. Winter specialties include a roasted veal chop served with sweet potato hash while the braised Mississippi rabbit is prepared cacciatore-style with herbed polenta. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

RISTORANTE FILIPPO

1917 Ridgelake Drive, Metairie, 835-4008 Filippo specializes in traditional Italian dishes like pasta and meatballs, osso buco, and veal, chicken or eggplant Parmesan. For something a little different, try the oysters oregano, lightly dusted with Italian breadcrumbs, Romano cheese, garlic and rosemary. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

RIVERBEND BISTRO

8001-B W. St. Bernard Hwy., Arabi, 277-6996 Riverbend Bistro dishes up Italian cuisine in a familyfriendly atmosphere. The menu features seafood dishes like soft-shell Camellia over pasta, eggplant Napoleon, and an Angus filet served either bordelaise (herbs, garlic and olive oil) or Pontchartrain (crabmeat and mushrooms) style. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SAL & JUDY’S RESTAURANT

27491 Hwy. 190, Lacombe, (985) 882-9443 For 40 years, family recipes have made Sal & Judy’s has been a Northshore institution. Popular dishes include the house-made lasagna. The spaghetti aglio olio is a traditional dish made with garlic and olive oil and served with Italian sausage. Reservations recommended. Lunch Sun., dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$

SALVATORE RISTORANTE

3226 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 455-2433 Salvatore’s veal dishes include

osso buco, bruccilone, rolled with Italian stuffing, and veal piccata, sauteed in lemon butter and topped with Parmesan. The menu also features beef, pasta and seafood specialties. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

SANDRO’S TRATTORIA

6601 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-7784; www.sandrostrattoria.com This Italian eatery offers classics including Aunt Vera’s lasagna and chicken Marsala. The osso buco is made with pork and served over angel hair pasta. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SMILIE’S RESTAURANT

5725 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan, 733-3000; www.smiliesrestaurant.com Smilie’s cuisine is centered on creative Italian fare and seafood. Catfish pecan is fried and topped with rich meuniere sauce, and baked lasagna is a house specialty. Smilie’s also offers steaks and Gulf seafood platters. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

SPECIALTY ITALIAN BISTRO

2330 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 391-1090 This bistro serves classic Italian dishes. Lasagna is layered with ground beef, pasta, housemade marinara and a blend of cheeses. Eggplant Parmesan features lightly breaded eggplant slices over pasta topped with marinara and a blend of cheeses. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

TOMMY’S CUISINE

746 Tchoupitoulas St., 581-1103; www.tommysneworleans.com Tommy’s specializes in CreoleItalian cuisine with a heavy focus on seafood. The daily fresh fish filet is sauteed, topped with grilled shrimp and served with roasted red peppers and beurre blanc. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

TOMMY’S WINE BAR

752 Tchoupitoulas St., 525-4790; www.tommysneworleans.com The wine bar has 150 bottles on its list, and 20 are served by the glass. It also has a full bar, and hungry patrons may order food from the adjoining restaurant, Tommy’s Cuisine, or nibble on plates of pates and cheeses. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

TONY ANGELLO’S

6262 Fleur de Lis Drive, 488-0888 Regulars at this Creole-Italian institution love the “Feed me, Mr. Tony” option, a tasting menu of small portions selected by the chef. The lobster cup and eggplant Tina (eggplant medallions topped

with Romano cheese and homemade tomato sauce) are popular dishes. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

TONY MANDINA’S

1915 Pratt St., Gretna, 362-2010; www.tonymandinas.com This restaurant offers a mix of Creole and Italian dishes. Eggplant St. Jude features hand-battered eggplant medallions layered with shrimp and crabmeat and topped with shrimp Alfredo sauce. Breaded veal also is served with shrimp and crabmeat in Alfredo sauce with angel hair pasta. Shrimp Mandina tops pasta with butterflied shrimp in spicy sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

TONY MORAN’S RESTAURANT

240 Bourbon St., 523-4640 Tony Moran’s got its fettuccine Alfredo recipe from none other than the dish’s namesake, chef Alfredo di Lelio. The restaurant also serves classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs and veal Parmesan. Gumbo, seafood and some New Orleans specialties also are available. Catfish fillets are served with crabmeat stuffing and lemon butter. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

TULLY’S ITALIAN AND SEAFOOD

587 Central Ave., Jefferson, 734-3991; www.tullyspizza.com Tully’s offers pizza and an array of sandwiches, salads and pastas. Machos are nachos topped with Italian meatballs. The crab cake linguine is served with a choice of red or white sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

VENEZIA RESTAURANT

134 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-7991; www.venezianeworleans.com Classic Italian dishes at Venezia include pasta, seafood and veal. House specialties include eggplant Vatican, fettuccini Alfredo and steaks. Popular pizza toppings are pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, artichoke hearts and onions. Reservations accepted. Lunch Wed.-Fri. and Sun., dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

VINCENT’S ITALIAN CUISINE

4411 Chastant St., Metairie, 885-2984; 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313; www.vincentsitaliancuisine.com Vincent’s serves a menu of classic Italian dishes, house-made pastas and daily specials such as grilled rack of lamb topped with fresh mint demi-glace and Brabant potatoes. Popular dishes include veal and chicken Marsala. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

japanese/ sushi HANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

8116 Hampson St., 865-1634 Hana offers a variety of Japanese dishes including tuna tataki, which features seared tuna with vinaigrette, tobiko and vegetables. Hana’s extensive sushi menu includes the Hana special roll, with shrimp tempura and snow crab on the inside, topped by tuna and salmon. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

HORINOYA

920 Poydras St., 561-8914 Horinoya provides an authentic taste of Japan, featuring familiar dishes made with Kobe beef, tuna tataki and more esoteric items like fish from the Tsukiji fish market and natto, or fermented beans. Teriyaki, tempura and buckwheat soba and udon noodles also are available. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

KANNO CALIFORNIA SUSHI BAR

3205 Edenborn Ave., Metairie, 455-5730 The large menu of sushi and rolls at Kanno features specials like the lobster dynamite roll, with spicy tuna, lobster tail and wasabi cream sauce. The Godzilla roll is a rice-less roll with tempura shrimp, snow crab and spicy tuna. For appetizers, Kanno combines portobello mushrooms and calamari. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

KYOTO

4920 Prytania St., 891-3644; www.kyotonola.com This Uptown sushi restaurant serves original rolls like the Taco Salad, featuring tuna, salmon, white fish, shrimp, crabstick, lettuce, tomato, smelt roe and margarita sauce in a fried spring roll topped with tangy vinaigrette. The shigure appetizer combines shrimp, snow crab and avocado in a quesadilla drizzled with jalapeno sauce and sweet teriyaki. Beef teriyaki arrives sizzling with a side of sauteed vegetables. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$

LITTLE TOKYO

590 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, (985) 727-1532; www.littletokyosushi.com House specials at Little Tokyo include the cowboy roll with beef, snow crab, lettuce and avocado and the tropical roll with coconut, avocado and fresh mango. Lettuce wraps filled with minced shrimp and mushrooms make an offbeat appetizer. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$ page 57

HOME OF

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family owned & operated since 1913

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strip steak

New York strip steak, 14oz. center cut served with pasta or baked potato

crabmeat & scallops

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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winter restaurant guide

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page 54

LITTLE TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

310 N. Carrollton Ave., 4855658; 1521 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 831-6788; www.littletokyonola.com Little Tokyo is known for its specialty sushi rolls and hibachi grill (at its North Carrollton location). The FEMA roll contains fresh salmon, snow crab, asparagus and avocado, with spicy tuna and sauce on top. The Burning Man has spicy tuna and crunchy flakes inside with pepper tuna, avocado and barbecue eel sauce on top. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

LITTLE TOKYO SMALL PLATES & NOODLE BAR

1340 S. Carrollton Ave., 8616088; www.littletokyonola.com This contemporary Japanese restaurant offers ramen soups and a large menu of small plates to share. Pork gyoza dumplings, fried octopus, sweet potato fries with wasabi dipping sauce, and seafood, meat and veggie skewers are among the options. The restaurant has several private karaoke rooms. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

MEGUMI YAKIMONO AND SUSHI BAR

MIKIMOTO JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR

3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 488-1881; www.mikimotosushi.com This sushi bar has both room to dine in and a drive through pick-up window. The carpaccio sashimi has white fish with red onions, olive oil, capers, basil leaf, green onions and spicy sauce. The super niku maki features thin slices of fish with snow crab and green onions in teriyaki sauce on a hot sizzling plate. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MIYAKO SEAFOOD & STEAKHOUSE

1403 St. Charles Ave., 410-9997; www.japanesebistro.com Miyako offers a wide array of Japanese dishes from its sushi bar and hibachi grill. The hibachi special combines lobster, beef and shrimp and comes with clear soup, salad, hibachi noodles and mixed vegetables. The Miyako roll is a batter-fried

NINJA SUSHI

8433 Oak St., 866-1119; www. ninjasushineworleans.com Ninja features an extensive list of sushi, sashimi, rolls, soba and udon noodles, soups, salads and other dishes, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free items. The Smokey Bear roll bundles baked smoked salmon, green onions, cucumber, smelt roe and egg sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

OKI NAGO JAPANESE SEAFOOD BUFFET

2712 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 780-8588; www.okinago.com Oki Nago’s buffet includes some Chinese dishes in addition to the large selection of Japanese items, ranging from teriyaki, tempura-fried shrimp and vegetables, cold noodle salads to sushi and rolls. Buffet meals are served with ice cream and salad. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

ROCK-N-SAKE OF NEW ORLEANS

823 Fulton St., 581-7253; www.rocknsake.com This hip warehouse district spot serves sushi and other Japanese favorites. The California sunset roll is filled with spicy snow crab and topped with fresh salmon, mangoes and chili mayo. The pan-fried noodle dish yakisoba is offered with a choice of vegetables, seafood or chicken. Reservations accepted. Lunch Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun., latenight Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SAKE CAFE

817 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-8829; 1130 S. Clearview Pkwy., Harahan, 733-8879; 4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 779-7253 Sake Cafe’s sushi menu features staples such as the California roll, crunchy roll and spicy tuna roll. Signature rolls include the New Orleans roll, featuring spicy crawfish, crunchy tempura, avocado, tuna, snow crab and avocado eel sauce. Discount sushi rolls are offered during happy hour. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SAKE CAFE UPTOWN

2830 Magazine St., 894-0033 This stylish sushi parlor features a wide range of rolls and sashimi. For an appetizer, try yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and citrus salsa and citrus sauce. The po-boy roll combines shrimp tempura, soft-shell crab, crawfish, masago and lettuce, all wrapped in sesame soy paper. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SEKISUI SAMURAI

239 Decatur St., 525-9595; www.sekisuiusa.com Check the sushi bar appetizers for offbeat specials like the ocean pyramid, molded from salmon, tuna, yellowtail, avocado and tobiko, or the eel “sundae” with crushed macadamia nuts and balsamic vinegar sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

Audubon Golf Club manager Keith Emigh starts the day with breakfast at the Audubon Clubhouse CAfe.

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND STEAKHOUSE

2325 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-7477; www.shogunneworleans.com Shogun’s hibachi grill entertains guests with dinner and a show. Pick from steak, chicken, scallops, shrimp or calamari as the chefs chop, flip and cook in front of you. All orders come with a shrimp appetizer, soup, salad and hibachi vegetables. The menu also includes sushi, teriyaki and other Japanese dishes. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

SUSHI BROTHERS

1612 St. Charles Ave., 581-4449; www.sushibrothers.net Sushi Brothers produces a wide selection of original rolls and sashimi. The Levee Voice roll features blue crab, spicy roe and wasabi-mayo on top of a roll of spicy crawfish, avocado, asparagus and wasabi. The special Brothers roll wraps fresh salmon tempura with cream cheese and layers of salmon and avocado on top. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Thu., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

TENNOU SUSHI BAR

1818 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 366-3898; www.tennousushi.com A full range of sushi and cooked dishes like grilled salmon teriyaki and crispy fish fillets make this West Bank eatery a popular lunch or dinner spot. Bento box lunches include soup, salad, a California roll and an appetizer. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

TOKYO HIBACHI SUSHI RESTAURANT & BAR

3525 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 464-8989 The hibachi grill offers steaks. Lobster and other options. The shrimp tempura roll features lightly fried shrimp with snow crab and cream cheese wrapped in soybean paper, with mango and avocado on top. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

WASABI

900 Frenchmen St., 943-9433; 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 2673263; www.wasabinola.com Choose from sushi, tempura, noodle or rice dishes at this Japanese restaurant and bar. Appetizers include tofu, steak, yakitori chicken and miso soup. Green tea ice cream is a chilly

counterpoint to warm sake. No reservations. Frenchmen Street: Lunch Mon.-Sat, dinner daily. Pontchartrain Boulevard: Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

YUJIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

323 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 809-3840; www.yujinjapaneserestaurant.com Yujin prepares sushi bar favorites and traditional cooked dishes, but be sure to look for house specialties like the Latininspired ceviche sushi roll or the Burning Man roll with spicy tuna, seared tuna, salmon and Sriracha hot sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Mon.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$

YUKI IZAKAYA

525 Frenchmen St., 943-1122; www.myspace.com/yukiizakaya This modern Japanese-style tavern serves sake and shochu drinks and authentic Japanese items in tapas-size portions. Options include grilled beef tongue, salmon roe with shredded radish, shu mai dumplings, fried spring rolls, marinated octopus and fries with wasabi sauce. No reservations. Dinner and late-night Tue.-Sun. Cash only. $

korean KOREA HOUSE

3547 18th St., Metairie, 888-0654 Traditional Korean dishes include barbecue cooked on tabletop grills and clay pot stews. The most popular items are vegetables over rice and marinated barbecue ribs or beef. Try the noodle soup with

clams. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. Credit cards. $$

latin american BARU BISTRO & TAPAS

3700 Magazine St., 895-2225 Baru features savory dishes from coastal Colombia like the carne asada, a grilled skirt steak served with tomato sauce, chorizo and red potatoes sauteed with cilantro. Whole fried fish is served with coconut rice, smashed green plantains with grilled lime, and red cabbage coleslaw with mango. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

COUNTRY FLAME

620 Iberville St., 522-1138 Country Flame dishes up Cuban specialties like ropa vieja with shredded beef over a bed of rice. It also offers the classic Cuban sandwich of ham, roasted pork and cheese on pressed bread. The wide-ranging menu includes tacos, fajitas and ribs as well. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

LA MACARENA PUPUSERIA & LATIN CAFE

8120 Hampson St., 862-5252 La Macarena serves El Salvadoran pupusas — stuffed thick cornmeal patties — plus a wide range of Latin American chicken, beef, seafood, tapas and some Spanish dishes. Other options include fresh soups, salads, seafood, carne asada, combination platters and vegan options. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Cash and checks. $$

SERRANOS SALSA COMPANY Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie,

780-2354; www.serranossalsacompany.com Entrees at Serranos come with your choice of sweet fried plantains, poblano cheese grits, jalapeno corn pudding, refried pinto beans or other sides. The popular Cuban pork carnitas is marinated with garlic and spices and topped with orange and lime mojo sauce. The ceviche features flounder, onions, jalapenos, citrus, avocado and pico de gallo. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

louisiana contemporary 7 ON FULTON

701 Convention Center Blvd., 525-7555; www.7onfulton.com Refined and rustic cooking meet in dishes like alligator ravioli served with sauce piquante and sauteed vegetables. Breakfast options include the eggs Fulton with fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and bordelaise sauce. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

5FIFTY5

Marriott Hotel, 555 Canal St., 553-5638 Chef Mark Quitney puts an upscale spin on comfort food and gives Creole classics fresh twists. Acadian redfish is a fillet topped with jumbo lump crabmeat over spinach salad with lemon thyme vinaigrette. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

ALLEGRO BISTRO

1100 Poydras St., 582-2350 Allegro is a CBD lunch spot and lounge. Popular dishes include New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp and the filet mignon page 59

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

1211 Village Walk, Covington, (985) 893-0406; 4700 Hwy. 22, Suite 11, Mandeville, (985) 8451644;www.megumirestaurant.net Try chicken, beef and shrimp skewers fresh off Megumi’s yakimono grill. Its sushi bar creates new special rolls every week, like the Dixie Chick roll, made of spicy tuna, snow crab, avocado and tempura flakes, topped with white sauce. The Spicy Mary roll with snow crab, tempura and crawfish is another option. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

roll filled with salmon, white fish, crab, avocado, cucumber and tobiko. Reservations accepted. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS $5.95

AND UP

MONDAY

BEANS AND RICE TUESDAY

ENCHILADAS THURSDAY

MEATLOAF AND FRIED CHICKEN FRIDAY

FRIED CATFISH

FRESH STEAKS & SEAFOOD DAILY AND ALWAYS GREAT BBQ PATIO BAR & SECRET GARDEN OPEN DAILY AT 5PM

JOIN US IN THE BACK BAR FOR OUR DAILY $5 MARTINI SPECIAL

3162 DAUPHINE ST. @ LOUISA

NEW ORLEANS CLOSED WEDNESDAY

TRADITIONAL NEW ORLEANS BRUNCH

2.50

504.944.4445

MIMOSAS, SCREWDRIVERS AND BLOODY MARYS

504.947.0000

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Theatre

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

OPEN DAILY 11AM-10PM

SAT. AND SUN. 9-3PM

SUNDAY JANUARY 30, 2011 2PM . VIP PARTY | 3PM-5PM . GENERAL ADMISSION

TICKETS $ 50 VIP $35

GENERAL ADMISSION IN ADVANCE

$30

GROUPS OF 6 OR MORE OR SENIORS 55 OR OLDER IN ADVANCE

$40

AT THE DOOR

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT WYES.ORG OR CALL 504.486.5511 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

111 VETERANS BLVD. SUITE 250 BLUE FROGS CHOCOLATE.

5707 MAGAZINE ST. AND AT WILL CALL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.

NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 ADMITTED

TASTE EVERYTHING CHOCOLATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY RESTAURANTS, CHOCOLATIERS AND BAKERIES.

IF YOU LOVE CHOCOLATE, DON’T MISS IT!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT YOUR LOCAL PUBLIC BROADCASTING STATION.

winter restaurant guide

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page 57

sandwich with carmelized onions, Brie and roasted garlic aioli. The lounge offers cheese boards and other daily specials in the afternoon. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$

Muscovy duck is served with Yukon Gold gnocchi, balsamicsmoked duck bacon and snap beans with beurre blanc au poivre. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and dinner daily, lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$$

ANNADELE’S PLANTATION

CAFE AMELIE

71518 Chestnut St., Covington, (985) 809-7669; www.annadeles.com This historic bed and breakfast doubles as a fine-dining destination. The mixed grill Bogue Falaya pairs lamb chops and quail with pepper jelly-infused buerre blanc. Pasta St. Angelo is tossed with oysters, artichokes and tasso with cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Thu.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$

ATCHAFALAYA

901 Louisiana Ave., 891-9626; www.cafeatchafalaya.com Atchafalaya puts a creative twist on contemporary Creole cooking. Crawfish-stuffed flounder is served with spinach ragout including portobello mushrooms, grape tomatoes and roasted garlic. Veal cheek meat pies are served atop a chiffonade of cabbage and drizzled with horseradish creme fraiche. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

BISTRO DAISY

BRIGTSEN’S RESTAURANT

723 Dante St., 861-7610; www.brigtsens.com Chef Frank Brigtsen’s contemporary Louisiana cuisine adds new excitement to traditional dishes. Sauteed veal is served with osso buco sauce, and roast duck arrives with both cornbread dressing and honey pecan dressing. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

CAFE ADELAIDE AND SWIZZLE STICK BAR

300 Poydras St., 595-3305; www.cafeadelaide.com Cafe Adelaide features a frequently changing menu of contemporary Creole cuisine and Southern fare. “Shrimp on shrimp in grits” features dried-shrimp-crusted shrimp over oregano red grits with absinthe-basil butter. Parmesan-cured breast of

COCHON

930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123; www.cochonrestaurant.com Cochon’s menu of updated Cajun cuisine boasts small plates like fried rabbit livers with pepper jelly toast, as well as entrees like the oyster and bacon sandwich. The bar features craft cocktails and a selection of legal moonshine. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$

THE COLUMNS — ALBERTINE’S TEA ROOM

3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308; www.thecolumns.com A menu of contemporary Louisiana cooking includes seared diver scallops with corn maque choux and pink peppercorn beurre blanc. Eggplant St. Claire is eggplant stuffed with crabmeat, crawfish, shrimp and herbed cheese, topped with fried oysters. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and dinner daily, lunch Tue.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

COQUETTE

2800 Magazine St., 265-0421; www.coquette-nola.com The menu evolves on a daily basis at Coquette, an intimate bistro located in the lower Garden District. One hearty winter option is roasted lamb served with merguez sausage and barley stew. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.Sat., dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

CRESCENT PIE AND SAUSAGE COMPANY

4400 Banks St., 482-2426; www.crescentpieandsausage.com True to its name, Crescent Pie and Sausage Company’s menu is covered in sausage links, sausage sandwiches and sausage pizza. The duck pie features duck confit in a traditional meat pie shell. The popular Mediterranean pie has lamb sausage, olives, artichoke hearts, eggplant and goat cheese with roasted red pepper sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Mon.Sat., dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$

322 Magazine St., 587-9001; www.restaurantcuvee.com Cuvee serves contemporary Creole fare with hints of French and Spanish cuisine. The duck entree combines Steen’s-cured smoked breast, confit leg, walnut blue cheese risotto, Hudson Valley foie gras and pear glace. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$$

DAKOTA

629 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 892-3712; www.thedakotarestaurant.com Dakota’s crabmeat and Brie soup is a first course few can resist, while the nightly preparation of foie gras is another rich temptation. Entrees include roast duck served with waffles and demi-glace and the trio of veal preparations. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

THE DELACHAISE

3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858; www.thedelachaise.com Pommes frites with malt vinegar, garlic aioli and peanut dipping sauce are the perfect noshing item at this upscale cocktail diner. There also are cheese plates and twice-cooked pork crisped in duck fat and served with fried yucca. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Sat., dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

DICK AND JENNY’S

4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 8949880; www.dickandjennys.com The menu at this intimate Uptown restaurant changes with the seasons. A pain perdu with duck confit is served with apples, Brie and peach chutney. Salmon bouillabaisse features a salmon fillet topped with crab, shrimp, tomatoes, fennel, leeks, saffron and herbsaint. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$$

EAT NEW ORLEANS

900 Dumaine St., 522-7222; www.eatnola.com This quaint cafe offers an original take on familiar Creole and Cajun dishes. Savory cheesecake made with Creole cream cheese, andouille, red peppers and green onions fills a pecan crust. Eggs de Provence is baked in a black iron skillet with cream and herbs and served with applewood-smoked bacon and a biscuit. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

EMERIL’S DELMONICO

1300 St. Charles Ave., 525-4937; www.emerils.com A lavish charcuterie features house-cured meats like bresaola, copocollo, chorizo, sausages and a daily terrine. Rabbit crepes come with pancetta, mushrooms and mascarpone. The restaurant also serves steaks dry-aged in-house. A happy hour menu features small plates of Delmonico

favorites. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

EMERIL’S RESTAURANT

800 Tchoupitoulas St., 5289393; www.emerils.com The flagship of chef Emeril Lagasse’s empire serves a number of signature creations including warm Mississippi rabbit remoulade with fried green tomatoes, Benton’s bacon, local citrus salad and horseradish gastrique. The andouille-crusted Texas redfish comes with grilled vegetables, shoestring potatoes, glazed pecans and Creole meuniere. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

GAUTREAU’S RESTRAURANT

1728 Soniat St., 899-7397; www.gautreausrestaurant.com Chef Sue Zemanick’s menu presents original takes on Louisiana-French cuisine. Duck confit is served with a salad of arugula, peaches, candied pecans and sherry vinaigrette. Roasted chicken is served with garlic mashed potatoes, wild mushrooms and haricots verts. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION

40136 Hwy. 942, Darrow, (225) 473-9380; www.houmashouse.com This 18th-century plantation home offers two dining options. The more casual Cafe Burnside serves dishes like chicken and andouille gumbo and smoked salmon salad. Latil’s Landing focuses on Louisiana inspired French cooking. Dishes include the lobster and Creole tomato risotto, and beef tenderloin served with scalloped Yukon gold potatoes infused with white truffle oil. Reservations required at Latil’s. Cafe Burnside: lunch daily, brunch Sun. Latil’s Landing: dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

JACMEL INN

903 E. Morris St., Hammond, (985) 542-0043; www.jacmelinn.com The Jacmel Inn presents a changing seasonal menu combining Caribbean, Creole and Italian influences. The Angels on Horseback appetizer features oysters wrapped in smoked bacon with sweet anise. Entrees include the house-cured pork breast served with sweet corn polenta and herb-seared mahi mahi. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Tue.Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$$

JUNIPER RESTAURANT

301 Lafitte St., Mandeville, (985) 624-5330; www.juniperrestaurant.net Chef Peter Kusiw’s menu of innovative Creole cuisine includes dishes like blackened Brie cheese with blueberry compote, shrimp and chipotle

remoulade. Gulf fish is crusted with tasso and finished with crawfish piccata butter. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$$

mayo on homemade focaccia. The lamb shank is served with lamb jus, black-eyed peas and smothered cabbage. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

LA CÔTE BRASSERIE

LOUISIANA BISTRO

700 Tchoupitoulas St., 613-2350; www.lacotebrasserie.com With a marble bar bending through the dining room like a bayou, this spacious restaurant focuses on local seafood. Redfish on the half shell is served with tasso and shrimp couche couche. The chargrilled smoked Cajun lobster is served with corn lobster beignets and pickled mirliton slaw. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

LA PETITE GROCERY

4238 Magazine St., 891-3377; www.lapetitegrocery.com At this upscale bistro located at the corner spot of a longtime neighborhood grocery, Chef Justin Deviller focuses on Louisiana-French cooking. Spicy remoulade tops lobster beignets, and shrimp and grits are served with shiitake mushrooms, smoked bacon and thyme. Grilled hanger steak is served with roasted sweet potatoes, turnips and caramelized onions. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

LE FORET

129 Camp St., 553-6738; www.leforetneworleans.com This elegant downtown restaurant offers updated New Orleans classics and a deep repertoire of American and continental dishes. Entrees include pan-roasted veal chop with gnocci crust, sweetbreads and vegetable confit. The trio of farm-raised rabbit includes a roasted rack with almonds, a loin stuffed with chorizo and a braised leg over pasta with peeled grapes. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

THE LAKEHOUSE

2025 Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville, (985) 626-3006; www.lakehousecuisine.com The Lakehouse puts its own spin on traditional dishes like barbecue shrimp over Parmesan polenta. Grits and grillades are served with mushroom jus and a crawfish stuffed tomato. Rainbow trout meuniere is served with crab salad and avocado. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Thu.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

LOLA

517 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-4992; www.lolacovington.com Cooking in a 1940s train caboose, chef/owners Keith and Nealy Frantz present a menu of creative dishes. The cochon de lait sandwich piles roast pork, ham, Swiss, coleslaw and Creole

337 Dauphine St., 525-3335; www.louisianabistro.net The restaurant prepares a variety of Creole dishes including a version of jambalaya with andouille sausage and a changing mix of Louisiana fish and shellfish. The BP-inspired “Top Hat” surf and turf is a pan roasted prime filet mignon topped with crawfish tail scampi on roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

MIKE’S ON THE AVENUE

628 St. Charles Ave., 523-7600; www.mikesontheavenue.com Mike’s menu combines Southwestern and Asian influences. The jumbo lump crabmeat and crawfish cake is served with tagliatelle pasta, Creole smoked sausage, shaved fennel and white wine cream. Mike’s crispy duck is served with Vermont maple dipping sauce, toasted tortillas and brown rice with andouille, tasso and shiitake mushrooms. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

MILA

817 Common St., 412-2580; www.milaneworleans.com Chefs Allison Vines-Rushing and Slade Rushing reinvent Southern and Creole dishes. For an entree, try the venison loin or pepper dusted smoked tuna with black-eyed peas. Oysters Rockefeller deconstructed is a signature dish. Reservations recommended. Breakfast daily, lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$$

MR. B’S BISTRO

201 Royal St., 523-2078; www.mrbsbistro.com Mr. B’s is a modern Creole favorite in the French Quarter. Barbecued Gulf shrimp are served in a New Orleans-style peppery butter sauce with French bread. The gumbo Ya Ya is a country-style gumbo made with chicken and andouille sausage. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

NOLA RESTAURANT

534 St. Louis St., 522-6652; www.emerils.com Chef Emeril Lagasse’s French Quarter restaurant serves a menu of modern Louisiana dishes. The grilled pork chop is served with brown sugarglazed sweet potatoes, toasted pecans and caramelized onion reduction sauce. The hickoryroasted duck is served with whiskey-caramel glaze, buttermilk cornbread pudding, haricot verts and fire-roasted corn salad, natural jus and candied pecans. Reservations recompage 61

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

5831 Magazine St., 899-6987; www.bistrodaisy.com Chef Anton Shulte constantly changes the menu at this intimate bistro. Gulf oysters poached in Herbsaint and fennel cream are served with bacon, spinach, cornbread croutons and chives. Handmade ravioli are filled with crawfish and mascarpone and served with wilted leeks and brandy, herb and oven-dried tomato cream. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

912 Royal St., 412-8965; www.princessofmonaco.com Find your way through the pretty courtyard to this quaint carriage house cafe. Slow-cooked spiced lamb shank is served with local root vegetables and grits. The double-cut organic pork chop is served with andouille maque choux. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

CUVEE

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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mended. Lunch Fri.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

O’DONNELL’S RESTAURANT

131 S.W. Railroad Ave., Ponchatoula, (985) 386-4077 O’Donnell’s features contemporary Creole dishes, like a grilled double-cut pork chop over a crisp potato cake with sauteed spinach. Seared Wisconsin duck breast is served with braised collard greens, baby sweet potatoes and blackberry cassis reduction. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

ONE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 8132 Hampson St., 301-9061; www.one-sl.com This bustling Riverbend restaurant presents creative dishes such as grilled beef tenderloin with warm beef shoulder rillette and Stilton cheese. Starters include Louisiana crabmeat, mirliton and Vidalia onion au gratin. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

PALACE CAFE

605 Canal St., 523-1661; www.palacecafe.com Palace Cafe puts creative touches on contemporary Creole cooking. The fried oyster loaf combines corn-fried oysters, melted St. Andre cheese and sherry tasso cream on ciabatta. Shrimp Tchefuncte features shrimp in Creole meuniere sauce with roasted mushrooms and green onions over popcorn rice. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

PAT O’BRIEN’S COURTYARD RESTAURANT

PATOIS

6078 Laurel St., 895-9441; www.patoisnola.com This intimate neighborhood bistro offers refined FrenchLouisiana dishes. Roasted pheasant breast and leg confit is served with sunchoke puree, cippolini onions, roasted baby carrots and spiced foie gras emulsion. Sweet corn, roasted poblano peppers and country ham reduction accompany a fennel-crusted Mississippi rabbi. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

PELICAN CLUB

312 Exchange Place, 523-1504; www.pelicanclub.com Contemporary Louisiana dishes highlight the menu at this elegant French Quarter restaurant. Try the ravioli stuffed with jumbo lump Louisiana crab and

RALPH’S ON THE PARK

900 City Park Ave., 488-1000; www.ralphsonthepark.com Ralph’s offers contemporary Creole and American cooking in its two-story space overlooking City Park. Try lamb spare ribs glazed with Worcestershire and citrus for an appetizer. Crispy skin-on snapper is served with artichoke heart ragout with roasted tomatoes, baby green beans, capers, lemon and crab butter. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

RESTAURANT AUGUST

301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777; www.chefjohnbesh.com Chef John Besh’s flagship restaurant offers a seasonal menu of contemporary Louisiana dishes. A cast-iron roasted veal chop is paired with acorn squash tortellini and glazed baby root vegetables. Slow-cooked Mangalitsa hog is served with local satsumas, picholine olives and Tuscan kale. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

RESTAURANT CYPRESS

4426 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, 885-6885; www.restaurantcypress.com Cypress serves dishes like lobster ravioli with mascarpone cream and dill sauce and crawfish and crabmeat Parma, a casserole served with white wine butter sauce and Parmesan. Entrees include eggplant cakes with crawfish and cream sauce, and sauteed shrimp with hollandaise. Reservations accepted. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

ROUX ON ORLEANS

Bourbon Orleans, 717 Orleans Ave., 523-2222; www.bourbonorleans.com Roux on Orleans focuses on Creole classics and Louisiana produce, from local seafood to Ruston peaches. Start a meal with Creole turtle soup or a jumbo lump crab cake served with mustard-tarragon cream. Entrees range from pasta jambalaya to pecan-crusted puppy drum to a double-cut pork chop glazed with Steen’s cane syrup. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ

Toulouse Street Wharf, 586-8777; www.steamboatnatchez.com A meal aboard the Steamboat Natchez promises an everchanging view as the vessel navigates the river. Gulf shrimp are sauteed with garlic, thyme, lemon and white wine. There is bread pudding with whiskey

sauce for dessert. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

SUGAR HOUSE

Embassy Suites, 315 Julia St., 525-1993; www.embassyneworleans.com Sugar House combines Cajun and Creole influences. The Cajun sampler consists of crawfish pie, jambalaya and file gumbo. Steak Delmonico is either grilled or blackened, and meat falls off the bone of babyback ribs. There are changing daily specials. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

Chef John Besh’s AmericAn Sector at the National World War II Museum serves updated Americana classics.

VERANDA AT THE HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL

444 St. Charles Ave., 585-4383; www.ichotelsgroup.com Second-line parades, live music and unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys liven Sunday brunch at the Veranda. Seafood omelets and bread pudding are crowd favorites. A lunch buffet offers different flavors (including Indian, Italian and various Asian cuisines) daily. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

VIZARD’S

5015 Magazine St., 895-2246; www.vizards.net Chef/owner Kevin Vizard presents a menu of re-imagined Creole small plates. The Half Nelson features crispy eggplant, jumbo lump crabmeat, crimini mushrooms, green onions and bearnaise. Other menu items include the Vizard’s cut, a filet cap served with truffled potato tots, asparagus and topped with Creole bordelaise. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

WATER STREET BISTRO

804 Water St., Madisonville, (985) 845-3855; www.waterstreetbistro.com Housed in a Madisonville cottage, this bistro focuses on Louisiana flavors. Shrimp are sauteed in wine, finished with butter sauce and served over pasta. Roast duck is served with fig and port reduction. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

WOLFE’S IN THE WAREHOUSE

859 Convention Center Blvd., 613-2882; www.wolfesinthewarehouse.com Chef Tom Wolfe puts a contemporary spin on Creole cuisine. Try a pressed chicken sandwich or yellowfin tuna salad for lunch. The restaurant’s dinner specialty is the barbecue Gulf shrimp served on a rosemary French bread rusk. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

ZOE RESTAURANT

W Hotel, 333 Poydras St., 2075018; www.starwoodhotels.com Zoe serves up New Orleans-

inspired contemporary entrees in a stylish setting. Popular entrees include spice-dusted redfish and Zoe pasta, which combines angel hair pasta, shrimp and crawfish. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

mediterranean/ middle eastern ALBASHA GREEK & LEBANESE RESTAURANT

1958 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 867-8292; www. albashabr.com Popular Mediterranean dishes get an extra dose of Greek flavor here, from the Grecian sauce drizzled over shawarma sandwiches to the feta salads served on the side. Specialties include traditional moussaka stacked with potato, eggplant and ground beef. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

ATTIKI BAR & GRILL

230 Decatur St., 587-3756; www. attikineworleans.com Roasted rack of lamb crowns the menu at this Middle Eastern tavern, which features hookahs and belly dancers on Friday and Saturday nights. The chicken artichoke pasta and seafood paella are popular, and other options include hummus, gyro sandwiches and kebab platters. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

BABYLON CAFE

7724 Maple St., 314-0010; www.babyloncafe.biz Vegetarian options abound at this inexpensive Middle Eastern cafe, from smoky baba ghanoush to falafel and baked vegetables. There are marinated chicken and beef dishes, as well as filet mignon shish kebabs and whole rack of lamb. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

BYBLOS

1501 Metairie Road, Metairie, 834-9773; 3218 Magazine St., 894-1233; www.byblosrestaurants.com Marinated rack of lamb is a popular dish. Warm pita bread makes for a great accompaniment to gyros, kebabs and a falafel platter. Chicken shawarma is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice and Lebanese spices and served on a platter with a choice of side items. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

BYBLOS MARKET

2020 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-9777; www.byblosrestaurants.com This deli offers quick meals of Middle Eastern favorites. Gyros and chicken shawarma are wrapped in pita and drizzled with creamy garlic sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

CASABLANCA

3030 Severn Ave., Metairie, 888-2209 Moroccan spice lends exotic flavor to the offerings at Casablanca. The harira soup is a traditional blend of chickpeas, lentils, saffron and fresh cilantro. Chicken Marrakech is marinated with herbs and spices and char-broiled. Reservations recommended. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner Sun.-Thu. Credit cards. $$

CLEOPATRA MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

2701 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-1113; www.cleopatraMediterraneancuisine.com The chef’s vegetarian plate is a formidable collection of soup, tabbouleh, grape leaves, baba ghanoush, hummus and two pieces of falafel. A kebab trio rounds up skewers of chicken, kafta and beef tenderloin. The Angus beef rib-eye comes with onion rings, baked potato and vegetables. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

COURTYARD GRILL

4430 Magazine St., 875-4164; www.courtyardgrillnola.com Turkish and Persian influences take Courtyard Grill’s Middle Eastern cuisine beyond the familiar. There are large platters with lamb and beef kebabs, and Iskandar kebab is a platter of lamb and beef skewers with a buttery tomato gravy. There is airy house-baked bread instead of pita. For dessert, try the poached pear stuffed with walnuts and drizzled with chocolate. Reservations accepted. Lunch and diner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$

JAMILA’S MEDITERRANEAN TUNISIAN CUISINE

7808 Maple St., 866-4366 Nestled on Maple Street’s restaurant row, Jamila’s features French-influenced Tunisian cuisine. Pan seared scallops are served with saffron rice. The whole red snapper with garlic and onion chutney is served over vegetables. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

LEBANON’S CAFE

1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 8626200; www.lebanonscafe.com This casual cafe offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites. Shrimp kebabs and falafel plates are great starters. A skinless half chicken is marinated in garlic, lemon juice and Mediterranean spices and grilled. Lamb is sauteed with onions and tomatoes and served with hummus. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

LITTLE MOROCCO

7457 St. Charles Ave., 301-9184 Little Morocco focuses on traditional Moroccan cuisine and serves some Middle Eastern dishes. Semolina couscous is offered with a choice of lamb, chicken, seafood or vegetables. Bastela is a dish combining chicken, egg and onion. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ page 62

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

624 Bourbon St., 588-2744; www.patobriens.com Grab a Hurricane and head to the Courtyard Restaurant for sandwiches, red beans and rice, and innovative Creole dishes. Shrimp pasta includes fresh Gulf shrimp, tomato concasse, capers, fresh basil and penne pasta in lemon-vodka cream sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

wild mushrooms in mushroom green-peppercorn cream sauce. Entrees include Australian rack of lamb roasted with a rosemary pesto crust served with truffle-mashed potatoes, baby vegetables and a port-mint demi-glace. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

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MONA’S CAFE

bites

Olives............$5 Artisanal selection of marinated olives Cheese Puffs................$8 Deep fried Gruyere puffs with Mostarda Crawfish Waffle Cakes..............$8 Spiced corn batter with crème fraiche and tarragon Pomme Frites.............$6 Matchstick fried potatoes with parmesan aioli Shrimp Corn Dogs................$8 With remoulade and sweet chili dressing

sandwiches

(Sides of Frites with sandwich, $3 extra)

“Ham and Cheese”............$8 Gruyere and Proscuitto with mustard and apples on rye Inside/Out Cheeseburger............$10 Warm English cheddar inside & pepper bacon on a Brioche bun Smoked Pork................$9 Slow cooked Carolina style on ciabatta w/ apple chutney Yard Egg-Grilled BLT.............$7 No mayo, just a warm & runny yard egg with pepper bacon, romaine, and ripened tomatoes on grilled flatbread Steak Sandwich...............$14 London Broil on Ciabatta w/ onion confit and oven roasted tomato jam Duck Confit-6 inch Po Boy...........$12 with pickled red onions and Satsuma jam KITCHEN OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH THRU LATE NIGHT

sweets

21 FOR

www.roosevelthotelbar.com

PHOENICIA RESTAURANT

4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-9950 Shish kebabs of lamb, beef, chicken and kafta are served on platters with hummus, rice and salad. Chicken shawarma also is available on a platter. Vegetarian options include grape leaves and tabbouleh with tomatoes. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

PYRAMIDS CAFE

Beignets with Mocha syrup............$5

116 UNI V ERSIT Y PL ACE 504.566.9444

504 Frenchmen St., 949-4115; 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 8618175; 3901 Banks St., 482-7743; 4126 Magazine St., 894-9800; www.monascafenola.com Find traditional Middle Eastern dishes across the city at Mona’s locations. There are chicken, lamb and beef kebabs, lentil soup, falafel and gyro sandwiches and vegetarian platters. Appetizers include zaater bread topped with herbs and olive oil and safeiha topped with ground beef and lamb. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

HAPPY HOUR

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY | 4PM-8PM

3151 Calhoun St., 861-9602 Pyramids is a casual spot for Middle Eastern cuisine. There are shish kebabs and gyro plates with tahini. Chicken tikka is a marinated and grilled skinless half-chicken. Lamb is sauted with olive oil and spices and served with hummus. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

mexican/ southwestern

CARRETA’S GRILL

1340 Lindberg Drive, Slidell, (985) 847-0020; 2320 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-6696; 70380 Hwy. 21, Covington, (985) 871-6674 There’s a wide array of Mexican favorites at Carreta. Fajita platters arrive sizzling. Other signature dishes include the pollo loco, or grilled chicken topped with spinach and asadero cheese and served with sauteed onions. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $$

CASA GARCIA

Come

& eat... I always make too

much! TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SPECIALTIES Pastas, Meatballs, Roasts

WE NOW DELIVER IN THE CBD & FRENCH QUARTER VISIT US AT WWW.REDGRAVYCAFE.COM RED GRAVY NOW HAS A PAGE 504-561-8844 • MON-FRI 6:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. SAT. 9 A.M.-2 P.M. • 125 CAMP ST.

800 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 951-8226; 8814 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 464-0354 Many Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos and quesadillas are available at Casa Garcia. Seafood dishes include shrimp a la diabla served with spicy ancho chile sauce. The costillas de Monterrey are ribs with chipotle sauce. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CHEVY’S FRESH MEX

1201 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 368-2100; 3330 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 8877788; www.chevys.com Chevy’s offers California-

Mexican fare and hand-shaken margaritas. The carnitas feature tender, marinated pork slow-roasted with oranges, lemons, garlic and fuego seasoning. Sizzling fajitas, tacos and enchiladas are popular dishes. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily, latenight Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CUCOS

2766 Belle Chasse Hwy., Terrytown, 393-7766; 5048 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-5005; www.cucosmex.com Cucos sizzles with traditional Mexican fare like tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas and taco salads. The El Presidente combines beef and cheese enchiladas with a burrito, a taco, and rice and beans with ranchero sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

EL GATO NEGRO

81 French Market Place, 525-9752; www.elgatonegronola.com Whet your appetite with a pineapple-cilantro margarita or any of the Mexican beers or premium tequilas. Guacamole is mixed tableside with avocados, pico de gallo, jalapenos, lime juice and sea salt. Chicken enchiladas feature chicken breast, Chihuahua cheese, sauteed onion and come with corn tortillas, sour cream, orange salsa and rice and beans. No reservations. Breakfast Sat.-Sun., lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

FELIPE’S TAQUERIA

301 N. Peters St., 267-4406; 6215 S. Miro St., 309-2776; www.felipesneworleans.com Choose from marinated pulled pork, steak, grilled vegetables, grilled chicken, spicy chicken (pollo tingo) or chorizo to fill tacos, burritos, chimichangas and more. A salsa bar offers different varieties of salsa with varying levels of heat. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

FIESTA LATINA RESTAURANT

133 N. Carrollton Ave., 4840590; 1924 Airline Drive, Kenner, 468-2384; www.fiestalatinarestaurant.com This family-owned Mexican eatery offers tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and tamales. The huevos rancheros feature two eggs and two tostadas covered with ranchero sauce. The carne asada is grilled and served with refried beans, salad, rice and sweet fried plantains. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

GEORGE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-4342; www.georgesmexicanrestaurant.com In addition to traditional Mexican favorites, George’s

serves specials like the tequila tuna topped with crawfish, onions and peppers. Huevos rancheros and chorizo omelets are served for Sunday brunch. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

IZZO’S ILLEGAL BURRITO

4316 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-5505; www.izzos.com Izzo’s offers burritos, quesadillas, nachos and tacos made to order. Diners pile on their choices of meat (chicken, steak, pork carnitas, ground beef, shrimp), vegetable toppings (roasted corn, pickled and fresh jalapenos, olives, etc.) and 10 sauces ranging from mild to spicy. Izzo’s offers a tortilla soup with a choice of meat, cheese and tortilla strips. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

JUAN’S FLYING BURRITO

2018 Magazine St., 569-0000; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 4869950; www.juansflyingburrito.com These cantinas combine California-Mexican favorites and a punk rock feel. Look for shredded pork tacos with coleslaw, and Mardi Gras Indian tacos topped with squash and roasted corn. The signature burrito is loaded with grilled steak, Gulf shrimp, chicken, cheese, black beans, yellow rice, salsa, guacamole and sour cream in a grilled tortilla. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

LA CARRETA

107 Carrolwood Drive, LaPlace, (985) 651-9991; 108 NW Railroad Ave., Hammond, (985) 419-9990; 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, (985) 624-2990; www.carretarestaurant.com Big burritos, flautas, quesadillas, carne asada, chiles rellenos, tamales and other Mexican dishes are favorites at this chain. Ceviche al oregano is lime-marinated mahi mahi with avocado served on a crisp tostada. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

NACHO MAMA’S MEXICAN GRILL

1000 S. Clearview Pkwy., Harahan, 736-1188; 3242 Magazine St., 899-0031; 6325 Elysian Fields Ave., 286-1805; www.nachomamasmexicangrill.com Nacho Mama’s serves Tex-Mex favorites and specialty margaritas. Mamachitas feature a spicy blend of roasted jalapeno, serrano and habanero peppers fried and served with habanero sour cream. Popular items include mahi mahi tacos with mango salsa and tilapia tacos topped with pickled slaw. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

winter restaurant guide SANTA FE

3201 Esplanade Ave., 948-0077 The seafood available at Santa Fe includes Atlantic salmon, grilled mahi mahi and lobster. The ceviche features fish, calamari and jumbo shrimp with lemon and lime juices and Mexican spices. Traditional menu items include tamales and enchiladas. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

SUPERIOR BAR & GRILL

3636 St. Charles Ave., 8994200; www.superiorgrill.com Superior Grill offers Mexican favorites and a wide selection of margaritas. Order a fajita plate with either mesquite grilled chicken, beef or shrimp. Choose from grilled chicken, beef, brisket, shrimp or crawfish for quesadillas served with guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos and pico de gallo. Delivery available. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

TAQUERIA CHILANGOS

2723 Roosevelt Blvd., Kenner, 469-5599 Enjoy authentic Mexican favorites at Taqueria Chilangos. Menu mainstays include chiles rellenos, burritos, tacos and brisket, and there are daily specials. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

TAQUERIA GUERRERO MEXICO

TOMASITO’S

755 Tchoupitoulas St., 5270942; www.tomasitos.com Tomasito’s serves Mexican favorites in a refined cantina setting in the Warehouse District. Chiles rellenos feature two poblano peppers stuffed with ground beef, raisins and almonds and is topped with spicy cream cheese sauce. Ceviche is prepared with sushi grade fish in citrus marinade with cilantro, onions and chiles. Reservations accepted. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

music & food CHICKIE WAH WAH

2828 Canal St., 304-4714; www.chickiewahwah.com This Mid-City music club has a kitchen nook that offers a small but changing menu. Sample dishes include seared prawns over a grit cake and banana leaves stuffed with green mango, drum fish and cilantro coconut cream. No

reservations. Dinner daily. Cash only. $

Fri., dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

ROCK ’N’ BOWL

BIG SHIRLEY’S

3016 S. Carrollton Ave., 8611700; www.rockandbowl.com Bowl a few frames and dine on New Orleans classics at this Mid-City institution. Shrimp remoulade is served over fried green tomatoes. Order fried bread pudding served in a po-boy. Reservations recommended. Dinner and late-night Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

ROOSEVELT HOTEL’S BLUE ROOM

123 Baronne St., 648-1200; www.therooseveltneworleans.com Head to the Blue Room for jazz brunch on Sundays, where diners will find everything from crabmeat omelets and banana nut waffles to roasted chicken and pork loin. For dessert, there’s traditional bread pudding. Reservations accepted. Brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO

626 Frenchmen St., 949-0696; www.snugjazz.com Catch a meal before one of Snug’s two nightly shows. The menu features Creole dishes, burgers, Angus steaks and Gulf seafood. Chicken is served either Southern fried or charbroiled. Reservations accepted. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SWEET LORRAINE’S JAZZ CLUB

1931 St. Claude Ave., 945-9654; www.sweetlorrainesjazzclub.com Sweet Lorraine’s cooks up hot jazz and Creole food. Entrees include blackened catfish topped with sauteed mushrooms and served over spinach. There also are seafood plates, barbecue ribs, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Reservations accepted. Dinner and late-night Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

THREE MUSES

536 Frenchmen St., 298-8746; www.thethreemuses.com Step off the bustle of Frenchmen Street for creative small plates and live music. Dishes include feta fries, ceviche, lobster egg rolls with sweet chili lime sauce, lamb sliders with tomato chutney and herbed goat cheese, and a bruschetta with arugula, olives, white beans and peppers. No reservations. Dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$

neighborhood ADAM’S CATFISH HOUSE

8523 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, 392-0541 The house specialty is no surprise at Adam’s Catfish House, where catfish is fried or grilled and served on platters with coleslaw and hushpuppies. Other options include salads, po-boys, burgers and steaks. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-

5222 Elysian Fields Ave., 252-4835 Big Shirley’s is a casual takeout spot with approximately 40 seats for those who would rather dine in. Stop by in the morning for French toast or smothered potatoes. Lunch and dinner bring hearty dishes like baby back ribs, blackened catfish and sides of smothered greens. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

BISTRO BYRONZ

1901 Hwy. 190, Suite 10, Mandeville, (985) 951-7595; www.bistrobyronz.com This casual bistro serves innovative Louisiana cooking. Blue cheese chips are freshly fried potato chips topped with melted blue cheese. Pot roast Creole is served with garlic mashed potatoes, Creole gravy and home-style green beans. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

− mon-sat • 7am-9pm − serving full menu til 8pm − sunday • 7am-3pm − kitchen closes at 2:30pm

5606 Canal Blvd. • 504-483-7001 • www.lakeviewBrew.Com manny randazo’s king cakes

BLUE PLATE CAFE

1330 Prytania St., 309-9500 The Blue Plate Cafe puts a special twist on breakfast standards. The pancakes Bonaparte includes three buttermilk pancakes smothered with fruit sauce and whipped cream. There also are breakfast burritos and eggs with crawfish cakes. There are salads and sandwiches for lunch. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

BUFFA’S LOUNGE

1001 Esplanade Ave., 9490038; www.buffaslounge.com Head to Buffa’s for the namesake half-pound burger, a patty melt or other bar fare. All sandwiches are served with fries, including the grilled Reuben, loaded with corned beef, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. The blackened rib-eye is a menu mainstay. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Cash only. $

catering available

pastries & Hot breakfast

yummy desserts and coffee

www.noalbeans.com • join us on facebook

AND SpECIALIzINg IN NATURALLy CURLy HAIR COLOR & pRODUCTS AvAILAbLE fOR CURLy HAIR

BYWATER RESTAURANT & BBQ

3162 Dauphine St., 944-4445 Brisket, ribs, chicken and pulled-pork barbecue are the usual suspects at this neighborhood restaurant. Get barbecue with sides like beans and jalapeno cornbread. Daily specials include steaks and fried catfish. Soups and desserts are homemade. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

DANTE’S KITCHEN

736 Dante St., 861-3121; www.danteskitchen.com Dante’s presents contemporary Creole dishes with local farm vegetable selections. The redfish on the half shell is topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and soft herbs. Chicken page 65

For Naturally Curly Perms 5537 C a n a l B l v d . • 486.8255

Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm • Sun 7am-3pm

CUTLOOSEHAIRSTUDIO.NET

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

208 N. Carrollton Ave., 484-6959 The menu at this very casual cantina features traditional Mexican dishes including chiles rellenos, homemade tamales, burritos and tacos. Cool down your taste buds with flan for dessert. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

w rg

BRUNCH WEEKDAYS ONLY DINNER MENU 4PM-9:30PM MON-FRI 11AM-9:30PM SAT 12 NOON-9:30PM (DINNER MENU ONLY)

FREE DELIVERY TO MID-CITY & LAKEVIEW FEATURING AUTHENTIC

VIETNAMESE DELICACIES

BUN TOM Grilled Shrimp over rice or vermicelli noodle GOI CUON Spring Roll, salad roll highly recommended PHO GA Chicken traditional large bowl of soup

135 N. CARROLLTON / 309-7286 / FAX 309-7283 Uptown’s Favorite Neighborhood Cafe

GAMBIT > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JANUARY 25 > 2011

Family of Restaurants

S E A F O O D & I TA L I A N

Eggs Benedict · Huevos Rancheros Eggs Sardou · Crabcake Benedict · Omeletes Belgian Waffles · Buckwheat Pancakes Lunch Specials Daily • Breakfast Served Anytime Monday - Sunday 7am - 2pm C OR N E R OF BU R DE T T E / U P TOW N

Thanks to all of our wonderful patrons who dined with us in 2010, we look forward to serving you and your family in 2011. Come by for dinner and enjoy a SELECT COMPLIMENTARY APPETIZER (offer excludes Sundays and Valentine night)

Full Breakfast Every Morning and All Day on Sunday!

with the purchase of any full priced dinner entree.

COVERED PATIO SEATING paninis poboys soups salads

Open VALENTINE’S NIGHT Hurry & make your reservations now...

3524 SEVERN AVENUE · METAIRIE Serving Breakfast & Lunch Daily 7am-3pm, Dinner Wed-Sun 3pm-close 455-2266

OPEN 7 DAYS 8AM - 3PM

800 NAVARRE AVE. [NEAR CITY PARK]

504-483-8828

winter restaurant guide

w rg

page 63

roasted under a brick is maple glazed and served with a potato and bacon hash cake and topped with a fried farm egg. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

DEJA VU RESTAURANT & BAR

400 Dauphine St., 523-1931; www.dejavunola.com Home-style platters of pot roast and pork chops mix it up with fried seafood and po-boys at this all-hours destination. Dinner specials are available Monday through Thursday, and a steak special is featured Tuesdays and Thursdays. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $

DISH ON HAYNE

9734 Hayne Blvd., 301-0356; www.dishonhayne.com Dish on Hayne offers an eclectic mix of appetizers from spinach and artichoke dip to crab cakes and Cajun chicken quesadillas. Entrees range from fried catfish Charles with crawfish cream sauce to grilled shrimp pasta with mushrooms in spicy cream sauce topped with Parmesan. Pepper-crusted ahi tuna steaks are served with vegetables and salad. Reservations accepted. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

FELLINI’S CAFE

FIORELLA’S CAFE

1136 Decatur St., 553-2155 Fried chicken is the specialty at Fiorella’s, which serves its fried-to-order bird with homey Southern sides like red beans. There are fried seafood platters, home-style Italian favorites and New Orleans staples. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $

FRANKY & JOHNNY’S

321 Arabella St., 899-9146; www.frankyandjohnnys.com This neighborhood standby serves casual fare like po-boys, gumbo, boudin balls and alligator soup. The seafood platter includes stuffed crab, oysters, shrimp, catfish, toast and salad. Look for daily specials like red beans and rice, or chicken with onion gravy. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

724 Martin Behrman Ave., Metairie, 834-5646 This neighborhood restaurant features fried chicken and plenty of seafood options, like trout with lump crabmeat and a broiled seafood platter with fish, soft-shell crab, shrimp, stuffed shrimp, oysters, french fries and salad. There also are Italian classics like eggplant and veal Parmesan. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$

GATTUSO’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & RESTAURANT 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 368-1114; www.gattusosdeli.com Gattuso’s serves everything from gourmet salads, wraps and sandwiches to steak and seafood platters. Sloppy roast beef po-boys are topped with Swiss cheese and served on Leidenheimer bread. Spaghetti and meatballs comes with French bread and salad. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

J’ANITA’S AT THE RENDON INN

4501 Eve St., 826-5605 J’anitas, formerly of the Avenue Pub, took over the kitchen at Rendon Inn. The menu features upscale pub food and weekly specials. The St. Chuck Duck sandwich has cabernet sauteed duck with cheddar and blue cheeses, granny smith apples and current tapenade. Come on Wednesdays for chicken-fried steak, and carne asada on Thursdays. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

JOEY K’S RESTAURANT

3001 Magazine St., 891-0997; www.joeyksrestaurant.com This corner spot on bustling Magazine Street suits the whole family. There are red beans, all-you-can-eat catfish, and fried seafood platters. Trout Tchoupitoulas is pan fried and topped with shrimp and crabmeat. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$

THE JUJU BAG CAFE

5363 Franklin Ave., 872-0969 Stop into JuJu Bag for daily specials like baked turkey wings with cabbage and blackeyed peas or shrimp and okra with rice and cornbread. The salmon steak salad features grilled wild Alaskan salmon on a bed of lettuce with mushrooms, avocado, tomato and walnut vinaigrette dressing. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun., dinner Tue.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $

KATIE’S RESTAURANT & BAR

3701 Iberville St., 488-6582; www.katiesinmidcity.com Favorites at this Mid-City restaurant include the Cajun Cuban with roasted pork, grilled ham, cheese and pickles pressed on buttered bread.

The Boudreaux pizza is topped with cochon de lait, spinach, red onions, roasted garlic, scallions and olive oil. There also are salads, burgers and Italian dishes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

KOZ’S

515 Harrison Ave., 484-0841; 6215 Wilson St., Harahan, 7373933; www.kozcooks.com Koz’s serves seafood platters, muffulettas and more than 15 types of po-boys. The Will’s Chamber of Horrors sandwich features roast beef, ham, turkey, Swiss and American cheese, Italian dressing and hot mustard. No reservations. Harrison Avenue: Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Wilson Street: Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Mon.Fri. Credit cards and checks. $

WEDNESDAY'S

dozen oysters on the half shell

boiled seafood • po-boys • pizza • muffulettas seafood plates & platters • daily lunch buffets Tuesday-Thursday 11a m- 9pm • F r i day - Saturday 11am- 10pm

9201 JEFFERSON HWY • (504) 737-4610

LAKEVIEW HARBOR

911 Harrison Ave., 486-4887; www.lakeview-harbor.com Lakeview Harbor specializes in hearty burgers and loaded baked potatoes. The house pizza features pepperoni, sausage, beef, ham, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell pepper and olives. Daily specials include red beans and rice, shrimp Creole, spaghetti and baked chicken. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

Pick up your Smoothie5 Card when you purchase your first smoothie at 1640 Hickory Ave. • Harahan

LIUZZA’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

corner of Hickory and Citrus *Offer good for free 16 oz smoothie or chiller. See back of card for additional details.

3636 Bienville St., 482-9120; www.liuzzas.com Regulars flock to Liuzza’s for lasagna and the Frenchuletta, a muffuletta served as a poboy. Entrees include seafood platters and Italian specialties. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Cash only. $$

THE LUCKY LADLE

1906 Magazine St., 304-6090; www.theluckyladle.yolasite.com Get breakfast all day at this Lower Garden District eatery. The Eggcelent breakfast rounds up three eggs any style, a choice of bacon or sausage, grits or hash browns and toast. At lunch, the Drooling Logan croissant sandwich is filled with roast beef, Swiss, horseradish mayo, spinach and tomato. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

PAUL’S CAFE

100 E. Pine St., Ponchatoula, (985) 386-9581; www.paulscafe.net Paul’s focuses on comfort food with breakfast dishes like bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, omelets and pancakes. Lunch items include dishes like open-faced roast beef sandwiches and grilled chicken salad. A children’s menu is available. Breakfast and Lunch daily. Credit cards. $

QUARTER VIEW RESTAURANT

Since The Man On The Moon

NOW BOOKING ON SITE CRAWFISH BOILS! (504) 296-2452

SEITHER’S FAT LAKE CRABS Now Available!

Fresh Louisiana Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs, Louisiana Shrimp and Fish OYSTERS ON THE

HALF SHELL are back! Daily Specials Available Hours: Tues - Thurs

11am - 8pm

Friday 11am - 9pm Saturday 5-9pm

613 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, page 67

Poor Boy . r M

279 Hickory Ave · Harahan 738.1116

Serving fresh New Orleans style poor-boys, grilled salads, seafood platters and our famous daily hot plate lunch specials PHONE ORDER IN ADVANCE FOR TAKE-OUT

10202 Jefferson Hwy (across from St. Matthew's Church)

(504) 737-1170

GAMBIT > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JANUARY 25 > 2011

900 N. Carrollton Ave., 4882155; www.fellinisneworleans.com This neighborhood spot offers a menu of pastas, sandwiches and pizzas. Shrimp kebabs feature two skewers of shrimp, onion, bell peppers and black olives served with hummus and salad. The chicken portobello lavash wrap bundles mushrooms cooked in red pepper sauce, chicken, spinach, mozzarella and feta. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

FURY’S

WE WILL BE OPEN MONDAY

VALENTINE’S EVENING 5:30 - 9PM

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

Good Ol’ Home Cooking Your Sweetheart Loves! Ask about our private

ENDYMION PARTY. LIMITED SEATING · CALL TODAY

•

wed–sun > lunch + dinner • sat > dinner only • • dine in • carry out • • closed mon + tue •

•

488.7991 134 N. CARROLLTON

C H E F AU S T I N L I T T L E

C U L I N A R Y I N S T I T U T E O F PA R I S , F R A N C E

TA K ING S A N TA F E T O A N E W DI M E N S ION

HAPPY HOUR W E E K DAY S 4 P M-6 P M 6-9PM LIVE LATIN JAZZ THURSDAYS SUNDAY BRUNCH

2 FOR 1 HOUSE WINES, MARGARITAS & WELLS

BRUNCH 11AM-3PM $1 MIMOSAS

T H E

T R A DI T IO N

L I V E S

O N

3 2 0 1 E S P L A N A D E AV E N U E • 9 4 8 - 0 0 7 7

COMING SOON: SANTA FE TAPAS 1327 ST. CHARLES AVE.

YOUR MID-CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BAR 488-PAL’S

949 N. Rendon

Ursulines Ave.

I S P R OU D T O W E L C O M E

St. Phillip

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

Voted Best in New Orleans - GAMBIT

winter restaurant guide

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page 65

SOUTHSIDE CAFE

3154 Pontchartrain Drive, Slidell, (985) 643-6133; www.southsidecafe.net Southside Cafe serves po-boys, fried seafood and a 10-oz. home-cooked brisket burger. The seafood platter includes soft-shell crab. On Thursdays and Saturdays, Southside serves 12-oz. Angus beef ribeye steaks with loaded potatoes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SPECKLED T’S

158 S. Military Road, Slidell, (985) 646-1728; www.speckledts.com Speckled T’s menu has both surf and turf options. Entrees include a 14-oz. New York strip and a 12-oz. rib-eye. Seafood options include oysters and deep-fried calamari. A lunch buffet including seafood items is offered Monday through Friday. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

WIT’S INN

141 N. Carrollton Ave., 4861600; www.witsinn.com The meatball sandwich with marinara sauce and mozzarella and the Wits Works pizza with basically everything on it are the most popular dishes. On Thursdays, get a regular, onetopping pizza for $5. Other menu items include calzones, sandwiches, salads, bruschetta and wings. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

pan-asian ASIAN SUPER BUFFET

3900 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 712-0899 This sprawling buffet offers dishes from many Asian cuisines. Multiple food stations feature noodle, fried rice, chicken and seafood dishes. Mongolian-style barbecue is cooked to order. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

AUGUST MOON

3635 Prytania St., 899-5129; www.augustmoonneworleans.com August Moon serves Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. Some of the appetizers include hotand-sour soup and Chinese egg rolls. Vegetarians can order General Tao’s tofu, featuring fried tofu glazed with

Wednesday

Steak Night - Center Cut or Ribeye w/Potato & Salad $19.95

$10 Pizza Night

Friday & Saturday Fresh Fish

4628 Rye St., Metairie, 8880078; www.cafeeastnola.com This restaurant fuses contemporary and traditional Asian cooking with flavors from around the world. The honey-walnut shrimp are woksauteed with red and green bell peppers in ginger-honeysoy glaze. Mu shu wraps and tofu dishes are also popular. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

LONGNECK

DRAFT $ PITCHER

Dine-in Only • Valid with food purchase Mid-City Location Special

Thursday

CAFE EAST

THURSDAY BEER SPECIALS

Sunday

Gourmet Pizzas Sandwiches Calzones Salads

“Katie’s Famous Brunch” BOTTOMLESS Mimosas & Bloody Marys

Daily Lunch Specials, too!

Pastas Wraps DELIVERY & CATERING AVAILABLE

FUSION CAFE

5000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 309-4991 Fusion Cafe serves Vietnamese cuisine, sushi rolls and New Orleans seafood dishes. Try a banh mi sandwich filled with char-grilled pork, pickled carrots, radish, cucumber, jalapenos, cilantro and Vietnamese mayo. Pan-seared rib-eye cube steak is served over jasmine rice with lettuce, cucumbers and fish sauce. There are fried shrimp po-boys and seafood platters as well. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $

125 N. CARROLLTON 3701 IBERVILLE STREET • NOLA 70119 504.488.6582 • KATIESINMIDCITY.COM

BEACHCORNER BAR & GRILL

HOSHUN RESTAURANT

1601 St. Charles Ave., 302-9716; www.hoshunrestaurant.com Hoshun’s menu combines Japanese, Chinese and other cuisines. Crispy duck is sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and topped with plum sauce. Cracked pepper seasons a rack of lamb, served with avocado, mango and tomato salad. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

KING BUFFET

601 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-4383 King Buffet serves everything from fried shrimp, chicken wings, dim sum, sweet and sour chicken and scallops to crabs, oysters and crawfish. The sushi bar features California rolls, crunchy rolls and salmon rolls. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SARA’S RESTAURANT

724 Dublin St., 861-0565; www.sarasrestaurant.com Asian, Indian and Creole flavors meet at Sara’s. Honeyglazed scallops are popular, or a grilled pepper-crusted page 69

(504) 483.9949

MAP & MENU AT www.italianpie.com

A True Mid-City Neighborhood MusiC bAr

MUSIC LINE-UP JAN

JAN

THE

PARISHIONERS ROOTS ROCK BAND

26 GRUNGE JAZZ TRIO CLASSIC COUNTRY THURSDAYS WITH

JAN HOTSTREAM 27 RON & THE F-HOLES

9PM 10PM 9PM

JAN

JONATHAN “DRAGON”

10PM

29 & THE OLD FAMILY

JAN

GRANT WATTS

10PM

JAN

JOHNNY ANGEL’S

9PM

28 CUSHIONBERRYR&B FRIDAYS

SWING SUNDAYS

HAPPY HOUR DAILY TIL 8PM POOL TABLES BIG SCREEN TV WIFI

542 S. JEFF DAVIS PKWY

E 10oz. HOME OF TH

BEACHBURGE

LATE NIGHT GRILL CHECK OUT OUR MENU AT

WWW.BEACHCORNERBARANDGRILL.COM

4905 CANAL ST

(504) 488•7357

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

1855 Dock St., Harahan, 729-4442 Shimmy Shack’s entrees include blackened catfish served over shrimp and cheese grits. Fried appetizer options include alligator sausage, crawfish tails, pickles and mushrooms. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

1827 Front St., Slidell, (985) 6393335; 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-1161; This chain is known for its burgers but offers menu options for the entire family. On Wednesdays, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. Kids menu options include mac and cheese, fried shrimp and hamburgers. The Times Grill offers steak specials on Tuesdays. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

All You Can Eat Catfish

8 Canal St., 525-3689; www.harrahsneworleans.com Inside Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, Bambu offers a full sushi bar and a selection of pan-Asian dishes. Specialties include Cantonese barbecue duck, honey-wasabi shrimp and pecan-battered shrimp. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

TUE

SHIMMY SHACK

THE TIMES GRILL

Tuesday

BAMBU AT HARRAH’S CASINO

WED

8555 Pontchartrain Blvd., 282-9999; www.russellsmarinagrill.com The Digger burger boasts an 8-oz. patty topped with ham, bacon, pepper Jack cheese, barbecue sauce, red onion, lettuce and tomato. Breakfast is served all day, and a rustic variation on eggs Benedict features poached eggs atop an English muffin with grilled tomato and smoked sausage, topped with sausage and maple country gravy. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $

7217 Perrier St., 866-4860; www.tartineneworleans.com This quaint neighborhood cafe offers a little culinary savoir faire. Pork rillette is served with toasted baguette, onion marmalade and cornichons. The grilled steak sandwich is served with blue cheese butter on ciabatta bread. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.Sat. Credit cards. $

DINNER SPECIALS START AT 5PM

THU

RUSSELL’S MARINA GRILL

TARTINE

spicy sweet and sour sauce. No reservations. Lunch Mon.Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

FRI

3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, 4552266; www.riccobonos.com This cafe is popular for breakfast, with dishes like eggs Benedict and crab cakes Benedict served with potatoes. Daily lunch specials feature white beans and rice, fried chicken with baked macaroni and stewed chicken and gravy. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

547 St. Ann St., 587-0093; www.stanleyrestaurant.com At the casual companion to his high-end Stella!, chef Scott Boswell serves burgers and Reuben sandwiches alongside such exotic fare as Korean barbecue beef po-boys and the Breaux Bridge Benedict, with boudin, hollandaise and poached eggs. No reservations. Brunch, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SAT

RICCOBONO’S PEPPERMILL

STANLEY

SUN

887-3456 The Quarter View offers a variety of seafood specialties. The stuffed lobster comes with homemade crabmeat dressing, and any entree can be topped off with crabmeat au gratin. The menu also features pastas and fried seafood platters. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

January 29th and February 26th Saturdays 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Farmers Market Stage at Gov Nichols

WE TAKE RESERVATIONS SAMPLE MENU

SOUPS AND SALADS

DEEP FRIED OYSTER PO-BOY

CHICKEN & ANDOUILLE

Seasoned Louisiana Oysters Lightly Battered, Fried until Crispy on the Outside and Juicy on the Inside. Served on 8” French Bed with our Oyster Mayo $13.50

GUMBO TURTLE SOUP

january 29th 12 noon-12:45 p.m. i’voire spectacle - african dance 1-1:45 p.m. tornado brass band 2:00-2:45 p.m. henry turner jr. and flavor reggae/funk

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

february 26th

an afternoon of gospel music 12 noon divine gospel singers 1 p.m. the new sensations 2 p.m. archbishop jocita williams

DANCING SHRIMP SALAD Fresh Butterflied Shrimp Battered with Almond Flour, Fried, Tossed in a Spicy Sauce and Served on a Bed of Mixed Greens with Diced Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Avocado Cucumber Dressing $12.50

BRONZED SPICE-CURED SALMON SALAD Fresh Salmon Fillet Cured with Herbs and Spices, Fresh Dill, Leeks, Carrots and Celery then Bronzed. Served with Fresh Marinated Asparagus on a Bed of Mixed Greens with Cool Dill Caper Dressing $12.50

FRIED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD K-Paul’s Version of a Classic! Romaine Lettuce Served with a Dressing made from Egg Yolks, Homemade Vinegar, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Anchovies, Creole Mustard and Ground Parmesan and Romano Cheese. Topped with Fried Chicken Bits tossed in Garlic Butter $11.50

SANDWICHES & PLATE LUNCHES

rket fridays at the french mah wit h rc ma in ns retur nd honey island swamp ba h 25t h rc ma day fri . 4-7 p.m at farmers market

Comes with One Side Dish

DEEP FRIED SHRIMP PO-BOY Seasoned Shrimp Battered & Fried then Piled on a 8” French Bread $11

NIGHTLY

3 COURSE

DINNER SPECIALS

EAT. DRINK. SHOP. RELAX. REPEAT.

WWW. F R E N CH MA R K E T.O R G

Choice of appetizer, entree & dessert ONE GREAT PRICE!

416 CHARTRES STREET

Dinner Monday through Saturday (5:30PM to 10:00PM)

Reservations (504) 596-2530

REUBEN PANINI Sliced Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese and K-Paul’s Thousand Island Dressing on 8“ Rye Focaccia Bread and Grilled $11

ROAST BEEF PO-BOY Choice Beef Inside Round Seasoned and Slow Roasted for Hours, Sliced and Smothered in it’s Own Juices. Served on Buttered French Bread $10

K-PAUL’S JAMBALAYA LASAGNA Ground Andouille Smoked Sausage and Ground Chuck Meat Sauce Layered with Lasagna Noodles, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Cheddar Cheese and Baked. Served with Garlic Toast $10

HOT CAJUN CURRY Julienned Beef Tenderloin, Smoked Andouille Sausage, Duck, Rabbit and Chicken Seared and Smothered with Onions, Bell Peppers, Celery, Jalapenos, Asian Spices and Beef Stock. Served with Basmati Rice $10.95

CRAWFISH MARIGNY Fresh Louisiana Crawfish Tails Sautéed with fresh Dill, Diced Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Stock and Butter Emulsion. Served with Basmati Rice $11.50

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pork chop served with crab and cream salsa. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

SOUTH SEAS ASIAN CUISINE

1714 Hwy. 190 W, Slidell, (985) 646-1205 South Seas features a large Chinese-American menu with a variety of lunch specials like Mandarin chicken, chop suey and garlic pork. The restaurant also has a full sushi bar. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

THREE HAPPINESS

1900 Lafayette St., Gretna, 3681355; www.threehappiness.com Three Happiness serves a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. There’s everything from hot-and-sour soup to pho dac biet, a rice noodle soup with medium rare beef, meatballs and brisket. The large menu includes rice and vermicelli dishes, chicken, pork, beef and a variety of seafood, vegetarian options and Vietnamese juices and soft drinks. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

pizza ANGELI ON DECATUR

BRICK OVEN CAFE

2805 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 466-2097 In addition to pizza, Brick Oven serves gourmet pasta, soup, salads and specialty entree specials. Pies include the Florentine with roasted garlic, sun-dried

BROOKLYN PIZZERIA

4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-1288; 1809 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-1030; www.eatbrooklyn.net This pizzeria lives up to the promise in its New York billing with large, thin-crusted pies measuring up to 20 inches. In addition, the pizzeria offers sandwiches, pasta and salads. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

COSCINO’S PIZZA ITALIAN RESTAURANT

649-5657; 8160 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, 393-1160 Ditali’s offers pizza and much more. In addition to a wide range of thin-crust pies, Ditali’s also serves favorites from the cousin Cafe Ditali’s menu, including spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and chicken Parmesan. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

DOORS UPTOWN PIZZA

7537 Maple St., 302-2547; www.doorsuptownpizza.com Doors serves thin-crust pizza, salads, sandwiches and some seafood options, including raw oysters. Spicy wings are marinated in a blend of Asian barbecue sauce and oyster sauce and charred until crispy. Reservations accepted. Lunch Wed.-Sun., dinner and latenight daily. Credit cards. $

1817 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 727-4984; www.coscinospizza.com Coscino’s serves Italian-style comfort food and casual fare, from veal Parmesan to chicken wings to New York-style thincrust pizza. The Boyer special pizza has garlic herb sauce, pepperoni, sausage, feta and jalapenos. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

THE DOUGH BOWL

DEL PIERO’S AT COSIMO’S

FAT MOLLY’S PIZZA & BEER

1201 Burgundy St., 525-5636 Celpiero’s offers pizza and sandwiches from the back corner of Cosimo’s bar. Delivery available. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

DESPERADOS PIZZA

801 Frenchmen St., 943-9900 The namesake Desperado pie has spicy sauce, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese, cabbage slaw and jalapenos. Desperados also serves appetizers, po-boys, burgers and some seafood dishes. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Sat.-Sun., dinner Wed.-Mon., late-night Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

DITALI’S PIZZA

Northshore Square Mall, 150 Northshore Blvd., Slidell, (985)

1039 Broadway St., 861-2200 Just off Tulane’s campus, the Dough Bowl serves thin-crust New York-style pizza by the pie or slice as well as sandwiches and burgers. The People’s burger smothers a half-pound of Angus beef beneath provolone, Swiss, bacon and sauteed mushrooms. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $ 2400 21st St., Kenner, 305-1017; www.facebook.com/fatmollys Fat Molly’s enchilada pizza is topped with enchilada sauce, red onion, jalapeno, tomato, black olives, cheese and a choice of chicken or beef. Sandwiches include muffulettas and Philly cheese steaks. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

FRENCH QUARTER PIZZERIA & BAR

201 Decatur St., 948-3287; www.frenchquarterpizza.com This French Quarter pizzeria has hand-tossed specialty pies including the blackened chicken Alfredo pizza and the Big Easy 5-pound pizza. There also are

salads, sandwiches and specialty cocktails. Try the all-you-caneat lunch buffet on weekdays. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

and meatballs, creamy Cajun chicken pasta and cheesestuffed manicotti. Delivery available. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

FRESCO CAFE AND PIZZERIA

LOUISIANA PIZZA KITCHEN

7625 Maple St., 862-6363; www.frescocafe.us This college students’ pizza haven serves shrimp or chicken pesto pizza topped with mozzarella and feta, kalamata olives, red onion and sun-dried tomatoes. Delivery available. Reservations accepted for large groups. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

HUEY P’S PIZZERIA

139 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 366-1818 Homemade dough is baked into thin-crust pies like the Who Dat, topped with ground beef, prosciutto, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, pepperoncini, cheddar and mozzarella. Starters include corn and crab chowder and bruschetta topped with diced tomato, basil, garlic and olive oil. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

ISABELLA’S PIZZERIA

2660 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 674-5700; 70452 Hwy. 21, Covington, (985) 875-7620; www.isabellaspizzeria.net Isabella’s Four Seasons pizza is for those who can’t pick just one type of pie. Ropes of dough divide the pie into quarters, each filled with different sauces and toppings. Shrimp and andouille ravioli are topped with spicy tomato sauce. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$

ITALIAN PIE

Citywide; www.italianpie.com Italian Pie offers gourmet pizza, calzones, pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads. Specialty pies range from an all-meat pie with bacon, sausage and pepperoni to a Hawaiian pie with pineapple and Canadian bacon. Pasta options include spaghetti

95 French Market Place, 5229500; www.louisianapizzakitchen.com These gourmet wood-fired pies have crisp crusts and toppings include pepperoni, bacon, grilled eggplant and roasted garlic. There also are salads, wraps, sandwiches and pasta dishes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

LOUISIANA PIZZA KITCHEN UPTOWN

615 S. Carrollton Ave., 8665900; www.lpkuptown.com This Riverbend pizzeria offers wood-oven pizzas, calzones, pasta, sandwiches and more. The Tuscon chicken pizza is topped with rosemary-marinated chicken, goat cheese, potatoes and marinara. Thai chicken pasta is tossed with red onions, mushrooms and spicy peanut and coconut sauce and topped with peanuts, carrots, scallions and cilantro. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

MARK TWAIN’S PIZZA LANDING

2035 Metairie Road, Metairie, 832-8032; www.marktwainspizza.com Diners choose regular crust, whole wheat or gluten-free at Mark Twain’s. The Mysterious Stranger comes with spinach, feta cheese and a choice of Canadian bacon or Chisesi ham and vegetable. Try the Life on the Mississippi with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives, jalapeno peppers and anchovies. Reservations for large parties. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

MELLOW MUSHROOM

1645 Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 327-3407; www.mellowmush-

room.com Offbeat pizza options include the red skin potato pie, which features red potatoes, bacon, caramelized onions, sour cream and ranch dressing. Mellow Mushroom also serves calzones, hoagies and salads. Glutenfree crusts are available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

MILANO’S PIZZERIA

3002 Cleary Ave., Metairie, 780-7500 Along with pizza, subs and calzones, Milano’s offers a variety of pasta dishes. The creamy macaroni and cheese combines four cheeses with penne pasta. The Mardi Gras pasta features shrimp and fresh vegetables tossed in spicy bisque cream sauce over linguini. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MO’S PIZZA

1112 Avenue H, Westwego, 3419650; www.mospizza.net Mo’s is known for its extralarge, hand-tossed pizzas served whole or by the slice. Specialty pies include a muffuletta version and chicken and spinach Alfredo. Pizza turnovers are filled with meat and cheese, and the Supreme includes black olives, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

NAKED PIZZA

6307 S. Miro St., 865-0244; www.nakedpizza.biz Probiotic- and prebiotic-rich, multi-grain crusts make Naked Pizza a healthy option for pies, but that doesn’t mean the Uptown joint excludes meat. The Omnivore features pepperoni, ground beef, ham, bell peppers, mushrooms and black olives. The Ragin Cajun is loaded with chicken, sausage, garlic, peppers and onion. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ page 70

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

1141 Decatur St., 566-0077; www.angelirestaurant.webs.com Middle Eastern meets Italian at this colorful and eclectic eatery. Dip into hummus or spicy tomato spread before digging into peppery portobello pasta or gourmet pizza. The Angeli special pizza has garlic-herb sauce, artichokes, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

tomatoes, sweet onion, spinach and feta cheese. The namesake Brick Oven pie combines roasted chicken, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, house-made cheese and Italian sausage. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

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NEW YORK PIZZA

4418 Magazine St., 891-2376; www.newyorkpizzanola.com New York Pizza serves thincrust pies whole or by the slice. The Big Apple pie is loaded with everything, and anchovies and jalapenos are optional. Find neighborhood-centric pies like the Brooklyn, Bronx or Queens, which has spinach, artichoke, mushrooms and mozzarella and feta cheeses. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA

Citywide; www.papajohns.com Papa John’s delivers classic and specialty pies as well as wings, breadsticks and other items to complete a meal deal. Specialty pizzas include the spicy Italian pie, barbecue chicken and bacon, and a six-cheese pie. Delivery available. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

PEPPERONI’S CAFE

8123 Hampson St., 865-0336; www.pepperoniscafe.com This Riverbend pizzeria offers specialty pizzas and quick lunch specials during the day. Breakfast options include banana’s Foster French toast and eggs Benedict. The Heart Smart pie is topped with feta, mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Breakfast Sat.-Sun., lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

PIZZA FLORENCE

4445 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-7888; www.pizzaflorence.net Besides gourmet and buildyour-own pizzas, Pizza Florence offers wraps, salads, pita rolls and calzones. The smoked turkey salad has turkey, bacon bits, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, corn and mozzarella cheese over lettuce with honey mustard dressing. Pita rolls include the classic gyro, turkey ranch and Philly steak. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

PIZZA MAN OF COVINGTON

1248 N. Collins Blvd., Covington, (985) 892-9874 Kids delight in watching the Pizza Man and his helpers twirl dough in the glassed-in kitchen. The finished results get plenty of attention too, especially the crab-laden “Wow” pizza and the Board special pie with spinach, mushrooms and capicola. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

PIZZA NOLA

141 W. Harrison Ave., Suite A, 872-0731; www.pizzanola.com Pizza Nola serves New Yorkstyle thin-crust pies. The fleur-de-lis pie is seasoned with garlic-infused olive oil and topped with mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, bacon and blue cheese. House-made dough is used in the prosciutto, rosemary and goat cheese

crisp drizzled with olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Gelato from La Dolce Nola is served. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

POMPEII PIZZERIA

1068 Magazine St., 708-4213; www.pompeiipizzeria.com Gourmet pies at this pizzeria include E’s Special with barbecue sauce, chicken, pineapple, bacon, jalapenos and extra cheese. The pizza Bianco is a signature white pizza topped with onions and a blend of herbs and spices. There also are cheese steaks, salads and burgers. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch Sat.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $

REGINELLI’S PIZZERIA

Citywide; www.reginellis.com Besides gourmet pies, Reginelli’s offers soups, salads, focaccia and pita pressed sandwiches and calzones. The hand-tossed pizzas include the saltimbocca with prosciutto and marinated chicken breast and the Parthenon with feta, artichokes and mushrooms. Baked pasta dishes include pesto tortellini. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

crust is brushed with olive oil and topped with mozzarella, ricotta and Romano cheeses. Light tomato sauce, prosciutto, organic arugula, mozzarella and olive oil top another special pie. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

THAT’S AMORE

4421 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 454-5885; www.thatsamorepizzaonline.com That’s Amore serves thincrust New York-style pies and Chicago deep dish pies. Toppings ranging from andouille sausage to sun-dried tomatoes. Other options include po-boys and muffulettas. No Reservations. Lunch Thu.-Sun, dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

THEO’S PIZZA

4024 Canal St., 302-1133; 4218 Magazine St., 894-8554; www.theospizza.com Order a crisp, thin-crust pie with your choice of toppings or select from one of 14 specialty pizzas. The Expert includes olive oil, garlic, spinach, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, purple onions and bacon. Other menu items include sandwiches and salads. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

ROCKY’S GOURMET PIZZA

3222 Magazine St., 891-5152 Rocky’s offers many original gourmet pies. The smoked pulled pork barbecue pizza also has caramelized onions, mapleglazed bacon and barbecue sauce. Pepperoni, Italian sausage, roasted red peppers and jalapenos top the spicy Wild Tchoupitoulas pie. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

ROMAN PIZZA

7329 Cohn St., 866-1166; www.eatromanpizza.com This Uptown pizzeria stays open (and delivers) late for college crowds and Italian cravings. Popular pies include the spinach pizza, a garlic-butter-brushed pie with mozzarella, feta, spinach and veggies. The Roman is topped with pepperoni, salami, ham, black olives and onions. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and latenight daily. Credit cards. $

ROTOLO’S PIZZERIA

Citywide; www.rotolos.com Rotolo’s serves pies like the muffuletta, topped with all the ingredients of the famous sandwich. The pesto Marguerite is topped with pesto, shrimp and tomatoes. Other options include calzones, sandwiches, wraps, pastas and salads. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SLICE

1513 St. Charles Ave., 525-7437; 5538 Magazine St., 897-4800; www.slicepizzeria.com Both of these Uptown pizzerias have large bars and serve pies whole or by the slice. A white pizza with bacon, basil and roasted garlic on a thin

BEAR’S RESTAURANT

128 W. 21st Ave., Covington, (985) 892-2373 Popular sandwiches at Bear’s include the roast beef po-boy and barbecue beef po-boy. The french fry po-boy is topped with roast beef debris. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $

BUTCHER

930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-7675; www.cochonbutcher.com This upscale butcher shop attached to Cochon doubles as a casual cafe and “swine” bar, where sandwiches and bar snacks are prepared using house-cured meats. The Cochon muffuletta is a hot take on the classic with house-made meats, provolone, pickled peppers and olives. Bar plates include the pancetta mac and cheese. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

CAFE MASPERO

601 Decatur St., 523-6250 This busy French Quarter eatery serves fried seafood platters, deli sandwiches and a wide array of New Orleans favorites. There are traditional and vegetarian muffulettas. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $

CAJUN MIKE’S PUB ’N’ GRUB

116 Baronne St., 566-0055; www.cajunmikes.com This tavern has earned a loyal following with specialty sandwiches like Maria’s Cuban with roasted pork, ham, Swiss, mustard and pickles. The cochon de lait po-boy includes roast pork,

gravy, hot sauce and french fries. Lunch delivery available. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

CHATEAU MOANET VOILA

300 Decatur St., 581-2534; www.voilanola.com Choose from one of several po-boys or a large assortment of seafood, burgers and appetizers. Breakfast includes Cajun or shrimp omelets, biscuits and gravy, and a steak breakfast. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

CHEESESTEAK BISTRO

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

HONEYBAKED HAM

Citywide; www.honeybaked.com Honey Baked Ham makes sandwiches with the ham, chicken salad, smoked turkey, roast beef or ham salad on croissants, whole grain or French bread. Traditional spiral-sliced ham and glazed turkey breast are popular menu items. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

JAM’S PO-BOYS & CATERING

528 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 875-9793; www.thecheesesteakbistro.com It’s easy to guess the Phillyinspired specialty here, but the extensive menu also includes chicken cheese steaks and cheese steak wraps. There’s even a cheese steak stuffed potato. The pizza steak is topped with red sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

612 Sena Drive, Metairie, 833-5882 Jam’s is known for its homecooked roast beef po-boy. Allyou-can-eat catfish is offered from 2 p.m. to close. Thursday specials include chicken and dumplings and beef and chicken stew. For breakfast try the eggs Benedict. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Breakfast Wed.-Sun., lunch daily, dinner Thu.-Fri. Credit cards. $

CRABBY JACK’S

JOHNNY’S PO-BOYS

428 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 833-2722 Jack Leonardi, the chef behind the popular Jacques-Imo’s Cafe, puts his spin on casual New Orleans fare at this lunch joint. Fried oysters and shrimp tumble out of po-boys. Creative sandwich options include the slow-roasted duck with gravy and fried green tomato and shrimp remoulade po-boys. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

DANNY & CLYDE’S

Citywide; www.dannyandclydes.com This chain of convenience marts offers much more than soda and snacks. Grab a super-sized po-boy or other deli sandwich when filling up. Homemade meat pies and breakfast sandwiches are popular as well. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

DOMILISE’S PO-BOYS

5240 Annunciation St., 899-9126 Neighborhood regulars swear by the roast beef po-boy at this institution. An “off the menu” special — a fried shrimp po-boy topped with Swiss cheese and gravy — is its worst-kept secret. Hot sausage po-boys also are popular choices. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.-Wed. and Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $

DRESS IT

535 Gravier St., 571-7561 Get gourmet burgers and sandwiches dressed to order with a wide array of toppings, including choices like black bean corn salsa, sweet relish, peanut butter, sprouts and jalapenos. For dessert, large chocolate chip cookies are warmed in a skillet and topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties.

511 St. Louis St., 524-8129; www.johnnyspoboy.com Johnny’s serves plate lunches like fried chicken and hamburger steaks in addition to a long list of sandwiches. The Johnny’s special combines roast beef, ham and Swiss and American cheeses on French bread. The seafood muffuletta includes fried catfish, shrimp and oysters. Order biscuits for breakfast. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. $

K.Y.’S OLD TOWNE BICYCLE SHOP

2267 Carey St., Slidell, (985) 6411911; www.kysoldetowne.com Roll into K.Y.’s for po-boys filled with home-cooked roast beef, fried shrimp or oysters. Pasta and seafood entrees include oysters bordelaise, featuring fried oysters on spaghetti tossed with olive oil, butter, garlic, parsley and Parmesan. A children’s menu is available. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. Checks. $

KINGFISH GRILLE

500 Lafayette St., Gretna, 309-0680 Kingfish offers classic sandwiches and originals like the Velvet Elvis, a burger patty between a pair of grilled cheese and bacon sandwiches. The “hot brown” is an open-face turkey sandwich with hot Mornay sauce. The Cubanito features pork, ham, pickles and mustard pressed on French bread. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

MAGAZINE PO-BOY SHOP

2368 Magazine St., 522-3107 Start your day with a breakfast po-boy or stop by later for a selection of sandwiches and daily specials. The veal Parmesan po-boy tops a fried veal patty with red sauce, Swiss, lettuce, tomato and pickles and

is served with fried okra or fried pickles. Fried Louisiana oysters top a bed of romaine and tomato dressed with remoulade. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Cash only. $

MAHONY’S PO-BOY SHOP

3454 Magazine St., 899-3374; www.mahonyspoboys.com Mahony’s prepares classic po-boys and some original sandwich creations. The fried chicken liver po-boy is dressed with Creole coleslaw. Root beer-glazed ham is topped with a choice of cheese on French bread. The Peacemaker combines fried oysters, bacon and cheese. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

MANO’S PO-BOYS

6943 Saints Drive, Metairie, 734-0922 In the morning, diners order the Saints special, a breakfast sandwich on any type of bread or biscuit with two eggs, cheese and ham, bacon or sausage. Po-boy fillings include shrimp, oysters, roast beef and meatballs. The daily lunch specials include fried chicken, stuffed bell peppers with lima beans and rice, and grilled boneless chicken with shrimp dressing. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

MR. POOR BOY RESTAURANT

10202 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 737-1170 Mr. Poor Boy offers sandwiches filled with shrimp, catfish or slow-cooked roast beef dripping with gravy. Grilled or fried catfish is served with Creole eggplant sauce, salad and potato salad or garlic potatoes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

MR. ROO’S DELI & CATERING

3501 Severn Ave., Metairie, 8854010; www.mrroosdeli.com The most popular sandwich is the Mr. Roo’s Special, a po-boy with ham, turkey and roast beef. The hot plate specials include grilled tilapia with pasta. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

MONSTER PO-BOYS

1814 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-9183 Try a variety of homemade items such as chicken or tuna salads, or the popular roast beef po-boy. Monster also serves shrimp, sausage and meatball po-boys. The Friday lunch special features grilled shrimp over rotini with butter garlic sauce. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Fri. Credit cards. $

PARKWAY BAKERY & TAVERN

538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047; www.parkwaybakeryandtavernnola.com This Mid-City favorite is famous for roast beef and fried shrimp po-boys, and the surf and turf features both in the same sandwich. The Caprese combines tomato slices, mozzarella and page 73

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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winter restaurant guide

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page 70

basil dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $

PITA PIT

5800 Magazine St., 899-4141; www.pitapitnola.com This pita parlor offers a wide array of meats, cheese, sauces and condiments. La Tijuana combines Southwestern-style chicken with grilled peppers, jalapenos and onions, lettuce, tomato, cheddar and sour cream. The ham and egg breakfast wrap bundles Black Forest ham, eggs, hash browns, grilled onions and peppers, cheddar and a choice of sauce. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

QUIZNOS

Citywide; www.quiznos.com Signature Quiznos subs include the chicken carbonara with bacon, mozzarella and mushrooms and the Baja with bacon, cheddar and chipotle mayo. There are many classic toasted subs as well as flatbread sandwiches, soups and salad bowls. Or choose from cobb or chicken Caesar salads. Some locations serve breakfast. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

RADOSTA’S FAMOUS PO-BOYS

ROLY POLY

One Shell Square, 701 Poydras St., 561-9800; 816 Hwy. 190, Suite C, Covington, (985) 8922462; 3020 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 100, Metairie, 8720957; 5409 Tchoupitoulas St., 891-8373; www.rolypoly.com Roly Poly offers endless options for gourmet wraps with fillings like smoked pork, Santa Fe chicken and vegetarian options. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

SAMMY’S PO-BOYS AND CATERING

901 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-0916; www.sammyspoboys.com Sammy’s serves sandwiches, seafood platters and Italian dishes. The Fickaletta is a twist on the muffuletta featuring ham, salami, Swiss and olive salad served hot on French bread. Veal Parmesan includes two cutlets topped with red sauce and mozzarella cheese over angel hair pasta served with Caesar salad and bread. No reservations. Lunch

SERIO’S PO-BOYS & DELI

133 St. Charles Ave., 523-2668 Mike Serio’s LSU shrine is known for large po-boys and muffulettas. Order them with grilled chicken or corned beef or get a french fry po-boy with gravy. New Orleans classics like gumbo and spicy jambalaya round out the menu. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

SHORT STOP PO-BOYS

119 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, 885-4572; www.shortstoppoboys.com Short Stop Po Boys’ classic roast beef sandwich features roast beef cooked on site and served dripping with its own juices. The barbecue roast beef is marinated in barbecue sauce. Short Stop also offers chicken and andouille gumbo, jambalaya and seafood gumbo on Fridays. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

SOUTHERN PO-BOYS

720 Claiborne Drive, Jefferson, 835-3035; www.thesouthernpoboy.com Southern Po-Boys stuffs its sandwiches with everything from shrimp, oysters or fish to roast beef, smoked sausage or meatballs. The daily lunch specials include red beans and rice, hamburger steak and fried catfish. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., early dinner Fri. Credit cards. $

THE STORE

top a salad with red onions, roasted pecans, blue cheese and sweet red wine reduction dressing. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

TRACEY’S

2604 Magazine St., 897-5413; www.traceysnola.com The current home to the former Parasol’s roast beef po-boy dripping with gravy is Tracey’s, which is owned by the former manager of the corner pub. Daily specials include chicken and venison sausage gumbo, jalapeno-horseradish coleslaw and a variety of soups. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $

seafood ACME OYSTER & SEAFOOD HOUSE

724 Iberville St., 522-5973; 1202 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 246-6155; 3000 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 309-4056; www.acmeoysterhouse.com In operation for more than a century, Acme has earned a reputation for oysters, whether raw, fried or char-grilled. Don’t miss the Peace Maker po-boy with fried shrimp and oysters and Tabasco mayo. The “10-Napkin Roast Beef” po-boy is a house specialty. Reservation policy varies by location. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

BONEFISH GRILL

814 Gravier St., 322-2446; www.thestoreneworleans.com This cozy CBD cafe serves creative sandwiches like the barbecue shrimp and greens poboy, and burgers such as the Funky Blue, which tops Angus beef with crumbled blue cheese, caramelized onions and horseradish Dijon mustard on a Kaiser onion bun. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

200 River Highlands Blvd., Covington, (985) 809-0662; www.bonefishgrill.com Seafood from around the globe turns up on the menu at the outpost of this national chain. There’s everything from Alaskan halibut to Chilean sea bass to rainbow trout. Pick from toppings like warm mango salsa or chimichurri sauce to complement a fish dish. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

SUBWAY

BOURBON HOUSE

Citywide; www.subway.com Subway serves classic subs filled with turkey, Italian cold cuts, meatballs or tuna salad. Other options include a ham and turkey melt and chicken bacon ranch sandwich. The Veggie Delight with cheese is dressed to order. Complete a meal with chips or a cookie. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

THAT’S A WRAP

4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 13, Metairie, 885-0009; www.thatsawrapnola.com This sandwich shop serves burgers, salads and sandwiches on croissant or in white, wheat or spinach tortillas. Cajun-seasoned turkey is ovenroasted in house and goes into a wrap with Swiss, romaine and organic spring mix lettuces, tomatoes and cranberry sauce. Cabernet poached pears

NOW OPEN

144 Bourbon St., 522-0111; www.bourbonhouse.com Cooking local seafood is what the Bourbon House does best. Dickie Brennan’s French Quarter seafood house puts its stamp on Creole favorites. Crystal alligator or bourbon barbecue shrimp are spicy starters. Garlic-crusted fish is served with deviled crab dressing. There’s an oyster happy hour daily at the raw bar, and the restaurant stocks a large selection of premium and small batch bourbons. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

BOZO’S RESTAURANT

3117 21st St., Metairie, 831-8666; www.bozosrestaurant.com Bozo’s makes the most of local seafood. Gulf shrimp topped with house-made remoulade sauce are served on shredded page 75

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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

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lettuce. Des Allemands catfish fillets are breaded in cornmeal and pan-fried. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO.

429 Decatur St., 522-5800; www.bubbagump.com Inspired by the film Forrest Gump, this theme restaurant makes shrimp the star in many dishes. Get fried popcorn shrimp, shrimp sauteed with garlic butter, or boiled seafood served by the basket. There also are burgers, barbecue pork sliders and salads. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

BUSTER’S PLACE

519 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 809-3880; www.bustersplaceonline.net This downtown Covington eatery serves seafood dishes including blackened redfish Pontchartrain topped with crawfish sauce. The crawfish combo plate includes fried crawfish tails and crawfish etouffee. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch daily, dinner Thu.-Tue. Credit cards. $$

CASAMENTO’S

4330 Magazine St., 895-9761; www.casamentosrestaurant.com For more than 90 years, this narrow Uptown eatery has been renowned for its oysters. Get a dozen on the half shell or order an oyster loaf with fried oysters piled on thick bread. Seafood gumbo with okra and oyster stew are popular starters. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Thu.-Sat. Checks. $$ 8311 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan, 737-3700; www.charliesseafoodrestaurant.com Charlie’s offers an array of poboys, salads, soups and entrees featuring Louisiana seafood. The catfish and grits are mustard and cornmeal-fried fillets served with stone-ground grits, topped with cheddar cheese and Creole sauce. The un-fried seafood platter combines grilled fish, shrimp and crab bordelaise, baked scallops and shrimp cornbread. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $

THE CORNER OYSTER HOUSE BAR AND GRILL

500 St. Peter St., 522-2999; www.corneroysterhouse.com Creole and Cajun flavors mix it up on the menu at the Corner Oyster House. The seafood sampler offers boiled shrimp, crawfish and oysters on the half-shell. The New Orleans sampler includes gumbo, shrimp Creole, red beans and jambalaya. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

DE-NO SEAFOOD

505 Gretna Blvd., Suite 15, Gretna, 362-4608

DEANIE’S SEAFOOD

841 Iberville St., 581-1316; 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831-4141; www.deanies.com Boiled and fried seafood dominate the menu at Deanie’s. Shrimp, crawfish and crabmeat top the Bucktown boil pizza made with white sauce. Other options include crawfish etouffee and New Orleansstyle barbecue shrimp. No reservations. Iberville Street: Lunch and dinner daily. Lake Avenue: Lunch and dinner Tue.Sun. Credit cards. $$

DESIRE OYSTER BAR

300 Bourbon St., 553-2281; www.sonesta.com This Bourbon Street stalwart features a menu of traditional and contemporary New Orleans seafood dishes. Oysters come on the half-shell, broiled, or fried and served with housemade barbecue sauce and blue cheese dressing. Red snapper is blackened and topped with crabmeat, capers and butter sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.Sat. Credit cards. $$

DOCKSIDE SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR

1820 Dickory Ave., Harahan, 736-9666 Diners enjoy seafood, Italian and Creole dishes at this casual neighborhood restaurant. Favorites include the soft-shell crab bacon wrap served with remoulade. The seafood extravaganza for two rounds up fried catfish, shrimp and oysters, stuffed crabs, hushpuppies, fries, onion rings and garlic bread. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

DON’S SEAFOOD HUT

4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-1550; www.donsseafoodmetairie.com Don’s dishes up seafood, soups, sandwiches and pasta. Specialties include fried shrimp, shrimp etouffee and fried catfish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

DRAGO’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR

Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St., 584-3911; 3232 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 8889254; www.dragosrestaurant.com Drago’s is known for its signature char-broiled oysters topped with Parmesan, butter, parsley and garlic. Char-broiled Maine lobster is served with spinach risotto. Other menu items include seafood pasta

and the catch of the day, served with fresh vegetables and a baked potato. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

FELIX’S RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR

739 Iberville St., 522-4440; www.felixs.com It’s standing room only at the oyster bar at Felix’s. Make your own sauce and order directly from the shuckers, or grab a table and order from a full menu of New Orleans staples. Enjoy a free draft beer on Wednesdays with every dozen oysters ordered. Reservations accepted for large groups. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

FRENCH MARKET RESTAURANT

1001 Decatur St., 525-7879; www.frenchmarketrestaurant.com Passersby are lured into the French Market Restaurant by the sight of raw oysters and shrimp displayed in the windows. Order boiled or fried seafood, po-boys or a variety of Cajun favorites. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

FRIENDS COASTAL RESTAURANT

407 St. Tammany St., Madisonville, (985) 845-7303; www.friendscoastal.com From its perch along the Tchefuncte River, Friends serves a mix of casual crowd-pleasers and Louisiana favorites. Dip chips in the spinach and crawfish dip, share a platter of boiled seafood or look for specials like grilled grouper with lemon butter. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

GW FINS

808 Bienville St., 581-3467; www.gwfins.com Chef Tenney Flynn’s constantly evolving menu draws from finfish and shellfish available from near and far. Lobster dumplings come with shaved fennel, tomato concasse and lobster butter. Blackened swordfish is served with mashed potatoes, crispy fried oysters, sauteed spinach, chili hollandaise and roasted corn butter. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

GALLEY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

2535 Metairie Road, Metairie, 832-0955 Galley Seafood’s menu features a long list of Louisiana seafood, including boiled shrimp or crabs and fried shrimp or catfish. There also are poboys, salads, soups, pasta dishes and sweet potato fries. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.Sat. Credit cards. $$

GRAND ISLE RESTAURANT

575 Convention Center Blvd., 520-8530; www.grandislerestaurant.com

Grand Isle serves up oysters on the half shell and seafood dishes like chili-butter baked fish, crawfish etouffee and gumbo. The pasta Pimonte is linguine with spicy herb butter, mussels, shrimp, oysters and crawfish. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

HARBOR SEAFOOD AND OYSTER BAR

3203 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-6454; www.fishermanscoveseafood.com Harbor Seafood serves everything from boiled seafood and lobster specials to jambalaya. Eggplant stuffed with crabmeat is a signature dish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

JACK DEMPSEY’S

738 Poland Ave., 943-9914; www.jackdempseysllc.com Heavyweight seafood house Jack Dempsey’s offers dishes like broiled redfish topped with your choice of crawfish Monica or crabmeat. The namesake J.D. seafood platter for two is a feast of gumbo, fried shrimp, oysters, catfish and redfish, crab balls and crawfish pies. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

JAEGER’S SEAFOOD AND BEER GARDEN

901 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 818-2200; www.jaegersseafood.com Jaeger’s serves raw, boiled, grilled and fried seafood. Favorites include raw and chargrilled oysters. The King’s platter features Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, boiled shrimp and potatoes, corn, butter sauce and salad. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

JANIE BROWN’S RESTAURANT 27207 Hwy. 190, Lacombe, (985) 882-7201 Lunch items include seafood gumbo and corn and crab bisque. The chef’s salad and Italian salad are popular items for a light lunch. House specialties include grilled trout meuniere served with a white wine garlic sauce. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

JOHHNY & JOYCE’S SEAFOOD

1461 N. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, (985) 727-7727 Johnny and Joyce’s offers an array of seafood options, including boiled crawfish, shrimp or crabs. The seafood platter combines fried oysters, shrimp, fish and soft-shell crabs and is served with a stuffed crab, hushpuppies and choice of potato salad, fries, garlic potatoes or salad. The seafood gumbo is filled with shrimp, crab and okra. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

JOHNNY TRAUTH’S SEAFOOD BISTRO

2121 25th St., Kenner, 471-0808 All-you-can-eat fried catfish or country-fried chicken with hushpuppies, coleslaw and fries are popular items at this seafood bistro. Fettuccine with chicken, shrimp or crawfish is topped with cream sauce and Parmesan. Other options include po-boys, steaks and ribs. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

KENNER SEAFOOD

3140 Loyola Drive, Kenner, 4664701; www.kennerseafood.net Kenner Seafood dishes up seafood grilled, boiled, blackened or fried. Po-boy options include stuffed crab, turkey, hot sausage and roast beef. For starters, try fried okra or fried pickles. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

KJEAN SEAFOOD

236 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-7503 This Mid-City seafood market offers raw fish and shellfish as well as boiled seafood and a selection of po-boys. The menu includes stuffed crabs, gumbo and seafood platters. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

LANDRY’S

400 N. Peters St., 558-0038; 8000 Lakeshore Drive, 2831010; www.landrysseafood.com Landry’s offers a wide selection of seafood from waters near and far, including everything from Gulf shrimp to Alaskan crab. Options include barbecue shrimp and baked oysters, as well as steaks and pasta dishes. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

MIDDENDORF’S

30160 Hwy. 51 S. Akers, (985) 386-6666; www.middendorfsrestaurant.com This diner is best known for its fried thin-sliced catfish. It also serves boiled crabs and soft-shell crab dishes. Stuffed crabs are served with coleslaw, hushpuppies and fries. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

MORTON’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

702 Water St., Madisonville, (985) 845-4970; www.mortonsseafood.com Admire the view from the waterfront at Morton’s while perusing a menu of fried, boiled and grilled seafood. Seafood boats are loaves of French bread hollowed out and stuffed with fried seafood. Steaks and chicken dishes also are available. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Mon. Credit cards. $$

RALPH & KACOO’S

519 Toulouse St., 522-5226; www.ralphandkacoos.com Seafood is served in a variety of dishes at this French Quarter

seafood hub. Go surf-and-turf with an 11-oz. rib-eye steak topped with shrimp, or stay offshore with crabmeatstuffed Maine lobster tails. Other dishes include seafood pastas and salads topped with crabmeat. Reservations accepted. Lunch Sat.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

RED FISH GRILL

115 Bourbon St., 598-1200; www.redfishgrill.com This colorful restaurant serves a range of seafood including many oyster and redfish dishes. Hickory-grilled redfish is served with lump crabmeat, lemon butter, and tasso and wild mushroom Pontalba potatoes. Barbecue oysters are flash fried, tossed in Crystal barbecue sauce and served with blue cheese dressing. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

THE RED MAPLE RESTAURANT

1036 Lafayette St., Gretna, 367-0935; www.theredmaplerestaurant.com Find signature seafood specialties at this Gretna institution. Redfish Pontchartrain is a panseared fillet topped with mushroom-sherry cream and lump crabmeat. Shrimp and crab Lafitte is served with lemon butter over pasta. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner and late-night Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

RESTAURANT DES FAMILLES

7163 Barataria Blvd., Crown Point, 689-7834; www.desfamilles.com This house on the edge of Jean Lafitte National Park specializes in traditional seafood dishes like crawfish etouffee. Softshell crab Foster is a fried crab topped with artichoke, mushrooms, green onion and white wine sauce and is served with potatoes and vegetables. Pasta Lafitte combines shrimp and crabmeat in cream sauce with angel hair pasta. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

RICK’S CATFISH CABIN

78461 Hwy. 437, Covington, (985) 893-7274 Whether it’s baked, fried, broiled or grilled, you know catfish is the name of the game at this casual seafood joint. Fried oysters and stuffed shrimp add variety to the menu, and sides include hushpuppies and fries. Reservations accepted. Lunch Thu.-Fri. and Sun., dinner Thu.Sat. Checks. $$

RIOMAR

800 S. Peters St., 525-3474; www.riomarseafood.com Seasonal seafood dishes are the specialty at this Spanish and Latin American restaurant. Do a tasting of the restaurant’s four ceviches, then move on to Gulf fish like the Louisiana black drum with fried eggplant, green beans, almonds and honey-cumin vinaigrette. The five-hour roasted pork is served

Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > JanUarY 25 > 2011

CHARLIE’S SEAFOOD

De-No’s serves an array of seafood dishes. Crabmeat au gratin features crabmeat in cream sauce with a blend of cheeses and is served with garlic bread. Char-broiled oysters on the half-shell are topped with garlic, Parmesan and butter and crabmeat is an optional addition. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.Sat. Credit cards. $$