the food ISSUE
four weeks of advertising in the mini zine plus a dedicated sponsor email REACH OUR 9000 UNIQUE WEB READERS & 1550 SUBSCRIBERS FOR ONLY $175 VISIT INVADENOLA.COM/ADVERTISE FOR MORE INFO.
L E TTE R FROM THE P UB L I S H E R Photo by: Rachel Maloney
Whether its deep fried, covered in gravy, or dripping with sauce, I think we all can agree that New Orleans is a food city. Even though personally I’m still recovering from the gluttony of Thanksgiving, I’ve grown bored with leftovers
C O N T R IB U TO R S Kate Grace Bauer www.kategracebauer.com www.showroomsouth.com Annie Bleecker www.anniebleecker.com Morgan Ford http://breakingcharacter.com/ Carolyn Heneghan Marissa Hogan
and have been searching for that next new restaurant.
Caitlin Kiely http://yeshouse.tumblr.com/
This issue explores our mighty culinary culture. I polled
Rachael Kostelec http://therealplandd.tumblr.com
our writers on their favorite places to eat and am excited to present a full list of real people recommendations. It features some New Orleans staples and those lesser known restaurants that are worth a taste. In addition, Caitlin highlights 9 great things that every host needs for an amazing dinner party. And finally, Kate Bauer stepped in as stylist and art director for an amazing photo spread at renowned seafood restaurant Casamento’s.
Brooke Larsen http://blarsen.tumblr.com Rachel Maloney http://flickr.com/rachelmaloney Samantha Navarra http://twitter.com/samnav6 Nicole Caridad Ralston
Bon Appétit! Justin Shiels Founder and Publisher, InvadeNOLA
Cover Photography by: Rachel Maloney Styling and Art Direction By: Kate Grace Bauer Models: Kirsten Rinck and Rob Epps Makeup: Ashley Treadaway
©2012 Curious Tribe LLC www.curioustribe.com
Voted one of the
Best Buffet & Vegetarian Menus in the city Gambit ReadeR’s Poll 2010, 2011 and now 2012!
cLicK nOW tO LiKe nirVana On faceBOOK. Open tuesday - sunday lunch: 11:30am - 2:30Pm dinneR: 5:30Pm - 10:30Pm 4308 maGazine stReet • 894-9797 httP://www.insideniRvana.com/
the list B Y: C A I T L I N K I E LY PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL MALONEY
HOSTING A DINNER PARTY IS A LOT LIKE THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND. YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MANY GUESTS WILL ACTUALLY ARRIVE (THERE ALWAYS SEEM TO BE LAST MINUTE CANCELLATIONS OR VISITING COUSINS), YOU CAN’T PREDICT HOW THE FOOD WILL TURN OUT, AND YOU CAN’T FORCE PEOPLE TO HAVE INTERESTING CONVERSATIONS. HERE IS A LIST OF ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS TO ENSURE THAT ALL THE DETAILS THAT ARE WITHIN YOUR CONTROL WILL BE FOOLPROOF. BON APETIT!
2
COCKTAIL SHAKER - $10 Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker from The Bridge House Thrift Store
1
3
APRON - $55 Rookery Mercantile Yellow Apron from Bon Castor
DECORATIVE PLATES - $42 - $47 Traditional Obelisco Pottery from Spruce Eco Studio
5
4
A GOOD COOKBOOK - $35 “A New Turn in the South” by Hugh Acheson from the Maple Street Book Shop
6
MOOD MUSIC - $10 Edith Piaf’s “Chansons” from Euclid Records
FINE WINE - $15 2010 Clefs des Legats Côtes du Rhône from Bacchanal Wines
7
FRESH BREAD - $2 French Baguette from Boulangerie French Bakery
8 DESSERT - $ 4.50 PER SLICE Gluten Free Fresh Berry Tart from Shake Sugary Bakery
9
PUNGENT CHEESE - $10.95 Camembert Au Calvados from The St James Cheese Company
WE LOVE TO EAT BY: INVADENOLA STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS ON OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS YOU HAVE TO TRY.
LÜKE 333 St. Charles Ave. | $$ http://www.lukeneworleans.com/ The first time I went to this downtown John Besh treasure, it was in search of their infamous Lüke burger. I’d read somewhere that it was one of the top five best burgers in the country, possibly even the world (it’s been a few years now). The presentation was beautiful: the mammoth, juicy burger was piled high with fixin’s, including bacon, caramelized onions, tomatoes and Swiss, and was served a on a wooden slab with a tin cup of deliciously crispy, thinly cut, house-made fries. I’d even heard that the meat is fresh and hand-picked every morning from cows that are specially raised for the restaurant. If the burger, charcuterie tray, and other tantalizing entrees weren’t enough, my all-time favorite Lüke love has to be their daily 50-cent oyster on the half shell special. Every day from three to six, the chefs and shuckers serve up these huge, “le Plateau” oysters fresh out of the Gulf, and they made my palette salivate each time another dozen dropped in front of me. My girlfriends and I, plus my fellow oyster-aficionado boyfriend, scheduled many a happy hour meet-up simply to bask in the deliciousness of these under-the-sea delicacies. Plus, the happy hour beer prices were none too shabby either, including half off of an extensive selection of some particularly delicious brews.
Carolyn, Freelance writer
KYOTO SUSHI 4920 Prytania Street | $$ http://www.kyotonola.com/ When I first moved back to New Orleans, I lived in a treehouse of an apartment off of Prytania. Size didn’t matter, location was everything. A theater, a 24 hour CVS and some great restaurants including the neighborhood sushi bar, Kyoto, were steps from my door. Once a week, I would sit in my closet of a dwelling relishing a Mardi Gras cup of cheap wine and Kyoto’s Poke (pronounced poke-ay) Salad or I’d eat-in, enjoying a trifecta of rolls with chick names including the Desiree, the Sara and the Funky Margarita. My flavor preference is always tinged with an air of spiciness but Kyoto’s extensive list of specialty rolls will please any sushi lover’s palate. Nothing’s changed over the last six years except the square footage of my dwelling, and I still hit up Kyoto’s to karate chop my sushi cravings.
Morgan, Marketing Coordinator
GOOD TIME SUSHI 5315 Elysian Fields | $$ The facade of this tiny sushi restaurant on Elysian Fields is very deceiving—it looks like a shack. The fact that it’s located in Gentilly, a neighborhood that isn’t well known for its sushi makes this venue even more obscure to the average New Orleanian. This hole in the wall, though, is a hidden gem. Upon entering you will notice that the establishment is not shack-like at all but clean, well-lit, and complete with a sushi bar and obligatory maneki neko (lucky cat statues). The fish is the freshest in the city and its staff is the friendliest: they know me by name! The Good Time Roll, my favorite item on the menu, holds true to its name— just ask your taste buds after you shove one of the massive pieces into your mouth. Visit Good Time at lunchtime to take advantage of their specials: you can get the normally pricey hibachi for cheap and it’s absolutely delicious. Another plus is that UNO students, who don’t have many dining options on campus or nearby, have something so good, so close to campus.
Brooke Larsen, Editor InvadeNOLA
RUBY SLIPPER CAFE 139 S Cortez, 200 Magazine St., 2300 Burgundy St. | $$ http://www.therubyslippercafe.net/ It is a dangerous yet delectable fact that I happen to live within walking distance of one of Ruby Slippers three locations. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I’d like to propose we replace “important” with “delicious.” Ruby Slipper delivers many tasty Southern favorites to this south-of-the-Mason-Dixon-line loving girl, as well as their own creations including Shrimp and Grits (made with an Abita Amber BBQ sauce!), Eggs Blackstone, and (not on the menu, but a regular special) their famous Ruby’s Crabcake Breakfast.
Brooke Larsen, Editor InvadeNOLA
MIDWAY PIZZA 4725 Freret Street | $ http://www.midwaypizzanola.com/ Before I first discovered Midway Pizza, the usual “pizza and beer” hangout day consisted of something deep-dish that sat under a heat lamp and was eventually delivered to my doorstep. Midway Pizza gave my hangout days a makeover with 16 signature pizzas like the King Creole, loaded with garlic marinated shrimp, tomato basil relish and a tasty Creole alfredo base. I’m also a fan of options, and the choice of building my own deep-dish pizza is like being three-years-old and actually having permission to color on the walls in my room.
Marissa, Public Relations Assistant
FELIPE’S TAQUERIA 301 N. Peters Street, 6215 S. Miro Street | $-$$ http://felipestaqueria.com/home/ Felipe’s is the kind of place where I am comfortable dining alone because the authentic Mexican fare is just that irresistible. Burritos are my comfort food, and Felipe’s has the best in town. You get to build your own, and who doesn’t like that feeling of accomplishment? Burritos aren’t the restaurants only forte: they also have customizable tacos, taco salad, quesadillas, nachos, and other goodies. Do yourself a favor and pay extra to add the medley of chopped, grilled vegetables to whatever dish you are creating. The guacamole is the smoothest and the freshest and the queso is the thickest and the tastiest in all the land, so add that and some chips to your meal as well. Both locations have bountiful bars with drink specials almost daily. There are two locations, one in the Quarter (I’ll be the weirdo sitting alone in the corner covered in burrito juice) and Uptown.
Brooke Larsen, Editor InvadeNOLA
GORDON BIERSCH 200 Poydras Street | $$ http://www.gordonbiersch.com/ Trying to find a restaurant that accommodates everyone’s eating habits and sports team fetishes is hard, but what I love about Gordon Biersch is there’s always something for all members of your crowd. The fun and friendly atmosphere transcends the sports fanatic-filled bar to the upbeat dining room, allowing me to dress it up or dress it down. The fate of the night is in my hands, and I usually can’t go wrong if I start it with a perfectly crowned glass of Gordon Biersch’s distinct lager beer. Add a mouthwatering dish like lobster and shrimp filled tacos and it’s easy to make the night a memorable one.
Marissa, Public Relations Assistant
ELIZABETH’S 601 Gallier Street | $$ http://www.elizabethsrestaurantnola.com/ Hog jowls. Praline bacon. Oh, and there are vegan options too. Elizabeth’s in the Bywater is a cornucopia of lip-smacking dishes that won’t break the bank in an eclectic corner building decorated inside and out with local folk art. Back to the hog jowls: the Elizabeth’s BLT (B standing for hog jowls, of course) is less of a sandwich and more of a salad since the fixings of chopped tomatoes, fresh spinach, red onion and blue cheese bust out of the toasted ciabatta bread, great for sopping up the lingering champagne vinegar. Despite that being my personal favorite, Elizabeth’s corners the market on phenomenal, fresh dishes that if you arrive too late will be wiped clean from the Daily Specials chalkboard before you can say, “Berkshire Pork Osso-Bucco Over Fried Grit Cake.” It’s one of those places you’ll be praised for your prowess in picking the perfect restaurant, and who doesn’t like a side of foodie props with your praline bacon?
Morgan, Marketing Coordinator
BOUCHERIE 8115 Jeannette Street | $$ http://www.boucherie-nola.com The thought of consuming Boucherie results in immediate mouth watering. Who doesn’t love when classic southern staples like grits and collard greens get gourmet treatment? The to-die-for flavor combinations and use of fresh, local ingredients are sure to satisfy, and there’s not an item on the menu that would disappoint. The collard greens are an absolute must order, and you should definitely opt in for whatever special they are serving up. If anything is left on your plate, then you might want to get your taste buds checked out.
Samantha Navarra, Freelance Writer
DOMENICA 123 Baronne Street | $$ http://domenicarestaurant.com/ Every other month or so, I wake up with a one-word thought taunting me: “Domenica.” Somehow within 24-48 hours I will have found a way to get myself downtown to satisfy the craving. That’s just how reliably good the food, drink, and service are at John Besh’s Italian restaurant inside the Roosevelt Hotel. The menu changes just enough to keep you interested, but never so much that you’re left snapping your fingers and saying “what was that thing we had here once?” For a foolproof meal, follow these instructions: start with the house-made, melt-in-your-mouth charcuterie and whichever appetizer contains burrata cheese. Follow with any pizza (I’ve tried them all and can confirm that they are all delicious), and finish with an affogato (hot espresso poured atop vanilla bean ice cream). Repeat monthly. Unlike at most of its downtown counterparts, prices at Domenica are reasonable. To be clear, they could charge more for the food, but they don’t, and this is just one of the many lovable things about Domenica. Here are some others: getting to grab a pre- or post-dinner (or both—no judgment!) drink at the neighboring Sazerac Bar, the DAILY happy hour from 3:00-6:00, during which pizzas, cocktails, beer and wines by the glass are half off, and that their delectable pizzas are now available as take-out.
Annie Bleecker, Freelance Writer/Editor
GRACIOUS BAKERY & CAFE 1000 South Jefferson Davis Parkway | $ http://graciousbakery.com/ The recently inaugurated Gracious Bakery + Café is doing something different, and doing it well. Pastry Chef, Megan Roen Forman, uses her new space on Jefferson Davis Parkway to showcase all that she learned from the years she spent working in New York restaurants and patisseries, in addition to local favorites Bayona and Sucré. Her work inspires superlatives: best baguettes to be found in New Orleans (at $2 a pop, no less!), closest replica of an authentic French croissant, and finally, the most tempting display counter of baked lovelies. Come in for a cappuccino and ogle the inventive and absurdly delicious pastries, such as the chocolate brownie brioche, pretzel croissant, or cranberry frangipan mini-cake. It’s nearly impossible not to sample one, just to confirm that it could taste as good as it looks (it does). Did I mention that Gracious also serves lunch? With sandwiches like a house-made baguette laden with smoked ham, pecan cheddar spread, pepper jelly, and apple slices, Gracious Bakery + Café has truly taken New Orleans coffee shop/café fare to a new level.
Annie Bleecker, Freelance Writer/Editor
SQUEAL BAR-B-Q 8400 Oak Street | $-$$ http://www.squeal-nola.com/ Next to nationally-renowned BBQ hotspot The Joint, Squeal has got to have some of the best smoked and slow-cooked meats and sides in the city. The first time I went, I was blown away by the exciting menu of New Orleans-BBQ fusion, as NOLA-anything fusion is something I’m always pleased to try. I was joined by a few friends, and we enjoyed a Thanksgiving-worthy feast of all the different and delectable items on the menu. Some of the starters caught our eye, including the Black-Eyed-Pea Egg Rolls and the Smoked Pork Cakes—a nod to crab cakes, a local favorite, but with seasoned pulled pork and topped with chili sour cream and homemade salsa. The classic selection of smoked meats came next, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and even green onion sausage. In addition to our meat of choice, we had to try the Squeal pie, which included layers of pulled pork, corn maque choux (one of the awesome sides we also ordered), Andouille mashed potatoes, and topped with cheddar cheese. And of course, who can resist a play on the old shrimp and grits: Pork Grillades with Grits, a recipe for which you can likely guess by the name. Every side was fantastic, particularly the collard greens and roasted corn and cheese grits. And from that feast on, we vowed to visit as often as our stomachs could manage.
Carolyn, Freelance writer
CAFE GRANADA 1506 S.Carrollton Avenue | $$ http://cafegranadanola.com/ There is nothing I love more than tapas, and I have yet to find anywhere that beats Cafe Granada in that department. Dining here absolutely needs to be done in larger groups where you order every tapas on the menu and share: it’s the only way to do it. I am obsessed with the croquettas de queso (fried goat cheese with a mango ginger dipping sauce) and recommend getting an order of those just for yourself because they are way too good to share. The patatas bravas (potatoes in spicy tomato sauce), fabada (baby lima beans) and the eggplant granada are also some of my favorites and they are all also under $6. Everything tastes better with a glass of homemade sangria, which you can get by the glass for only $3.50 or in a 1/2 liter carafe for $9 (there’s enough fruit in there to double as your dessert). With a large selection of meatless items this is the perfect place to impress your vegetarian friends.
Rachael Kostelec, Disaster Recovery Specialist
THREE MUSES 536 Frenchmen St. | $ http://www.thethreemuses.com/ When I stumbled into Three Muses, it was for the music, not the food. I was more than pleasantly surprised to discover they had much more going for them than just their live music scene. Their menu is anything but typical bar fare, featuring items such as the butternut squash ravioli (which had my taste buds soaring) and the Steak and Cake which is a steal at only $12. Just when I thought they couldn’t impress me anymore, they went and added a “New York Menu” every Thursday in November (except Thanksgiving) which proceeds the City Harvest of New York 100% and features some of the big apple’s own staples like the Mamaroneck Avenue Pizza with Italian sausage and the delish Coney Island Hot Dogs with frito pie chili. Yum, yum, and a little more yum!
Rachael Kostelec, Disaster Recovery Specialist
COULI’S 3625 Prytania St. | $ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coulis/ Couli’s is a quaint breakfast and lunch place on Prytania Street, and it serves up my favorite brunch in town! Nowhere else can beat Couli’s prices, tastes, and options to bring your own champagne for mimosas. The French toast is the best because it’s stuffed with cream cheese, and topped with caramelized apples, candied pecans, and Andouille sausage (seriously, I almost fainted it was so delectable). I have ordered the French toast every time, but I’ve also stolen some bites from brunch date’s plates and enjoyed the Eggs Benicio; jalapeno cheddar corn cakes, pulled pork, poached eggs, and hollandaise! Since Couli’s is a small space, be prepared to wait in line at peak Sunday brunch times (11:00 AM- 1:00 PM), but the line moves fast and it is totally worth the wait!
Nicole, Student Success Counselor
COOP’S PLACE 1109 Decatur St. | $$ http://www.coopsplace.net/ I’ve been enjoying Coop’s since my tourist days and I still love it as a local. Coop’s has some of the best cliché New Orleans food which includes the rabbit and sausage jambalaya, the shrimp etoufee, and the grilled red fish. If you feel like trying something different, then order the Cajun seafood pasta fettuccini. Coop’s harvests all of the best shellfish: mussels, oyster, shrimp, and tasso, and pours it over a creamy bed of fettuccini. The portions are big and the atmosphere is very laid back and local, which is fairly unique for a Quarter establishment. This is my top choice for first-time visitors and I always recommend it to locals, too.
Nicole, Student Success Counselor
JACQUEIMO’S 8324 Oak St. | $$ http://jacques-imos.com/ When I think of a Creole restaurant, JacqueImo’s is the first place to come to mind. Traditional Cajun fare is what they do best. You won’t find any trendy ingredients on the menu at this joint, just huge portions of genuine, New Orleans flavors. It’s the type of place where you won’t be seated right away, but luckily, its funky Oak Street location and festive atmosphere make up for the wait time. The menu offers a wide selection of New Orleans favorites like jambalaya, red beans and rice, and shrimp etouffee. My go-to orders include the eggplant Jacque-Imo, fried chicken, and stuffed catfish. Jacque-Imo’s is the obvious choice when looking for a true New Orleans dining experience.
Samantha Navarra, Freelance Writer
THE Dinner Date STYLING AND ART DIRECTION BY: KATE GRACE BAUER MODELS: KIRSTEN RINCK AND ROB EPPS M A K E U P : A S H L E Y T R E A D AWAY PHOTOGRAPHER: RACHEL MALONEY Many thanks to Casamento’s Restaurant
FEATURING LOOKS FROM: MESDRESS LEAH MILANA IACONO BRENNAN MANUEL VERNON ALL JEWELRY PROVIDED BY JESS LEIGH
He’s wearing blue chambray ¾ shirt and RAEN sunglasses by Vernon She’s wearing “Quartz Dress” by MESDRESS
She’s wearing “Silk tank & hi-low maxi” by Leah Milana He’s wearing green and blue plaid shirt and navy blue pants by Brennan Manuel
She’s wearing “Navy Crew Dress” by Iacono He’s wearing navy crepe wool suit and shirt by Brennan Manuel; tie, tie bar and pocket square by Vernon
NEW PRODUCTS ADDED TO THE ONLINE STORE. SHOP INVADER