Last Bite

by Greta Honsberger

INSIDE NEW ORLEANS sales rep, Renée, and I went on a culinary adventure last week and lunched at The Country Club in Bywater.

The vibrant Creole cottage was transformed from a residence into The Country Club restaurant and bar 45 years ago. Nestled back from the street, it boasts a spacious, beautifully landscaped yard, but it is the inside that is most stunning.

Upon opening the front door, we were immediately captivated by the lofty ceiling and the dining parlors beyond. Each parlor, bathed in natural light, features dining tables and elegant light green bamboo-style chairs. Yet, it’s the walls that truly steal the show. In the two larger rooms, magnificent hand-painted murals depict oversized flowers native to Louisiana. Vibrant Louisiana irises, majestic magnolias, exotic birds of paradise, delicate pink roses, and intricately detailed wildflowers adorn the walls, enchanting all who behold them.

The smaller front right room follows a bird theme, with hand-painted avian motifs scattered whimsically throughout the bright, white space, each depicting birds in various natural states. Meanwhile, the expansive foyer boasts bright green hand-painted palm fronds, lending a tropical touch before transitioning seamlessly into the bar area, characterized by its dark wood and masculine feel.

The captivating atmosphere of The Country Club significantly enhances the overall experience, second only to the exceptional food and service. Chef Chris warmly introduced himself before presenting us with some signature Country Club delights. Seated at a banquette beneath the magnolia blossoms, our server, Lily, promptly took our cocktail orders. Renée opted for the Ponchatula Porch Sipper, a delightful concoction of strawberry and white peach tea infused with gin, lemon, and mint, which won her over from the first sip. I gravitated towards the Hugo Gurl Spritz, featuring St. Germain Elderflower, sparkling wine, mint, and soda—a perfect choice for its refreshing taste, especially on a hot New Orleans day. Then came the food, and WOW, what a culinary experience it was! Chef Chris treated us to an abundant array of scrumptious dishes, starting with three exquisite small plates. I was pleasantly surprised by the unique flavor of the Boudin Boulettes, distinct from any Boudin I had tasted before. Filled with a savory mixture of rice and pork shoulder and served with Creole mustard and pepper jelly, the harmonious blend of flavors made it a delightful dish. As for the Crab Beignets, they were an instant hit with Renée (and myself). Unlike any I had tried elsewhere, these beignets were filled with succulent Blue Crab meat and sofrito mascarpone, served with saffron aioli—an indulgence fit for heavenly dining. I have a penchant for salads bursting with diverse components, and the Strawberry and Pickled Mirliton Salad did not disappoint. Tossed with greens and a rice wine vinaigrette and topped with sliced strawberries, candied walnuts, goat cheese, sweet onion, and chunks of Mirliton pickled in a zesty mixture of sugar, red wine vinegar, and pepper flakes, it transcended the ordinary salad experience, offering a tantalizing medley of flavors and textures, and the red pepper in the mirliton gave the whole salad an unexpected, but right amount of kick.

The Filet Mignon, however, is a meal that will remain etched in our memory for quite some time. This center cut of beef, adorned with tasso marchand de vin and caramelized onion, was cooked to a perfect medium rare—a choice I wouldn’t have made, but one that turned out to be ideal for this culinary masterpiece. The Filet Mignon at The Country Club embodied everything one seeks in a perfect steak: tenderness, juiciness, and an explosion of flavor. It was accompanied by French potato puree drizzled with the marchand de vin and caramelized onion, and it was nothing short of extreme comfort food. This main event was, without a doubt, absolute perfection.

Despite being stuffed, we couldn’t resist indulging in Affogato and Lemon Tiramisu for dessert. Renée loved the Affogato, a delightful blend of Sambucca ice cream, hot fudge, and espresso. Meanwhile, I savored every bite of the Lemon Tiramisu, with its creamy mascarpone, lemon curd, and Limoncello-soaked lady fingers.

Our drive home was filled with excited chatter about our experience at The Country Club—from the charming Creole cottage to the impeccable service and delectable food. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

634 Louisa St, New Orleans. 504-945-0742. thecountryclubneworleans.com