Last Bite

The Blue Crab

by Greta Hudson Honsberger

THE BLUE CRAB IS A WATERFRONT GEM on Lakeshore Drive, where the New Basin Canal meets Lake Ponchartrain. Its charming location gives it an inviting coastal ambiance, plus, you just know the seafood is fresh.

The day I visited, I met Nick Asprodites, the owner of The Blue Crab. The idea and opening of the restaurant eleven years ago stemmed from nostalgia and a love of fresh seafood. Nick envisioned a place reminiscent of the days when folks gathered at seafood establishments on Lake Pontchartrain to dine on fresh seafood. He imagined a place that returned to those times, complete with a pier to welcome boaters, space for a band, and fresh Gulf seafood. Nick’s vision became a reality with the completion of the concrete and steel building, and The Blue Crab has been a local favorite since.

The Blue Crab menu focuses on seafood, delivered daily and prepared with a blend of rich, flavorful ingredients, creating an indulgent assortment of scrumptious dishes that cater to every palate. Each seafood creation is thoughtfully paired with special complements, such as creamy stonegrounded cheese grits, melt-in-your-mouth cheese biscuits, and fresh fries hand-cut daily, to name a few.

With so many tempting dishes on the menu, I was having a hard time deciding, so I asked the experts. Among the staff’s favorites was the Blue Crab dip appetizer. There is a good reason this is a favorite. A combination of sweet crab meat with spinach, blended together in a creamy base, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. Served with

blue corn tortilla chips, this makes the perfect starter for the fantastic meal that is to come.

Next, I tried the wedge salad, another local favorite. This crisp iceberg wedge was a delightful and refreshing surprise. Part of the wow factor comes from the bleu cheese ice cream scoops—yes, ice cream! Made from whipped bleu cheese and other secret ingredients, this frozen concoction is incredible. The other part of the wow factor is the candied bacon with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction that is also drizzled generously over the wedges, tomato slices, and bleu cheese crumbles. This is often ordered to include shrimp and is a meal in and of itself. The wedge salad is a must-try for those who enjoy an unexpected flavor combination.

The Blue Crab offers a dining experience that captures the essence of New Orleans’ love for fresh seafood and Southern hospitality. From the vision of its owner, Nick Asprodites, to the meticulously crafted dishes and thoughtful pairings, every detail reflects a commitment to quality and nostalgia. Whether you’re indulging in the mouthwatering Blue Crab Dip or savoring the unique wedge salad with bleu cheese ice cream, you can count on a culinary delight. The Blue Crab isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a beloved gathering place where food, atmosphere, and tradition come together to create a memorable dining experience.

The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 7900 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans. (504) 284-2898 thebluecrabnola.com