See Food, Seafood

My plan for lunch yesterday was to go to Central Grocery in New Orleans for a a traditional muffaletta.  However, Central Grocery, unbeknownst to this simple NOLA visitor, is closed on Sundays.  So I just kept walking for a couple of blocks and then turned the corner.  As I'm turning it hits me "I'm still hungry and there is a seafood restaurant right here.  Why not?"  So I did!  I walked right in to The Original French Market Restaurant and Bar.

Being early on a Sunday afternoon and being further into the French Quarter than most first-time NOLA visitors might venture, I had plenty of seats from which to choose.  I opted for a place at the bar where Heather greeted me.  In addition to my lunch, I very much enjoyed visiting with her.  Just know that if she makes a menu recommendation...take it!!  I thoroughly LOVED both items she suggested.  Additionally, she was so gracious on refilling my sweet tea multiple times (maybe 12...hey, I was thirsty from walking the Quarter that morning).

I had mentioned to Heather of my lunch plan at Central Grocery and she agreed that they had the best traditional muffaletta.  But she then said "we have a great seafood muffaletta.  I scanned the description and agreed that was what I needed so I ordered a half (if you've never had a muffaletta please know that they are usually 9-10 inches round.  It was LOADED with stuff and I eventually had to use a fork to eat the "droppings" from my plate.  The sandwich was a bit dry, due to the nature of the Italian style large bun and all the fried seafood, but Heather did set a condiment caddy by me so that I could add ketchup, mustard, mayo, Tabasco, etc.

Seafood Muffaletta
Fried shrimp, oysters, crawfish, and catfish with olive salad

Just as I thought I was done she asked if I wanted dessert.  I gave a pause before answering, long enough for her to ask if I liked bread pudding.  I said "not usually".  She responded that it was never one of her favorites either but that they have an amazing white-chocolate-praline bread pudding that is just "wonderful".  Since she didn't lead me astray on the muffaletta I went for it.  Let's just say...I'd eat a whole pan of this stuff and wouldn't share with anyone...sorry Mom.  WOW, it was good...no...great...no...great x 2.

White Chocolate Praline Bread Pudding

I will definitely be adding The Original French Market Restaurant and Bar to my NOLA travels in the future.

And remember, happy eating is only and adventure away.

Emeril's: the Real Deal

I've eaten at Emeril's New Orleans before, but the experience tonight just blew that totally out of the water.  My previous experience included my giving one of the best possibly compliments that I can make regarding a restaurant's seafood gumbo..."it's almost as good as Aunt Mary's gumbo".  Honestly, if I even think that a gumbo comes close to my dearly departed Aunt Mary then you should know it is some TOP NOTCH gumbo.

This morning I called Emeril's to make a reservation for one (I'm traveling alone right now) and they recommended that I sit at the Chef's Window...a bar that looks directly into the kitchen so that you can see what's going on in the preparation of food.  I jumped at that chance.

Upon my arrival and my perusement of the menu, I settled on their summer special of a Five Course Menu; you have a choice of three items for each course on this tasting menu.  Before my five courses began to arrive, I was served a plate of breads and a perfect little appetizer salad.  Then the fun started...

assorted breads

appetizer salad

Fresh Angel Hair Pasta
Louisiana Crawfish, Smoked Mushrooms,
Local Tomatoes, Tarragon, Parmesan

Yellowfin Tuna--Butter Lettuce Cups
Pork Belly Confit, Hoisin, Jalapeno, Crips Rice Noodles

Andouille Crusted Rainbow Trout
Grilled Vegetables, Shoestring Potatoes,
Glazed Pecans, Creole Meuniere Sauce
**Signature Dish of the House**

Creative Fish of the Day
Grilled Swordfish, Japanese Eggplant,
Panko Breadcrumbs, Spicy Rapini, Alabama Peach Vinaigrette 

Vanilla Creme Brulee
Seasonal Fruit, Shortbread

Cappuccino

And remember, happy eating is only an adventure away!

Food, Glorious Food

I recently took a two-week study tour of South Korea.  The trip was for American middle and high school social studies teachers and allowed us to see and interact with many aspects of Korean culture and history.  One significant aspect of culture for any society is food.

Please check out "Food, Glorious Food" which is found on my travel blog "To Roam the Roads of Lands Remote".  This posting includes LOTS of pictures of some of the wonderful foods I ate.  Enjoy!

And remember, happy eating is only adventure away.