New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
For Memorial Day weekend I was fortunate to attend the NOWFE. I spent two days scouring the Superdome (150 wine vendors and 50+ chef booths set up EACH day) for New Orleans’ best eats. (This is how you get around) Here’s my Top Five Best in Show, followed by some other interesting dishes.
Lobster Ravioli with Mango, Astor Crown Plaza. How my favorite dish came from a hotel, not even a restaurant, is beyond me. But what’s not to love? Delish!
Crepes Broussard Flambé (cream cheese, brandy pecan stuffing, served in a strawberry sauce), Broussard’s Restaurant. I realize this is not the most photogenic dish, but un-freaking-real. I wish you could have a bite. Need the recipe stat.
Spanish style Barbequed Shrimp in Chorizo Cream on a Rosemary Biscuit, Vega Tapas Cafe. Down South, Barbecue Shrimp means baked in a blend of olive oil, butter, and seasonings. To me, it means get in my belly!
Crawfish Salad, Creole Tomatoes, and Grilled Vidalia Onions with Spicy Vinaigrette, Bacco. Just like it sounds. Light and refreshing.
Crawfish Maison, Galatoire’s Restaurant. A mayo-y dressing with avocado. Clean and simple.
And the Best of the Rest…
Shrimp and Tasso with Pepper Jelly Grits, Royal Palm Restaurant. So good I had it both days! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Creole Tuna ‘Pastrami’ Sandwich, Bourbon House. If I remember correctly, that’s the pastrami on the side.
Bananas Foster, Brennan’s Restaurant. I’m not a banana fan, so I don’t think I could fully appreciate this dessert. However, if you like bananas, I’m sure you’d be in heaven.
Crawfish Remoulade Lettuce Wraps, Red Fish Grill. This is something right up my alley, however it was really bland. Next!
Pan Fried Catfish over Pecan Sugared Grits with Bourbon Cream Sauce, Centerplate at the Louisiana Superdome. Now THIS was a dish I was excited to taste. It sounded so unique! But in reality, it was poorly executed. The grits were overcooked and it threw the whole thing. Granted it was prepared by the Superdome restaurant (no offense), but I was really disappointed.
