Commander’s Palace, New Orleans
I had two splurge-doesn’t-even-begin-to-cover-it meals while in New Orleans. Last time I was in the Big Easy—after various people witnessed my eating style (hot, steamy love affair)—I was told that I must have brunch at Commander’s Palace.
Now Commander’s is kind of like the holy grail of New Orleans dining. First off, the turquoise palace has been around—same location—since 1880. Secondly, the three course jazz brunch is the most expensive I’ve ever had to date ($75 including two mimosas and tip). This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime (or once every couple years) splurgetastic occasion.
My thoughts? For what we paid, I wouldn’t say the food blew my mind. Of course it was delicious—OF COURSE—but I’m sure you can have the same quality food for much less somewhere else. I was also a little bummed the service wasn’t as “refined” as I was expecting. Granted, we weren’t the typical ladies who lunch, but I was a little surprised when our drink runner asked if we wanted to take tequila shots. Anywho, no big deal. The jazz trio came over and played me my favorite Iko Iko Jockamo song and all was well.
Let’s get to the good stuff. I’ve captured my own decadent meal and my friend’s, Molly #2.
Appetizers
Oops sorry, no pics. We both decided to start out as healthy as possible with salads. Also, garlic bread was served with a side of butter. Of course.
Molly #1: Champagne and Sugarcane Salad: Winter greens and ripped herbs with blue cheese, barbecued onions, crispy sweet potatoes, and champagne-molasses vinaigrette. Had a great kick to it, delish, didn’t taste healthy (yay!).
Molly #2: Honey Satsuma Salad: Local Mandarin oranges dressed in citrus honey with petite greens, praline granola, sugared dates, and Grand Marnier vinaigrette. Positive reviews from Molly #2.
Entrees
Molly #1: Wild Shrimp and Grits: Rosemary and garlic crusted Louisiana shrimp over yellow stone ground grits with Vidalia onions, peppers, pickled garlic, and New Orleans barbecue sauce. I don’t know why I always order shrimp and grits. I don’t love them and I’m always somewhat disappointed. But these were the best I’ve had, and the barbecue sauce added some nice flavor.
Molly #2: Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish: Topped with champagne poached jumbo lump crab, spiced pecans, and crushed corn sauce. Molly hit it out of the park with this order. I mean, LOOK AT THAT BUTTER/CORN/CREAM SAUCE POOL! And topped with crab no less. This was one of the most decadent, rich, unbelievable things I have ever tasted, and definitely would be my order if/when I ever return.
Desserts
Molly #1: Pecan Pie: Warm pecan pie and vanilla bean ice cream with melted chocolate, candied pecans, and Fleur de Sel caramel sauce. If pecan pie is on the menu AND I’m in the south, I can’t order any other dessert. The picture speaks for itself.
Molly #2: Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé, the Queen of Creole Desserts: Finished tableside with rum cream sauce. This sucker was gigantic, delicious, and very rum heavy. I’ve never been a huge soufflé fan, but Molly #2 loved it.
