By using the following links you will support local businesses, authors, & entrepreneurs and help to pay the forum rent -- and it won't cost you a penny more.
As of this writing Mandina's (a neighbor hood joint of some fame and fierce loyalties) has not opened back up in New Orleans. However they opened a branch In Baton Rouge in the old Chalet Brant. Both the interior and exterior still look like a Swiss chalet. It is two stores with light mustard yellow walls with timber framing and lots of wood trim. Wood chairs and padded vinyl tablecloths comprise the seating.
When you sit down they bring 2 to 3-inch thick slices of French bread that has been buttered and griddled. Excellent for dipping in the Crab Finger dish we ordered. A metal ramekin filled with an abundance of crab fingers cooked in a mixture of breadcrumbs, oil, seasoning, and wine. The best variation of crab fingers I have ever had, bar none. They proved succulent, tasty, and habit forming.
My sister ten went for the Turtle soup while I tried the Seafood and Okra Gumbo. The turtle seemed to consist of more of a meaty broth with just a touch of tomato. Most turtle soups I’ve had seem to have a tomato base. It proved different but delicious. Mine was loaded with shrimp and trout and thick with okra. Reminded me of my mother’s. I loved every spoonful.
My sister a light eater completed her meal with a small salad while I went whole hog so to speak. I ordered their famous Trout Meunire. I received two large fillets of trout fried to a fantastic crispy state drenched in New Orleans's style meunire sauce (combo of a flour butter sauce and demi glace) with a side of green beans. This fish proved fantastic. The crust on the exterior stayed crispy and the interior exuded steamy goodness while remaining moist. The flavor profile of crisp fish and excellent sauce lasted through out the meal. I can see why it is a classic. The service was great. I hope to eat at the original in New Orleans one day
Galatoire’s
17451 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge La
225-753-4864
This operation was a case of delay. Plans were in the works before the storm to open this “light” version of this “Grande Dame” of New Orleans. They occupy a pristine white building visible from I-10 next to a Persian carpet emporium. A black ceiling with fans sits over white linen service tables with ebony wood chairs. Light beige walls with shuttered openings surround you.
Lunch here consists of a three-course Prie Fixe meal. At dinner they serve a la carte. For $19.05 (the year Galatoire’s opened New Orleans) you get a choice of soup or salad, pick an entree from a list of ten, choose one of two desserts, and your choice of soft beverage. To start off they bring a demi-loaf of an excellent French bread fresh from the oven. I opted for the French Onion Soup. A cup of deep dark oniony richness appeared topped with a slice of toasted French bread loaded with ooey gooey Gruyere cheese, textbook example of this dish. I savored every spoonful.
My entree consisted of the Seafood Eggplant Cake. It sat n a spicy mustard remoulade sauce and three asparagus spears topping it. This cake was a wonder. A super crisp crust hid a wonderful melange of shrimp, crabmeat, and smothered eggplant held together in a bechamel sauce. It contained no filler besides the eggplant. It measured at least four inches across and proved delicious beyond my wildest dreams. The seafood and eggplant complemented each other perfectly. I ate every bite and had to restrain myself from licking the plate.
The Custard Cup I chose for dessert proved just right. A nice caramel top dripping to the plate atop a not too sweet egg custard. The portion was just right also not too big. A perfect end to a perfect meal. Spot on service added to the experience. I have never been to the original and this experience encourages me to do so in the near future.
