ABOUT AND BEYOND
Acme Oyster House
724 Iberville St
504-522-5973
www.acmeoyster.com
I have never been in this oyster emporium of repute. Even though it was 11 AM the place was packed. I squeezed in at the bar because all I wanted was a dozen raw (oysters that is). I ordered an Abita Amber on tap and my oysters. The oysters came out in an ice filled plastic tray with lemons and a tub of ketchup. Fixings for the ketchup were on the bar. I however prefer mine au natural. They were succulent, slightly salty and a bit on the small side. It was the beginning of the season so I expected that. I am not likely to return. Too many better venues for that shell fish.
The Bon Ton Cafe
401 Magazine St
504-524-3386
Another venerable New Orleans icon I have never stepped into. They only open for lunch. I started with Turtle soup. It certainly looked like the real deal and might have been but I did not care for it. It proved way too acidic and the sherry added a raw alcohol taste I could not get around. My side salad came to the rescue. Mixed greens with red onions, carrots, and tomato in a marvelously tasty Creole Mustard Vinaigrette and I usually do not care for salad. This one was great. The Crabmeat au Gratin arrived next. Both nirvana and heart attack on a plate. Unbroken jumbo lump crabmeat in a rich cream sauce topped with a thick layer of melty toasty cheese. If you love crab this is the dish for you accept no other. The Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce did not suit my taste. The texture and taste of this simple bread pudding was in my opinion ruined by the raw alcohol taste of the sauce. This is a peculiarity of my palate. Alcohol completely overcomes it and ruins the dish for me. I think I would have loved it sans sauce. However I definitely would return here for the menu is filled with New Orleans Cajun classics.
Gordon Biersch
200 Poydras
504-552-2739
www.gordonbiersch.com
I stopped at this chain brewpub for a sampler and a light snack. I tasted Golden Export, Hefeweizen, Czech Lager, Marzen and Schwarzbier. If you have not figured it out they specialize in German lager and follow the purity laws. All were delicious. I ate chicken marinated in tamarind and garlic then skewered and grilled tender and moist. The sweet sour of the tamarind and pungency of the garlic went well together. Not bad for a chain
Crescent City Brewhouse
527 Decatur
504-522-5071
www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com
This is a locally owned and operated brewpub that also follows the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. They brew a Continental style of lager. I sampled Pilsner, Red Stallion, Black Forest and Weiss again quite good. I ordered the Beer Battered Shrimp Po Boy, BIG mistake. It consisted of greasy overcooked shrimp on sub-par bread with cold fries. This is not something I expect for a local New Orleans joint. I will be back for the beer but likely nothing else
Stanley’s
Corner of Chartres and St Ann
504-587-0091
www.restaurantstanley.com
As stated in a previous column Stanley is moving and not open yet. The website at this point is down. I hope this is a harbinger of a revised website with the opening of the venue following on its heels. Anyway I ordered the Korean BBQ Tenderloin and Kim Chee Po Boy from the Decatur venue just before it closed. The different spices and tender meat with the spicy crispness of the cabbage made this a unique experience. A cooling cole slaw occupied it. I cannot wait for this establishment to reopen.
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