A quick trip to NOLA

The holidays were wonderful and 2012 was great, but 2013 will be even better! I started this year out by taking a trip to New Orleans. Philip has been traveling back and forth from Houston and NOLA for the past half year and now I can finally tour his second home :)

The weather was pretty nasty, but delicious food made up for all of that. I had no idea New Orleans had so many great restaurants. When I last came to this city (which was pretty much over 10 years ago), Harrah's was still in its old location and I didn't appreciate food whatsoever. Philip ended up taking me to some of his favorite spots. Food porn for you all:

1. For such a touristy place, Stanley was delicious and the atmosphere was very inviting. We flew in Sunday and decided brunch here would be perfect. Soft shell crab po-boys, shoe string onion rings, and soft shell crab benedict left us in a fried food coma. I have yet to try Chef Boswell's other restaurant Stella! due to lack of time, but I will definitely try it the next time I'm in NOLA.

2. Domenica is one of many of Chef John Besh's restaurants here in NOLA. Connected to The Roosevelt, this place has a really sophisticated ambiance, but everyone working there was extremely down to earth. We grabbed dinner late so we ended in sitting at the bar. Philip had been raving about their squid ink pasta so I knew I had to try it. The sauce was creamy, yet light and the crab was scrumptious (I ended up ordering this again for a quick lunch a few days later). We also had crispy kale topped with Parmesan, lemon juice, and pine nuts..OBSESSED.

3. Cochon Butcher was one of my favorites. Walked a mile to grab lunch here and I must say it reminds me alot of Revival Market in Houston. I had their daily special, which was a bun piled with braised short ribs (insert orgasm here) topped with onion strings (I had bad breath for days...). I also picked up a side of roasted brussel sprouts and a charcuterie plate. Definitely need to try out their restaurant Cochon next door.

4. After a horribly long taxi ride in the rain with the most incompetent driver, we made it to Boucherie. Thank goodness for reservations because this little house was packed! Such an adorable and intimate setting too! We started off with duck confit and steamed mussels. Delicious. I pretty much died when they placed the smoked wagyu brisket on our table. How can you say no to garlic fries smothered with Parmesan shavings? We also had the daily special papardelle pasta with marrow butter. For dessert, triple creme crepe with roasted apples. This is my go to place from now on every time I make it out here.

5. We also went to Yuki Izakaya (no pics sorry). Also one of Philip's favorites. I can definitely see why. For all of you Houstonians, this place reminded me of a better Nippon mixed with the atmosphere of Poison Girl. There was a local duo playing music in the corner and a dramatic Japanese film playing on the brick wall. Tiny little place that served by far some of the best Japanese food I've had (its lacking for sure in Houston). Delicious pork belly ramen, agedashi tofu, cold tofu.....ugh I wish we had this here.

Pretty much engulfed a bazillion carbs on this trip, but it was worth it. Hopefully the next time I return the weather will be nicer.


Will be heading out to New York again in the next couple weeks.....cannot wait!