Red Fish Grill - New Orleans French Quarter

Red Fish Grill
115 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA
504-598-1200
Lunch: 11 a.m-3 p.m.
Dinner: Mon-Sun – 5 -10 p.m.
Oyster bar: Mon-Sun – 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
504-598-1200

www.redfishgrill.com

By Jane Feehan

Red Fish Grill, owned by Ralph Brennan, a member of the imperial family of New Orleans restaurants, lies just off Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter. The location beckons its share of tourists but it’s well worth a stop for lunch or dinner.

I enjoyed Hickory Grilled Red Fish (about $26) topped with a generous portion of crabmeat. Grilled over hickory, the fresh fish was mildly but exquisitely flavored. It was served with wild mushrooms, peas, and thick slices of potatoes sautéed to a crisp on the outside….delicious.

A dining companion raved about the Grand Isle Shrimp Salad (about $14) – shrimp, avocado, chopped eggs and a sweet corn relish – drizzled in a tasty but light remoulade. The salad was enough for two.

Both of us asked for modifications to the entrées – to serve the fish without tasso (seasoned ham), and the salad without bacon. They easily made the accommodation – another plus.

We couldn’t leave without sampling their highly acclaimed chocolate bread pudding. The dessert was served piping hot, then drenched tableside with warm chocolate sauce. Chocolate through and through … superb (thanks for ordering this, Marcia - delish).

The décor, with metal sculptures of fish suspended from the ceiling and companion images painted on walls makes for a festive atmosphere at this casual eatery. Reservations recommended. Service: Excellent. Full bar. ©2010 All rights reserved.

Aunt Sally's Pralines - New Orleans French Quarter

Aunt Sally’s Pralines
Original Creole Pralines
2831 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70117
1-800-642-7257
www.auntsallys.com

By Jane Feehan

So you’ve visited the French Quarter, seen the sights, had a few memorable meals, and don’t want to leave without bringing home a little bit of New Orleans. A visit to Aunt Sally’s, home of the “Original Creole Pralines” may be in order.

How’s this for a selection of treats: Triple Chocolate, Bananas Foster, Café Au Lait or Sugar & Spice (Tabasco® Flavored) pralines. Aunt Sally’s cooks up these sugary delights daily. Speaking of sugar, there’s even “lite” pralines with 85 percent less sugar for those trying to minimize damage to the waistline.

This New Orleans confectionary, first opened in the 1930s, also sells an array of gifts, including cookbooks, mugs, pecans, cocktail mixes, syrups and gift baskets. If you don’t want to carry your purchases home, order through Aunt Sally’s toll free number or Web site.

Aunt Sally's is a short walk from Café Du Monde, and not far from the French Market. Lots of samples ... ©2010 All rights reserved.

Esteli Cigar Shop - New Orleans French Quarter

Esteli Cigar Shop
515 St. Louis Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-561-6078
Fax – 504-561-6029
E-Mail: estelicigarshop@att.net

By Jane Feehan

As I left Johnny’s Po-Boys, the strains of Latin music drew me to the establishment next door – the Esteli Cigar Shop. I don’t know much about cigars except that I prefer the aroma of a cigar over a cigarette.

Traditional cigar shops – not the fancy joints catering to pretentious cigar aficionados – are a common sight in Miami’s Little Havana near where I grew up. So, when I heard the music and saw tobacco hanging from the ceiling in Esteli, I was compelled to stop in.

Esteli Owner Sergio Cabrera, originally from Nicaragua, sells a variety of
cigars from Central America, including the rarest cigar made by Padron, the Anniversary 1926.

If you’re a cigar smoker or are in the market for a gift, stop at Esteli to pick up some cigars and experience a little bit of Central America; Sergio Cabrera is there to assist. © 2010 All rights reserved

Johnny's Po-Boy Restaurant - New Orleans French Quarter

Johnny’s Po-Boy Restaurant
511 St. Louis Street
New Orleans, LA
504-524-8129
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

www.johnnyspoboy.com

By Jane Feehan

I’ve driven or walked by this casual eatery many times and didn’t stop in. I should have – before yesterday when the French Quarter and Johnny’s were jammed with Saints fans and pre-Mardi Gras revelers.

No matter, we found a small place at a counter attached to the wall to squeeze into and enjoyed some good food. The shrimp po-boys were huge and tasty. I’ll experiment with something else next time – and there will be a next time. Gumbo, not as thick as is often served, was loaded with shrimp, decked out with a crab claw and nicely spiced.

There’s so much to choose from on their po-boy menu: alligator, BBQ beef, oyster, surf and turf (hot roast beef and fried shrimp), salami, chicken salad … and on and on. Salads and daily specials such as Creole red beans and rice, pork chop plate, crab cakes, meatballs with spaghetti are also a big draw.

For the night owls (surely not for early risers in this part of town), breakfast features omelets, hot cakes, biscuits – the works.

Order-at-the-counter and pick up … no table service. Johnny’s is at the epicenter of French Quarter fun. © 2010 All rights reserved.

Juan's Flying Burrito - New Orleans (Uptown)

Juan’s Flying Burrito
2018 Magazine Street
New Orleans - Uptown
504-569-0000
Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: 12 -10 p.m.

www.juansflyingburrito.com

By Jane Feehan


Juan’s Flying Burrito is a hole-in-the-wall, Tex-Mex joint with tattoo-covered waitresses, quasi-alternative rock music and a menu that juices up the taste buds.

It’s one of the few Tex Mex eateries in New Orleans – and the food is great.

After chips and guacamole, I sampled a Jerk Chicken Burrito ($7.50) laden with beans, yellow rice, salsa, sour cream, avocado and pieces of chicken spiced right. It was enough for two.

Juan’s offers salads, quesadillas in a wide variety, tacos with just about anything, fajitas, enchiladas and, of course, burritos stuffed with beef, pork, chicken, shrimp … and more. The good news is Juan’s also caters to the vegetarian with dishes such as Super Green or Wicked Punk burritos, Wicked Garden fajitas and other veggie delights.

The restaurant is filled with people of all ages (there’s a kids menu too) out for a good time, fun food and the company of like-minded patrons.

Full bar includes Margaritas and Mojitos. Inexpensive. Another location at Mid town. Service: Good. © 2010 All rights reserved.

Aristo's - D'Iberville, Mississippi

Aristo’s
3840 Promenade Parkway, Ste A
The Promenade, D’Iberville, MS
228-396-1190
Monday thru Thursday
and Sunday • 10:30am - 9pm
Friday & Saturday • 10:30am - 10pm
www.eataristos.com


By Jane Feehan

Aristo’s, a very casual place in a new shopping center, serves a variety of gyros and salads that are fresh but lacking in authentic Greek flavors.

Hummus came with piping hot pita and a couple of Greek olives – good – but was missing some much needed garlic. The wait staff tried to push cheese-covered pita with this appetizer. Huh? Gyros dressed in mayonnaise, not the typical sour cream and cucumber seem to be crafted for a Mississippian palate, not for lovers of Greek food. Maybe Aristo’s knows their market.

A word on the wait staff: far too chirpy for me – all of them. It’s uncomfortably condescending.

Aristo’s, not part of a chain, may be a welcome alternative to hamburgers, pizza and chicken sandwiches that seem to dominate the menus at The Promenade. If you’re looking for something healthy to eat, it’s here. And it’s inexpensive; the food is just not authentic. Beer served © 2010 All rights reserved.

The Chimneys Restaurant - Gulfport, Mississippi

The Chimneys Restaurant
1640 Beach Blvd.
Gulfport, MS
228-863-7604
Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday
http://www.chimneysrestaurant.com/

By Jane Feehan

The doors to The Chimneys Restaurant opened for business this month after a Hurricane Katrina- imposed hiatus. At the original site in a new and beautiful Acadian style structure, this Gulfport jewel is already attracting a steady stream of diners.

I visited on a Tuesday evening and was taken aback by how busy it was. “Curiosity is bringing them in,” said owner Dix Nord*, who with husband Peter, has run several iterations of this establishment.

I doubt it’s just curiosity. The food is good. The chef is back (along with some other staff), preparing food The Chimneys is noted for. Their shrimp crab chowder is chock full of seafood and lightly spiced – excellent. I dined on stuffed flounder – a whole fish – that tasted like it was just pulled from the water. Asparagus and a salad with a tasty Creole ranch dressing were perfect accompaniments.

This is a sophisticated, yet unpretentious place. Overheard were guests claiming the new Chimneys has the same warm, friendly look and feel of the one the storm destroyed. The only criticism would be the poor lighting after dark of the dining room. Hopefully, that will be remedied. The Nords have plans to open the porch for dining when weather permits; it’s a beautiful setting with an expansive Gulf vista. If it's the view you're after, go for lunch or early dinner. Live jazz is planned for the lounge area on weekend nights.

Dinners run about $15-30 and includes salad and a vegetable. Menu at link above. Service: Good. © 2010 All right reserved.


* Dix Nord passed away  April 17, 2012 after a courageous battle against cancer.


For more information about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visit:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.gulfcoast.org

Abita Springs Cafe - Abita Springs, Louisiana (New Orleans area)

Abita Springs Café
22132 Level Street
Abita Springs, Louisiana (St. Tammany Parish)
Tuesday-Sunday: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
985-867-9950

By Jane Feehan

It’s worth a short drive from New Orleans north to Abita Springs to visit the Abita Springs Café – for several reasons. Go for a little bit of country, a whole lot of hospitality and some darn good food.

I went for lunch, but also ordered (and had only a small bite from) one of their famous oversized breakfast biscuits; it was enough for an entire meal – and delicious. The lunch menu is standard fare of sandwiches, salads and burgers. I had a fried chicken sandwich, which was good but I would return for breakfast, their big draw. The menu varies for breakfast but that’s where the creative flair comes in: debris grits with pork gravy; eggs and crab cakes (occasionally), a muffin with egg and spinach. Breakfast is served all day.

Seating is available outdoors when the weather permits.

Studies indicate Louisianans are among the happiest in the U.S. It shows in their hospitality; a visit to the Abita Springs Café is testimony to that. © 2010 All right reserved.

Walter Anderson Museum of Art - Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Walter Anderson Museum of Art
510 Washington Ave.
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
228-872-3164
www.walterandersonmuseum.org
Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday 12:30-4:30 p.m.

$7 for adults
$6 for seniors, students, military or AAA members
$5 for children between 5 -17
Free – children under five

By Jane Feehan

Walter Anderson Museum of Art is a must-see if you’re interested in regional art. Born in New Orleans in 1903, Walter Anderson moved to Ocean Springs in the 1930s. He worked at Shearwater Pottery, founded by his brother Peter. During the last 18 years of his life (d. 1965), the inspiration for much of his work came from nearby Horn Island. The museum showcases pottery and watercolors that capture Anderson’s love for nature.

Of particular interest is the adjoining Ocean Springs Community Center, home of Anderson’s largest mural, which became a United States National Treasure in 2005. The mural (see photos) reflects the Native American and European heritage of Ocean Springs. The center is still used for weddings and other functions. What a backdrop ... © 2010 All rights reserved.

Mediterraneo Bistro - Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Mediterraneo Bistro
1314 Government Street
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
228-872-3311
Open for lunch Monday-Saturday at 11
Dinner – call for hours – not posted
www.oceanspringsrestaurant.com/menu

By Jane Feehan

A first impression means everything; it’s critical to running a successful restaurant. Alarms went off on a visit to Mediterraneo when a handwritten sign on copy paper advertising New Year’s Eve was still posted two days later.

More.

I was annoyed by the waitress who handed me a menu just as I was pulling the chair out and beginning to sit down. Chair or menu? Geez. THEN I see greasy fingerprints and a speck of dirt on the bread plate, which I asked to be replaced.

The quintessential bad first impression got worse.

Their lunch menu wasn’t appealing – some tapas, po-boys (huh?) and a few other items. I settled on an order of hummus, and a trio of tapas, including crab cakes, spanakopita (Greek spinach pie) and Piquillo (pepper stuffed with honey goat cheese). The hummus was good, crab cakes gummy and the stuffed pepper seemed to be a reheated frozen rendition. The spanakopita was tasty, not outstanding. Olive bread served before the meal was so dry it crumbled apart as I buttered a small piece.

The dinner menu (see Web site above) appears to be more appealing but some of the items listed online are not available such as smoked seafood croquettes. Steaks, lamb, pork and fish entrees also served.

My first visit was a turnoff - enough to diminish chances of a second visit for dinner. Moderately priced. Full bar. © 2010 All rights reserved.

Bayou Country - Slidell, Louisiana

Bayou Country
1101 East Howze Beach Rd.
I-10 at Exit 261 (Oak Harbor)
Slidell, LA 70461
888-571-3200
Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (“or so”)
Sunday – call schedules vary
www.bayoucountry.com

By Jane Feehan

There’s a large eye-catching structure along I-10 (south side) in Slidell with “Pralines” prominently posted. A sign with the name of the establishment - Bayou Country – becomes readable only from its parking lot. No matter, it was the pralines I sought.

Upon entering Bayou Country, I discovered an unexpected world of shopping that almost made me forget why I stopped there in the first place.

This is a fun store with loads of products for the tourist or anyone fond of Louisianan or Cajun culture. There are gift baskets, “Slap Ya Mama” spices (read the reason for the name on the packaging), wonderful Louisiana cookbooks, including the mammoth Encyclopedia of Cajun and Creole Cooking by Chef John D. Folse, soaps, mugs, bar mixes, T-shirts, jellies and sauces – and much more.

Back to the pralines. Sold in a wide assortment of flavors and cooked up fresh daily, they're excellent. I had never sampled a chocolate version until my visit to Bayou Country – delicious.

A café on site serves up Louisiana favs including gumbo, po-boys, bisque, red beans and rice, and jambalaya. Having already eaten in New Orleans that day, I didn’t try the food. The apple pie and other deserts looked interesting.

The staff, extremely accommodating, seems to enjoy working there as much as the visitors do shopping. Items are also available through their Web site. © 2010 All rights reserved.