Besh Box!

Besh Box Update (Feb. 2015):  The Besh Box was discontinued in April of last year.  Although I was disappointed, I have tried other subscription food boxes and will be posting about them in the near future.

Original Post:

Guess what?  One of my favorite chefs, John Besh - see previous posts - has begun a monthly food lovers box.  Described as the ultimate gift for a foodie, I had to buy it for myself.  There are several plans, but I wanted the monthly plan that included a copy of his new book.  Here is a link to the site for more information and to sign-up for a plan.  http://beshbox.com/

It took about three weeks before the first box came and I could hardly wait.  I felt like a child at Christmas again.  What would be in it?  I received notice that it had shipped and a few days later, there it was.

I rushed inside to open it up and this is what it looked like:



The card inside listed all of the contents.  I almost missed the one of the most exciting things - the vanilla bean - because if was wrapped up.  Didn't look for it until I saw the card.  Although I was excited to get it, I have not done much with the items yet.  Part of the problem is that I want to do something special - especially with the pecans and vanilla beans - and I can't decide.  Right now I am leaning toward a vanilla bean cheesecake with pecan pralines.  I'll keep you posted on what I do.  #beshbox

Buyer Beware!

I consider myself an educated person, but there are times when I get taken advantage of and feel very stupid. I then get angry and realize that some restaurants only think about making money.  What they don't realize is that when you think of doing what it right by the customer you will probably make more money because of repeat business.  As you know a good time to try expensive restaurants is at lunch.  You get the atmosphere, service, and many times a similar menu for a less expensive price.  However, BE CAREFUL. I have been burnt twice (you think I would have learned from the first time - but they were separated by 10 years.)  The first time was a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.  At the time it was a local steak chain know for great steaks and hefty prices.  I had been treated there once for dinner, but had not been back.  A friend said that they had reasonable lunches so I thought I would try it.  The waiter comes to the table and shares the specials with us, one of the specials was a cowboy rib eye - oh boy one of my favorites.  I didn't ask the price but assumed that since it was a special for "lunch" that it would be reasonable.  I know you can guess what happened.  It was regular dinner prices - somewhere around $40.  Well, I said to myself I would never make that mistake again, but guess what?

A couple of weeks ago I found the new Galatoire's Bistro in Baton Rouge.  It was related to the famous New Orleans restaurant that I had eaten at before.  I remembered that lunch was a good time to eat at expensive restaurant and so I went.  I look at the lunch menu - in fact they had a three course special for 19.99.  Alright, I had found a deal.  The waiter came and shared the "specials".  One sounded good to me - spaetzle and filet tips. Since I had been to Germany and fell in love with spaetzle, I ordered that.  I also ordered a salad.  When I got my entrée I had no clue yet that I had made the same mistake twice.  A small bowl of spaetzle with beef tips appeared - perfect size for lunch.  With the salad it was just enough.  Well guess what happened when I got the check.  The special was $28.00 which along with the salad and ice tea came to $40.00.  I was taken aback and felt taken advantage of again. Don't restaurants know that people assume that specials at lunch should follow the pricing of lunch?  The only thing I can think of is that they do it on purpose.  They dare people to ask the price - you know the saying:  if you have to ask you can't afford it.  So my advice when presented specials at lunch is to ask the price.  If you are going to pay dinner prices you might as well go at dinner. 

Fish - Not Fried?

One of the phenomenon that I have become aware of hosting exchange students is that people in other parts of the world don't fry everything.  Unfortunately for me, I grew up thinking the only way to eat fish was fried and with examples like Middendorf's in my backyard, I didn't see any problems with that. 

Trying to get Lukas to like fried fish.  He was an easy convert.

As I have experience students from all over the world, I realize that first they eat more fish than I do and they rarely eat it fried.  One of their favorite meals that I cook for the exchange students is baked fish.  They love it and I have to force myself to eat it.  Over the years, I have tried getting it at restaurants and was usually disappointed.  Most of the time it was dry and sometimes flavorless.  Well, the past few weeks, as I have been doing research for this blog, I have been ordering grilled, sautéed, or baked fish.  This is also because I am trying to lose some weight this summer (too much blog research).  I tried the fish at several well-known restaurants and it wasn't until today, that I found one that was not dry.  You can read my reviews of each meal on Yelp, but here are the ones I have tried recently.   

At Emeril's - New Orleans, http://www.emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-new-orleans,  I ordered the Andouille crusted drum (pictured below).  Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of mine, but it did not look like this.  I got this picture from the internet.  There was very little sauce and a lot more shoe string potatoes.  Although it looked impressive, it was difficult to eat and the fish was dry.  The fewer potatoes and the pool of sauce pictured would have helped my entrée.  I did however enjoy the whole experience of eating at Emeril's. 


The next try was a week later at Restaurant des Families in Crown Point.  http://restaurantdesfamilles.com/

I ordered the Redfish Marcel (pictured).  It looked good, but again the fish was dry.  That is crabmeat and grilled shrimp on top. Once again enjoyed the company and the scenery - just not the fish.  

 

I was beginning to think I should give up on ordering and eating fish - unless it is fried.  I can't cook it right at home and I tried ordering out at two highly rated restaurants and still do not like it.  That was until today.  Today I ate lunch at Mila in the CBD of New Orleans, http://marriottmarketing.com/ord/production/MSYBR_MilaNewOrleans/,  and I am a changed man.  The sautéed halibut (although small) was one of the best dishes I have ever eaten.  Wow, when fresh fish is cooked properly, there is nothing like it.

 



Not sure what made the difference, the type of fish, the freshness, the preparation.  Whatever it was I want have more.  I kept thinking on the way home where I could buy some halibut.  Still trying to figure that out, but I could eat this every day.  It was a perfect dish.  Also, the entire experience at Mila was fantastic.  They have a three course lunch menu for $20.00 and it was wonderful.  The setting and service were also top notch. 

 

Well, I guess I should give fish another chance.  I will keep looking to find fresh fish to cook at home and ordering grilled or sautéed fish when I think it is a place that may do it right.  



Willie Mae's Scotch House

I finally made it to the apex of fried chicken. This legitimate "hole in the wall"is actually in an old home located a few miles from downtown New Orleans.  Although there is not a website - most hole in the walls don't have one - a search on google brings you all of the information you need.  Here is the contact information from the web:

Willie Mae's Scotch House
2401 Saint Ann Street
New Orleans, LA 70119-3405
(504) 822-9503

Once you arrive you will probably need to wait outside in a line.  We arrived about 12:30 and there were about 15 people in
 front of us.  It was an interesting wait because taxi after taxi came and dropped people off.  Listening to the crowd in line you
hear that they are from all parts of the country.  Just in front of us a group from California.  Behind us a group of young men
proclaimed that they had driven 4 hours from Alabama to eat at Willie Maes.  "I woke up this morning and just had to come." 

Now I know why...all of the recognition and awards are true...this is the best chicken in the United States (and that means
probably the world).  The chicken plates come with one side.  They are also dark meat unless you specify white (an extra charge).
I chose white and red beans and rice (see pictures). 

I'm not sure what the secret is (I think it may be brining), but this chicken was the juiciest most flavorful chicken I had ever eaten.  It wasn't just the coating that was full of flavor, but the meat of the chicken.  I vowed that I would return or learn how to cook chicken like that.  I also suddenly understood the young men from Alabama.  I could see myself waking one morning and having to come eat some more of the chicken.  Since I am only an hour away and know how to park, stand in line, etc. it will be easy.  Don't come here if you want attentive waiters or perfect eating conditions.  They tell you where to go and basically try to get you in and out.  I know the people standing in line appreciate that. 

Restaurant August and John Besh

I recently had the opportunity to have lunch at Restaurant August in New Orleans.  http://www.restaurantaugust.com/  It is owned by John Besh and is one of the best restaurants in New Orleans.  Restaurant August was where John Besh got his start - pictured (at least where he was when he became famous).  The restaurant is in an old New Orleans building and is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city.  The service was exceptional.  Not a moments wait for anything and very friendly without being intrusive.  This is definitely a special occasion restaurant in the city.

First I will tell you about the lunch and then a wonderful memory provided by a great couple.   There was a price fixe menu for lunch three courses for 20.11.  For a restaurant of this caliber it was quite a deal.  For the first course I chose a roasted cauliflower salad with a cranberry vinaigrette.  It was very tasty. 

Roasted Cauliflower Salad

For the second course I had shrimp stuffed with mirliton and andouille sausage.  There was also mushrooms and a brown butter sauce.  Although the dish had great flavor - the shrimp were on the small side and there were only two.  I know this is lunch - but I like a little more for lunch.  If the shrimp were bigger or if there were three it would have been much better.  The sauce and mushrooms had a nice flavor and the remaining sauce and bits of stuffing were delicious with the fresh bread provided at the beginning of the meal. 

The entree - two stuffed shrimp

Of course, I should not complain because there was still the desert course.  It consisted of a chocolate chiboust with a malted ice cream and salted caramel sauce.  Very yummy!!

Dessert - yes I could not wait to take a bite.

In addition to having a great lunch (although I had to hurry to catch a workshop session), the meal reminded of a special time I had six or seven years ago.  One of the fantastic teachers that I have had the opportunity to work with over the years, Becky Robin, was married to the brother of the original owner of August Robin.  She knew how much I loved food and I asked if I wanted to have dinner in the kitchen with Chef John Besh.  Of course I said yes and it was one of my most favorite food memories.  Of course, this was when he was only cooking at August and had not become uber famous.  We had a table in the corner of the kitchen and Mike, Becky, and I enjoyed a meal to remember.  For each course, he brought us each a different option so that we could try all of them.  I don't know how many courses there were, but we left very full and I left with a special memory.  I will always remember that night and want to thank Mike and Becky Robin (and brother August and John Besh) for that.  I wonder if he remembers us.  I was kind of hoping he would pop out at lunch and say hello.  :)

My Profile Picture - Herring - the Dutch Way

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Netherlands (Holland) and stay with a Dutch family that I met through hosting their son as part of an exchange program.  See Camellia Grill story to here more about their visit to Louisiana.  One day during our visit, we spent time with Robin's grandparents.  They live in a small Dutch village where his mother grew up.  Near the end of our stay that day, Robin got very excited about getting me a snack.  He ran out the door and returned a few minutes later with raw herring to eat.  He had gone down to the fish market and returned with this Dutch delicacy.  They were cleaned and ready to eat (which included have chopped onions on top).  I first had to have a demonstration of the proper method to eat them by his grandfather - who gladly showed me what to do.  Now for someone who doesn't eat sushi and is not too sure about raw oysters - this was a stretch for me.  However, Robin's eager anticipation caused me to tilt my head back and bite.  Although it was salty and a little chewy, it wasn't too bad.  Of course, one bite was enough for me. 

Herring - fresh from the market



Robin's grandfather showing me how to eat herring.



My turn- yum.

Spinach Artichoke Feta Ball Recipe - Allrecipes.com

I have made this a few times and love it. Usually just put in a bowl and spread on crackers.

Spinach Artichoke Feta Ball Recipe - Allrecipes.com

Camellia Grill - New Orleans

Robin with his mother and brother waiting outside the Camellia Grill

One of the things that I like to do when I take visitors on a tour of New Orleans is take the streetcar from Canal Street to Carrollton and eat at the Camellia Grill.  The ride takes you past some of the most lavish homes in the city down a beautiful street.  You pass Loyola and Tulane Universities and Audubon Park.  When you finally reach Camellia Grill, you see what looks like the front of a home with white columns.  Most of the time there is a line outside.  My most recent trip was with some visitors from Holland.  The Peters family started their tour of the United States with a visit to the home where their son spent an exchange year.  I had visited them last fall in Holland.  Well, we finally get to the Camellia Grill on the hot late July Saturday about 1:00 and yes there was a line.  You wait outside for a spot to wait inside.  Since we had come all the way down St. Charles we decided to wait.  After about 30 minutes we were seated on the benches inside and then soon after a place opened on the counter.  Although our group of nine did not get to sit together, we did sit in groups of three.  

The food at the Camellia Grill is basic diner food with an emphasis on breakfast.  Here is a link to their menu:  http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/menu/1557319?p=0   I had the Doc Brinker special which was a double cheeseburger on rye with cole slaw and chili.  Although it was good, I am not sure I will get it again.  Mainly because I want to try different menu items each time I come.  They are also know for their freezes.  Since we were the last group to sit and eat and everyone was finished we did not get one.  They are like a blended drink with ice cream - orange is their most popular flavor. 

Our waiter at the Camellia Grill - almost as famous as the food. 

 Besides the food, part of the attraction is the waiters.  Ours was particularly "interesting" - see picture.  Although he was friendly he was not a very good waiter.  He gave us a hand "bump" and was excited but we didn't get our drinks until we were halfway finished with our meal.  His enthusiasm worked because I gave him a good tip - even though he wasn't the best. 

French Quarter location.  The Camellia Grill recently opened a French Quarter location.  Although I have not tried it, I understand that it is the same as the original.  If you are visiting the French Quarter - this would save the two hour round trip on the street car (depending on traffic) but you will miss a part of New Orleans that some tourist never see.  New Orleans is more than the French Quarter. 

Simple Garlic and Basil Pesto Recipe - Allrecipes.com

I also tried this recipe today. Now I need some suggestions on how to use pesto. One way that I know is good is mixed into hot freshly boiled and drained pasta. Makes a nice light and flavorful sauce.

Simple Garlic and Basil Pesto Recipe - Allrecipes.com

Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto with Lime Recipe - Allrecipes.com

Wanted to try making pesto. I had some cilantro and tried this recipe. It tastes great.

Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto with Lime Recipe - Allrecipes.com

Schnitzel Night

I was recently going west on highway 22 and passed a local culinary institution, the Taste of Bavaria Bakery http://www.tasteofbavariarestaurant.com/.  This local gem was opened over 20 years ago by Larry and Mary Alice Larreau (sp?).  An authentic German bakery it has provided area residents and visitors from all over with excellent breakfasts, pastries, and breads.  Every now and then the bakery opens for night for a special occasion like Oktoberfest.  This day the sign stated that it would be open the Saturday night before father's day for "Schnitzel Night".  I immediately was reminded of a recent trip that my mother and I were able to take to visit former exchange students and their families in Europe.  One of the families was the Hoffman's from Bamberg.  They were actually our first stop on a two week marathon.  The first night we were there they took us to a local restaurant known for their schnitzel.  We were very excited (at least I was - my mom is not an adventurous eater). 

My mother and I



My half eaten Schnitzel

Till's parents, Gunther and Selma Hoffman

So when I saw the sign, I decided this would be the perfect way to celebrate Father's Day.  Since my father did not go on the trip with us, we could share a little of the trip with him.  Although both he and my mother weren't thrilled about schnitzel night (mom asked if there were any other choices for dinner that night and I said "no").  I was determined to relive and share the experience. 

We arrived soon after they opened because I wanted to be sure that we got in - surely everyone in Ponchatoula was going to be there for this special night.  Well...apparently everyone in Ponchaotula does not know how good schnitzel is because there was only one other couple in the place when we arrived.  The food was good - not great.  One thing I noticed was that all of the schnitzels on the menu that night were made of pork. In Germany, they make them out of veal, chicken, or pork and they are pounded very thin.  The ones we had at Taste of Barvaria were more like pork chops and not thin at all.  My parents had the traditional version whereas I tried one with a paprika sauce.  I chose that as much for the accompaning spatzel as for the schnitzel. 

traditional schnitzel

Schnitzel with paprika sauce and spatzel

In addition to the entree the price fixe menu included an appetizer.  I chose the potato dumpling.  It was very good and commonly served throughout my trip.  I had it at least three times with various sauces and sometimes stuffed.  They were all uniquely good - we really don't have anything like it in our cuisine. 

Potato dumpling with mushroom sauce at Taste of Bavaria



All in all it was a great time and brought back such wonderful memories of our generous hosts, the Hoffmans.  The only drawback to the Taste of Bavaria meal was the price.  At $25 a person it was a little steep.  Of course I felt it was worth it because of my connection with the food, but that is probably why not many people were there to enjoy. 

Tomato Jam

I have heard Tomato Jam mentioned a few times on some of the cooking shows that I watch so I set out to find a good recipe. The one below is the one that I tried and it turned out excellent. Of course, after finishing- you can follow canning procedures to store. Of course, I have already found a variety of uses and will not need to store much of it. It works on cream cheese with crackers, instead of ketchup on a hot dog, and in some baked beans I am making for the 4th of July. A little sweeter than ketchup - it would probably work as a substitute in many recipes that call for ketchup. One that I think of is a topping for meatloaf - mmm... It is a little spicy so you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes. Enjoy!


Tomato Jam Food in Jars:

"Tomato Jam Recipe
makes 4 1/2 to 5 pints5 pounds tomatoes, finely chopped (don't peel or seed)
3 1/2 cups sugar
8 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon red chili flakes
Combine all ingredients in a large, non-reactive pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce temperature to a simmer. Stirring regularly, simmer the jam until it reduces to a sticky, jammy mess. This will take between 1 and 1 1/2 hours, depending on how high you keep your heat."

Jacmel Inn

No sooner than I had posted the list from Tripadvisor that Jacmel Inn was the best restaurant in Hammond I received an invitation to have dinner there.  Well, you know what my answer was...yesssssssss!  It has been about a year or so since I had been there and the previous post made me remember how good it could be.  Jacmel has been a part of the Hammond community for many years.  I remember going there to eat before a high school prom in the late 70's.  Through the years, I always remembered their fresh baked bread served with butter and house dressing.  The house dressing is described as a peppercorn ranch and their recipe is one of the most talked about recipes in Hammond (along with the Tong Cho sauce at Trey Yuen - more about that in a future post).  I remember a friend of mine from years ago, Sandy Day, had the recipe and I think she gave it me - but I don't know where it is know.  The good news is that one of the guests in our dinner group the other night met her husband (who was the chef) at Jacmel about twenty years ago.  He is now a chef in New Orleans and caters for special events.  She says she may get the recipe from him.

Now, about my most recent meal.  Of course the bread and salad (dressing) was delicious as always.  I also had the French Onion soup (pictured) which was also very good. 

The main course was a filet served with roasted potatoes and a few asparagus spears (picture).  I ordered it medium and it was cooked to that doneness.  It had a nice crusty outside with red and tender center..  The cut could have been better - there were a few pieces that were difficult to chew.  Overall it was a good - not spectacular steak. 

And yes, we had dessert.  I ordered the white chocolate cheesecake with a praline sauce.  It was good, but had an unusual texture.  The cheesecake was not smooth, but a little chunky.  I guess from the white chocolate although the chunks were not chocolate.  It could not have been too bad since I ate most of it.  Of course, since I am a cheesecake connoisseur, my standards for cheesecake may be too high.  : )  Happy eating!!

Tripadvisor for Restaurant Reviews

Another site that I use to find restaurant recommendations when traveling is Tripadvisor - http://www.tripadvisor.com/.  The nice thing about this site is that it covers other aspects of travelling including hotels and attractions.  Users long on and rate the various places and then we can see what they say and recommend.  Just to give you an idea of the coverage and reliability.  Here is a list of the restaurants and ratings listed for Hammond.  Of course this only lists the restaurants that have reviews on Tripadvisor and the ranking is influenced by the reviews that are given.

^Jacmel

^#1 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 8 reviews

Price: $31 - $50

Cuisines: Cajun & Creole, Italian

• “ Great food! ” Jun 5, 2011

• “ Lobster Knuckles, Local Mushrooms, and Lasagna. Can't Beat It. ” Mar 23, 2011

La Carreta

^#2 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 10 reviews

Price: $30 Cuisines: Mexican

• “ This is the best food ever go there every... ” May 5, 2010
• “ Really good food! ” Apr 19, 2010

Adobe Cantina & Salsa

^#3 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 9 reviews

Price: $5 - $20

Cuisines: Mexican

Good for: Families with children, Romance, Doing business, Outdoor seating

• “ Best Mexican food I've had in a long time! ” Apr 13, 2011
• “ 3 good, 1 bad ” Mar 6, 2010

Michabelle

^#4 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 11 reviews

Price: $35 - $50

Cuisines: French

Good for: Families with children, Romance

• “ Awesome Experience! Highly recommend Michabelle's ” Jun 6, 2011
• “ My husband and I celebrated our 21st... ” Oct 16, 2010

Cate Street Seafood Station

^#5 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 3 reviews

Cuisines: Seafood

• “ Loved it! ” Apr 13, 2011
• “ Casual and delicious, good for all tastes! ” Feb 10, 2010

Tommy's on Thomas

^#6 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 3 reviews

Price: $10 - $15

Cuisines: American, Bar, Pizza

Good for: Families with children, Doing business, Local cuisine

Dining options: Takeout

• “ AMAZING!!!!! ” Jul 30, 2010
• “ The food and pizza is GREAT!! My favorite... ” Jan 8, 2010

Kirin Sushi

^#7 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 12 reviews

Price: $15 - $20

Cuisines: Sushi

• “ Great! ” Mar 25, 2010
• “ An oasis of great Japanese food in Louisiana ” Mar 9, 2010

Trey Yuen

^#8 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 5 reviews

Cuisines: American, Delicatessen

• “ One and Done ” Feb 22, 2011
• “ Best Chinese food in Hammond ” Jul 31, 2010

Southern Maid Donuts

^#9 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 5 reviews

Price: $5 - $10

Cuisines: Donuts

Good for: Families with children

• “ Don't Miss These Donuts! ” Jun 1, 2010
• “ Meh ” Aug 4, 2008

Old McDonald's Smokehouse

^#10 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 2 reviews

Price: $5 - $15

Cuisines: American, Barbecue

Good for: Families with children, Doing business, Local cuisine

• “ Great ribs at a good price ” Jan 16, 2011
• “ Great BBQ in Hammond at a reasonable price ” Jan 1, 2010

Brady's

^#11 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 7 reviews

Price: $15 - $30

• “ Great Food & Service! ” Jun 8, 2011
• “ First time ” Jun 12, 2010

Mariner's Inn

^#12 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 3 reviews

Price: $8 - $15

Cuisines: American, Bar, Cajun & Creole, Hamburgers

Good for: Local cuisine, Outdoor seating

• “ great place for an afternoon drink and snack ” Nov 16, 2009
• “ Very good food ” Apr 27, 2009

Tope La

^#13 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 3 reviews

Cuisines: French

• “ Usually reliable good dining ” Mar 12, 2010
• “ Wonderful Food, but a little pricey. ” Feb 10, 2009

Sakura Sushi Bar and Steakhouse

^#14 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 1 review

Price: $8 - $15

Cuisines: Asian, Japanese, Sushi

Good for: Families with children, Romance, Doing business

• “ when kirin is too expensive- plus they have really cool private rooms that you can eat in... ” Apr 24, 2009

Don's Seafood and Steak House

^#15 of 16 restaurants in Hammond

based on 9 reviews

• “ Ok food, terrible prices ” Jan 16, 2011
• “ Must be better restaurants around with much better balanced meals ” Nov 19, 2010

1 additional restaurant with no user reviews

• Ryan's of Hammond #2254

Red Beans and Rice

Had the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite Hammond restaurants, Tope La, for lunch.  We were celebrating the retirement of a colleague.  I tried a unique item they have on their lunch menu, fried catfish and red beans rice.  What makes it unique is the combination of the two different dishes. 

Although it was good - the red beans were not as good as the ones I make at home and I did not care for the sausage that was part of the dish.  Of course the red beans that I make at home are usually very easy to make and delicious because I use Blue Runner cream-style beans.  I begin by browning some sausage and then adding the can of Blue Runner.  I also add some Tony Chachere's (another secret of the Louisiana home cook).

If you have a faovite red beans and rice recipes or a "secret" Louisiana ingredient you want share post on the comments.  Happy cooking and eating!!

New Restaurant - Cafe Nola in Ponchatoula

Went out to eat a week ago to a new place in town, Cafe Nola.  It is on Highway 51 in a new shopping center (I believe called South Oaks).  I had heard a few good things about it and wanted to try it out.  The place is beautiful with lots of earth tone colors and eye-popping art.  I think I noticed a few Michalopoulos (http://www.michalopoulos.com/) prints near the entrance.   The menu is typical for a south Louisiana nice casual restaurant (fried and broiled seafood, steaks, salads, pasta, etc.).  I tried the Delacroix Stack (pictured).  It was fried eggplant that was stacked with fried oysters and covered with a crabmeat and butter sauce.  It was very good.  The ingredients were fresh and off high quality.  My brother had the spaghetti and meatballs and seemed to enjoy them.  The portion was so large he had to bring more than half home.  My day had a seafood and pasta dish that he said was very good. 

We saw some mutual friends there (the Butlers) who told us they had been several times and enjoy the food very much.  They told us that the chef/owner had serveral restaurants in the surrounding area.  You could tell that this restaurant benefited from the successful experience of the previous restaurants.  All in all it was a great night out.  It was also nice to support a new local business.  We knew most of the staff - many of them from our church.