If you’re in the mood for a delicious King Cake, New Orleans offers a variety of mouthwatering options, from traditional flavors to innovative twists. Whether you’re craving a classic, a fried version, or even something exotic, the city’s bakeries have something special for everyone. Here’s a rundown of the best King Cakes delivered straight to you or available for pickup this season.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
The French Quarter is the heart and soul of New Orleans, where history, culture, and excitement collide. From its vibrant architecture to its lively music scene, this neighborhood offers something for every type of traveler. Here’s a high-level guide to some of the best hotels in the area, alongside top places to eat, sights to see, and Mardi Gras expectations.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Hunter Pond and Vandelay Hospitality Group will open Jack & Harry’s, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant and bar, on Friday, March 29. Located at 6844 Snider Plaza in the heart of the Park Cities, Jack & Harry’s pairs Southern charm with French-infused recipes, coastal favorites, and an exceptional wine and cocktail program.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
“Everyone knows that special feeling we get seeing the big blue highway sign as we cross the Texas border into swamp country — ‘Bienvenue en Louisiane. That welcoming embrace is unique to where I spent a large part of my childhood, and that’s the experience I want my customers to have. I dedicated three decades of my career to Tokyo-style sushi, and I’ve seen how sophisticated diners feel intimidated by Japanese cuisine. Refined and delicious foods shouldn’t include gatekeeping,” chef Michelle Carpenter tells us.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
Originating n New Orleans, the muffuletta is a sandwich that’s made on a round, disc-like sesame bread filled with cured meats, marinated olives, and pickled vegetables. Though you can buy a muffuletta at any number of places in the city, it all began at Central Grocery in the French Quarter, where it came about as a way for Sicilians to combine the separate ingredients of their meal.
Central Grocery, a great place for fine Italian goods, sells the muffuletta by the round ($17.95) or half-round ($9.50), both of which come in their signature white paper wrappers. Two very hungry eaters may easily put away the whole round. Continue reading
Filed under Richard Banks
by Steven Doyle
Has vodka finally jumped the shark? Maybe not if you are a fan of the Mardi Gras dessert, the King Cake. You remember the garishly bright cake with its neon striations and a tiny plastic baby tucked away for good measure. Now Pinnacle Vodka is offering a seasonal flavor, the King Cake Vodka.
The special sweet hooch is only available in three states, Louisiana, Texas and Missouri. The special holiday blend from Pinnacle has hints of cinnamon cake, creamy vanilla frosting, and sugar flavors. Sounds terrific, right?
If the saints get you motivated to march into your home bar to create a Fat Tuesday cocktail we have a few recipes below. Continue reading
Filed under Crave, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
Tis the season to open a restaurant in Trinity Groves. If you have not checked out the growing number of restaurants that have recently opened in Trinity Groves, you are missing out on a new treasure in Dallas. The most recent to join that list of openings is Amberjax. Located on the northside of the main building, Amberjax is both a seafood market and restaurant combined into one. Amberjax is owned and operated by Larry Williams and Karen Simmons-Williams. Larry was formerly running the kitchen at Rex’s Seafood Market, and jumped ship to open his own restaurant. Originally he planned to stake claim directly across the street from Rex’s, but that plan was scrubbed and he partnered with Phil Romano and Trinity Groves.
The restaurant opened this past Saturday to a large reception. The room is long and airy with a genteel southern feel. The interior is bright and inviting, and not overly pretentious much like Larry himself. Amberjax is no doubt occupies the largest space in Trinity Groves so far (sans 3015 the cheffy entertainment venue across the parking lot), and also has the largest and most interesting kitchen which is decked out with every appliance known to chefs. Continue reading
Filed under Restaurant Opening, Steven Doyle
by Farah Fleurima
On a visit last month to New Orleans’ Root restaurant, I discovered a garden-fresh oasis of seasonal, chef-crafted fare in a sea of Cajun and Creole excess (not that we dislike those excesses). Executive chef Phillip L. Lopez’s creations fondly reminded me of the earthy uniqueness that comes out of Chef Matt McCallister’s kitchen at FT33: inspired, crafty, playful fare that uses the best of local purveyors and what’s in season … and is plated fancifully.
Inside the Warehouse District eatery, I was delighted by the open airiness and bright green touches in the décor – definitely reminded me of a garden! Continue reading
Filed under Farah Fleurima
