Our Big Easy Menu

In the past, we have tried a few different approaches to eating in New Orleans. We have made reservations at some great places, laid down the cash and enjoyed a European-style lengthy meal. This time, we decided to put our use of time above the culinary star level. We were very pleased, when all was said and done, with our choices. We got to experience more styles of food this way, and we had more room to enjoy the beverages so readily available in the French Quarter.

I didn't take any pictures of the food or drinks. We just ate and drank. So I may throw in a few random shots just for a little variety.

After checking into our hotel, we realized that we hadn't eaten all day. So we headed to the Gumbo Shop, and enjoyed - what else - gumbo. Delicious, hot, steamy gumbo. Our daquiris were a pleasant addition to the meal.

Afterwards, we wasted no time before tracking down our favorite beverage. The River's Edge, right off of Jackson Square, makes an excellent drink called the River's Edge Punch. Just saying it makes my mouth water. Now, Erick makes a mean rendition of this favorite, but as you can imagine, it tastes even better when drinking it while watching street performers and interesting characters pass by. You can imagine our crushing disappointment when the drink was no longer on the drink menu. Fortunately, the bartender knew just how to concoct this little bit of heaven. We would see Rudy the bartender several more times before the weekend was through. Here is Erick enjoying the River's Edge - from my cup too!


He was "holding" my drink so I could snap this shot of the gutter next to the St. Louis Cathedral.

Planners be ware: the following could irritate you just to read. All of our meals were enjoyed at the very last minute when we realized we were hungry. We wandered around the French Quarter until we found something that met our time, money and taste bud requirements. We checked out Bubba Gump's on the first night. We wouldn't normally eat at a chain on a trip like this, but knowing that the shrimp was fresh helped us make our decision. It was actually a great atmosphere and even better food. We didn't forget that we were in New Orleans, so that's all we needed.

Our unplanned meals took us back to the Gumbo Shop on Saturday, then to the Crescent City Brewhouse for dinner. Again, fantastic luck. Erick and I shared the Brie Platter and a burger. The Brie platter, with roasted garlic and apple chutney, was just perfect. The burger really hit the spot, particularly when enjoyed with their own freshly brewed beer.

A trip to New Orleans would not be complete without a trip to Cafe Dumonde for beignets and milk, since we don't enjoy chicory in our coffee. Just happens to be across the street from the River's Edge, I might add. Oh, and also across from carriage mules like this one.

We only had one breakfast during our visit. We knew exactly where we would go. On our last trip to NOLA, with Paul and Risha, we discovered the Clover Grill. This is just a couple blocks from our hotel, and serves a real southern breakfast, perfect for anyone who needs a full plate of grease after a rough night. Since we weren't in such a situation, we just enjoyed biscuits & gravy and sausage. Of course, the coffee was perfect. It was fantastic. It's really just a pleasure to watch the cook and server interact and banter with the regulars and the first time customers. I love little diners like that. The camaraderie is almost tangible. I don't know if its the tight quarters or shared love of a big breakfast. Regardless, it's a good time.

I think that covers the highlights of our culinary adventures. Snacks and beverages were smattered throughout. Now, on to a diet. Don't ask. Just wish us luck.