NOLA Food Report from a 1st Time Visitor

[lawgirl3278]

Just returned from my first visit to NOLA and Jazz Fest and I must say, this city has got me hooked. I can't wait to return again. Food, booze and music, what more could you ask for?
Here's my report:

Friday - in the monsoon we walked to Acme Oyster House. My DH and I tried oysters on the half shell for the first time. Not bad. I had a shrimp po boy which was delicious and my DH had their special sandwich with ham, turkey and roast beef debris (forget the name). We both loved it. Dinner at Rock n Sake which was also very good. Nice vibe there.

Saturday - Catfish po'boy and strawberry lemonade at the fairgrounds. Soooo good. Perfect snack, I wish I had some right now! Dinner was more shrimp at the Old Inn next to Rock n Bowl. Wasn't that great.

Sunday - Crawfish Monica and cuban sandwich at fairground, both yummy. For dinner, a tasty burger and beer sampler at Crescent City Brew Pub. Those beers were too easy to drink!

Monday - Lunch at Cochon. Boudin balls and BBQ ribs to start (yummy) and a pork cutlet special with sauteed spinach and a sunny side up egg. Perfect lunch portion, light and delicious. Tried my friend's cochon which was fantastic. Mississippi mud cake for dessert took care of the sweet tooth. Dinner was at Irene's. I've heard so much about this place, especially the long wait! Fortunately, we only waited about a half hour. I would have waited 2 hours this food was so good. I had a tomato salad with mozz and maytag blue cheese. Perfectly ripe tomatoes. My DH had the meatball special - as soon as he heard they were beef pork and veal he was sold. Now I'm a South Philly Italian girl, and I have to say these were better than my mother's (but don't tell her that!). For entrees, I had a delicious cioppino and the hubby had a melt in your mouth filet. Service was impeccable and super friendly.

Sadly, never got to try beignets and a muffeleta (I know). But we will definitely be back soon. Thanks for all the great recommendations, and laissez les bon temps roulez!

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Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Acme Oyster House
1202 N Highway 190, Covington, LA 70433

[Christine]

Sounds like you fell in love with the city, too! Hubby and I are heading back the end of May (24-30) and we can hardly wait! I've got a pretty solid list of dinner choices decided (Dante's Kitchen, Dick and Jenny's, Upperline, Pelican Club, and Meauxbar), but breakfast and lunch will be more unstructured and loose. I'm POSITIVE we'll have FUN, no matter what or where we wind up. That's just the nature of the great city of New Orleans....

Question for those of you who have suggestions for us: thought we'd go to Vaughan's in the Bywater on Thursday night to see Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers play. Know what time the show starts? And/or dining suggestions before the show? Thanks much, fellow CH-ers....

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Pelican Club Restaurant & Bar
312 Exchange Alley, New Orleans, LA 70130

Upperline Restaurant
1413 Upperline St, New Orleans, LA

[nola79]

It kind of just starts whenever the band gets it together... they do two sets with a break in between. If I can remember clearly (and my brain is *never* clear when I've been at vaughan's) I think they started around 11? I actually wouldn't eat anything before the show, because the red beans they give out for free are really very good. If you absolutely need something in the area The Joint offers great bbq just around the corner.

[Christine]

OK, so the Joint is right around the corner from Vaughan's? I knew it was close, but didn't know how far. Within walking distance, I presume? What about Jack Dempsey's? Would that be a good place to load up on fried seafood in the evening before the show and then head to Vaughan's? IOW, how close is Dempsey's to Vaughan's? Muchas gracias!

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Jack Dempsey's Restaurant
738 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117