Live Mas

Please don't judge me. I just HAD to do it. Last year, I was fooling around online and stumbled across a blog post with a funny looking taco. I did a little research and found Taco Bell had a new taco with a Doritos shell. The only catch was that it was in limited locations. I did an informal Facebook poll on whether or not I should fly to New Mexico to try one. In the end, I realized I was being ridiculous.

So, imagine my delight when Taco Bell announced they were releasing the Doritos taco nationally. (Squeal!!!!) Well, at least that's was how I felt in the beginning. Then I started trying it to put it off. Was I really sure I'd like a Doritos taco? I didn't know anyone else who had tried it. Would it make me sick? Finally, I gathered my courage and found a friend to come along and hold back my hair if need be.

In true Taco Bell fashion there are two kinds of Doritos tacos, regular and taco supreme. I'm going to be honest, the regular taco wasn't bad. I haven't had a hard shell taco in years but this one tasted pretty standard. Oddly, I couldn't taste much of the Doritos flavor. Sadly, the taco supreme was a far less pleasant experience. I suspect the wetness from the sour cream and tomatoes enhanced the Doritos flavor. It was disgusting. I'm not sure what I expected, but I left there feeling very disappointed. On the upside, we took a couple of the tacos out with us later that night and they seemed to be popular with the bar folk. Why wasn't I surprised?

Why Say No, When You Can Just Say Yes?

A month ago I embarked on a low carb diet. Now, I firmly describe to the belief that if I want something I should just let myself have it. That is to say that I haven't been following the diet to the T. However, there are some things that I simply try to avoid.

Last week the only thing I wanted in the world was a cake donut with chocolate icing and sprinkles!

Nearly every one of my conversations had a mention of donuts in them. It began with bold "I really want a donut right now" statements and graduated to friends texting me with the haunting word "donut." By Friday, I'd had enough. I opened my eyes and new that within the next hour and a half I would have a donut in my hand. Now when a person is craving a donut, specifically a cake donut, there is only one option as far as I'm concerned.

"Well, hello Blue Dot Donuts! It's been a while. It's so nice to see you again." This is actually the conversation I had rolling in my head when I got there. I ordered two chocolate glazed donut holes, one cake donut with blueberry (yes that's right, I said blueberry) icing, a cake donut with chocolate icing and nut sprinkles, the pb&j donut (peanut butter icing with a berry jam filling) and two strawberry filled donuts. In my defense the strawberry filled donuts were for a friend who realized what I was up to and the others I ate over a course of five hours. It was the most satisfying part of my week. To improve on that my total was less than $5. Maybe next time I'll have the courage to try their Maple Long John with Bacon.

Nice Try

Once upon a time, there was a cute little restaurant on Magazine called Dominique's on Magazine. Last August, in what can only be called a soap opera worthy dustup, Dominique and his business partners decided to part ways. I'm not sure about everyone else, but it certainly set my tongue wagging. To top things off, Dominique announced that he was opening another restaurant with the same name just a few blocks away. Oh, Snap! A few short months later, Apolline emerged in the old Dominique's location with a new chef.

To be honest, I was torn about writing this review. The staff at Apolline are delightful. The ambiance is warm and comfortable. They have a Wednesday night special called Wine Down Wednesdays. Five dollar glass of wine? Yes, please. The issue I had with the restaurant was that I simply did not enjoy my meal.

I ordered the grilled flat iron steak. It came with white asparagus, chimichurri and a potato latke. Now I'm no fool. I am well aware of the fact that chimichurri is a very oily sauce. My complaint isn't with the food so much as the way the dish is imagined. My plate was drenched in oil. I am not exaggerating. There was so much oil that it ruined the rest of the meal. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Even when the dessert arrived, a delicious pumpkin ice cream I found myself still obsessing about the chimichurri.

I'm not by any means suggesting that Apolline is not a good restaurant. In fact, I'm sure I'll go back to visit them soon. It's the kind of place I would really want to see do well and I wish them the best of luck in that endeavour.

All I Want is a Burger

Ok. I'll admit it. I'm a carb-aholic. I'm the person who shamelessly devours slices of bread for a meal. I'm the person who spends twenty minutes circling the baked goods in a supermarket only to make my way to the checkout line overcome with guilt. I'm also the person that stares at the breadbasket praying that self control. That said, a few weeks ago I decided to revisit one of the low carb diets from my college days. I've done fairly well...up until today.

When I woke up this morning the only thing I wanted in the world was a hamburger. I brushed my teeth fantasizing about where I was going to get my burger. I sent out text messages to a few of my friends daring them to accompany me on my journey. I ended up at The Company Burger and it was a solo operation. The Company Burger is a simple but modern burger joint which opened on Freret Street less than a year ago. Since then, it was hailed as one of the go-to burger places of 2011. The only complaint I've heard about them has been some random grumblings about what they charge for an iced tea. I made my order to go, and I didn't get the tea.

Last weekend, The Company Burger took home the award for Grand Champion at Hogs for the Cause. I clearly made the grave mistake of not trying their booth at the festival so I thought I'd attempt redemption with today's lunch. Let me begin by saying, that for a carb-aholic there are few things more exciting than a piece of meat between two buns glistening with butter. When they handed me my brown paper bag, covered in grease and smelling like sin I felt positively giddy.

I ordered the turkey burger with a side of onion rings. Despite appearing to be red onions, I wasn't impressed with the onion rings. The burger was another matter. The turkey burger is a ground turkey patty layered with arugula. It is sandwiched between two buttery buns, each respectively shellacked with green goddess dressing and tomato jam. It was delicious and almost certainly called for a mid-day nap. It was exactly the kind of detour I needed in my carbless adventures.

Thanks For the Cracklin

This weekend I enjoyed six glorious hours of pork heaven. To clarify, Hogs for the Cause was a great event with an incredible turnout. There was good music and delicious food. Also, thanks to all the rain we had last week, City Park was more or less a muddy lake. Typically, I loathe muddy festivals. This time around, the wonder of the hog managed to make me love the mud. Who would have thought?! I threw on a pair of old keds and slushed through that mud with heart and determination. I'm ashamed to admit that I was way too excited and ate too much food to take much note of what I was putting in my mouth. The only things I'm sure I ate were loads of cracklin and a ton of pulled pork. Enjoy the photos below!

This one I do remember...Bacon Baklava

Much To Do

This is one of those exciting weeks where there is, quite honestly, too much to do. There are so many events around town that I challenge someone to justify staying home (even if the cursed rain isn't willing to stop). Many thanks to the folks at Gambit for shedding some light of most of these events.  For what it's worth, my best bets are Hogs for the Cause and the Street Food Festival. Hogs for the Cause is Saturday at City Park and what better reason to get down with pork than pediatric brain cancer. The Street Food Festival is being held at Whole Foods stores in Louisiana March 23rd through 25th. I'm thinking I'll be snacking on street food from around the globe while I shop for my organic produce. Proceeds from the festival go towards the Whole Plantet Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the Whole Foods Market.

Finally, Domenica

Recently, I had the pleasure of going to Domenica with a small group of friends. Domenica opened over two years ago and despite several attempts I've never eaten there. Cocktails at the bar? Sure. Staring at the diners on my way to the Sazerac Bar? Absolutely. Sit down meal? Finally!

To call this is one of the best meals I've eaten this year would be an understatement. The flavor profiles in nearly every dish I tasted was both delectable and delightfully surprising. We began with a meat board accompanied by savory beignets, which were so light and airy I found myself shocked. Next we had a pasta dish known as stracci that was served with oxtail and lightly fried chicken livers. For most the idea of a rag pasta served with chicken livers would be incredibly unappetizing but it really was something of a treat.

Domenica is one of a few restaurants in New Orleans that serves wood fired pizza. Considering the reputation that this pizza has built for itself, there was no way I was leaving without trying it. We ordered the spicy lamb meatball pizza with ricotta, rapini and mint. There may have been a hint of fennel in the meatball mixture and despite the fact that I abhor anything licorice flavored I really loved this pizza. My only regret is not living in the CBD so that I could take advantage of their delivery service. Our other entrees were the pork shank and wood roasted goat. Both of which were tender, delicious and inspiring. Just as we were all breaking into food sweats that come with any satisfactory meal we decided to push our luck a bit further and order dessert.

I'd be lying if I didn't admit that this was my favorite part of the meal. I ordered the banana zuppa inglese, which is effectually a banana sponge cake topped with a butterscotch mousse and peanut brittle. It was amazing. It wasn't too sweet and had just the right amount of crunch. It was also the perfect ending to a meal that was more than worth the wait.

Fish on Friday Please

Courtesy of Gambit

Like the good Catholic I am, I spend my Friday nights during the Lenten season bemoaning the fact I have absolutely no idea where to get a good fish plate. When I was a child, Fridays during the first half of the year held two exciting events. During Mardi Gras, I'd cross my fingers with the angst of a seasoned gambler hoping to God the slice I kingcake I received wouldn't hold a baby. During Lent, I'd line up with my cousins in my grandmother's kitchen waiting for her to dole out the highly anticipated fish plate. A good fish plate is a delight and thankfully for fans such as myself, Judy Walker at the Times Picayune has compiled a list of fish fries around the area.

A Running List of Friday Lenten Fish Fries - Times Picayune

Festive and Traditional, All in a Weekend's Fun

Image Courtesy of Tracey's Bar

Thankfully, by now most of our Mardi Gras hangovers have worn off. The timing couldn't be better for celebrating three holidays that have long standing traditions in Irish Catholic New Orleans. For myself St. Joseph's Day, which is celebrated on March 19th, comes with a hint of nostalgia as I remember bringing canned goods to my grade school teachers and staring in awe at the mountains of cookies and braided breads covering the traditional alter. This year, there will be a parade beginning 6 pm at Canal and Chartres Streets that will eventually wind it's way through the French Quarter. For those of us interested in enjoying our fair share of green lagers there is an entire weekend of festivities planned. On Thursday, there's the long standing               Irish Channel Block Party. I usually show up just at the end to survey the damage, be warned most things shut down around 8 pm. On Friday, the Molly's at the Market parade starts at 6 pm and is followed by a series of bar parties mostly on Saturday, the actual St. Patrick's Day. Sunday has one of the most interesting and family friendly events, the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade in Metairie. And if you're not too tired after all of these festivities be sure to check out Super Sunday, a favorite of mine since childhood. It's a day when the Mardi Gras Indians dress in their finest and parade out to meet the other tribes. It starts at noon at LaSalle Street and Washington Avenue and is well worth the crowds.

Back to Cochon

This past weekend I had the pleasure of having dinner with some girlfriends I only see every blue moon. The night was made even more enjoyable by my long overdue return to one of my favorite restaurants in town. Cochon, dear sweet Cochon how I have missed thee!! We started the night with a round of yummy cocktails. I had a delicious tequila based drink, known as the Tiger's Tail that I'd highly recommend. The highlight of the meal was the Braised Pork Cheeks with Sauerkraut Potato Cakes. The pork cheeks were delectable and tender and though I wouldn't have guessed it, I really enjoyed the acidity that the sauerkraut added to the dish. We also had the Fried Alligator and Crawfish Pie. I didn't partake in the butter glazed rolls that came with our meal but the look of pure bliss on my friends' faces said it all.

Fried Alligator

Braised Pork Cheeks

Burrito Heaven

Chipotle is coming to Louisiana!!! Thanks to the good people at Gambit and Eater Nola for this little tidbit. Along with several other national chains, Chipotle is opening a Harrahan location this summer at 1208 Clearview Pkwy. For those of you unfamiliar with Chipotle, it's a fast food Mexican chain with over 900 locations. They're known for using fresh ingredients and naturally raised meat. Trust me, if you haven't had the pleasure of falling in love with Chipotle yet you will definitely find yourself head over heals by the end of summer.

Foburg, Oh Foburg!

Tonight, the foburg. festival begins courtesy of the New Orleans Indie Rock Collective. Now in its third year, the festival known for showcasing indie music acts at venues around town has added film screenings and comedy shows to its already diverse repetoire. The events tonight include a punk rock show at the Hi-Ho Lounge and a bounce show featuring Big Freedia, Katey Red and Sissy Nobby at Siberia. Saturday night features multiple acts at One Eyed Jacks, Maison, d.b.a and the Hi-Ho Lounge. Comedy shows will mainly be at New Movement Theatre on both Friday and Saturday while film screenings are running throughout the weekend at Lost Love Lounge, Mimi's and 524 Frenchmen Street. For what it's worth, my bet on the must see event this weekend comes courtesy of my friends at Timecode:nola. On Sunday, they're hosting a screening at Lost Love Lounge at 8pm featuring Mr. Ghetto in all his Walmart video fame.

You can read more over at Gambit.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blogofneworleans/archives/2012/03/09/foburg-kicks-off-tonight

Or you can check out the Timecode:nola site.  http://www.timecodenola.com/

Shuckin and Jivin

If you're in the mood for some shucking and jiving in the most literal sense then be sure to spend some time at the Louisiana Oyster Jubilee this weekend. Among other things, the Jubilee is a food, music and arts festival all done in the great name of the oyster. The highlight of the day is the compilation of what will probably be the largest oyster poboy you'll ever see. It is comprised of multiple poboy variations courtesy of several restaurants around town. The event Saturday, March 10th beginning at 10 am in the 300 block of Bourbon Street. The mile long poboy will be cut up and served at noon.

STELLLLLAAAAAAA!!!!!!

Tomorrow, NOMA launches its outdoor movie series with the classic 'A Streetcar Named Desire.' If you're like me, you stay prepared for outings such as this by keeping a foldable chair in the trunk of your car. If not, pack a blanket because the screenings are held outdoors in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden on the second Friday of every month. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, take a gander at the NOMA event calendar.

http://noma.org/

See y'all there!

Gambit Food Revue

One full year after missing the much raved about Gambit Food Revue, I finally found myself in attendance for its sophomore showing. Last year, Gambit put together a large culinary event featuring several restaurants in and around the greater New Orleans area. It's held in City Park and though I initially balked at the ticket prices I can now admit that it was worth every penny. This year, the event featured more than 30 restaurants ranging from fine dining to the neighborhood joint. I arrived for the VIP early opening (which I'd highly recommend) and was able to take my time tasting different dishes and talking to some of the chefs. Some of the highlights of the night for me were Maya's on Magazine Street, LOLA Restaurant in Covington, Redemption Restaurant in Mid City and Banana Blossom in Gretna. All in all, it was great fun and I can't wait until next time.