Lowcountry outdoors: 2013 New Orleans - From Rabbit to Redfish

Sunday, November 17, 2013

2013 New Orleans - From Rabbit to Redfish - Dining for seafood and game

Start the day off right with Beignets

The Court of Two Sisters brunch offers many choices

How can the outdoors enthusiast navigate the myriad culinary institutions of New Orleans in only a few days? Perhaps some direction for breakfast, brunch and dinner with a focus on fish and game is the way to go. The Cafe Du Monde on Jackson Square is by the Mississippi River and they have a breakfast combo that tops any other made in the South. Three fried beignets smothered in white confectionary sugar and a cup of their Cafe Ole coffee made with chicory, is always the perfect way to start the day when in the Crescent City.

If doughnuts are not a real option for your diet then consider a brunch in the French Quarter, at the historic Court of Two Sisters which actually stretches from Rue Bourbon to Royal Street, serving up an inner sanctum type feel for their diners. The hungrier the better for this power buffet that is served out of pirogue-boats for style, and also includes a custom omelette station and even the local delicacy of turtle soup. With a jazz band playing tunes both for inside dining or for courtyard dining, the full bar allows guests to unwind and enjoy the setting as much as the food. Heading straight for the seafood omelette I found it to be stuffed with crab, crawfish, shrimp and was prepared at the omelette station featuring two chefs. I added a side of grits from the food bar and smothered them with two gravy offerings, the first was andouille sausage and the second was braised veal - and they proved to be a perfect complement for the buttermilk biscuit that I used to soak up all of the overflow juices.

For dinner options, two more French Quarter stops will satisfy those looking for rabbit or redfish options. The Redfish Grill is only a few years old but they have carved a serious word of mouth reputation with their Hickory Grilled Redfish. In Louisiana the redfish is truly an example of a sustainable seafood, and their entree comes with a crabmeat topping served over a bed of diced potatoes, mushrooms and sweet peas. I found the redfish not to be salty or greasy, and the sides were obviously prepared with some love since they were light and delicate. Perhaps enjoy the Dark Horse label house wine with dinner, while people watching the foot traffic on Bourbon Street. On the other paradigm, Mr. B's bistro has stood the test of time just on Royal Street as a place where patrons can step off the street and enjoy an intimate dining experience. Their roasted rabbit plate serves up both the tenderloins and the flank meat over a bed of whipped potatoes and brown gravy - making this a very rich and filling dish. Assorted sweet treats await those who still have room to eat after taking a culinary tour of New Orleans, and a walking tour of the city is always a great way to work up an appetite for your next meal.