Mardi Gras 2014 Restaurant & Fun Guide Part III: TUJAGUE'S: 823 Decatur St., (2nd Oldest Restaurant in New Orleans)

More than Mardi Gras!: Great Food, Great People, Great City

New Orleans is a Top Destination for a Reason 

by Monica Peters
for TheGritsnCheeseDish.blogspot.com 

Next up, I had the opportunity to experience Tujague's, which is the 2nd oldest restaurant in the city, with my “Nawlins” friends Jonel and Hela this time. Tujague’s has the look and feel of an old restaurant consistent with its history. The restaurant has a new chef, Richard Bickford, formerly of Commanders Palace, who has been at the restaurant for a year now. The great food definitely reflected that there’s a new culinary sheriff in town.

 Tujague's was established in 1856 and existed before the city was named "New Orleans."  The restaurant is home to the world famous Grasshopper cocktail invented in 1928 by bartender Phillip Guichet Themade. The cocktail is made of white Crème de cacao, white and green Crème de menthe, milk with a little cream and then filled to the top with brandy.  Tujague's is also famous for its House Specialty Brisket of Beef with Creole Horseradish Sauce.

 

Louisiana Blue Crab and Wild Mushroom Gnocchi $13

The first appetizer was Louisiana Blue Crab and Wild Mushroom Gnocchi. I’m not a huge fan of gnocchi, but this tasty dish made my taste buds scream for more. The hand-rolled gnocchi and all ingredients were fresh--not from the can or pre-made. Not too bad for $13.





The Fried Green Tomatoes with Crabmeat Ravigote would make you “smack your mama.” Southern talk which simply means it tastes good as homemade....Ahhhh, the BBQ shrimp. You can’t go to New Orleans and not try this popular dish. This appetizer hit it right on the nose with half jumbo shrimp with broth made of Lea ad Perrins Worcestershire, garlic lemon, served with garlic French bread. Interesting tid bit: Although it’s called BBQ shrimp, this classic dish has nothing to do with barbeque sauce. Both $12

The Fried Green Tomatoes with Crabmeat Ravigote, BBQ shrimp

Below are some entrees we tried from the menu Redfish on the Half Shelf (fish cooked with the scales left on, $26 and well worth it); House Specialty Brisket of Beef with Creole Horseradish Sauce which was excellent, tasty and tender, $18; and the superb, mouth watering Spinach Salad served with shaved red onions, fried Louisiana oysters, blue cheese, spicy pecans and a warm bacon vinaigrette. $9  Note:  I believe we held off on the vinaigrette and had a substitute dressing.

Tujagues Entrees  and Salad: (l to r) Redfish on Half Shell, House Specialty Brisket and Spinach Salad

RESTAURANT & FUN NAVIGATION GUIDE (Parts 1-7)

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part I: COURT OF TWO SISTERS

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part II: ARNAUD'S

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part III:TUJAGUES

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part IV: NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part V: STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VI: LE RICHELIEU HOTEL

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VII: CAFE DU MONDE

Mardis Gras 2014 Restaurant & Fun Guide Part IV, NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL of COOKING, 524 St. Louis St.

More than Mardi Gras!: Great Food, Great People, Great City

New Orleans is a Top Destination for a Reason 

by Monica Peters
for TheGritsnCheeseDish.blogspot.com

"Southerners make no apologies for how we eat."  

.....Ms. Sandra, Chef, New Orleans School of Cooking

Lunch:  For Nawlins newbies who need an intro to Southern food, New Orleans School of Cooking is a good place to start. The 2-hour class gives a history of the food told by an expert chef in New Orleans cooking and then you eat..  Our Chef and Food Historian Ms. Sandra cooked gumbo, jumbalaya and pralines and fed our class of 68 people.  You learn quickly that Southerners eat a lot!

Demonstration classes are offered Monday through Saturdays and hands-on classes are offered Sundays and Fridays.  Make reservations at 504-525-2665 or 888-292-0883.   There's also a general store to do some shopping.

Check out photo slide of Chef Sandra's demo class

RESTAURANT & FUN NAVIGATION GUIDE (Parts 1-7)

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part I: COURT OF TWO SISTERS

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part II: ARNAUD'S

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part III:TUJAGUES

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part IV: NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part V: STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VI: LE RICHELIEU HOTEL

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VII: CAFE DU MONDE

Mardi Gras 2014 Restaurant & Fun Guide, Part V: STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ, 1 Toulouse St.

More than Mardi Gras!: Great Food, Great People, Great City

New Orleans is a Top Destination for a Reason 

by Monica Peters
for TheGritsnCheeseDish.blogspot.com

Take a lunch or dinner jazz cruise buffet style on the Steamboat Natchez.  It's very fun and relaxing.  You can feast on the food from the buffet inside the boat's dining hall or sit outside and enjoy the live band or the calming sounds of the paddles navigating along the Mississippi while staff gives a historical narration of the landmarks along the river.  The upper deck has a full bar. You can also purchase books, t-shirts and more in the gift shop while on board.  One thing you'll love about this cruise is that you feel the Southern hospitality from the crew.

    

RESTAURANT & FUN NAVIGATION GUIDE (Parts 1-7)

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part I: COURT OF TWO SISTERS

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part II: ARNAUD'S

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part III:TUJAGUES

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part IV: NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part V: STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VI: LE RICHELIEU HOTEL

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VII: CAFE DU MONDE

Mardi Gras 2014 Restaurant & Fun Guide, Part VI: LE RICHELIEU, 1234 Chartres Street New Orleans

More than Mardi Gras!: Great Food, Great People, Great City

New Orleans is a Top Destination for a Reason 

by Monica Peters
for TheGritsnCheeseDish.blogspot.com 

Le Richelieu has got to be one of the coolest hotels.   The historic two building and 86-room hotel with art decor and fine furnishing has an unbeatable European and New Orleans charm. The boutique hotel makes you feel comfortable and relaxed as if its home away from home.  

The 100% smoke-free facility, located in the French Quarter, has free wifi, an outdoor saltwater swimming pool in its courtyard and more amenities.  It's locale in the French Quarter is great being that it's in a quiet location for those who need a good night's rest. Staff and service are impeccable which makes your stay feel like that of a luxury hotel.  Affordable room rates for the conscious-savvy traveler, combined with intimate service makes Le Richelieu a winner!

You will also love the hotel's restaurant Terrace Cafe and Lounge which also serves breakfast all day.

RESTAURANT & FUN NAVIGATION GUIDE (Parts 1-7)

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part I: COURT OF TWO SISTERS

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part II: ARNAUD'S

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part III:TUJAGUES

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part IV: NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part V: STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VI: LE RICHELIEU HOTEL

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VII: CAFE DU MONDE

 

Mardi Gras 2014 Restaurant & Fun Guide, Part VII: CAFE DU MONDE, 800 Decatur Street

More than Mardi Gras!: Great Food, Great People, Great City

New Orleans is a Top Destination for a Reason 

by Monica Peters
for TheGritsnCheeseDish.blogspot.com 

It is blasphemy to visit New Orleans and not stop at Cafe Du Monde for a beignet accompanied with a cafe au lait (coffee mixed with hot milk).  Cafe Du Monde is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so there is no excuse for depriving your stomach and taste buds from the treat they deserve.

WARNING--Beignets are Addictive!  

When you leave New Orleans you will begin to suffer beignet withdrawal.  As a courtesy I'm providing a link to the where you can purchase Du Monde's beignet mix so you can make your own at home.  This will get you through the tough times when beignet withdrawal is at its worst.  Thank me later :)

Purchase your fix here

 Your welcome:)

RESTAURANT & FUN NAVIGATION GUIDE (Parts 1-7)

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part I: COURT OF TWO SISTERS

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part II: ARNAUD'S

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part III:TUJAGUES

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part IV: NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part V: STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VI: LE RICHELIEU HOTEL

Mardi Gras Restaurant & Fun Guide Part VII: CAFE DU MONDE

 

Space Station Live: Growing a Garden for a Future Space Harvest

Growing veggies in space. Pretty cool!

Coming Soon: New Orleans: City of Great History, Food & More!

New Orleans by Train. One of America's most charming, beautiful and great cities!  And some of the best food and hotels.

-Monica

Hello Family, TheGritnCheeseDish is on a hiatus to revamp and take a much needed break. But we'll be back in the New Year!

Interview with Director Spike Lee: Red Hook Summer!

Director Spike Lee and I sit down for a few moments to talk about his new film Red Hook Summer in Theaters August 24.  Interview aired on WRNB 100.3FM in Philadelphia for Court Radio and was published in the Neighborhood Leader publication.  Listen to the interview here.   http://bit.ly/RuAlfa

Grannies on Safari @ Philly Travel Show: I Won an Antler Suitcase!

Hi gang,

The Philly Travel show was in town this weekend at the PA Convention Center in Philadelphia. I saw my favorite ladies and travel partners in my head, "Grannies on Safari." The Grannies were giving away 3 Antler suitcases and I won one of them. A sign from above that I must take a trip somewhere! Pic Regina Fraser (L), Monica Peters (m) and Pat Johnson (r)

Watch Pat and Regina give packing tips using their brand new Antler suitcase. Also catch the Grannies on Safari on Facebook!

-Monica

Oldie but Goodie: "The Soul of a New Cuisine A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa" by Marcus Samuelsson

One of my favorite cooking books, "The Soul of a New Cuisine A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa" by chef Marcus Samuelsson, has been out for 5 years. It makes African cooking easy for the beginner. It's also fun to go to the market to purchase and discover spices that you normally don't buy. Make it a family trip.

Nanking Asian Fusion @ Bally’s Casino Atlantic City

Nanking’s in Bally’s Atlantic City specializes in Chinese, Thai, and Indian cuisine. Before we get into the food review, let’s get to the very important particulars first. Yes, Nanking is authentic Asian fare and it is family affordable. The atmosphere and design is also a glimpse into Asian dining customs and culture including private/semi-private dining rooms. Upon walking into the restaurant, customers will see a huge gold Buddhist statue of Gautama which faces the door to bring positive energy. Nanking also does not have a table 13 in the restaurant since it is regarded as an unlucky number in Asian culture.

Chef Krishna Bhandari from Nepal puts a lot of care and time into his meals. Akbar Jumani, General Manager of Nanking from Bombay who was also a chef in Switzerland, makes it clear that he does not like spicy and hot to be the star of Nanking’s meals. He feels that spicy can overpower a dish and he likes for patrons to taste and relish every ingredient in their meal. However, have no fear, Nanking does have spicy offerings for those who like to walk on the hot side. So let’s get into my 2-day dining experience at Nanking which varied from Indian Lemon Gingerale (nothing similar to American ginger ale) to bird saliva for dessert

Day 1: First Tasting Menu

First up to bat from Nanking’s “first tasting menu,” I ate Mumbai chili chicken ($10) which is wok steamed with cayenne peppers, ginger and coriander. This dish was excellent and the flavor was robust. It was not spicy per say but definitely left your taste buds wanting more.

I also ate the “drums of heaven” ($10) from the first menu which is cooked with chilies, garlic and herbs. This dish was more on the mild side and the flavors of the ingredient were subtle.

Asian Drinks: Japanese Pineapple and then some Indian Lemon Gingerale (both $4)

While chowing down on Mumbai chili chicken and the drums of heaven, I decided to try some drinks that are popular in Asian culture.

First, I drank a Japanese pineapple drink fused with aloe vera and garnished with cilantro. To my delight this drink had a natural sweetness that made it great. The sweetness was from the fruit, not corn syrup and mystery ingredients.

Next, I ordered the Indian lemon ginger ale. I must admit it takes an acquired taste. Although ginger ale is in the name, this drink which is very popular in India contains no ginger. Indian ginger ale is made with club soda, lemon and cumin seeds mixed with Indian spices including black pepper. People in India drink this beverage to help them break down food after a meal. If you are not accustomed to drinking this kind of beverage, it may take a while for you to get used to the taste.

Specialty Dish menu—Imperial Fish (Red snapper) $22

The Imperial fish which is red snapper with spicy garlic infused with tomato sauce is well worth every penny! The fish is fried in peanut oil with tempura flour and topped with a tasty semi sweet spicy tomato sauce. This fish was definitely a winner.

Dessert: Birds Nest Soup (Bird Saliva, $14) and Banana Egg Roll ($6)

To round out dinner, I started with the Birds nest soup with rock sugar on the dessert menu. Birds nest soup, a very popular Chinese delicacy, is actually bird saliva (yes, bird spit). This dessert is mixed with rock sugar that cooked overnight with touches of ginseng (korean dates) added. The soup had a clear color with a thick texture. Health experts also say that bird saliva is very good for the immune system. After getting over my mental barriers, I took a taste and thoroughly enjoyed it. I even took some back with me. Check out the video below.

Next up, I had the banana egg roll served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate fudge

The banana wrapped in egg roll wrapper is deep fried and drizzled with cold chocolate fudge. Of course, this was good!

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Day II: LUNCH

The following day I tried some items from Nanking’s Dim Sum, curry dishes and teas.

I started first with the Lemongrass Beef Lollipops with spicy chili glazed pierced with bamboo stick in the middle. The dish was very tasty and mild in flavor. $10

The snow crab and chive dumpling from dim sum menu was made with tomato, tamarind and mango chutney (all sauces are made in house). The shredded crab is blended with tomato. The tomato is brought down to its base, and then blended with the crab so the tomato flavor is mild. The dumplings are served over bed of cabbage and lettuce. If you love mild flavored food, this is right up your alley. $10

I absolutely loved Nanking’s Som Taum salad which is raw papaya, peanuts and cherry tomatoes. The salad is tossed in a vodka citron vinaigrette which is made in house with Indian spices and red chilis. The papaya is imported from India and South America and is prepped fresh daily at the restaurant. ($9)

Diving into the meats menu, my first meal was Mongolian lamb which is cooked with peppers, scallions and ginger sauce. This dish was mild and even flavored.

However, the lamb curry (with the spicy green curry sauce made with bell peppers) was AWESOME. the curry is very creamy, sweet and hot. The dish also has zucchini, eggplant and bamboo shoots. I highly recommend lamb curry.

Mongolian Lamb $20, Lamb curry $20

While dining at Nanking, also try some of their Golden Monkey tea that is imported from the Providence region of China. Centuries ago monkeys were trained and used to fetch the tea leaves. Lovely.

Some more pics of Nanking:

First pic is a center view of the restaurant.

The next two pics are the semi-private and private dining rooms.

Monopoly on the Boardwalk!....Literally

Although, the weather is getting cool, the boardwalk still sizzles. Check out the Monopoly board game at Bally's Dennis Courtyard. You must visit this this display next time you visit Atlantic City and take some pics. You all remember how we hoped we could buy Park Place when we played this game back in the day.

Nanking Restaurant at Bally's Atlantic City & GritsnCheese Hits the Caribbean

It's been real busy the past few weeks but trust, I have been on my foodie adventures. I will be posting my review of Nanking Restaurant at Bally's Atlantic City this week, in the mean time here is a pic of their lamb curry to get your taste buds watering. I may also be hitting the Caribbean for a foodie trip in December to taste some of the wonderful food. Keep your eyeballs on the TheGritsnCheeseDish this week. Thank you for reading.