Breakfast in the French Quarter
The hotel breakfast at SoBou was ok but I hate spending over $20 for breakfast when I don’t need to (yes, even on an expense account) so I asked for suggestions.
For pancakes I was directed five blocks to Stanley and at 8am it was quiet inside but noisy outside (the street crew was still cleaning up last night’s fun) near the Cathedral. My blueberry pancakes were quite satisfying to fill me for the conference day I had ahead of me.
The next day, I walked two blocks to The Grill, a classic diner opened in 1946 with counter service. I chose an open seat next to a group hoping to chat but my German is not that good so I ate in silence enjoying the people watching. My egg platter which included bacon, home fries and toast along with orange juice cost $10.13 (a great deal!), I tipped $3 (I used to waitress so even if not on expense account, I would still tip this). This was my kind of breakfast place, I returned the next day, picked a different seat and the waiter laughed (same waiter as the day before) because not only had he moved sections but I sat next to the same German group.
Lunch in New Orleans
It’s all about the burgers at this location near the Garden district. A quick ride from the French Quarter, there is a great bar upstairs with an outdoor patio space. If you just want counter service, you can stay downstairs or order takeaway. Either way, you have a great menu to choose from – pick the burger type (various meats, veg or fish options), try to choose a potato option (harder than you think – go for the tots!) and add a drink and you’re all set for a great meal.
Dinner in the French Quarter
SoBou (connected to the W French Quarter Hotel)
SoBou is short for South of Bourbon and is an acclaimed restaurant with small plates of adventurous (for me anyway) foods. I loved the decor and without a reservation on Monday night was given a table for two in the front of the restaurant.
I chose the steak entrée with a side of seasoned fries, a glass of Malbec and a very tasty chocolate dessert. Service was ok, I did need to flag the server when I felt abandoned more than once. No worries about being rushed out here.
Orleans Grapevine Bar & Wine Bistro
You might pass by if you weren’t looking for this place. It doesn’t look like much from outside but I was pleasantly surprised by a large bar area, dining room and a garden patio in the back. Without a reservation and starving, I didn’t wait for the patio and elected to eat at a table in the dining area (I had the whole area to myself in the corner).
Never mind the seating arrangement, the menu was a good call and the wine choices overwhelming (by the glass, flight or bottle). The interesting wines and vintages from around the globe gave me pause as I wanted to try so many different countries – Chilean Carmenere, South African Pinotage, Australian Shiraz before my standard Rioja and Malbecs (note, that on a business expense account, a glass of wine is ok, a flight of wine, not so much).
The concierge recommended Sylvain as his favorite restaurant (it’s mine now too!). Located three blocks from the hotel, I had to do a walk by to figure out how to enter – a bit of a hideaway, I already liked this place. Through the alleyway, I happened upon the outdoor garden area with patio seating and the hostess. Without a reservation, I was directed to dine at the bar which had three empty seats. I’m not usually a fan of dining at the bar but that was my only option (there was a cute talkative guy at the end of the bar so that helped). It was hard to choose from so many tempting options that I sought the bartender’s help.
Torn between the pan-fried pork shoulder with grits, braised greens and mustard jus or the braised beef cheeks over pureed potatoes with black-eyed peas, the bartender explained the pork and how it was prepared – I was mesmerized. The pork is cooked, marinated until it is so tender like a pulled pork then rolled up and sliced in rounds with a bay seasoning. When it arrived it just fell apart with one poke of my fork – I was in love with this dish. My first taste of grits was just as good. All of this was accompanied by an Italian Malbec (the bartender talked me into this too) . The bar had a good list of cocktails and single barrel bourbons. In case you think this is all types of fancy foods, they have a burger on the menu and a fried chicken sandwich too. The entrée was a huge portion that I could not finish as I had dessert on my mind, namely the chocolate pot de creme.
The Brennan family are local well-known restauranteurs and the steakhouse, located off of Bourbon Street was busy. I joined colleagues from the conference and was lucky to snag a reservation. The high-end steakhouse had a variety of patrons from business suits to casual shorts. We were seated in a booth downstairs with a view of the dining room. Our servers worked as a team and for the most part were attentive. The food is classic steakhouse. The bar was packed and has a separate menu which includes an award-winning burger.
My solo dining in the French Quarter of New Orleans turned out a lot better than I anticipated. I didn’t need to be part of the party crowd of Bourbon Street, I chose to find quiet comfort in the fantastic foods and wine dining solo in the French Quarter.
What is your favorite food memory of New Orleans? Please share in the comments below
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