New Orleans Eats
I am the first to admit I'm probably the most sensory-driven eater I've ever met. I make myself uncomfortable. Bless the people who have the patience to eat with me and bless the people who make the food I love.
Welcome to my places I love to eat in New Orleans. This list will definitely be different than most lists you will see, you won't find traditional "must eat" finds here. Although I appreciate all of the historical context and stories of the cultures the food of New Orleans explores. I simply cannot override my own tastes. So here is where I love to eat when I call New Orleans home or visit. And yes, I am writing this hungry.
In no particular order:
Bayou Hot Wings, in the uptown area on S Claiborne. I get the fried chicken sandwich as is, with fries. It is always spot on, the sauce they do there is one of those mayo mysteries aka zesty remoulade and I eat it which is saying something. I went there once a week at least when I moved there, and it's the reason I drive in instead of public transit. I hope they always are there for me when I visit, and I hope the perfect amount of people visit to sustain it, and I wish health over the chefs there much love to you all for feeding me and giving me something to come home to.
Come join me in the French Quarter at Dian Xin, the portions here are a little big for just one, but my lonely behind is going to bring all those leftovers out to the street to share, there are hungry people everywhere. I learned that when I shared my midnight snacks with dog my first visit there. I always get the same thing here; that's the trend I find something I like someplace I keep going back. I get the steamed chicken bao it comes as two which is perfect for me, I dream of these. Here is where sharing is caring, dumplings, I like to try the pork and veggie, fried or soup, I know I said no variation, I lied already, turn back now. Okay now for the mains I like the vegetable fried rice with the Mongolian beef, (well done shhhhh), I will also do a beef and broccoli same, General Tso's chicken and my favorite the sauteed bok choy side, or broccoli. That's it pretty simple and totally satisfying.
If I am sick the chicken and broccoli with white rice and broth soothe my dis- ease.
I know it's in the Quarter, but I think they DoorDash so stay open minded. It's small inside so don't overwhelm them either. This place deserves more mentions than I see, but maybe I am given up my own hidden gems.
Moving onto a quick bite, Empanola they have multiple locations now, but I used to do Magazine or Uptown. Their menu has greatly expanded since I have been in, but I am stoked to try the pizza, spinach and artichoke option and apple pie I saw they added. But here are my tried and true, Beef Argentina, it has the most amazing green olive addition, I could use more olive actually, but these are amazing. I like the Chicken Peruvian I could do without the cheese on that one. I love all the sauces, but the hot sauce is always my favorite, get al three if you go.
https://empanolaempanadas.com/
Le's Baguette Banh Mi Cafe is a real gem, no website, a one-man operation (at least when I went in), two outside tables and you really feel like you're in a quiet little haven. I used to be able to walk there from the cutest little shotgun I rented, it's over on Dryades. That neighborhood is a great walk, lots of block cats, and photographic finds, it feels like mine. The grilled lemongrass chicken Bahn Mi is definitely what I could go for right now, the bread is the most amazing crunch outside and soft inside. They have real authentic food, and I will likely explore a few more options here when I return. I am sure you will be more of a foodie than me and think I am oh so boring. Please enjoy!
https://www.restaurantji.com/la/new-orleans/les-baguette-banh-mi-cafe-/
Okay let's get to a real classic and set up shop down Magazine for a bit at Mahony's where if you are lucky, you server is going to call you bébé and treat you like family. I am getting the same damn thing every time that Mississippi Pot Roast debris dressed hold the mayo and the table already has the hot sauce. Sometimes if I can stretch, I will get some fried green tomatoes too and for sure a sweet tea. I checked once after I left and saw Mahony's closed, I checked and tonight they are alive and well and OPEN! So, drop in there and make sure it stays that way, until I find my way back.
Alright y'all I guess I am going to have to cook myself dinner tonight, but I will be back with more of my favorites to explore.