New Orleans, You had me at beignet

Mid April was spent celebrating one of my favorite people/friends/bachelorette, Ms. Lauren. I am lucky enough to be a maid of honor in her wedding, and 11 girls total spent the weekend in New Orleans celebrating her upcoming wedding in May. New Orleans is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world, and it was so amazing to be there with such fantastic girls. We ate, drank, and danced our way through the Cajun paradise and could not of had a better time. We began our bachelorette bash with beignets and cafe au laits at Cafe Beignet. Apparently, Cafe Du Monde changed ownership and the experience is hustled and not as authentic as in years past. We loved the laid back nature and quaintness of the place. The beignets were light, not too doughy, and perfectly warm. The coffee boasted the same flavor as the city it was born in. We loved taking our time and enjoying every bite. Since breakfast was delicious and filling, we decided to reward ourselves with some of the best Bloody Mary's in town. We headed to Olde Absinthe House on Pirate's Alley. This place is about the size of my thumb, but they know what they're doing when it comes to Bloody's. Strong with a kick, and easy to sip. We grabbed our drinks to go, one of the best things about the city, and walked around to our next stop. Yes, it was again time to feast. We decided on lunch at Napolean House, well known for their muffaletas and Pimm's Cups. They did not disappoint. The food was fantastic, the muffaleta was classic and huge. The Pimm's cups were a little bitter, and the bartender had to make the mix from scratch after awhile. We finished lunch off with a few rounds of French 75s (Gin, sugar, lemon, champagne), which were excellent to compliment the gorgeous afternoon. After a major mid-day karaoke session at Cat's Meow, we headed to one of the best restaurants/deals in town, for dinner. Friends and I stumbled upon this place last year during Jazzfest and were hooked. Desire Oyster Bar served up oysters on the half shell, Oysters Desire (broiled oysters, garlic, butter, parmesan cheese), Crawfish, Shrimp & Grits (some of the best EVER), Crawfish Etoufee, and more. We popped champagne and toasted the bride-to-be as much as possible. After many further celebrations, we woke the next morning for a Bridal Brunch at The Old Coffee Pot. Friends and I stumbled across this place last year as well, and it was amazing again. We had a pre-fix menu set with choice of Mimosa or Bloody Mary. We had Eggs Jonathan (Eggs Benedict, ham, tomatoes, shrimp, hollandaise sauce, and grits or potatoes) and Blintzes (apple and strawberry). So fantastic for those who could muster up the strength to eat after the night before. My fellow Maid of Honor and I got an AMAZING red velvet cake from The Cake Cafe in New Orleans for the brunch as well. It was perfect and so incredibly moist. We spent the rest of the day wondering in and out of cute boutiques and resting up for festivities to come. That night, we ended up having dinner at the Green Goddess. We arrived around 10:30pm and left around 1:15am, and even though the service was slow we spent most of that time telling stories about the bride and enjoying every bite. While waiting for our table we ordered a few Green Goddess cocktails. Unfortunately one of the main cocktails ordered was not enjoyable. It was the restaurant's take on a French 75, called the Pear 75 (Oregon Pear Brandy from Clear Creek Distillery, a splash of Austrian apricot liqueur & homemade ginger syrup, topped with bubbly). The menu says not a girly drink, and it nearly knocked all of us on our feet. Way too much pear brandy, we had to ask for a champagne top off for those who wanted to finish their drink. Luckily a few ladies ordered beer, one being Lazy Magnolia's Southern Pecan Nut Brown Pale Ale. It was delicious and much needed after the unwanted kick from the cocktail. The bride to be had a Louisiana Strawberry Bellini (Prosecco, Amato’s La. Strawberry Wine, Beaujolais Strawberry Liqueur, and Pontchatoula strawberries). Perfectly refreshing and sweet. A bonus to our dining pleasure was having one of the two chefs of the restaurant, Chris DeBarr, come out to greet us and offer his extensive knowledge of the food and wine. He helped us pick a lovely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for the table. We quickly paired the vino with a vast array of cheeses, veggie plate (Roasted asparagus, Mardi Gras Indian cauliflower, duck fat potatoes, radishes, seasonal guest star vegetable, with roasted garlic aioli and romesco sauce), a fantastic Roasted Eggplant & White Anchovy Bruschetta (Griddled bread topped with pureed roasted eggplant, lemon, and capers, with piquillo peppers, fresh-cured white anchovies), and Father Pat’s Grilled Cheese (Cahill’s Irish Porter cheddar cheese, made with Guinness, and pear butter on wholegrain 3 seed bread). We were more than hungry, and the appetizers were the perfect solution. The cheeses were all to die for, each different and chosen by the chef. The veggies were rustic and robust. The grilled cheese rich and oozing with guilty pleasure. Our entrees were just as wonderful, beginning with the Green Goddess Wedge Salad, which was one of the best wedges I've ever had (Boiled LA. Shrimp, radishes, cucumber, hearts of palm, hearts of romaine, sieved eggs, crumbled bacon, romano cheese & green goddess dressing). Light, different and delicious. Other crowd pleasers were the Golden Beet Ravioli (Truffled Chèvre filled, Pomegranate Molasses, Sardinian Saba, & Avocado Oil), “The Old-Fashioned” Gulf Fish Meuniere (Pan-seared Louisiana fish, yucca cake, sea beans, Bourbon brown butter sauce laced with Fee Bros. Whisky Barrel Bitters), and “Spooky” Blue Corn Crepes (Huitlacoche, wild mushrooms, brandy ragout, porcini salt and butter). The hit of the night though, happened to be the Bacon Sundae. Not listed on the menu, but recommended even by the table sitting next to us. "You MUST order the sundae, MUST", they said. We did, and I wish I had one in front of me now. Rich vanilla ice cream, maple covered bacon, caramel sauce, and nuts. AMAZING. DIVINE. PERFECTION. The next morning we dragged our tired little selves out of bed to head home. We were well fed, well partied, and well on our way to looking forward to the upcoming wedding. New Orleans was the ultimate place to honor our bride to be, and we'd all be back there in a heartbeat. Take your time in the city, and enjoy every single bit of what it has to offer. It truly is one of the greatest cities on Earth, and a place to be cherished.

Cafe Beignet

Olde Absinte House

Napolean House

Desire Oyster Bar

Old Coffee Pot

Cake Cafe & Bakery

The Green Goddess

Brooklyn Laundry - A Moveable Feast

I had the absolute pleasure of attending "A Moveable Feast" this past weekend, with Brooklyn Laundry. What is Brooklyn Laundry you ask? It is a fantastic dining club and catering group, based in New York, which focuses on farm-to-table convivial meals and literary-inspired menus. Previous to their venture to Austin, the group meets once a month in different locations all over New York, with Chef Fiore Tedesco leading the culinary trail. Their first dinner outside New York happened to be in my fair city of Austin, and I jumped at the chance to try a dining group other than my own. Two dinners were created over a weekend and focused on Ernest Hemingway's, A Moveable Feast. The memoir is based on Hemingway's life in Paris in the 1920's. The book is a true dive into French wine and cuisine, with no detail left unturned or forgotten. The dinners Brooklyn Laundry created were over two nights, each with a little over 20 people. The first was hosted at a private home, the second at East Side Stages, an Austin office and stage space. I was fortunate enough to attend the second dinner, as I was celebrating the wedding of two wonderful friends the night before. I arrived at the east side location greatly anticipating what I was about to experience. I was graced with candle-lit stairs, a table with chilled beverages, and a warm greeting from Chef Tedesco himself. We briefly talked about the group, my history, and what was to come for the edible evening. As Chef returned to his final prep, I sipped on Lillet and Champagne (a cocktail Hemingway fancied), with the cool spring air as my background and a copy of Edible Austin in my hand. I had the chance to speak with Tedesco's wife, mother, and sister. All whom were incredibly lovely and welcoming. Slowly but surely, more quests continued to arrive. Many knew each other previously, and I was excited to meet others intrigued by the meal ahead. We soon sat down at a perfectly set long table with wildflowers and candles galore. Chef Tedesco welcomed the group and explained that each of the five courses was based on a passage of the book, and meant to mimic a dish Hemingway adored in Paris. The first course began with a re-creation of oysters. We were served Golden Tilefish ceviche with butter lettuce cups and french sorrel salad. A glass of 2009 Bieler Estate Rose accompanied the dish. It was heavenly. The sorrel salad left the palate clean and refreshed, while the ceviche cooled the senses with a salty twist. A perfect way to start the evening. We were next presented with Fried "Goujon" with sweet potatoes and baby turnips in a mint, caper and lemon butter. This served with a 2005 Drouhin Saint Veran. As a Southern girl, I appreciate anyone who serves something fried. Chef Tedesco did not disappoint. The batter was light, and fish moist. The vegetables complimented the fish with hearty ability. Delicious. Next came the Truffled roast quail with venison live pate and pommes a l'huile. The quail was created to showcase Hemingway's love for roast chicken lunch in Lyon. I felt the same love towards the quail. The pate was perfect. I usually have to leave a little behind, but with this one I devoured every bite. Not the least bit heavy or strong. It was served with a 2006 Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence. My absolute favorite of the night. It was spicy and robust, but sipped so easily. The last course before dessert was Seared Siika venison with spring onion and strawberry puree. Yes, your mouth should be watering. The uncommon combination of venison and strawberry thrilled every eater. The berries created a backdrop of suddle sweetness with the venison sweeping its way over the taste buds. We were served a 2007 Terre d'Ardoise Vieilles Vignes Carignan with the dish. To finish the evening off, as we were all smiling and satisfied, came dessert. Chef Tedesco called it 'Opium and Milk', a recreation from a passage in the book where Hemingway is told to give his friend a bit of opium when he needed it, and milk when he'd had enough. The dish was just as addictive, a Chocolate rose tart with poppy seed lavender ice cream. The ice cream was custom made by Amy's Ice Cream in town, and it was phenomenal. Lavender is one of my most favorite ingredients used in cooking, and I was so glad to see it incorporated in the dessert. The chocolate was perfectly dark and sweet. The crust flaky and buttery. The whole thing was exceptional, and I will miss it most of all. The dessert was served with your choice of fruit liqueur. Texas Hills Orange Moscato, Mirabelle Eau-De-Vie, or Framboise Eau-De-Vie. I chose the Mirablle (plum) and many others the Framboise (rasberry). Each could knock your socks off. As the scent punched at your noise, the flavor was surprisingly smooth. A great end to what was an unforgettable meal. Brooklyn Laundry will be returning to Austin sometime in December, and headed to Los Angeles next. It is not to miss. Take part in what should be the way we cook, dine, and enjoy. All ingredients from the dinner came from places in and around the city. Amy's Ice Cream, Boggy Creak Farms, Broken Arrow Ranch, Sweetish Hill Bakery, and Texas Quail Farms. Be sure to stay tuned to what Tedesco continues to achieve. He is a delight to be around, and continues to drape his Italian based passion on the mouths he feeds.

Brooklyn Laundry

Edible Austin

Amy's Ice Cream, Boggy Creek Farms, Broken Arrow Ranch, Sweetish Hill Bakery, Texas Quail Farm