Another Delicious Day originally published on Food and Fond Memories on October 21, 2012 by sandyaxelrod Leave a Comment (Edit)
Another Delicious Day
The Famous Fried Potatoes with Bearnaise Sauce
Burgers and Fries Antoine’s Style
We woke up with every intention to have lunch at our favorite spot for Po’ Boys Domilise’s. But when we drove down Annunciation Street we had a sneaking suspicion that something was off. It was far too easy to find a parking space. Then we saw the dreaded sign, they were closed for the day due to staffing issues. So we were forced to go somewhere else. Our next choice for lunch was Antoine’s in the French Quarter. This well established landmark (since 1840) never disappoints. We like their Hermes Bar for a casual lunch. The rich wood paneling, high top tables and jazz seems to draw us in. And of course the special fried potatoes with Bearnaise Sauce are so good we always have two orders to go with our burgers!
After a little shopping in the Quarter and a stroll around Jackson Square we went back to the hotel for our daily ritual. We dove into the pool to refresh and rejuvenate. It is HOT in New Orleans in June! A dip in the cool welcoming pool, stimulating conversation with hotel guests from all over and a good hot shower do wonders. So, hungry for another delicious meal we chose La Petite Grocery and we were very pleased with our decision.
La Petite Grocery, which opened in March of 2004, is housed in a building that was originally built as a grocery store in the early 1900’s so the name pays homage to that and the food elicits the nostalgia of old New Orleans. The restaurant is now run by Executive Chef Justin Devillier and General Manager Mia Freiberger-Devillier. Justin had moved to New Orleans from California in 2003 and worked in the kitchens of such well known restaurants as Stella! and Peristyle. It was while at Peristyle under the guidance of Anne Kearney-Sands that he learned the ins and outs of French cuisine. Devillier joined the staff of La Petite Grocery in June 2004 and became Sous Chef in October 2005. Justin helped re-establish La Petite Grocery after Katrina and in February 2007 he became the Executive Chef. His food is French bistro Southern style. Justin works very hard at supporting local fisherman and farmers.
The Pickle Plate
Fried Gulf Oysters, Frisee, Serrano Ham, Piave Vecchio, and Roasted Garlic Dressing
Baked Blue Crab with Brie and Chives au Gratin
Paneed Mississippi Rabbit, Lemon-Caper Brown Butter, Wilted Spinach, Spaetzle
I Made All Gone Now I Can Have Dessert!
We began our meal with a Pickle Plate of crunchy, garlicky cauliflower, bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers and green beans with a smattering of chopped chives for good measure. We devoured it all in no time flat but hungry for more; which was good because next up was Baked Blue Crab with Brie and chives served au gratin and Fried Gulf Oysters with frisee, serrano ham, piave vecchio and roasted garlic dressing. Both appetizers were even better than they sound. The crab and brie was sweet and creamy and amazing slathered on the restaurants freshly baked crusty bread. We practically licked the dish clean. The oysters were succulent and fresh and briny. The richness was balanced with the frisee salad and the saltiness of the serrano ham dice. And the crisp and flavorful coating on the oysters brought it all together. For our entree we shared the Paneed Mississippi Rabbit with Lemon Caper Brown Butter Sauce, Wilted Spinach and Spaetzle. I don’t even know what superlatives to use, the entire meal was that good and I haven’t even told you about dessert yet.
Toffee-Chocolate Tart Brown Butter Shortbread Crust and Coconut Cream
Almond Turnovers Roasted Alabama Peaches and Sweet Corn Ice Cream
Our desserts were the icing on the cake (pardon the pun)! We actually ordered two desserts to share; the Toffee-Chocolate Tart with Brown Butter Shortbread Crust and Coconut Cream and the Almond Turnovers filled with luscious Roasted Alabama Peaches and Sweet Corn Ice Cream. Ooooooooh baby were they ever DELICIOUS!!!
We will definitely have a return visit to La Petite Grocery on our next trip back to the Crescent City which hopefully will be next year for Steve’s big birthday. With its cozy feel, bubbly, fun, knowledgeable, delightful staff and fabulous food it was an amazing meal from beginning to end.
Hermes Bar at Antoine’s
725 Saint Louis Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504-581-4422
www.antoines.com
La Petite Grocery
4238 Magazine Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70115
504-891-3377
www.lapetitegrocery.com
