BY KIM RANJBAR
It appears that burger-mania has struck the Crescent City and quite a few folks out there are crying “It’s about time!” Brack May’s grass-fed creation Cowbell seemed to be the face that launched a thousand ships since a veritable slew of restaurants just seemed to pop up overnight. First is the recent opening of Aaron Burgau’s new venture, Tru Burger. Located in what used to be a gelato shop, Patois’ estimable chef is not only competing with Cowbell at the other end of Oak Street, he’s even testing himself! After all, he did author the menu at Oak, the wine bar across the street! If you’ve tasted the house-ground, bacon and bleu cheese burger on a brioche bun from Patois, you’ll know it’s only a jumping-off point for the tastiness in store at Tru Burger. Plus, can you resist the unique addition of edamame with different flavored sea salts as a side? Yeah, I didn’t think so...
Another hamburger haven we’re all awaiting most anxiously is the arrival of Company Burger. Under construction on the endlessly blossoming, ever-improving new restaurant row known as Freret Street, Company Burger will add it’s distinction with Chef Adam Biderman at the helm. During the Freret Street Festival in early April and Hogs for the Cause in late march , folks were able to get a taste of Biderman’s unique style and if you follow them on Facebook, you’ll see his fans have been clamoring for more. Company Burger is slated to open in late June or early July...can you hold your breath till then?
Over on Carrollton Avenue between Rue 127 and Doson Noodle House, yet another new burger joint opened dubbed Juicy Lucy where Fiesta Latina (and quite a few others) was located. For those not “in the know,” a Juicy Lucy is a Minneapolis-born cheeseburger with the cheese inside the patty instead of on top, resulting in a hot, cheesy explosion when one takes their first bite. An adventure I can’t wait to try...
In other news, Rene Bajeaux was named Executive Chef of the Rib Room in the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. Taking over the spot formerly filled by Anthony Spizale (now at Upperline), the French-born chef has returned to New Orleans to lavish his extensive culinary experience at the fashionable French Quarter restaurant.
If you’re craving a taste of the islands, Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant recently opened on the Westbank. Located on Gretna Boulevard in an old strip mall, the restaurant is open everyday except Sunday, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu items include dishes like fried plantains, carne asada, tostones, Honduran chalupas and even fried goat!
If you are counting your pennies this summer, take advantage of one of the many incredible prix fixe lunches around town like the new $20.11 menu at Antoine’s Restaurant. With a three-course choice of beloved favorites like alligator soup, crawfish etoufee and pecan bread pudding, you can’t go wrong! Antoine’s is also featuring daily 25¢ martinis to accompany your affordable, yet elegant meal.
PJ’s Coffee House has announced their new summer coffee flavor, Southern Wedding Cake. The new flavor was created in response to a contest where customers submitted ideas and the winner was voted on by the general public! Think the new bag of beans will include a cake pull? Regardless, it’s a fortunate day for cake and coffee lovers all over the Greater New Orleans Area.
Looking to package a new food product?
Edible Enterprises is a non-profit program that helps entrepreneurs turn their Big Easy recipes into businesses. Their 12,000 sq ft. center has everything you need to manufacture and package anything from banana bread to BBQ sauce. Visit them at 917 Third St. in Norco, or www.edibleenterprises.org.
