Tasting the Basque Country
King Brasserie, located in the Hotel Fontenot on Tchoupitoulas Street, is offering a delicious Basque tasting menu through the middle of September. This modern French brasserie is excited to take guests on a "tour d'Azur" this summer and introduce them to Basque cuisine.
Executive Chef Samuel Peery said, "While Basque is distinctly Spanish, the French Basque Country cuisine aligns seasonally with what's available and delicious during summer months in Louisiana, presenting a great opportunity that we couldn't pass up."
The special Tour d'Azur: Basque tasting menu consists of three courses, offering a choice between options for each course.
First Course
Arugula & Anchovy with Ossau-Iraty cheese, garlic
breadcrumbs, and lemon-caper
OR
Gazpacho with Louisiana blue crab, gold tomato, cucumber, jalapeno
Second Course
Gulf Fish with Covey Rise Farms beans, sweet pepper &
tomato stew
OR
Seared Scallops with chorizo & potato croquette, grilled
corn velouté
OR
Steak Frites with a 12 oz., grass-fed New York strip and pink peppercorn au poivre
Third Course
Sweet Corn Crème Brûlée with blueberry, basil, mint, yuzu
OR
Basque Cheesecake with stone fruit compote, pistachio, honey
The Dinner
The tasting menu included drink pairings, including non-alcoholic options. The alcohol-free cocktails were delicious and pretty, and they complimented the food nicely.
Either first course options were excellent starts to the meal. The gazpacho was refreshing and tangy with lump crab meat mixed with finely diced cucumbers and tomatoes to top it. "Even though gazpacho's origin is southern Spain, we couldn't resist putting it on the summer menu and adding our own touches to this classic dish. The richness of the blue crab pairs excellently with the sweet and umami rich flavor of the gazpacho," said Chef Peery.
The salad was generous and included fried anchovies and shaved cheese. If you're feeling intimidated by the anchovies, fear not—they were tasty, salty bites that will make you a believer.
The scallop entree had a distinctive Basque flavor profile with the chorizo and potato croquette. If you are accompanying someone who is a more adventurous eater than you are, the steak and frites are an excellent option.
The cheesecake dessert was rich and not overly sweet, with a stone fruit compote to bring out the cheese in the cake. That alone would be worth going back for, and it's a dish something not easily found around town.
As always, King Brasserie provides excellent service and attention to detail. Be sure to treat yourself to the King Bread Service, which came with a baguette, the most delicious focaccia, rolls and olive tapenade, extra virgin olive oil, and sugar cane butter.
King Brasserie is open for brunch daily from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m. Happy hour is daily from 5-7 p.m. For more information and to place a reservation, head to kingbrasserieandbar.com.
