La Macarena (#176, 9/11/2011)
La Macarena Pupuseria and Latin Cafe on Hampson Street, hmm. I had never had a pupusa, but it was pretty good; I think you need to make an effort to try a wide variety. Had the Central American Breakfast once and a pupusa combo plate, all interesting, but the plantains were the best part. Definitely worth it when factoring in how friendly the people were there. Very good tropical tea drinks also – the mango was great and the tamarind (no clue what that might be) was unique and tasty.
Midway Pizza (#175, 9/6/2011)
If you’re looking for pizza, specifically Chicago-style deep dish pizza, then get to Midway – it’s the best, not to mention great service, a solid bar with plenty of tv’s and a funky old building. A good variety of pizzas, checked out their specialty pizzas and all of them looked good. I went for the Don Flamenco (named for the Mike Tyson’s Punchout character). Another great Freret Street stop – by the way, the lunch special is crazy, all you can eat for $8.95! Get it while you can, guessing that will have to go away.
Fat Hen Grill* (#173, 8/28/2011)
I hate to give this place a bad review; I just ordered a club sandwich and a salad to go, but it took forever and wasn’t that good. I’m thinking it needs a repeat visit to actually sit there and eat and try some specialties – like some sort of pig product.
Irish House* (#172, 8/23/2011)
It took me about three weeks after this place opened to get in and check it out. A cool place, definitely has the feel of an Irish pub (or what I imagine one to be like). Had some sort of meatloaf appetizer which was ok, then a triple filet of some sort which was quite good. And of course, a Smithwick’s. Atmosphere trumps food, but food was decent, worth checking out.
Company Burger (#171, 8/22/2011)
The latest (at the time) in a line of burger joints, I have to say, this is probably the best of the bunch. Good, juicy burger with outstanding bread (the key to any good burger). The sweet potato fries were also excellent. Single burger, fries and drink were about $12, so $3 more than Tru Burger; I’ll still be back. Maybe right now.
Jamila’s (#170, 8/20/2011)
The only Tunisian restaurant in New Orleans (supposedly, I believe most anything I read). I’m not really a big fan of Mediterranean food (or lamb), so wasn’t bowled over by this place, but my friends all liked everything a lot. Highlight was undoubtedly the professional belly dancer performing throughout dinner. The owner is very friendly and entertaining as well, but be warned, when he offers mustard, it’s actually mussels.
Zoe Bistro* (#169, 8/18/2011)
As I’ve said, always a struggle when I just have breakfast at a “real” restaurant, but I’ve decided to count them anyway. This is the restaurant at the W on Poydras Street. I had an omelet which was solid, but nothing overly spectacular. Decent place for a breakfast meeting, modern-style, some funky decoration and artwork. Not too bad.
Milk Bar (#168, 8/17/2011)
At a meeting, I was told about the “best sandwiches in NOLA” so I made my way up Prytania Street. I had been hearing about this place and obviously foolish for not going sooner. Outstanding high-end sandwiches for reasonable prices. I had the psychotic chicken and it was one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in ages. Definitely go there (and I didn’t even try their specialty – milk shakes). One extra story, which says a lot about the place; on a follow-up trip, there was a mix-up on my order. some idiot took an order for “John” without asking what it was. he took mine. So there was a delay on mine. The owner came out and handed me my money back with the replacement sandwich. I really didn’t want it back, not a big deal, and not his fault, but he insisted. Good people. Support them.
Tomasito’s* (#167, 8/16/2011)
Tomasito’s on Tchoupitoulas in the Warehouse District was…ok. The queso was bland, but my enchilada was decent. Shrimp tacos were also okay, quite spicy. Best thing was $2 white sangria – and the Pancho Villa posters in the bathroom. Overall, about typical for Mexican in NOLA, which isn’t good. Apparently, I wasn’t alone in my assessment, as it didn’t stay open long. It was adjusted into Tomas Bistro, which has been getting solid ratings, but I haven’t checked it out yet.