Once I had made it to New Orleans with Natalie and Kelly, we decided that after we got checked into the hotel, it would be time to venture onto Bourbon Street and find something for dinner. Once we wandered toward the French Quarter, there was truly no shortage of places to eat (or drink). We were looking for a moderately priced meal, preferably of the Cajun/Creole variety. At the edge of the Quarter were several upscale fine dining establishments, who had entrees priced in the $30-$50 range. Since we had left our rich sugar daddies behind for the weekend, we kept walking until we came to La Bayou directly on Bourbon. It had meals priced more in the $15-$20 range, and it had a nice menu loaded with all sorts of Louisiana-style fare.
The restaurant was fairly busy but we were able to get a table quickly. The place had a very and casual atmosphere, with lots of patrons enjoying their food and the cocktails that flowed from the very busy bar. Being that we were hungry, Natalie had the fabulous idea of ordering gator bites. I have had gator before and it can sometimes be tough and chewy, but this was buttery soft and fresh, and was served with a spicy mustard that I literally could have eaten my weight in. (special thanks to Natalie for snapping all of these pictures for me!)
Next came the entrees. Kelly had a Cajun pasta that looked delicious. Natalie had shrimp and grits that came stacked up with fried green tomatoes and smothered in some sort of creamy sauce. I picked the Big Easy po boy that came complete with shrimp, remoulade, and fried green tomatoes. It was so huge there was no eating with your hands. We all sampled each other dishes, and I can tell you they were all a good decision.
cajun pasta
shrimp and grits
Big Easy Po Boy
I had decided pretty much before I had even ordered my entree that I was going to order bread pudding, but ONLY if Natalie and Kelly would share. They of course needed tons of begging to help me with this (feel the sarcasm). The pudding came and was filled with peaches and raisins, and covered in a creamy rum sauce, and was a perfect way to end an authentic New Orleans meal.
bread pudding
There were more food adventures at Pat O’Brien’s on Saturday night, but I was too hungry to even remember the idea of getting pix (I’m sure the giant Hurricane cocktails they serve had nothing to do with it). It was also delicious New Orleans fare, and overall I have to say my NOLA experience was filled with good food and great people, and I literally can’t wait to go back!
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, 8:37 pm | 
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