Don't Miss Vincent's

Another stop on the Italian lane is well-known local spot named Vincent's Italian Cuisine. Vincent's is located on St. Charles in the Garden District. No matter the day of the week or the time Vincent's seems to always have a crowd. With a classic Italian feel, Vincent's is a cozy restaurant that smells of garlic when you arrive, which is never a bad thing.

Awesome servers who've worked there for quite some time clearly display the love for their job. Always knowledgeable and ready to answer any question they can guide you through the extensive menu effortlessly. The signature dish for Vincent's is the Cannelloni, which I always get except this time. For starters, I had the Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms. Two large mushroom caps filled with a shrimp & crab meat stuffing. The mushrooms can literally be a meal by itself. I had the Veal Parmigiana for my entree. It was phenomenal. Large portion and full of flavor. I've never been disappointed at Vincent's and it continues to remain that way.

In the mood for Italian, check them out. I promise you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong...ESPECIALLY when it comes to food. Until next time...EAT WELL!

Veal Parmigiana

Me, Myself & Irene's

Tucked off towards the back of the French Quarter is an awesome restaurant called Irene's. A staple in New Orleans cuisine, Irene's never fails to live up to its reputation of excellence. Irene's offers Italian cuisine with a bit of New Orleans flair. I've been to Irene's a couple of times before but this last visit was the best by far.

As usual I had awesome service. Dan was my server this time, he's quite the charmer and entertainer. But isn't that what you want in your service though???? Of course! Well anyway back to the food. So this time I had the Oysters Irene & Mussels Marinara for starters; followed by my favorite dish, Cannelloni Al Forno for an entree. From start to finish....ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!

The Oysters Irene is a half-dozen oysters baked in the half shell and topped with tomatoes, pancetta and mozzarella cheese. Mussels Marinara are mussels cooked in a marinara broth with tomatoes and seasoning, served with slices of ciabatta bread. Light, flavorful and delicious. I'd never had mussels in a red sauce until then and will definitely get that dish many more times to come. The Cannelloni Al Forno is baked pasta tubes stuffed with veal, eggplant and spinach topped with mozzarella cheese and served over marinara sauce. A classic Italian dish. The special of the night was the Osso Bucco, a veal shank slow cooked for about 5 hours and served with saffron Parmesan risotto. *Muah..Bella!* Irene's also has a great selection of desserts to choose from as well.

Whether you're just looking for a new place to eat, celebrating a birthday or anniversary or a new date spot, Irene's is excellent for any occasion. Hustle on down there and get yourself a great meal. I promise you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong....ESPECIALLY when it comes to food! Until next time...EAT WELL!

Mussels Marinara

Oysters Irene

Cannelloni Al Forno



Osso Bucco

Root...I Root for You...

Right on the corner of Julia & Fulton Streets lies a hip, new spot called Root. I had the opportunity to pop in for a pre-dinner cocktail not long ago. I did not eat but after seeing the menu I wish I'd had. I did however try out one of their specialty cocktails.

I tried a drink called 'Watermelon Candy'. My mouth has never been more thankful.It literally tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher....DELICIOUS!!! Usually, I stick to my favorite liquors, whiskey and tequila; but something about this drink caught my eye. Probably the fact that fresh watermelon is used. The drink consists of Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka, fresh watermelon and fresh lemon juice; garnished with a fresh piece of watermelon. 

While enjoying my cocktail I took some time to peruse the menu and found several items I'd gladly return to try. Their menu is organized by the categories Socials, Beginnings, Middles, Principals and Endings. With a menu that includes in-house charcuterie/sausages (including Cured Lamb Pancetta); Grilled Compressed Watermelon Salad (tuna, goat feta, avocado, chili lime vinaigrette); Black Lacquered Duck Tortellini (Indian Orange marscapone, toasted pine nuts, vanilla tapioca, black duck tea); Lobster Laksa (Poached Maine lobster, grilled onions, pickled eggs & forbidden black rice noodles), just to name a few. Their menu has something for everyone. 

While there, I had the pleasure of seeing them make Foie Gras Cotton Candy which is foie gras dipped in watermelon 'pop rocks' and then covered in cotton candy. Here is the link to the video:  How Foie Gras Cotton Candy is Made. A truly interesting sight. 

On Fridays & Saturdays they stay open until 2am and Midnight most other business days. Reservations are welcomed though not mandatory. Awesome service is what I received on my visit, always a pleasure. 

So go check it out & I promise you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong, ESPECIALLY when it comes to food...until next time...EAT WELL!

Watermelon Candy