NOLA, Food, Part One

The highlight was going to Herbsaint for lunch. We had a reservation, but I was so excited that we arrived way early. No worries, we were seated immediately anyway. The restaurant is painted a lively, light green with cherry wood accents. It is light an airy. We started with cocktails. Phenom had a classic daiquiri with plenty of lime which was pronounced very refreshing. I had the classic New Orleans drink, a sazerac. Sazeracs are made with rye whiskey, two types of bitters and the glass is rimmed with herbsaint. It was tingly on the tongue and delightful. I have found myself wanting another since having that first one.

For first course, I selected their seafood gumbo. It was the best I've ever had. The roux was so dark, it was nearly black. It was smooth and velvety on the mouth with a building spiciness. The sausage and shrimp melted on the tongue. Delicious. And, I'm jealous that I will never be able to recreate it. On a side note, I just love the angle/perspective of this picture. It may be one of the coolest photos I've ever taken.

For main course, I selected the shaved roast beef salad. The beef was soft and delicious. It was drizzled with a good olive oil. The salad had a subtle horseradish vinaigrette and the whole salad was topped with crispy fried onion. The whole thing was heavenly and perfect.

The Phenom selected the fried catfish. The skin was crispy but not overwhelming. The fillet was tender and sweet and moist. The Phenom reported that the flavors of the peppers and onions and the fish and the sauce (which was just good but couldn't be described beyond that) and the green rice all worked together to create something greater than the parts. I nearly teared up that finally the Phenom seems to understand what I love so much about food.

Although we were full, we decided to try the homemade ice cream. (The choice was between banana ice cream or peach sorbet.) Too often, banana flavored items taste too much of candy and over the top. This was the perfect smooth, creamy, banana flavor. Soft. Sweet. Light. And the cookies offered the perfect touch of spice to counter the sweet of the ice cream.

In all, we both agreed that it was a tremendous eating experience and we can't wait to return.