New Orleans Best Wine, Service, And Dining

Wine

I tasted dozens of wines at the New Orleans Wine And Food Experience Grand Tasting. Find the full report on my favorites here.

Service

Ramos Gin Fizz at The Sazerac Bar

1. The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans - Guys behind the bar had strong personalities to pair with excellent drink preparation, which came with flare and entertaining or educational commentary. As high-brow as it may be, they were not above taking extra care of guests. More details here.
2. Mr. B's - A serious approach to southern hospitality, with a smooth-running team effort. And no napkins left lying! See the full review.
3. Tujague's - A one-man show of service from our energetic, authentic, young server. Best line of the trip: "This wasn't Ralph's best day." Speaking of the whole fried chicken he had just served up. Low-key, under the radar humor was interlaced with completely efficient care of the table. 
4. Teddy's Cafe at The Roosevelt - I thought about grouping the three Roosevelt establishments, but they all brought their own excellence. Teddy's was all about friendly speed. And great coffee.
5. Fountain Lounge at The Roosevelt - From hosting unannounced, large, late-night groups, to freshly brewed, large coffee to go, the Lounge's service was as good as its live entertainment.

 

Tujague's Chicken Bonne Femme

Dining

1. Mr. B's - I still taste the savory/sweetness of the Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and Grits.
2. Tujague's - Chicken Bonne Femme, an experience to be had.
3. Galatoire's - The famed Godchaux Salad lived up to the hype, with crab and a coarse, spicy Creole Mustard Vinaigrette.
4. Fountain Lounge at The Roosevelt - For the darkest, thickest, tastiest Smoked Chicken Gumbo.
5. Clover Grill - More of an experience, but still a solid breakfast or burger any time. Open 24/7.

Cocktail

Anything at The Sazerac Bar - I was deep into my Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye. Ramos Gin Fizzes and Sazeracs flowed, but I also witnessed on-the-spot bar chemistry concoctions, and straightforward, traditional cocktails of all sorts.