NEW YEAR--NEW ORLEANS!!

Amanda's Craving time in Louisiana! Hooray it is a New Year and my trip could not have been better!! We started by going to my dream restaurant owned by my favorite chef—John Besh (www.chefjohnbesh.com) .  My aunt and uncle took me to August which was crazy good.  Arriving at 9:30pm for our reservations, New Orleans was just getting started!  I started with a Whiskey Sour and a Curried Shrimp Bisque.  For my main dish, I had a Sugar & Spice Duck with seared foie gras, stone ground grits, and quince jam.  Both dishes had amazing layers of flavor.  Luckily my Autographed copy of My New Orleans has several of recipes from the meal.   The Trout Pontchartrain was the table favorite and the first dish I am going to make when I see a good piece of trout.  So check out the book to make all the recipes I discussed.

My Copy is Autographed to ME!

Next I got to meet the PPPUUUPPPPPYYYY.  Such a cute little baby Jack Russell named Buddy.  Although a terror sometimes he redeems himself at other moments.  Picture below and yes he is just that cute!   

Christmas Puppy!

Another first time experience was going to the Fair Grounds to watch and bet on horse races.  It was a whole new world that I had never been exposed to.  Some people dressed down, some ritzy, & some other interesting characters.   

All My Bets!

I won $20!

We then went to eat at a classic local favorite spot- Mandina’s.  They had amazing Fried Catfish and Roasted Potatoes!  Fresh Catfish is always a must when I am down there visiting.  The restaurant was converted from an old house and had great charm.

Walking Inside

The Perfect Dinner!

 

On the final day of my trip, we went to what several magazines and the Food Network have called the Best Fried Chicken in America—Willie Mae’s Scotch House.  The picture below shows the amazingness, but I do have one critique that the red beans and rice side could have used some Cajun seasonings or even salt would have been good. I believe the secret is a wet batter for frying because the crust had a similar texture to an onion ring. The chicken was very moist, but I still think Price's Chicken Coop in Charlotte, NC has a better taste.    

On St. Anne Street

Fried Chicken, Red Beans & Rice

I flew home with the smell of Bourbon Street on me.  I was a little embarrassed having to sit that close to people.  Overall, it was such a great experience like always. I had Veuve Clicquot on New Years, plenty of great family time, and awesome food!  Now it is time to start my main goal for 2011—Finishing my Cookbook! 21 more recipes to type and all the editing.