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Winter Restaurant Guide by Cuisine
CAFE
BACK PORCH GRILL
414 New Hampshire St., Covington (985) 892-5252
Back Porch Grill will get you full and back to work before your boss can
frown in your general direction. Creole meets American meets fast food in this
bustling lunch stop, offering salads, soups and housemade specialties every day.
Try the popular Creole stewed chicken you can get it over brown or white
rice, and it comes with a garden salad. The chicken salad is also a customer
favorite. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards and checks.
BARRACKS STREET CAFE
430 Barracks St. 525-0330
This is the place for international wraps, fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies,
and a selection of coffees. Breakfast options range from pancakes and French
toast to huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos, and is served all day. The chicken
jerk wrap has rice, black beans, grilled sweet potatoes, red onions, cabbage,
spinach and coconut in a tangy honey-lime jerk sauce. No reservations. Delivery
available up to Louisa Street. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily.
Credit cards.
BLUEBIRD CAFE
3625 Prytania St. 895-7166
The Bluebird Cafe may be the most cheerful place in New Orleans at 7 a.m., when
happy customers are eagerly devouring the first-come first-serve breakfast. Some
old favorites are eggs with biscuits, banana-pecan pancakes, and huevos rancheros.
At lunch, swing by for a kosher hot dog, a Philly cheese steak, or a classic
Reuben. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Checks.
CAFE LUNA
802 Nashville Ave. 269-2444
Cafe Luna is a cozy coffeehouse, ideally suited for relaxing with a book
or a couple of friends. While you're there, indulge in a fresh French pastry
or sink your teeth into a hot grilled sandwich, served with a variety of drinks
and loose-leaf and herbal teas. No reservations. Continental breakfast, lunch
and dinner daily. Credit cards.
THE BULLDOG
3236 Magazine St. 891-1516
www.draftfreak.com
People come for the food, stay for the beer ... or vice-versa. In the crawfish
Banditos, crawfish, cheese and green chiles are rolled in a tortilla and fried.
Other menu favorites include a line of Monster Burritos and half-pound sirloin
burgers. The 50 beers on tap (out of a total of 150 varieties) easily convince
locals to hang out in the bar and play the televised trivia game. No reservations.
Lunch Friday and Saturday, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards.
CAFE ARABESQUE
211 LaSalle St. 524-6455
www.cafearabesque.com
Sandra Bahhur used to be a nurse at Tulane Hospital, until she decided to
dig into her Middle Eastern background and open a restaurant within shouting
distance of her former workplace. She and her staff prepare Middle Eastern favorites
-- salads, hummus, stuffed grape leaves -- as well as pressed Cuban sandwiches
and Greek salads. Remember Cafe Arabesque for catering. Delivery available. No
reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks.
CAFE AU LAIT
307 Chartres St. 528-9933
Omelettes and other breakfast offerings here complement the great coffees
that give this cafe its name. Pastries and other delights are available, as are
specialty sandwiches and hamburgers. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily.
Credit cards and checks.
CAFE MARIGNY
1913 Royal St. 945-2716
This coffeehouse offers an assortment of coffees, teas, juices, pastries
and more to power all the reading, studying and keyboard-tapping that's going
on here. Meals are offered in the form of quiches, salads and sandwiches. A standout
is the New York Classic with smoked salmon, capers, red onions, tomatoes and
cream cheese. Finish with the chocolate decadence layer cake with raspberry filling. No
reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards.
CAFE RANI
2917 Magazine St. 895-2500
This cafe offers American food with a twist, and a stylish atmosphere. Pick
from their trio of specialty burgers: the Southwest (with pepperjack cheese,
chipotle mayonnaise and avocado), the Cajun (with andouille sausage and remoulade
sauce), or the Blues (with blue cheese sauce). Their soups and salads can't be
beat, and if you're on a budget, try a plate of three smothered pork chops with
mushroom, pepper and onion demi-glace with two side dishes, all for $9.99. No
reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards.
$
CAFE LATTE
2324 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 833-6343
The favorite house salad is filled with chicken, provolone, egg, blue cheese,
bacon and loads of vegetables. Also try the chicken quesadillas, served with
a side salad, and any of a number of vegetarian offerings. Sugar-free desserts
are also available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through
Saturday. Credit cards and checks.
CAFE SATORA
3749 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie 832-1444
Early birds will want to check out Cafe Satora's breakfast options, which
include omelettes and croissant sandwiches. Any-time specialties include salads
and panini sandwiches, which are served on thick focaccia bread and pressed on
a hot grill. The best-selling club panino features grilled chicken breast, tomatoes,
bacon, red onions, avocado, mozzarella and a special dressing. Delivery available.
No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Monday through Friday. Credit
cards and checks.
CHATEAU COFFEE CAFE
139 Robert E. Lee Blvd. 286-1777
3501 Chateau Blvd., Kenner 465-9444
Fresh coffees, pastries and salads abound at the two Chateaus. The Kenner
location features the Southwestern chicken salad, prepared with salsa, corn,
black beans, tortilla chips and ranch dressing (it's also served as a special
at the Robert E. Lee Boulevard location). Daily hot lunch specials include red
beans and rice and grilled fresh fish, and there's also a burger of the day.
The most popular drink special -- which also qualifies as a dessert -- is the
white chocolate almond shiver. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards
and checks.
COFFEE & COMPANY
1515 Poydras St. 522-3335
800 Harrison Ave. 488-8946
The various specialty coffees are not the only attraction at both Coffee & Company
locations. In the morning, start your day with items such as New York-style bagels.
Housemade soups are a popular, healthy lunch break, along with salads such as
the Southwest salad, which comes with lettuce, black beans and corn marinated
in lemon, lime and cilantro and can be ordered with or without chicken. No reservations.
Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $
COFFEE BEAN EUROPEAN CAFE
3244 Severn Ave., Metairie 456-9870
Diners can choose from chicken tortilla soup made fresh daily or a variety
of salads and sandwiches. Daily hot-plate specials often include red beans and
rice or the steamed veggie plate. A variety of sugar-free items, such as cinnamon
rolls, and vegetarian selections, such as the veggie burger, are also available.
Coffee Bean offers the full slate of coffeehouse drinks, plus the popular sugar-free
iced blended mocha. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards.
COFFEE COVE
3431 Houma Blvd., Metairie 780-9445
In addition to its daily full-service breakfast menu, Coffee Cove also now
offers a champagne brunch on Sunday with such traditional favorites as veal grillades
and grits. Stop by later in the day for a variety of daily chef specials and
sandwiches. A catering service is also available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
daily. Credit cards and checks.
COFFEE RANI
234-A Lee Lane, Covington (985) 893-6158
3517 Hwy. 190 (Ponchartrain Square), Mandeville (985) 674-0560
Coffee Rani covers the basics with a complete selection of coffees and pastries,
but they have a substantial side as well. For breakfast, try the Chunky Monkey
Waffles with chocolate chips and bananas, topped with whipped cream. If you're
in the mood for salad, the Jamaican jerk salad with pepper-jelly vinaigrette
is a popular item, while the Sopranos Salad combines pesto-crusted chicken strips,
olive salad, artichoke hearts, a variety of cheeses and a creamy Parmesan sauce.
New on the menu: burgers and pastas sure to fill you up. No reservations. Breakfast,
lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $
COFFEE COTTAGE
2559 Metairie Road, Metairie 833-3513
5860 Citrus Blvd., Jefferson 818-0051
www.coffeecottage.com
Customers can count on lunch and dinner items being fresh and tasty, such
as the grilled portobello mushroom sandwich with onion marmalade, feta cheese,
roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato, garlic mayonnaise and black olive pesto
on a focaccia roll. Ask about the special trademarked Crawfish King Cake (it
has to be special ordered). No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards
and checks.
COMMON GROUNDS
335 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna 227-2200
Common Grounds says "good morning" to the West Bank with specialty coffees,
espressos, cappuccinos and pastries. Lunch and dinners include hearty burgers
and specialty sandwiches, like the Hot Honey P. Long, which features honey-baked
ham, Monterey Jack cheese and creamy vinaigrette on olive bread. Delivery available
with $25 minimum. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit
cards and checks.
CROISSANT D'OR PATISSERIE
617 Ursulines Ave. 524-4663
At this time of the year, head over to Croissant D'Or to tuck into a steaming
bowl of chicken noodle soup or seafood gumbo. Salads and sandwiches round out
the menu, but true to its name, this charming French bakery specializes in buttery
croissants. Danishes and other French pastries are available too. No reservations.
Breakfast and lunch daily. Delivery available. Visa/MC. $
CYBER BAR & CAFE AT THE CAC
900 Camp St. (Contemporary Arts Center) 523-0900
The CAC's modern cafe is a great place visitors use for a quick stop before
or after checking out shows or exhibitions. Visitors can check email with the
free Internet access, as long as they don't get crumbs on the keyboards! Cookies,
cinnamon rolls and scones are imported from bakeries around the city, as are
a variety of salads, cold sandwiches and paninis. The bar offers wine, beer and
drinks of the caffeineted variety. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily,
dinner during CAC evening events. Credit cards and checks.
ESPRESSO YOURSELF COFFEEHOUSE
3604 Delaronde St., Chalmette 271-0380
www.espressoyourself.net
With live music, video poker, Internet access and a book swap, this is
one happening place. All that leisure comes with a selection of coffees and espresso-based
drinks; pastries, cakes and muffins; and a menu featuring tasty quiches and soups,
salads and sandwiches including the smoked turkey and ham. No reservations. Early
morning pastries and coffees daily, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday;
pastries and coffees only on Sunday. Credit cards. $
HOME FURNISHINGS STORE CAFE
1600 Prytania St. 566-1707
You wouldn't expect to find a cafe on the second floor of a furniture store,
but there it is, and there it's been for 25 years. The cafe pleases hungry shoppers
with daily specials, a soup du jour, and a Caesar salad served with a grilled
sandwich on whole wheat. Another specialty is the Chicken Salad Supreme, with
chunks of chicken breast served on lettuce with fruit and roasted almonds, drizzled
with a homemade poppy seed dressing. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday.
Cash only.
LA MADELEINE
547 St. Ann St. 568-0073
601 S. Carrollton Ave. 861-8662
1327 St. Charles Ave. 410-8500
3300 Severn Ave., Metairie 456-1624
3434 Hwy. 190 (Del Champs Premier Shopping Center), Mandeville (985) 626-7004
5171 Citrus Blvd., Elmwood 818-2450
www.lamadeleine.com.
Though gourmet coffee and fresh-baked pastries (including the popular blueberry
muffins) are most patrons' reasons for stopping in at La Madeleine locations,
they also offer a diverse, French-inspired food menu. Top choices include the
French onion soup, simple baguettes or tempting desserts such as tiramisu, raspberry
creme brulee and coconut flan. There are plentiful salads, sandwiches, pastas
and pizzas as well. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit
cards.
LA MARQUISE PASTRY SHOP
625 Chartres St. 524-0420
Signature croissants, pastries and a selection of coffees and teas are available
here, plus lunch and dinner items such as soups, salads and sandwiches. The chef's
salad, featuring a variety of meats, cheeses and eggs, is recommended. No reservations.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash and checks. $
LA SPIGA BAKERY
2440 Chartres St. 949-2253
'Tis the season to pick up La Spiga's "queen cake" -- an old-fashioned brioche
adorned with a tiara and bouquet of edible pansies. The store is open to the
public only on Saturdays, but you can find La Spiga at any of the three Crescent
City Farmers Markets. Accompanying its full line of baked goods are terrific
soups, quiches and sandwiches, such as the Florentine spinach artichoke sandwich
on focaccia. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Saturday. Checks and cash.
PARADISE CAFE
3717 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 888-4141
Situated next to Barnes & Nobles, diners of Paradise love its location where
they can read their newly purchased book over a grilled turkey sandwich. Warm
up this winter with homemade soups: cream of artichoke, split pea, shrimp and
corn, and chicken noodle are some of options. No reservations. Breakfast daily,
lunch Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
PAUL'S CAFE
100 E. Pine St., Ponchatoula (985) 386-9581
There's no need to wait until Monday to order red beans and rice at Paul's,
where it comes with sausage, a choice of vegetables and dessert. And why not
try a new combination: ask for juice and champagne instead of the customary Barq's.
No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks.
PLANC COFFEE AND TEA
1827 Hickory Ave., Harahan 738-2220
www.planc.com
Pastries, coffees, teas and specialty drinks aren't the only things on the
menu. There also are an assortment of salads and sandwiches as well as daily
soup specials such as Monday's thick and creamy chunky chicken tortilla soup
or Friday's crawfish and corn soup. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
daily. Credit cards.
PLANTATION COFFEEHOUSE
5555 Canal Blvd. 482-3164
The menu at Plantation Coffeehouse keeps growing. All their breakfast pastries
-- like fluffy blueberry muffins and sweet scones -- are still here, along with
healthy salads and vegetarian fare, and now Plantation is also offering meat
lasagna served with a small Caesar salad and French bread. For dessert, check
out the new homemade bread pudding and caramel sauce. No reservations. Breakfast
Saturday and Sunday, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday.
Credit cards and checks.
PRESTO! ESPRESSO
1542 Tulane Ave. 581-9555
Follow the stream of medical workers to Presto! Espresso's morning offerings
of gourmet, drip-brewed coffees and pastries. For lunch, sample any of a number
of deli-style sandwiches or grilled panini sandwiches on focaccia bread. Vegetarian
versions include the Greco Roman featuring Roma tomatoes, eggplant caponata,
feta cheese, basil pesto, red onions and mozzarella. No reservations. Breakfast
and lunch weekdays. AmEx and checks.
ROYAL BLEND COFFEE & TEA HOUSE
204 Metairie Road, Metairie 835-7779
222 Carondelet St. 529-2005
621 Royal St. 523-2716
Although Royal Blend specializes in an array of coffees and teas, each location
also offers diverse lunches and healthy, on-the-go snacks. The wraps are popular,
with top options including the toasted-almond chicken and portobello mushroom
and chicken varieties. Sandwiches, salads, hot daily specials and pastries also
are featured. Delivery available from the Carondelet Street location. No reservations.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday, brunch at
the Metairie location only.
STILL PERKIN'
2727 Prytania St. 899-0335
Still Perkin' offers hot coffee drinks and more. Try the frozen lemonade
granita, iced coffee or iced mocha on a hot day. The pastry and sweet selection
is perfect for a sweet tooth, especially the rich chocolate buttercream squares.
And if you're REALLY hungry, there are even La Spiga sandwiches for lunch.
No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Visa/MC and checks.
SURREY'S CAFE AND JUICE BAR
1418 Magazine St. 524-3828
Health-conscious eaters have flocked to Surrey's since its opening, swearing
by breakfast items such as homemade bagels and banana pancakes, while bigger
appetites go for specialty sandwiches such as smoked salmon on focaccia. Surrey's
recently started dinner dining on Fridays and Saturdays, with favorites including
seafood dishes and vegetarian fare. Try the crispy trout, almond-crusted, pan-fried
trout fillet served with fried plaintains, yucca or rice, and veggie of the day.
Breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Sunday, dinner Thursday through Friday.
Cash only.
SWEET OLIVE CAFE
610 Tchoupitoulas St. 299-8188
www.sweetolivecafe.com
Sweet Olive Café is no stranger to innovation; try the Bandit, featuring
smoked turkey breast and apple-smoked bacon, topped with avocado and jalapeno
puree, Monterey Jack cheese and sprouts. Salads are equally dazzling, as the
baby spinach salad is topped with roasted eggplant, feta cheese, roasted pecans,
and a balsamic Parmesan vinaigrette. Breakfast and lunch weekdays. Credit cards
and checks.
YOUR DAILY BREAD
2716 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson 831-4000
A consistent daily favorite is the spinach cheese bread, which starts with an
herb dough, then tucked inside is a generous portion of Provolone cheese and
spinach, a touch of onion and a mixture of special herbs. There's also an assortment
of sandwiches, housemade chicken salad, pastries and cakes. Breakfast and lunch
Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
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