Food News
Over at Mat & Naddie's Restaurant (937 Leonidas St., 861-9600), Stephen Schwarz and his crew are offering $17 three-course "Sunset Dinners on the River" every Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. And speaking of charbroiled oysters, Mat & Naddie's gave Zeke's (see "Restaurant Review") some competition last weekend. These oysters weren't as wet as Zeke's -- no sopping up the juices -- but there was plenty of garlic and Romano cheese, and they sizzled as loudly as a Ruth's Chris steak. The grill was fired up out back, which also resulted in a simple grilled drum fish served with a potato cake that could have taken out any hash brown. The hands-down favorite at my table was an unusual sorrel and lavender soup with oyster mushrooms and spiced meatballs. The consistency was chunky like minestrone, but the warm and earthy nuances were incomparable.
Through the Grapevine
Chris Rudge's wine store, Bacchanal (600 Poland Ave., 948-9111), is officially open at the furthest corner of the Bywater, where Poland Avenue and Chartres Street meet. The 200 (or so)-year-old building is looking good, with exposed brick walls and exposed tile floors still ridged with old glue. He declared last Saturday Gigondas Saturday and was sampling a 1996 vintage from Domaine du Pesquier. Most of his bottles range from $8 to $15, and he carries a few imported beers. Plus, after paying all his bills recently, he began to stock a modest selection of French cheeses. "Crackers are next," he promises. So is a wine bar, in May, if permits are granted as planned.
Market Watch
The Conarty's Sneaux Cones are back at the Crescent City Farmer's Market, in all-natural flavors like blueberry, mahaw and strawberry. Other market vendors are coming out with softshell crabs, white shrimp, strawberries, bok choy, fava beans and yogurt. The Tuesday market is at 200 Broadway St. and runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Saturday market is at 700 Magazine St. and runs from 8 a.m. to noon. The Thursday market is at 3700 Orleans Ave. and runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 861-5898 or visit www.loyola.edu/ccfm.
Bullish on Wine
The Bull's Corner's (316 Hammond Hwy., Metairie, 832-0017) Toastin' Tuesday Wine Tastings in April include a Marvelous Merlot tasting this week, Sippin' Thru Spain next Tuesday, April 23, and Sinfully Zinfandel on Tuesday, April 30. Run by sommelier Brian Perkins, the tastings include samples of four wines and cost just $5. Stop by any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m
