Month: March 2009

  • Cafe Rani

     

     

    New Orleans, LA

    I’ve been very disappointed with the quality of food and service as of  late. I don’t like to write bad reviews, but when it’s necessary.. you gotta do it. Cafe Rani is a very nice looking restaurant nestled in a courtyard on Magazine Street. But that’s pretty much where all of the good stuff come to an end. The services was passable even though our Spinach Dip appetizer didn’t until after our entrees and not until we had to remind her. Who knows how long it’s been sitting under the heat lamp..


    Spinach and Artichoke Dip

    As far as the quality of Spinach and Artichoke Dip was concerned.. you can see it in the picture. A few pieces of spinach mixed in with some thickened cream and some cheese. The flavors were average, but the look was a huge turn off. The best part had to be the wheat pita bread.


    Crawfish Monica


    Shrimp Eggplant Rani

    Crawfish Monica, “Crawfish tails served in a cajun cream sauce with angel hair pasta, with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs”. It was actually the highlight of the meal. The sauce was good and flavorful. Second was the Shrimp Eggplant Rani, “Layered medallions of breaded eggplant, portobello mushroom smoked gouda, roasted onions & peppers, wilted spinach with grilled shrimp and a pesto-alfredo cream sauce atop cappellini pasta” I’ve got to be honest.. it wasn’t terrible. Could have used a bit more salt, but I didn’t mind adding it.


    Side of Broccoli

    And we ordered a side of Broccoli and this is what we got. A plate with over-cooked dirty broccoli that to my culinary expertise, was thrown on a plate from 5 feet away. They might as well have thrown it from the kitchen. I guess the meal would have been more enjoyable if the service was more efficient and the spinach & artichoke dip were a little better, and maybe if the broccoli was prepared properly.. but please excuse the pun when I say, “it left a bad taste in our mouths”.

    This is why we need food bloggers in this world. We need to be held accountable for our actions. Chefs and servers should take pride in what they do, and when they don’t.. people need to know.

     

    Would you ever go back to a restaurant after having a bad experience? Another chance perhaps?

    I don’t know myself..

     

     

    Meal Rating:  

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  • GW Fins 7 Course Tasting

    New Orleans, LA

    Not too long ago I went back to GW Fins with Barry,  an old culinary school buddy of mine. At Fins our friend Byron threw together a 7 course tasting for us. If this restaurant wasn’t already one of my favorite places to eat in New Orleans, it’s definitely at the top of the list!


    Tuna Course


    Scallop Course

    We started with Smoked Sizzling Oysters. I failed to produce the pictures, I was a bit excited when they first came out. lol But they were indeed plump, fresh and juicy! The Tuna was served sahimi and tartare style. Delicious, fresh, and with a kick from the wasabi.. I liked it very much. For the 3rd course we had the Scallops in a buttery citrus sauce. Light, Perfectly cooked and seasoned.. it was the ideal dish to take us into the thick of the meal!


    Pompano Dish


    Snapper Dish


    John Dory Dish

    It seems GW Fins has alway had a touch of Asian in their dishes. The Pompano was served in a Thai-like broth, with a lot of fresh Asian herbs and even a flat rice noodle? I was very impress with the depth of flavors. And the fish was grilled very nicely! The Snapper was seared and served with some plump, tender shrimp.. The crisp skin gave the fish a great texture to match with the flaky moistness! And to round out the trio of fish, the John Dory fish is a deep sea delicacy. To put it plain and simple, it was cooked perfectly. The sear gave it a nice caramelized flavor and the meat was very tasty.


    Mini Apple Pies

    For dessert we had some Mini Apple Pies with gorgonzola and I believe it was browned butter gelato? At this point we finished a bottle of wine and had several other spirits and drinks. I apologize for the lack of memory on my part. But I do remember it being a delicious meal! If you’ve never been here.. my personal opinion is that Gw Fins serves the some of the best seafood in the city.

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