The Flaming Torch - Uptown - New Orleans, LA

The Flaming Torch is a casually elegant restaurant located just steps from historic Magazine Street that serves a nice selection of French inspired dishes.

My boyfriend and I made reservations at the restaurant for a early date night dinner. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were greeted by a nice gentleman who was also our server. Upon seating us, we were presented with the drink menu. While looking over the wine list, I noted that there were a few bottles that were reasonably priced. I will admit I have drank an entire bottle of wine by myself but since my boyfriend isn't one for wine (and I didn't want to get drunk at a restaurant), I opted with just a glass of Merlot. With French cuisine, you may not be looking to pair with beer, but that is an option.

Our very attentive server went over all the specials with us and hyped the French Onion Soup they are famous for so I decided to give it a try. It was divine but way too cheesy. The cheese was clumping and could have become a choking hazard if I was not careful but by eating around some of the cheese, I was able to enjoy it.

For my main course, I had the Scallops with Chimichurri Sauce and Corn Hash. The scallops were perfectly pan seared and when paired with the sauce and hash it was a heavenly dish I could eat over and over again.

My boyfriend had Filet Mignon with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus. He ordered it medium but it was actually cooked medium well. Despite that the meat was still tender and juicy. He loved it and talked about wanting to come back.

Although not on the menu, they have dessert options. My boyfriend is obsessed with Bread Pudding so we shared one. He thoroughly enjoyed it but since it is not a dessert I love I found the sauce to be the main draw of the dessert. It was a decent bread pudding.

I may have gone at a great or bad time (depending on how you see it), because the place was empty but as a result the I found the service and atmosphere were excellent. It was a bit pricey but the food was fantastic so money ain't a thang.


The Flaming Torch

737 Octavia St New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 895-0900 www.flamingtorchnola.com

Sukho Thai - Marigny - New Orleans, LA

I was just hanging out near the French Quarter when I spotted Sukho Thai and decided to stop in to eat. I was a bit dubious to go in as it was quite empty but I love Thai food so much I decided to take a chance.

Suhko Thai is a nice little, mellow and homey restaurant. There is a lot more they could do with the decor, but it was comfortable. They have a counter at the front of the restaurant for takeout orders. Several people came in to pick up orders so that might explain why the restaurant was so empty; most people order to go.

There was only 2-3 tables dining at the time, but with just one waitress, service was attentive (I had my water glass readily refilled). She was also personable. Like all other Thai restaurants, you order your food based on the spice scale  and because of my addiction to spicy foods, I always order Thai hot. She warned us about the hotness and explained even she couldn't even handle it (I ordered it anyways), but it was nice she let us know. It was also nice to have someone who was smiling and appeared to be happy.

I was craving noodles and got my standard, Chicken Pad Thai. It was HOT but was perfect for me. I know a lot of people couldn't handle that kind of heat so do know that their scale is pretty accurate and medium (3 stars) would probably be hot for most much less Thai hot. The noodles were cooked perfectly. There was a good amount of chicken, bean sprouts, peanuts and the right level of sweetness. 

We also ordered the Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice. The rice was soft and pillowy and packed with lots of ingredients and flavor! 

Everything we ordered was delicious so I am looking forward to coming back to try other items on their menu. Also, they have a location on Magazine St that may be worth a try.


Sukho Thai
1913 Royal St New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 948-9309
www.sukhothai-nola.com

Emeril Lagasse's NOLA Restaurant - French Quarter - New Orleans, LA

During the week, I am always on the road and by midday, I am asking myself “what shall I eat for lunch?" Most of the time, I end up choosing the quick option to avoid wasting time at a sit-down restaurant, but frankly someone like me, who loves trying new restaurants and food, should take the time to enjoy a delicious meal!

NOLA restaurant is the creation of Emeril Lagasse, who is credited for introducing Cajun cuisine to the masses and despite having two restaurants in New Orleans and restaurants in other cities I have been, I never experienced the "Bam"!

Well, I finally experience it and the Prince Edward Island Mussels I ordered were some of the best I have ever had. The broth, made of Garlic and White Wine, was rocking and the housemade Andouille was perfection!

My dining partner ordered the Braised Pork Cheek Poboy and seemed to enjoy it!

Inticed by the dessert we spotted someone eating across the room, we went ahead and ordered the Warm Ooey Gooey Cake. Eating a warm dessert straight out of the over is like foreplay!

I do not know what took me so long but I am glad I finally got on the Emeril train! In addition to great food, the service is impeccable and the space (a renovated warehouse) is a cool dining environment.

NOLA Restaurant

534 St Louis St New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 522-6652 www.emerilsrestaurants.com/nola-restaurant

Kanno California Sushi Bar - Metairie, LA

I have eating at a handful of sushi restaurants in the Metaire/New Orleans area and so far they have all been pretty average. I am not saying the Kanno is any better or any greater, but the prices allow it to outshine the rest.

Although the location of the restaurant could be a turn off, once inside the small restaurant it offers a charming quality that makes you feel like you found the secret neighborhood joint (a diamond in the rough). Like most all other sushi restaurants there is a sushi bar where you can watch the chef work and a few tables of regular seating.

The restaurant may be small but the menu is pretty extensive. I started off with the Green Mussels DX which was pretty delightfully but was filled with more spicy mayo and "crab" than actual mussels.

To finish off my lunch, I ordered a half order of the Protein Roll. I wanted something without rice so I ordered this one. It was yummy, filling and also visually pretty!

My friend kept it simple and ordered the Spicy Tuna and another roll I forget the name of. She said she enjoyed the No Name Roll better but would definitely order both again.

It is unexplainable what makes this place so great but I definitely know that I liked it!

Fresh Salmon Roll

Yellow Tail Green Onion Roll

Kanno California Sushi Bar
3205 Edenborn Ave Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 455-5730