My Top 10 Meals Of 2013

10) Charcoal's Gourmet Burger Bar - New Orleans, LA

Burgers are dime a dozen, but a Turkey burger that tastes this good definitely leaves an impression.

9) Etta's Seafood Restaurant - Seattle, WA

Seattle is all about fresh seafood and while I was there, I took advantage. I had a lot of great food, but the Creamy Clam Chowder was one to remember.

8) Uvas Restaurant - Miami, FL

Sadly since I went this place had shut it doors, but I will always remember their Grilled Mahi-Mahi.

7) NOLA Restaurant - New Orleans, LA

I am in love with mussels and these Prince Edward Island Mussels had the best preparation I had all year.

6) Buddha Sushi Bar - Miami, FL

The Salmon Bola is a unique dish to describe, but regardless it is frickin delicious.

5) Central BBQ - Memphis, TN

I have never been to the actually restaurant and only got a little tease at a festival, but these BBQ Ribs have stayed on my mind.

4) Mojitos Rum Bar & Grill - New Orleans, LA

I'm Jamaican and even I was very impressed by these Jerk Chicken Skewers.

3) Restaurant Michael Schwartz - Miami Beach, FL

Miami Beach is for tourist and thus is full of a lot of bad food, and then to eat Steak Frites that is super good in an area that is saturated with this dish, it is a winner to me.

2) Maximo's Italian Grill - New Orleans, LA

I was unsure what to order and went out on a limb and ordered the New Zealand Lamb Rack and bottom line, I never knew lamb could taste this good.

1) Iris Restaurant - New Orleans, LA

The Duck Confit was one of the best things I have EVER eaten, but I got engaged that night so that is what makes this an automatic #1.

Destination Grand Lux Cafe: Cream of Chicken Soup, Asian Nachos, Crispy Calamari, Brie Wontons, Warm Rustic Apple Pie

Cream of Chicken Soup

Chicken, mushrooms, potatoes

Decent soups at restaurants such as this are hard to come by, so by those standards, it is really good and if you are a soup kind of person, it is surely worth the try.

Asian Nachos

Crispy Fried Wontons Covered with Chicken in a Sweet-Hot Peanut Sauce. Topped with Wasabi Cream and Melted Cheese

These nachos are an addiction for me. It is more sweet than spicy, but I could eat this all the time. 

Crispy Calamari 

Tender Calamari Served with Warm Marinara Sauce

It has a light batter that made it more airy than heavy and that is how I like it.

Brie Wontons 

Crispy Wrappers Filled with Creamy Brie Cheese, Fresh Pineapple and Caramelized Onion Marmalade

There wasn't anything really special about it, after all it is just cheese, but it was crispy and when it comes to fried, you cannot ask for anything more than that.

Warm Rustic Apple Pie 

Baked when you order it! Flaky Sugared Crust Filled with Fresh Apples and Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel

It was awesome! If all else fails, you can always rely on delicious baked to order desserts at Grand Lux. Apple pies are typically not my thing but the crust was so flaky and tasty it could make you head spin.

Cochon Butcher - Central Business District - New Orleans, LA

My first Cochon's experience and it didn't disappoint. Of course, I got the Muffaletta and it was excellent. I have had Muffalettas at other places before and never really loved it but the one at Cochon Butcher works. The bread here is a lot softer and fluffier than the others places (which is why I never really loved this sandwich) and they toast it which makes it so much better. Since Cochon Butcher is not only a sandwich joint but also a butcher shop, the meat itself was on point, well-seasoned, and absolutely delicious!!

I also tried the Pastrami. Do not know what is was, but it was far better than the average pastrami sandwich. I have had the great New York pastrami sandwich piled high with meat and even that wasn't a contender when it came to the flavor of the pastrami meat at Cochon Butcher.

I was surprised to find tasty, sweet morsels at a butcher shop. I tried the bacon praline, which I was not a fan of, but the cookies are awesome!!

This location is pretty small so don't expect to find anyplace to sit down and eat your lunch in peace. Also, be ready to stand in line, especially during lunch. The staff here is pretty nice considering how busy they are. 

A superb find.


Cochon Butcher
930 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 588-7675
www.cochonbutcher.com