I was thrilled to learn that my Foodbuzzz 24×24 proposal had been selected this month … and truly honored to be part of the group celebrating the richness of the Gulf Coast culinary history and scene. In addition to a great excuse to gather together for a party and eat delicious food, Foodbuzz generously donated $250 on our behalf to the Greater New Orleans Foundation for the fishermen and their families affected by the Gulf oil disaster.
I recently returned to New Orleans for my high school reunion. While I was there I visited some of my favorite restaurants. My dinner party concept was a progressive dinner based on recreating dishes from a few of them, a different course from each restaurant.
I started at Bayona, a beautiful restaurant in the French Quarter housed in a 200 year old cottage with a gorgeous lush courtyard. Susan Spicer is the proprietress and chef at Bayona. My good friend Beth Amadon and I enjoyed their lovely “Saturday Light Lunch”, a 3 course prix fixe lunch featuring appetizer sized portions that are great to share.
My inspiration dishes from Bayona were the starters, the Arugula Salad with Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Cheese
and Smoked Duck, Peanut-Cashew Butter and Grilled Onions in Puff Pastry with Pepper Jelly.
My next stop was Jacques Imo’s. Jacques Imo’s is a crazy, fun, funky restaurant Uptown. I went with my friends (who are really like family) Stone and Maya. Getting there is half the fun. Take the St. Charles streetcar through the Garden District and Uptown past the grand mansions and stately oaks and get off at Oak Street. A few blocks down you’ll find Jacques Imo’s. (Click here for more about Jacque Imo’s)
My inspiration dish from Jacques Imo’s was the incredibly over the top flavorful Blackened Redfish with Crab Chili Hollandaise.
For dessert, I stopped at one of my tried and true favorites, the Palace Cafe. It is one of the famous Brennan family restaurants. It’s located in the old Weirlein music building on Canal Street.
My inspiration dish from the Palace Cafe was my all time favorite dessert EVER … real Bananas Foster, flambeed tableside.
So with a bevy of inspiration, I headed back to San Francisco and started scheming and planning and shopping and cooking.
Last night 14 friends gathered to celebrate each other, the Gulf Coast, New Orleans and all that is good in life. Our friend Jill, an accomplished chef in her own right, helped me cook all day Saturday. Deb ran around getting our last minute supplies and taking on the lion’s share of the hosting activities while Jill and I cooked. And Lenore took tons of photos. Thanks Jill, Deb and Lenore … I couldn’t have done it without you!
The menu (click on the links to view the recipes with step by step directions):
Classic Lime Daiquiris with a Twist (a little lagniappe in honor of the Tales of the Cocktail Festival in New Orleans this weekend). There is also a non-alcoholic sparkling limeade version.
Smoked Duck “PBJ” in Puff Pastry with Pepper Jelly
Arugula Salad with Watermelon, Cucumber, Mint and Feta Cheese
Blackened Catfish with Tabasco Buerre Blanc
The party was a huge delicious success and it was wonderful to know that our participation is helping those affected by the Gulf oil disaster. In addition to the money that Foodbuzz donated in our name, the guests donated an additional $310 to the GNO Foundation.
How lovely of you to share your visit with us! I was there in April and plan to return next year for FQF. Went for the first trip in 08, fell in love and can’t stop going back. Haven’t been to Herbsaint or Jacque Imo’s yet, but they are on the short list. I can’t get enough of Cochon, Stella’s, Brigtsen’s… the list goes on. Each time I return I swear I will eat more and dally less…
Glad you enjoyed it Angela. I’ve never been to the FQF but hear it’s fabulous. You MUST try Jacques Imo’s next time you’re in town. Yes … the list does go on that’s why I’ve taken to eating some of my meals in a progressive fashion, meaning I eat an appetizer at one place, dinner at another and dessert at another. But I’m always missing out on something.
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What an impressive and delicious spread! Great job!
Thanks Heather. It was great fun and wonderful to be able to share the experience.
the meat pastry w peanut-cashew butter sounds yum! I’ve been watching the HBO series Treme and longing for a trip the Crescent City.
Hey Gigi! I remember back in college how wonderfully you used to describe the dinners you attended or even the latest restaurant you found. Thank you for continuing to share your passion with us all especially this latest trip! I will refer to this next time I go to New Orleans!!!
Thanks for covering this, Gigi! It was completely silly and torturous of me to read this before lunch!! I’ve always loved Bayona, and if you say Jacque Imo’s is great, I’ll have to put that on the list for my next trip.
Loved the article, loved the lucious food pics… every time I read one of your Lucious Temple blog posts, Gigi, I crave something spectacular and delicious!
Wow simply amazing! I can’t wait to share and try some of these recipes. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I am looking forward to following along on your site to learn more. Thank you very much Gigi and Bless you for helping out the Fisherman and their families!
Wow! Your menu sounds amazing! The photos are great – made me want to lick the screen. Beautiful!
Hey Gigi what a fun way to share your passion! I can’t wait to try out the recipes (especially the Bananas Foster). It was definitely a highlight in my afternoon to sit and read your blog. Great pictures and story. I look forward to reading more!!!
During my last trip to New Orleans I had the unfortunate luck to visit a couple of forgettable restaurants. Next time I’ll remember to check with you first — I’m sure your recommendations will make my trip memorable!
Ed, next time you’re heading to New Orleans definitely drop me a line. I know the city well and love to share it with people visiting.
NOLA looks like so much fun. It’s been years since I have been there! Great dinner and that’s awesome you made the contribution.
More please, I love the pictures and enjoy reading your blog, this is a must do for me after this!
That was so much fun to read and be reminded of the wonderful food, friends and cause. Thanks for hosting such a nice evening. Alex, my 4 month old son can’t wait until he can join in with all the culinary treats. You are an inspiration to explore your passions and go for it!
I’m so glad you and your little 4 month old date were here! It was great to share the evening with you Claire (as always).
How lovely and impressive, Gigi! Junior and I quite enjoy watching certain of the food network shows, as well as Top Chef. We’ll keep a watch out for you; never say never!
The food looked delicious and made me miss home! I bet your friends loved that you shared your experiences with them. I liked how you also added the history of places as most people won’t know these facts. Good luck with all of this. Great job!!
New Orleans food it the best. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful foods. I am drooling.
Caryl
It is the best, isn’t it. I remember all the food we used to cook up for block parties and neighborhood dinners. So much fun!
Oh so good…food that I really miss
What a spectacular meal and very inspirational… However, I think I will be a couch potato and just enjoy vicariously.
Hi Gigi,
I LOVE Bayona. btw, I’m planning a fund raising tasting event here in Los Angeles to benefit the Gulf Relief Network. Want to drive down the coast and participate- early October.
Lovely! If it’s not between September 19 and October 22, I just may drive down and join you. Keep me posted.