I’ve had the idea for this blog posting in my mental
archives for a while, and it recently sprung up again when a friend asked me to
provide a list of “must do” experiences in the Big Easy. Who knew people actually thought I know what
I’m talking about?
Anyway, if you’re going to try one of New Orleans’
signature dishes, why not consider a place that names itself after it? Talk about putting your reputation on the
line … And in the case of the Gumbo Shop, their reputation is well
deserved.
You’ll find the Gumbo Shop in the heart of the French Quarter on Rue St. Peter, about a block and a half below Bourbon. Try to get courtyard seating if the weather’s bearable.
As for the food, it’s not all about the gumbo, of
course. One reason I try to make a stop
here on every vacation is because I believe it’s one of the more affordable
restaurants to get quality traditional Creole and Cajun dishes in the
Quarter. It’s also a great place to
indoctrinate someone new to the city on its staple dishes.
For instance, a combination platter of shrimp Creole,
jambalaya and red beans and rice will run you just $13.99 today. Personally, I think their shrimp Creole is a
little hit and miss, but I’ve never been disappointed with the other
items. Their fish dishes and crawfish
etouffee are just as excellent.
If you come in with a large appetite like I’ve been known
to do, you must try their complete Creole dinner, currently running about
$25. For this price, you get to try a
cup of the gumbo, a signature main entrée (the combination platter is even one
of the choices!), your choice of side (I recommend the cream spinach or the
macque choux corn, which is some of the best I’ve ever had) and dessert. And if you miss out on their bread pudding
with whiskey sauce, then you’re just not thinking right.
When you do turn your attention to the gumbo, however,
you’ll realize this really probably is what they do best. There’s a reason why Gumbo Shop has won the
annual local readership poll in Gambit Weekly, New Orleans’ alternative weekly
newspaper, every year since 1999. They
must know how to make a damn good roux and how to use just the right amount of
file powder. I prefer the seafood okra
gumbo over the other varieties. Regardless
of which gumbo I have, though, I’m always savoring more as soon as I empty my
cup.
And, if you’re looking for something different, try the
gumbo z’herbes. Not every restaurant has
it, at least not year around. It’s usually
a meatless gumbo made with a variety of greens, which originated as the gumbo
of choice during Lent when meat was not allowed. Ah, you have to love how New Orleans embraces
– and finds its way around – Catholic traditions. After all, in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is
king, and it seems like Ash Wednesday is an afterthought.
One more tip: the
drinks are good and stiff here, too. Go
the traditional route, and order a sazerac.
Well, there you have it.
I guess it’s more of an endorsement than a review. But I like what I like, and I’m unapologetic
about it. Next time, I’ll try to catch
up on more of last month’s travels in northern Illinois.
No comments:
Post a Comment