K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen 416 Chartres St New Orleans, LA 70130 Dining date: 6/10/15 K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen opened in New Orleans’ French Quarter in 1979 and has been an institution ever since. Opened by chef Paul Prudhomme (and wife Kay) after helming the kitchen of Commander’s Palace, K-Paul’s has been serving creole/cajun favorites that haven’t changed…
Chi Spacca 6610 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 Dining date: 6/6/15 I was at Chi Spacca just a couple of months prior but returned to introduce the restaurant to some others that had heard great things. It’s a perfect spot for a carnivorous group such as us. Given the format of the menu (primarily large…
Lüke 333 St. Charles Ave New Orleans, LA 70130 Dining date: 6/9/15 Luke was our first dinner in New Orleans. It’s a John Besh restaurant, one of the most notable chefs in the city with over half a dozen restaurants in town. We had a larger group this evening, so Luke’s proximity to the convention…
Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas St New Orleans, LA 70130 Dining date: 6/11/15 Cochon was one of the most oft-mentioned restaurants when I fielded New Orleans restaurant recommendations. Both locals and visitors alike have taken a liking to chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski’s ode to the pig. True to the restaurant’s name the menu is pork-heavy, but…
Commander’s Palace 1403 Washington Ave New Orleans, LA 70130 Dining date: 6/11/15 Commander’s Palace might be the most famous restaurant in New Orleans. It’s been a fine dining staple in the the city’s Garden District since the late 1800’s. It’s helped launch the careers of some of the city’s most notable chefs including Paul Prudhomme…
Redd Wood 6755 Washington St Yountville, CA 94599 Dining date: 5/24/15 Yountville might as well be called Kellerville from a food perspective since Thomas Keller’s restaurants here clearly dominate the national headlines (and for good reason). However, Yountville is home to many other recognized chefs and restaurants including this one. Redd Wood opened in 2012,…
Addendum 6476 Washington St Yountville, CA 94599 Dining date: 5/25/15 Addendum opened in 2011 behind Ad Hoc serving picnic favorites on Thursdays through Saturdays for lunch (Spring/Summer only). It’s easily the most approachable way to try some of Thomas Keller’s food in Yountville since it doesn’t require making a reservation and is very family-friendly. Food is…
The French Laundry 6640 Washington St Yountville, CA 94599 Dining date: 5/24/15 I’ve been lucky enough to visit The French Laundry a handful of times. It’s always a memorable experience with delicious food, precise execution, and warm service. This most recent visit was thanks to a reservation I was able to obtain when the restaurant’s reservation…