Emeril ' s Gumbo
journey building upon flavors and complexities of his refined New Orleans fare . Sophisticated snacks include caviar , rabbit rillettes with pickled vegetables , truffle burrata with truffle vinaigrette and smoked blue cheese with endive . Tempting à la carte starters include gulf crudo with holy trinity , seafood boil gelée and Creole rice crisps , baked diver scallops with brown butter leeks and lemon herb butter , lobster cannelloni with celeriac , chestnut mushrooms , truffle and creamy bisque mornay and the ever-popular Emeril ’ s BBQ shrimp with rosemary biscuit . Mouthwatering mains run the gamut , from andouille-crusted salmon to prime filet with bone marrow and black garlic bordelaise . Other favorites include butter poached halibut with ginger miso bok choy , braised shiitake and shiitake dashi , roasted pork loin with sweet potato , tamarind glaze and green chili mole and grilled whole fish with crab hushpuppies , bitter greens , warm remoulade and smoked trout roe . Be sure to save room for the heavenly chocolate soufflé with orange semifreddo and Grand Marnier Suzette , or Caribbean sweet potato tart with ginger ice cream and pineapple gastrique . Emeril ’ s boasts one of the finest wine programs in town , as well as an extensive craft cocktail selection . Choose from classics , soft cocktails , after-dinner and original signature options like the Moon Rabbit ( a blend of gin , yuzu , ginger shiso and sparkling sake ), or the Second Glance ( Pisco , sherry , bergamot , lychee and bitter almond ). While there is no shortage of exceptional fine dining in the Big Easy , Emeril ’ s continues to be the crème de la crème !
FRITAI HAITIAN STREET FOOD 1535 Basin St . | fritai . com
After spending six years as one of the most popular food vendors at the St . Roch Market , Chef / Owner Charly Pierre took the leap of faith and opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant located on Basin Street in the Tremé area , just up the street from Mahalia Jackson Theater . The unassuming , casual eatery is filled with colorful artwork and amazing aromas of Haitian spices from star anise and nutmeg to spicy peppers . Naturally plantains take center stage in several dishes , most notably in their uniquely delicious Fritai sandwich , wherein crispy pork , avocado , mango sauce and pikliz ( a traditional Haitian pickled vegetable relish ) are layered between two fried plantains . Tasty starters include grilled shrimp pikliz , tossed with citrus and avocado and served with fried green plantains ; or the mirliton salad , a flavorful blend of fresh greens , shaved mirliton , red onions , grilled carrots , candied plantains and herb vinaigrette . Don ’ t miss the finger-licking good , perfectly crisped fried chicken wings marinated in epis ( a flavor base commonly used in Haitian dishes made of onions , fresh herbs , peppers , garlic , lime juice , oil and vinegar ). Choose from several tasty wing options , such as spicy mango with avocado dip and Creole buffalo with ranch . House specials include shrimp kreyol ( local shrimp braised in Creole sauce served with rice , green plantains and pikliz ), Catch of the Day ( whole fish marinated in epis , dusted in flour and roasted , served with rice and beans ,
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