Barrilleaux
uncomplicated , elegant , yet inviting . Book a seat at the chef ’ s dining bar to watch the magic happen up close and in person , or dine al fresco on the balcony overlooking bustling Decatur Street . The aptly named Cook appears to have another winner on his masterful culinary hands !
ZHANG BISTRO 1141 Decatur St . | zhangbistronola . com
Blending the bold flavors of traditional Thai and Chinese cuisines , the stylish Decatur Street restaurants is one of the most recent additions to the French Quarter ’ s expanding ethnic dining scene . Zhang Bistro , which opened in June of 2021 , is a friends and family passion project . Co-owners Peter Zhang and fiancée Ashley Li , along with long-time family friend Lily Rueangnuy —“ We consider her to be family ,” says Ashley — decided to blend the best of Chinese and Thai cuisines at their new French Quarter eatery . Peter and Ashley were both born in China and Lily spent several years living in Thailand . Ashley ’ s father , Wei Li , who was a trained chef in China , brings decades of experience to the kitchen as the main chef of the Chinese side of the menu , while Lily handles the Thai side . Together they have created the perfect fusion of flavors . Whether you ’ re craving a Chinese classic like General Tso ’ s chicken , sweet and sour or lo mein , or traditional Thai including green curry , Pad Thai and drunken noodles , you ’ re sure to find something to excite your palate . Tempting starters include a spicy cucumber salad with crunchy garlic chili sauce , chicken coconut
16 | The French Quarterly soup infused with lemongrass , galangal root and fresh cilantro , and steamed dumplings stuffed with pork , ginger , garlic , green onion , egg and cabbage in rice paper . Don ’ t miss the chicken wings fried super crispy with salt and pepper nestled atop a spicy mélange of sautéed basil , onion , red chili and jalapeño . The signature whole-roasted Peking duck with sweet bean sauce is a true labor of love ! Chef Wei marinates the duck for 24 hours , allows it to air dry , then slow roasts it for three hours , resulting in delightfully crispy skin and tender , succulent meat . Other tasty main dishes , like the Thai style BBQ shrimp ( with bok choy and carrot atop curry sauce ), the fiery dry red chili chicken ( with garlic and green onion ) and spicy hot wok ( choice of chicken , beef , shrimp or combo served at your table in a hot wok with onion , green pepper , cauliflower , jalapeño and garlic tossed in spicy brown sauce ) are sure to please . Veggie fans will adore the eggplant in garlic sauce with hot peppers and green onions , and the stir-fried string beans and garlic in black bean sauce . Another thing that sets the restaurant apart is its cocktail program , which Ashley oversees . The Zhang Old Fashioned is a crowd pleaser , while the Cucumber Basil Smash — a refreshing blend of cucumber vodka , St . Germain , muddled cucumber and fresh basil — perfectly harmonizes with the flavorsome , spicy cuisine . Look for seasonal cocktails during the holidays and Mardi Gras and check out the Asian Lunch Box for only $ 12 , weekdays from 11:30 a . m . until 3 p . m ., with choice of entrée , veggie egg roll and Jasmine or egg fried rice .