January at Muriel’s
801 Chartres St., 568-9795, Muriels.com
January may be a quiet and cold month in other cities, but not in New Orleans. Take Muriel’s in Jackson Square for example. Founded in 1718 at the same time as the city, it’s one of the oldest and most historic restaurants in the country and is open seven days a week.
Executive chef Gus Martin, who has worked in many of the city’s top eateries, produces fresh and fantastic interpretations of this city’s best-loved dishes. The Sunday Brunch with a jazz trio is almost an institution in itself.
Audubon Clubhouse:
Two Local “Greats” In One
6500 Magazine St., 212-5452, AudubonInstitute.org/visit/Clubhouse-Cafe
The beautiful Acadian-style home that houses the Audubon Clubhouse Café has been a bit of an insider’s secret. Lately, more people have realized it combines two of New Orleans’ “greats.” Sitting on its veranda is a wonderful way to take in the serenity of Audubon Park but all the while you can be sampling some of the city’s favorite culinary dishes. With Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras coming up in the new year, the clubhouse will play host to lots of visitors and locals alike.
Zea’s Seafood Season Menu
Multiple locations, ZeaRestaurants.com
There will be a Special Seafood Menu at Zea’s from Feb. 13 through May 5, 2013. A returning favorite is the Asian Sesame Oysters, plump Louisiana oysters fried crisp and laced with a ginger sauce, Asian chili glaze and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. New this year are the Alligator Tacos: crispy fried alligator tossed in a spicy red pepper salsa, garnished with a sweet vinegar slaw, cilantro onion relish and an avocado Serrano crème. We also heard that the folks behind Zea are working on a whole new concept … watch this space!
