This is a time of year that could be called the doldrums, at least where dining is concerned. That’s been alleviated somewhat by Tales of the Cocktail, “the most spirited event of the summer,” celebrating its 6th anniversary July 16-20. Founded by Ann Tuennerman, it’s now attended by mixologists, aficionados, liquor company representatives and press from all over the world. There are dozens of events, including “spirited dinners” in which local chefs pair courses with the creations of “bar chefs,” a cocktail competition, as well as seminars, tastings and too many other events to relate in this space. Check the event’s Web site for more information: www.talesofthecocktail.com.
Goat is underappreciated in the U.S. It is a mild meat akin to veal that you can find at some Latino markets and at restaurants such as Salt & Pepper (400 Iberville St.) which will serve you goat in a masala, with spinach or in most other Indian/Pakistani iterations. You’ll also find the more common dishes from the subcontinent – Pulaos, Biryanis, Masalas and the like. It’s not as thorough a menu as some restaurants in the area, and the naan is nothing to write home about, but it’s hard to argue with the majority of the menu. The restaurant also serves seafood platters, poor boys and pizza. For, I suppose, those times you really want to eat goat but are dining with folks who want fried oysters. What? It happens.
One of the best local spots for poor boys I’ve found in a long time is hidden in Old Metairie. Radosta’s (249 Aris Ave.) is only a few blocks from Metairie Road but far enough to be off the beaten path. The neighborhood favorite has all the standards, and they’re done well – I’ve enjoyed fried shrimp and catfish, roast beef and even a ham and cheese poor boy lately. But Radosta’s is equally well known for sandwiches including Don’s Special, which is homemade Italian sausage with olive salad and melted provolone cheese. Radosta’s has a large dining area and stocks a pretty fair selection of liquors. So if you’re looking for a bottle of schnapps to accompany your sandwich, Radosta’s is a good choice.
New Orleans hasn’t had a restaurant serving German food on a regular basis in quite a while but that’s changed with the opening of Jager Haus (833 Conti St.) in the French Quarter. Although the owners are from the Czech Republic, the food is primarily what you’d find at a casual Bavarian restaurant, with a few nods towards Germany’s neighbors to the east, such as Goulash, or Moldau trout, which pairs the fish with a sauce seasoned with caraway seeds. On a recent visit, I enjoyed a pork and sauerkraut goulash that was served with very tender spaetzle. You won’t find much in the way of sausage plates at Jager Haus but other standard German fare, such as Schnitzel, is available. The desserts are pretty standard – German chocolate cake, apple strudel and bread pudding but there’s one curveball: Jagermeister ice cream. It’s certainly good to have a German restaurant back in New Orleans.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email Peyton: rdpeyton@gmail.com.
