Pascal’s Manale is best known for being the creator of barbecued shrimp. The 98-year-old restaurant has been in the same family for four generations, serving up seafood dishes, Italian specialties and steaks.
Co-owner Sandy DeFelice’s favorite dishes are the veal parmesan, the steak and one of their originals: the combination pan roast – which is shrimp, oysters and crabmeat pureed with onions, celery and seasoning, baked in a casserole with bread. This summer Pascal’s Manale will host culinary specials, which offer three courses for about $30 from July until September.
The restaurant is open Monday through Friday for lunch and Monday through Saturday for dinner. It is usually closed on Sundays, but it will be open for Mother’s Day, offering a special menu for the occasion.
Information, 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877
– Natalia Le
Tasting menu at The Grill Room
In the hands of Executive Chef Drew Dzejak, The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel offers a six-course tasting menu that changes nightly. Inspired by a variety of locations, including southeastern United States, Europe and Asia, Dzejak creates a “Progressive Continental” cuisine with fresh ingredients. The restaurant was awarded the Four Star and Four Diamond dining awards from Forbes Travel Guide and AAA, respectively.
Dzejak will be participating in the upcoming New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. On Friday, May 27, he will showcase his dish, Gulf shrimp with watermelon, lemon grass, cilantro and Rainier olive oil (pictured) for the “Grand Tasting.” He will also participate in the “Eat, Stay, Love” seminar the following day with other chefs running restaurants in local hotels.
Information, Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 523-6000, www.grillroomneworleans.com.
– Samantha Hyde
Blue Frog and the cocoa bean
Aztec legend says it was the god of delight, Xocolati, that helped humans discover the cocoa bean. The god appeared to the tribe as a blue frog. Now, New Orleans has its own Blue Frog selling its chocolate confections on Magazine Street. Blue Frog Chocolates offers classic favors such as truffles and toffee as well as local inspired creations including chocolate dipped Zapp’s potato chips and milk chocolate Louisiana alligators. The Blue Frog team can also customize an event in its small party room.
This summer, patrons can sip “icy hot chocolate.” This colder version of the winter staple taste like the warmer variety without the heat. This dessert comes in numerous flavors including Decadent Dark Chocolate (pictured), Vanilla Bean and Praline Caramel and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Information, 5707 Magazine St., 269-5707, www.bluefrogchocolates.com.
– Samantha Hyde
