The Big Easy is truly a Louisiana gem, and not only is it a great place to visit for a myriad of reasons, it is also home to some of the most unique wining and dining experiences in the world.
The indigenous cuisine is distinctive and in uential. From centuries of incorporating local Creole and New Orleans French cuisines, New Orleans food has developed. Local ingredients, French, Spanish, Italian, African, Native American and Cajun combine to produce a truly unique and easily recognizable Louisiana avor – de nitely a trip worth taking for great wine and food!
The Grill Room at Windsor Court has received numerous awards for dining excellence and offers a stunning menu from breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch weekdays and Saturday and dinner.
There is a tasting menu that will satisfy the novice and the connoisseur with food and wine perfectly paired by the sommelier. The Ultimate Chef’s Tasting is an exemplary sampling of the executive chef’s creative approach to contemporary Southern cuisine. In 11 fabulous courses, wines are selected by Sara Kavanaugh, sommelier, to complement the meal perfectly. In addition, don’t forget to check out the menu at the Polo Lounge – casual dining at its best. Dining at The Grill Room at Windsor Court is a New Orleans tradition that is always a memorable experience.
The cellar touts ne wines from Old World and New World, and there are more than 25 wines offered by the glass. The wine offerings are more than spectacular. A full variety of Old World wines to some of our favorite New World. Prices range from $40-plus to more than $3,000 for a bottle of wine; select your favorite French Burgundy. And the Bordeaux selections are just as impressive. However, don’t discount the New World selections. Some of our favorites included pinot noirs from Oregon like Bergstrom, Cumberland Reserved, Willamette Valley or Martinelli, Moonshine Ranch, Russian River Valley; and there are fabulous choices like Hanzell, Sebella, Sonoma Valley or Peter Michael, Ma Belle-Fille, Sonoma Coast.
Another choice for your dining pleasure is M Bistro, located in The Ritz Carlton on Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter. Their fare includes such Louisiana favorites as barbecue shrimp and grits, oysters Rockefeller, farmers’ market salad and blackened red sh. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner under the guidance of Executive Chef Thierry Connault, a native of France, and Chef Frank Gray. Wines offered are delectable – so many to choose from – so many favorites! To name a few: Veuve Clicquot Brut, “La Grande Dame,” champagne; J. Hofstatter, pinot grigio, “Joseph,” Alto Adige, Italy; Flowers, chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Calif.; Patz and Hall, pinot noir, “Jenkins Ranch,” Sonoma Coast, Calif. and Shafer, cabernet sauvignon, “One Point Five,” Stag Leap District, Calif. This is truly a grand hotel where you can experience New Orleans old-style opulence at its best.
Bistro Daisy, located on Magazine Street in Uptown is a delightful place, which opened in the summer of 2007. A quaint eatery nestled in the heart of Uptown New Orleans. Named for the daughter of owners Anton and Diane Schulte, they offer fresh and seasonal as well as many local ingredients. Their awardwinning dishes and charming atmosphere have made it a local’s favorite. Try the saute of Gulf shrimp in pancetta with toasted basil beurre blanc, and the wine list offers many delectable choices of whites, reds and champagne and sparkling wines.
In 2005 Cafe Amelie, named after the mother of Princess Alice (born in 1858 in New Orleans), the rst American princess of Monaco, opened its doors. Nestled in the historic 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House on Royal Street in the French Quarter, Café Amelie is a rare combination of superb Louisiana fare served in a lush, enchanting New Orleans courtyard. Known for having one of the most beautiful and romantic courtyards in the Quarter, patrons may dine al fresco or inside the lovely air-conditioned dining rooms within the historic Carriage House. Open Wednesday through Sundays, Cafe Amelie has received rave reviews. You will nd loyal wine favorites such as David Bruce, Petite Sirah, Calif.; Cloudy Bay, sauvignon blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand and Flor, Prosecco, Fleur de Lis, Italy. Charming and delicious!
Cheers!
Roxanne Bosserman has called Shreveport home since 1977 when she began a career with IBM. Although not a Louisiana native, her love for food, friends and wine has made the Bayou State her “perfect home.” Carol Gekakis is a Shreveport native and lives — for the most part — in Perdido Key, Fla. Both women have served as president of the Southern Trace Wine Club.
