This is the fourth and final review in my New Orleans series. Please see my previous reviews on The Frenchmen Hotel, Snug Harbor Jazz, and New Orleans live jazz.

Another interesting place we came upon in the Marigny district was The Praline Connection. Known for their “down home” Cajun-Creole style ‘Soul Food’ at affordable prices, they have been written up in Elle, Southern Living, Travel and Leisure and others, and having received numerous awards as displayed on the wall.

We were not in need of a full meal, looking only for a snack as well as a place to get warm; it was now rather late into the evening having just attended one of the parades. Every one dining inside was enjoying themselves immensely while the wait staff all appeared to be having fun right along with them. We couldn’t help but be drawn into the place, having passed by it the previous evening.

Our charming waiter, Derrick, wearing a spiffy black fedora hat, black pants, white shirt and tie, the attire of all the waiters, arrived with a spirited jaunt to warmly greet us. He had personality plus, and even though the place was packed to the brim, he treated us as if we were his only customer.

Looking at the appetizers, we both choose an order of Fried Chicken Livers with Sweet Hot Pepper Jelly @$6.95, and a side of French Fries @$2.00. Derrick advised that we order only one side French Fries, stating it was a very large order that came on a big platter. We each choose a local Amber beer at $3.00.

Out the food came, and that platter of French Fries had to be enough to feed a family! I’ve never seen such a bargain! Each order of Chicken Livers arrived on a platter too. Not at all over cooked, and accentuated with the unusual jelly condiment, they were a rare treat. One order would have been more than plenty for the both of us. They were delicious and we ate every morsel, but leaving at least two-thirds the order of fries. This left us with no room for tasting their Bread Pudding with Praline Sauce $4.00, the Cheesecake with Praline Sauce $4.00 or the famous Pralines made on site.

Needless to say there are many places left for me to explore in New Orleans and this will not be final visit.

This is the third review in the New Orleans series. Please see my previous reviews on Crawfish Etouffee at Snug Harbor Jazz and The Frenchmen Hotel.

Every one in the dining area at Snug Harbor seemed to be having a great time enjoying their food and drink, and the separate bar location was now filled to over flowing with a well behaved crowd; a lot of martini’s were seen. Over hearing the music while in the dining room, we went in to explore, finding that the live jazz performance was in a separate location behind the bar/restaurant. We were allowed to take a peak inside, and while admission at $20 per person was well within range for the quality of entertainment, but having driven from Dallas that day into the evening, we were ready to call it a night and head back to our room. Check out the calendar on their website for their New Orleans live jazz lineup.

While walking back to our hotel, we came upon several other bars with jazz performances. Some were so-so, giving some of the locals a chance to show off their talents. As always in New Orleans, every one seemed to know each other making one wonder how many locals were there, or if just the over all atmosphere of this city seems to make every one friendly to each other. I was already feeling a part of this neighborhood, and I’d just arrived.

Stopping in at one of the bars, we were treated to a dance lesson between sets, open to any one willing to join in. It provided a great deal of entertainment as several of the participants had no rhythm at all. The instructor had quite a move going on, and was getting some what irritated with several of the participants acting crazy. He took his position rather seriously. Cozying up at the bar, drinking some local beer, I struck up a conversation with the bartender (always a fun thing to do), and learned more about the entertainment and location.

Stay tuned for the next review in my New Orleans series. Next up, The Praline Connection. Yum.

If you are a fan of Top Chef this is one of the coolest contests ever! I almost didn’t share it here so I had a better chance of winning but my nicer side gave in.

You can enter at topchefweekend.com for a chance to win a “Top Chef Weekend for 2 in Dallas”:

• Meet Casey Thompson, fan favorite from Top Chef season 3 and CJ from Top Chef season 3
• Welcome reception including a private tour of Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio’s restaurant, Craft
• Exclusive Top Chef Cookbook signing event hosted at Casey Thompson’s restaurant Shinsei
• Two nights at the W Hotel Dallas
• Tickets to the JFK Museum

From the official rules:

One (1) Grand Prize is available. The Grand Prize consists of:

A two-nights hotel accommodations at the W Hotel Dallas Victory Park for winner and one (1) guest, a Sponsor designated spa treatment at Bliss Spa in Dallas, two (2) admission tickets to the JKF Museum, an invitation to a welcome reception at the W, and invitation to a VIP reception at Shinsei, the opportunity for a meet and greet with Casey and CJ of Top Chef (subject to availability) and an autographed copy of the Top Chef Cookbook (Approximate retail value $1,500)

But don’t even bother entering because I already know I am going to win. I promise I’ll write a follow up blog post to let you all know how it went. Erh…I mean, Good Luck!

This is my second review in the New Orleans series. Please see my first review on The Frenchmen Hotel here.

Although we didn’t have a lot of time to explore the fine dining in New Orleans, and looking for a more laid back stop over, recommended by the front desk absolutely by far, we ventured down a block on Frenchmen Street to Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro.

Snug Harbor is a restaurant, bar, and music club featuring world class jazz music every night of the week. Snug Harbor is not a dinner theater; the dining room is separate from the music club. Little did we know how popular and well known this club was for renowned jazz performances.

With old original brick walls, the dining area was exactly what one would expect in this location. The menu included seafood, steaks and Classic Creole cuisine. BBQ Shrimp, Yellowfin Tuna, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etouffee, Beef Filet, Ribeye and Strip, the choices were all calling ‘order me’.

Asking the vivacious, efficient and knowledgeable server for her recommendations, she highly touted their version of the Crawfish Etouffee. Now having had more than my share of Etouffee in prior trips to New Orleans, I was prepared to try something else, but her description of their version with lemon infusion enticed me to once again order the standby.

I must say it was by far the best I’ve ever tasted. The flavors were so fresh and light, the lemon giving a definite but different and refreshing twist, taking it a level above anything ordinary.

Her recommendation of wine to complement the citrus was right on target. Having inquired about the featured wines listed on a wall board (which were not by any means cheap), she was not recommending them for quality compared to some others on their more than adequate regular list. Now this is what I admire in a server, and expect. Someone who goes above and beyond the take and order function that is so common today.

During a previous five day stay for Mardi Gras one year, I was on a mission to try as many versions as I could. It always amazes me as to how each establishment in New Orleans has their own unique version of this delicious treat.

Stay tuned for the next review in my New Orleans series. Next I review live jazz in New Orleans.