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.