Now that holidays are behind us I’ll admit there has been a lot of blog post procrastination going on. In the hopes of finally wrapping up our Gulf Coast vacation from back in OCTOBER… I am kicking off the New Orleans portion of our trip with a restaurant post.

There’s a tremendous amount of good food in New Orleans and staying in a hotel on the edge of the French Quarter, it was pretty easy to get lazy and talk myself out of going to Uptown for brunch.  Luckily, an old friend was in town and was committed to shaping my first taste of this city. Lisa settled in New Orleans for a medical residency and though she now lives in Atlanta is still a regular visitor and dedicated Saints fan!  After dinners at Le Foret and Stella (both meals top of my list for 2010), Lisa convinced us that Patois was not to be missed. Shaking off Halloween Eve celebrations in a city that knows how to party, we climbed aboard the St. Charles streetcar and rumbled out on a sunny Sunday morning.
 

Patois is a little gem nestled in a residential neighborhood. Its presence is so unexpected, I thought we were were on the wrong block.  We usually never order this much for a late morning meal, but hey, we were on vacation! What an unforgettable dining experience. I’m so grateful that we found our way to Patois AND that there was enough natural light to take some photographs for you!

Local Yellow Squash, Vidalia Onion & Basil Soup with a Parmesan Crouton

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Oranges, Shaved Fennel, Hollygrove Arugula, Toasted Walnuts & a Citrus Vinaigrette

Mussels and Fries in a Smoky Tomato Broth with Saffron Aioli

Smoked Brisket Hash with Brussels Sprouts and Two Eggs Over Easy
Bloody Mary with pickled okra and green beans
On a side note: I’ve been converted to bloodies with lots of veggies. There is even a jar of smoked picked okra in our fridge right now. And no, it’s not slimy. It’s crunchy! C’mon over to our house for a bloody mary and cast your vote.

Shrimp and Anson Mills Grits with Onions, Poblano Peppers &  Sherry Vinegar Garlic Butter

Egg, Crispy Pork Belly & Fried Green Tomato Sandwich with Cheddar Cheese & Crystal Hot Sauce Aioli on Brioche.
Who ordered this stunning heart attack on a plate? Dr Lisa!

If you’re headed to New Orleans, click on over to Open Table and score a reservation at Patois. One of the true highlights of the trip was escaping the craziness of the Quarter and trading it in for a relaxed neighborhood spot with great food. There was James Carville having a leisurely meal over near the bar. The table next to ours? That’s right where superstar chefs Tom Colicchio, Eric Ripert, Wylie Dufresne and David Chang dined in their Treme cameo.  I wish I could roll out of bed every Sunday and walk to a great restaurant like Patois. I can’t wait to return. Next time it will be for dinner.

www.patoisnola.com