We recently saw a PBS special on WYES that covered some of the wonderful Latin restaurants in New Orleans. Here are some of the ones they covered where we have eaten. I should add that New Orleans also several great Spanish restaurants such as Lola and Barcelona Tapas. They will be covered in another post.
La Boca in a great Argentine steak house. We had a steak with three sauces, parsley, garlic, roasted red pepper, Creole mustard and fries. We also had Ñoqui “La Boca” - Potato Dumplings with Pancetta, Peas & Cream; Ensalada de Fresas - Wild Arugula, Pontchatoula Strawberries, Goat Cheese, Butter Fried Onions with Spiced Almond Vinaigrette; and Dulce de Leche Ice Cream. La Boca is located at 870 Tchoupitoulas St, (504) 525-8205
Canal Street Bistro offers gourmet Mexican fare. We had gone twice as it is really good. We have had their Duck Crepe with homemade crepe, duck confit, mole pipian, roasted pumpkin seeds, queso fresco; Lamb Chops with two grilled lamb chops, lime-soy marinade, roasted poblano potatoes, chimichurri, TTequila Shrimp with large gulf shrimp, tequila chipotle cream sauce, crostini; Tomato based seafood soup; and coconut flan. Canal Street Bistro is located at 3903 Canal St, (504) 482-1225
Borgne provides Louisiana coastal seafood in the style of Los Islenlos. It is part of the John Besh group. We had gone twice for their happy hour tapas. crushed Creole tomatoes, roasted lamb, cerviche, catfish sliders. On a second visit we had grilled oysters, duck and andounie gumbo, lamb shoulder in sauce, Serrano and burrata toasts. Borgne is located at 601 Loyola Ave, (504) 613-3860
Ideal Market is a grocery store with several locations. We went to the one in Mid-City. They have delicious hot dishes to go. We had yellow rice and roast pork with brown sauce. We also brought home some of their flan, gucamole, and galletas. Ideal Market is located at 250 S. Broad.
SoBou provides Louisiana Street Food Inspired Small Plates by Juan Carlos Gonzalez We had Yellowfin Tuna Cones with pineapple ceviche & basil avocado ice cream; Sweet Potato Beignets with foie gras fondue, duck debris & chicory coffee ganache; gumbo; crawfish remoulade salad; flourless dark chocolate molten cake, white chocolate ice cream, salted milk chocolate pecan brittle and caramelized cocoa nibs. SoBou is located at 315 Chartes Street 504-552-4095.
Baru Bistro & Tapas offers traditional cuisine of the Caribbean coast of Colombia and South America. We have been twice. The first time we had the Ostras - Deep-fried Louisiana oysters/ cilantro aioli/ caramelized onions, three cheese Arepas, Camaron - Coriander crusted Louisiana shrimp/ mango/ julienned red onion/ avocado/ tomato/ greens/ citrus vinaigrette, flan. But we did not take pictures. The second time (shone below) we hadmCeviche: Gulf fish / aji amarillo / cilantro / pickled onions / avocado / choclo / lime; Langostinos: Colombian-style La. shrimp remoulade; Ostras Fritas: Cornmeal crusted oysters / cilantro aioli / caramelized onions; Mazorca:Roasted corn / salao cheese / pink sauce / potato stick; Camaron: Coriander-crusted La. shrimp / mango / julienned red onion / avocado / tomato / greens / citrus vinaigrette. Baru is located at 3700 Magazine St, (504) 895-2225.
There are some other great Latin restaurants not covered in the PBS special. Here are two others that we have tried.
La Macarena is a Salavadarian restaurant that we have been to on several times. It is BYOB. Dishes we have enjoyed include: Tamalitos de cerdo especiales - Hand-pulled shredded pork stuffed mini tamales; Shrimp & Loroco Cheese Pupusas; Ceviche de camarones pequeño; Rellenitos de yuca especiales; Shrimp, mushroom & cheese stuffed yucca dumplings; and their homemade Spanish Flan. I did a painting of the flan with two spoons that is now hanging there as part of their permanent collection along with some other paintings for sale see at bottom of the photos. La Macarena is located at 8120 Hampson St, (504) 862-5252
Cane & Table is Latin themed bar with excellent small plates. We had their Crispy Rum Ribs - Truebridge Duroc Pork. El Dorado 3 Year Rum. Papaya Chutney. Sambol, cerviche – drum and shrimp, Cauliflower Paella - Maitake Mushrooms. Crispy Brussel Sprouts. Capers, Home-Made Tostones. Mojo Mayo. Cane & Table is located at 1113 Decatur St, (504) 581-1112
The Rum House serves Caribbean island food. We had their two dollar tacos at happy hour. We shared the following: brisket with Chimichurri, drizzle of bbq sauce, cilantro and fried shallots; Snow pea & carrot slaw, Clement creole shrub rhum sauce and crispy duck crackling; Cornmeal dusted Louisiana oysters, caper relish and spicy remoulade; Red curried lamb, mint yogurt chutney, sliced plantains; Beer battered Mahi Mahi with jalapeño coleslaw; Island marinated flank steak, guacamole and lime cream. It is located at 3128 Magazine (504) 941-7560.
