This year, J & I dined at a New Orleans institution, Arnaud’s in the historic French Quarter.
Prior to dinner, J & I had pre-dinner cocktails at Hermes Bar at Antoine's, another institution in the Quarter.
With reservations at 9:00 PM, we were seated in Arnaud’s main dining room which was decorated to the “t” with gold burnished magnolia garlands and huge magnolia wreaths lining the lead glass windows.
Located just off of Bourbon Street, Arnaud’s offers Creole cuisine and exemplary service in a beautifully restored turn of the century dining room. Since its inception in 1918, Arnaud’s is a New Orleans classic.
After a round of cocktails, Glen Livet and Ginger Ales, we ordered the famous potato soufflés. O-M-G! Light and airy, the soufflés are delicious.
We each started with a different appetizer to share. I had the Shrimp Arnaud(Their signature dish. Gulf Shrimp marinated in famous tangy Creole Remoulade Sauce) while J ordered the Oyster Arnaud (One of each of their baked oysters- oysters Bienville, oysters Suzette, oysters Kathryn, oysters Ohan, oysters Rockefeller. Both were plated beautifully and tasted divine.
I then had the shrimp bisque soup while J had the seafood gumbo. Both were some of the best we had tasted around New Orleans.
For our main entree, I selected the tempting crab cakes (made with jumbo lump Louisiana crabmeat. Served with a white remoulade sauce), and J chose the Ponchartrain (sautéed fillet topped with fresh Louisiana crabmeat).
We finished our delicious meal with dessert, each choosing the old-fashioned pecan pie. WOW is all I will say.
When looking for a fine New Orleans dining experience, I definitely suggest that you add Arnaud’s to your list.
After dinner, we ran into our awesome neighbors and friends, Nancy & Spivey, and had drinks with their entourage at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar in the Quarter.
We then rang in the New Year with Sal and Tee at a party hosted by BFFs Courtney and Jason. Though we did not know many folks, we celebrated another special New Year.
We ran into the Ritz-Carlton to grab a taxi cab home. I love the seasonal decor in the check-in lobby.
Arnaud’s for dinner, y’all!
The photos of the food look tempting! Thanks for sharing! Although I have traveled to mostly every state, New Orleans was one that I missed. I have New Orleans added to my list of places to visit!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
When we stayed in New Orleans we stayed at the Ritz...just love that place!! So classy. Looks like you guys did a fine job of celebrating 2013! All the best!
ReplyDeleteI must say New Orleans has some of the most amazing restaurants! My highlight was eating at Antoine's!
ReplyDeletehugs, Linda
Looks like a wonderful evening of celebrations!
ReplyDeleteHappy and Healthy 2013 to you.
I found your blog via a comment you made on another blog. Seeing your dinner in New Orleans brought back good memories. We were just talking about that vacation on New Year's Eve with friends who will be traveling there next month for a 40th birthday. We ate at Galatoire's and loved it.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Ron. This looks like the perfect way to bring in a new year. I've never had a better meal than those I had in New Orleans. xx, Sherry
ReplyDeleteOh - What a wonderful night! I love it...all of it. I am jealous. Hubby was on call so we had to lay low..and he spent half the night at the hospital- ugh- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place to dine and bring in the new year!!!!!! The food looks soooooooo delicious!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
~Des
How fun! We love Arnaud's! The oysters look amazing! Happy New Year! P.S. Lafitte's is another fave!
ReplyDeleteWhat a grand way to ring in the new year! I've never been to Arnaud's and have it pinned on my Restaurants I Love and Those I want to Try board on Pintrest. I have heard so much about those souflee potatoes, and the menu is so classic French Creole. Looks like an amazing meal and night! :)
ReplyDeleteThe food looks great and what an ambiance! Looks like you are living right. - Marty
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