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When Food Works

~ Finding and making good food…Always! Having fun and humor with the old familiar or new exciting world of food. (of course, from my humble opinion!). From Cajun to Asian, when food works, it's all good!

When Food Works

Category Archives: restaurants in south louisiana

The Saints Street Inn and “thoughtful” food…

22 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by whenfoodworks in Crabmeat, lafayette, la food blog, Louisiana food blog, restaurants in lafayette, louisiana, restaurants in south louisiana, The Saints Street Inn

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Caprese Salad Sandwich, Carolyn Wright Lafayette, Food Blogger in Lafayette, Food Blogger Louisiana, Food in Acadiana, Food in Lafayette, Food in South Louisiana, Louisiana, Saints Streets Lafayette, The Saints Street Inn, The Saints Street Inn Lafayette, Watermelon Agua Fresca


I have heard the expression that certain food was so “thoughtfully” prepared many times, on food shows, books and in discussions…but never quite understood (really understood) what that meant.  How in the world could food be “thoughtful”?  But, after 3 dining experiences at a new restaurant in town, The Saints Street Inn, I knew!  I finally knew what was meant by that term… I felt it in every dish that was served at our table (and let me tell you, we ate some food!).

I had been hearing about this new restaurant that opened in August, close by our house, right off of St. Mary Blvd across from Ole Tyme Grocery.  This little building has been there for years and years…last was the former site of Bonnie Bell’s Bistro, Gallaghers and numerous plate lunch cafes.   Of course, I had to try it out…So my husband and I ventured out for lunch one day to see what all of the hoopla was about…Then, I had to have my daughter and one of her best friends come with me to check it out…Finally, to make sure that we were all right about this place, I took my son (food guru) for his blessing on this great new find!  Everyone sang high praises for every dish ordered and, of course, we all had to try each other’s dishes…So here is what I loved…

When we first walked up onto the lovely covered front porch, that had plenty of tables set, (when the weather is nice, this would be a great place to enjoy it) and saw that they had a chalk board highlighting their “specials of the day”…Nice!  Walked in and was immediately seated.  Looking around, I liked what I saw…unpretentious, crisp and fresh renewal to an old place with a loads of history!  The waitresses were young and energetic with quite a busy crowd, on all 3 occasions!  You know, a large part of my dining experience is so much about the service and joy shown by the waiters and waitresses…so, yes, impressed so far! But when the food started coming, I was sold. And if ever there was thoughtful food…this was it…carefully plated, freshly assembled and you just knew that a lot of heart and soul went into the selection and preparation of every single ingredient, cup and plate presented to our precious table.  Here is what we have tried so far:

Watermelon and Cantelope Agua Fresca:  Covered my love of this in my last post! Will have a glass of this every time I visit…

Tomato Basil Soup (Soup of the day):  Sweet, yet tart enough to satisfy the longing for what a fabulous tomato basil soup should be.

Shrimp and Corn Stew ( Special of the Day):  What a delightful surprise, with a hint of roux blended into a tomato based shrimp stew!  The corn added just the right amount of crunch to the bowl and the seasoning had just the perfect amount of heat.  Loved it!

Ratatouille:  You know when all of the ingredients are fresh from the farmer’s market…you just know!  The combination of eggplant, bell peppers, onions, zucchini and yellow squash in the lovely fresh tomato sauce was spot on.  On another visit I opted for the Ratatouille sandwich with feta, homemade pesto on ciabatta…WOW!! That worked!

Stuffed Creole Tomato:  Huge fresh boiled shrimp in a very light remoulade sauce with fresh herbs…My husband wasn’t wanting to share this great dish, I promise!  I did get a little bit and yes, I understand!

Summer Crab Salad:  I saw this plate of “deliciousness” from across the room and had to ask, “what in the world is that beautiful thing”! Add their enormous boiled shrimp on top of the crab salad and THAT really works…They use a fresh creamy jalapeno and mint dressing that is so fresh and unique!

Saints Street Club:  Not just another club sandwich, I promise!  When my daughter said that it was the best club sandwich she ever had, I paid attention!  She is quite choosy about what she calls “favorites”, so I had to have a bite, of course.  She was right…They use perfect thin slices of roasted turkey, fresh avocado, sprouts, fresh ripe tomato, crispy bacon and she opted for fire jack cheese.  She will be back!

Caprese Salad Sandwich:  We weren’t quite sure about this, so we ordered it as an appetizer and had it cut into pieces…This might have been a favorite!  I have been thinking about it ever since…even made a home version of it!  It combines perfect thin slices of mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes and homemade pesto (that has just the right balance of olive oil, basil, garlic and pine nuts for a sandwich) on a fresh ciabatta roll…who would imagine?  I want more!

The Acadian:  Saints Streets Inn’s version of a sausage poboy, using andouille and adding fresh roasted peppers, grilled onions and…coleslaw!  The “guru” ate it all, licking his fingers along the way….I didn’t even get a bite!  And when I can’t get a bite, well, that should say it all…

House Cut Fries:  I like to think that I am a connoisseur of homemade french fries!Home fries.. takes me back to my mother and grandmother’s kitchens.  All I can say is that I know a good fry when I taste one and these were great!  Just the right amount of softness and crispiness to call my name…

Cold Watermelon Soup (Soup of the Day):  (with a topping of lump crabmeat…mmm) I love cold soups (I pretty much love all soups), so I had to try this creation!  And what a creation it was…expecting a pinkish red soup, I was quite surprised when I saw it… a bright beautiful yellow!  As I took a bite, I tasted a hint of lemongrass…a bright, delicious and creative addition to a very unique soup.  I absolutely loved it…and well, the lump crabmeat sprinkled on top…lagnappe!

Bread Pudding with Praline Sauce:  A wonderful firm bread pudding with what tasted like a deep and rich praline just melted on top of it…you know the kind of praline that your moma used to make…rich, sweet and buttery!  Melt in your mouth good.

 

This is what I call “thoughtful” food…first and maybe the only time I will use that term, but it fit!  And this fresh “farm to table” food really works,…really, really works!  I’ll be back, for sure!

Cochon on my mind, once more!

17 Saturday Sep 2011

Posted by whenfoodworks in Chef Donald Link, cochon Lafayette, lafayette, la food blog, Louisiana food blog, restaurants in lafayette, louisiana, restaurants in south louisiana, River Ranch

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Carolyn Wright Lafayette, Chef Donald Link, Chef Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon Lafayette, Food Blogger in Lafayette, Food Blogger Louisiana, Food in Acadiana, Food in Lafayette, Food in South Louisiana, Louisiana, Louisiana Food blogger, River Ranch Lafayette


Since last Saturday night’s adventure to Cochon, I just couldn’t get this place off of my mind! Maybe it was all of those fabulous flavors that kept running through my head….or was it because everywhere I went people were talking about this new and interesting restaurant?  I think it was the memories of those wild popping flavors that persuaded me to call for a Friday lunch reservation.  I gathered three other food lovers (my husband, oldest daughter and co-worker/daughter’s best friend!) and went on down to see if it was really as good as I remembered Saturday Night.   Well, I am telling you now….if possible, it is even better!   And a big “hats off” to our waiters!  We had a team of two waiters that were incredible…charming, attentive and knowledgable.  That works every time!

We decided to share a variety from their “small plates” (or appetizers)…Don’t want to miss anything!

Fried Chicken Livers with Pepper Jelly Toast: My favorite.  I tasted and loved it Saturday night… repeated the incredible experience…consistent…Yes!

 

 

Wood-Fire Oyster Roast: I had missed this, but now I learned what all of the talk was about….Plump, briny oysters, lightly roasted under a real wood fire with an awesome aioli sauce that knocked our socks off!

Charred Spring Onion Hushpuppies & Pickled Chile Mayo:  Everyone loved this version of the traditional hushpuppy…

Smoked Boudin with pickled peppers:  Again, consistant with what was served on my previous visit….dissapeared from the platter quickly!  Fabulous!

Braised Pork Cheeks with Spoon Bread, Soybeans & Crushed Herbs:  If you are not familiar with “pork cheeks”, then just trust me on this one…melts in your mouth tender!  The most tender pork I have ever eaten.  Then to serve with spoon bread?  Crazy good!

As if we had not had enough, we went on to order Entrees….

Catfish Courtboullion:  My husband’s favorite…and he has had plenty of courtboullion experiences in his life!  Fresh, sweet, tender catfish swimming in a bowl of tomato based sauce with just a hint of roux.  We all had to try some, not only because it was so appealing, but because he kept going on and on about the delicious flavors…he was right!

Fried Alligator with Chili Garlic Aioli & Fresh Herbs:  My co-worker’s entree…she loved it!  The batter was perfectly seasoned and had just the right amount of crunchiness that coated the fresh, tender pieces of alligator.  She paired this a side order of creamy grits, that were indeed creamy! Perfect.

Chicken Salad on a Bed of Mixed Greens:  My daughter’s selection (one of the specials of the day)…Light, creamy and beautifully seasoned! She loved her dish.

 

 

Saved mine for last, because it was a “to die for dish”….

Rabbit & Dumplings:  This was so good, that I don’t know how I could possibly go back and not order it over and over.  Reminiscent of an old-time pot pie that someone’s grandmother might have made, using dumplings instead of pie dough!  The presentation was almost as beautiful as the flavors.  It appeared in a small rustic cast iron skillet, still bubbling from the oven.  But, when I slid my spoon in and had the first bite, my brain almost exploded!  Deep, rich flavors from the creamy stock with tender pieces of rabbit, carrots, potatoes and turnips embedded under plump savory dumplings!   Combining all of this into that small black skillet is genius!!!  I will dream of this dish….On a cold winter day?  This will be on my mind.

Dessert…who had room for dessert?  No one, but we pressed forward!  We had a plan..try it all!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Pineapple Sorbet… An individual small cake encrusted with caramelized pineapple sauce and a slice of pineapple. Wow!  But, when you add the light, bright flavors of the pineapple sorbet along with a bite of the cake?!  It was another highlight and favorite of mine…Loved it.

Great food working in our wonderful city of Lafayette, Louisiana… We are lucky folks!  Come to think of it, we have been eating pretty well for a long, long time.

Cochon…the rest of the story!

11 Sunday Sep 2011

Posted by whenfoodworks in Chef Donald Link, cochon Lafayette, lafayette, la food blog, Louisiana food blog, restaurants in lafayette, louisiana, restaurants in south louisiana, River Ranch, south louisiana food

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Carolyn Wright Lafayette, Chef Donald Link, Chef Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon Lafayette, Food Blogger in Lafayette, Food Blogger Louisiana, Food in Acadiana, Food in Lafayette, Food in South Louisiana, La., Louisiana, Louisiana Food blogger, River Ranch Lafayette


.  The Smoked Boudin was amazing.  Just the right amount of meat to rice combo (like it’s supposed to be!)  And the smokiness was surprisingly subtle.  Trying the Fried Chicken Livers with Pepper Jelly, just made me want to grab the whole tray!  Perfection is all I can say.   The Shrimp Salad on a thin crisp homemade potato chip was a wonderful treat to the palate.  The lightness of the creamy shrimp salad (chocked full of fresh shrimp), with just an edge of crunchiness, sitting on the crispy chip was to die for…  Then came trays of Lump Crabmeat, very lightly sprinkled with the most beautiful toppings of shaved pickled veggies, sitting on house made pepper crackers.  Melt in your mouth good.  Another fabulous treat.   Trays of nicely seasoned grilled smoked sausage, topped with a dot of mustard, were being circulated around the room.  Again, these were the happiest waiters that I have ever seen.   Chef Link must be doing something right to inspire so many happy faces!   I was told that their Wood Fired Roasted Oysters were the best thing since sliced bread, but didn’t get to try one.  Then, if all of that were not enough, I looked upstairs to see a fully dressed whole Roasted Pig (of course head, feet and tail intact) being carved and served.  Alongside the Roasted Pig, were Fried Cracklings and Roasted Pig Skin cut into nice size pieces with a huge bowl of Cochon’s refreshing Cucumber Salad.  What a site for my eyes!  To top off my evening and add to my collection, Chef Link signed one of their menus for me to take home.  Yes, I collect menus of the restaurants I love and if I can get the signature of the chef, it is even a bonus.  My husband swears that it will be our kitchen wallpaper one day!  As we packed ourselves into our car to go home,  I can honestly say that Cochon in Lafayette lives up to its reputation and  is a delightful surprise, in that it not only appeals to those of us that want “pork – the real deal”, but obviously serves knock out dishes that are lighter.   That is a perfect example of “When Food Works”, it’s all good.  They won my heart over….which reminds me…I need to call for a reservation in the morning!

Me…Food Blogging?

11 Sunday Sep 2011

Posted by whenfoodworks in Acadiana food blog, Carolyn Wright Blog, cochon Lafayette, food blog, lafayette, la food blog, Louisiana food blog, restaurants in lafayette, louisiana, restaurants in south louisiana, River Ranch, south louisiana food

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Carolyn Wright Lafayette, Chef Donald Link, Chef Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon Lafayette, Food Blogger Louisiana, Food in Acadiana, Food in Lafayette, Food in South Louisiana, Louisiana Food blogger, River Ranch Lafayette


Today is as good of a day as any to start this new adventure and let the whole world into my life as a long time food lover and cook.  Some call themselves “foodies”, but I don’t really like that word,  a little too trendy…and what does that really mean?  Not to knock those that love that term, I just prefer to say simply that I love good food and will cook just about anything.  And I can get a little obsessive, like when looking for a piece of pork belly and ending up buying a 60 pound case!  Anyone need a piece of pork belly?  But it did make a knockout Porchetta…later on that one.  Am I sure about opening up my “food life”  for public scutiny…not really, but this is a passion that I am willing to share,  Anyway, why not!  Do what you love and love what you do…isn’t that on some t-shirt somewhere…

Last night we went with a couple of close friends to a pre-opening party for the new restauant, Cochon, in Lafayette.  Chef Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski are officially opening this coming Thursday, September 15th.  Just couldn’t be a more beautiful setting overlooking the Vermilion River.  As we walked in, we were greeted with the most cheerful waiters with trays full of samples from the menu.

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