Sweet Treats
If you have a sweet tooth, head to Sucré for artisanal gelato, macarons, chocolates, and more. Chef Tariq Hanna’s creations dazzle and delight, and each confection tastes even better than it looks. The sweet boutique nods to traditional New Orleans flavors with treats like Bananas Foster macarons, Brown Butter Pecan gelato, and Chicory chocolates. During Carnival season, pick up one of Sucré’s stunning king cakes, dusted with edible glitter and filled with a thin layer of Creole cream cheese.
Just steps away from Napoleon Avenue is La Boulangerie, a traditional French bakery where you’ll find pastries, breads, and desserts as well as breakfast and lunch items. Among Executive Pastry Chef Maggie Scales’s offerings are flaky croissants, morning buns, fruit tarts, and baguettes. The bakery’s bread is the base for its sandwiches, several of which include cured meats from the bakery’s sister restaurant, Butcher. Try one of La Boulangerie’s traditional or French king cakes during Carnival season.
Exquisite Eats
A few blocks off Magazine Street is the iconic Commander’s Palace, where Chef Tory McPhail dishes out impressive, refined Creole creations. Staples include Turtle Soup, Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish, and Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé. We recommend making a reservation for the weekend jazz brunch, featuring live music and a special menu.
At Uptown eatery La Petite Grocery, Chef Justin Devillier crafts innovative dishes showcasing local ingredients. The bistro’s menu includes showstoppers such as Blue Crab Beignets, Turtle Bolognese, Gulf Shrimp & Grits, and the LPG Cheeseburger with Onion Marmalade. End on a sweet note with a dessert such as Louisiana Cane Sugar Crème Brûlée.
Photos courtesy of Katie Sikora, Gabrielle Geiselman, Webb Bland, Kaela Rodehorst Photography, Sam Hanna/Hanna Foto, Link Restaurant Group, and Joey K’s.
This content originally appeared in the January/ February 2017 issue of Cooking with Paula Deen magazine. ©2017 Hoffman Media
