Gnawin's, Part 1

A few weeks ago I set out to Louisiana with little notice and only the vaguest notions of where I would wind up. The lucky thing is I've received numerous suggestions from some of the natives on where to go and what to eat in New Orleans. I was excited, but really had no idea of how hard I would fall for this town. Despite the usual expectations that surround the infamous Bourbon Street, I enjoy the casual, upbeat atmosphere around the French Quarter. I could easily spend a week or two here, eating the city, if my trip allowed it. Unfortunately due to my schedule I've had to make some hard choices about where to spend my time. So I've opted to seek out the best.

Last Saturday night I dropped into the Bourbon House. They pride themselves on delicious seafood and a broad selection of choice bourbon. Work had me in the mood to treat myself, so I knew this dinner would be no-holds-barred.

Appetizer:

Raw oysters on the half-shell, bourbon and soda.

What do I really need to say here? Rich, tasty morsels from beneath the waves, with sides of ketchup, horseradish, and lemon, with Tabasco at the bar. You either love them, or you're eating somewhere else.

Main Course:

Seafood Boulibase.

Shrimp, squid, mussels, and scallops mingling with creole tomatoes in a lovely saffron broth. I usually try not to make a big scene while I'm peeling my shrimp, but this is honestly wonderful stuff.

Dessert:

Chocolate-stuffed bread pudding, Eagle Rare 10-year bourbon neat.

This finisher had me floored. A layer of rich, dark chocolate nestles itself into the syrupy pastry. The Eagle Rare was the restaurant's bourbon of the month, and it's warm strength helped open up my taste buds even wider. I could easily forgive being served this in a foam take-out box; I think it was late and the dishwasher wanted to go home.

Moylan's Celts Golden Ale

New beer night! My first Monday back to work after a week-long Thanksgiving break felt like it called for a tasty brew. Not that work today was very hard, just a special project I've been wanting to do for a while; I'd even invite you to watch the Under My Thumb gaming blog around Thursday or Friday to see the fruit of my labors. Anyway, let's crack a cold one...


Moylan's Celts Golden Ale. This honey-hued brew is fruit-sweet and buttery, with a lightly hoppy finish. Clean and crisp. I'm having it with shrimp tacos: shrimp, onions, and garlic sauteed in olive oil, lime juice, and Caribbean rum, wrapped in tortillas with roma tomatoes and spring mix greens. I could've gone a little easier on the cayenne pepper.