6.25.2008

A Saturday in New Orleans, Part I: Dante's Kitchen

I had agreed (in a less than ideal state) to meet a few friends at Dante’s Kitchen (736 Dante Street, New Orleans LA 70118, 504.861.3121) this past Saturday morning for a little hair-of-the-dog brunch. Upon arriving at 11:30 a.m., I was pleased to discover that this was a shades meal: every person at the table had sunglasses on. Indoors.


To allow my body to slowly recover, I ordered a mimosa -- this is New Orleans after all. Our server informed me that the mimosa special of the day (!) was watermelon. Yum yum yum yum yum. 


My concoction arrived in a bright pink fashion: textured, but no yucky pulp to constrict the flow of champagne. The liquid was refreshing in every sense of the word: not too sweet and just enough bubbles. I was in brunch heaven!!


The table was composed of a lovely group of New Orleans friends intent on keeping the previous nights’ festivities rolling. Crimrose bloody marys packed with little snacks and screwdrivers that packed a punch crowded our table of friends. 


After a quick scan of the menu -- roasted duck hash cake, bread pudding french toast, pancakes, griddle, duck debris & poached eggs, i.e. foodie paradise! -- I settled on a sensible veggie omelet. But this is no egg white and cheddar cheese dish. Chef Eman’s version of this “light” classic was anything but: Gruyere cheese, slow-roasted Creole tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms and a dainty side of fruit to ease the guilt. Ha!


I happily sipped on watermelon mimosa #2 as I nibbled on my breakfast delight, unaware of the glorious foodie day (and night) ahead of me...

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