Best of Guide: New Orleans Appetizers
Crab? Shrimp? Oyster? New Orleans has an app for that. While the
French name for appetizers–hors
d’oeuvres–literally means, “outside of the
masterpiece,” here in New Orleans every course is a
masterpiece. if you can pass up an appetizer from our world-famous
chefs, than you’re better than we are. Here are some not to
be missed.
Like Beyoncé says, “Put a ring on it.” The tower of onion rings at Hard Rock Café is a must. If you’re deciding between it and another appetizer, order both.
Read our review.
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We confess - we usually like our alligator on swamp tours rather than on our plate - but
this appetizer at the Gumbo Shop changed our minds. There's nothing gamey or fishy
or slimy about it, and it's served with their yummy Fish Sauce, made with Creole
mustard, orange marmalade, ketchup and horseradish. Get this gator now not later!
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The menu at Garrison Kitchen + Bar includes several
appetizers, created to share. To pick just one doesn't
seem fair but if you're a Fried Cauliflower lover, this is
the place to go. Executive Chef John Sinclair's version
with dried chili, lime and ranch has just the right amount
of spicy. We ate every bite.
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Until now, you had to go to a Cajun Country convenience
store to find boudin balls this good. Our congratulations
to Chef Craig Nutton. These are fantastic.
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We’ve tried to order another app at Byblos, but once
you’ve had the Drunken Halloumi you can’t go
back. How can something as simple as tomatoes, cheese,
extra virgin olive oil, and garlic be so good?
You’re just going to have to take our word for it:
it is! Photo credit: Bybos Instagram
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Don’t let anyone tell you gator tastes like chicken
because it’s way better. This app from Mambo’s
is marinated white meat gator tail served fried or
blackened with delicious remoulade sauce. It’s best
enjoyed on the rooftop.
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Everything at the Pelican Club looks as good as it tastes
and their Tuna Poke made with onions, avocado crema and
mango and served with tortilla chips is no exception.
Exchange Alley is one of the most picturesque spots in the
French Quarter. Take a seat outside and enjoy a memorable
evening.
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We’ve never met a crab dip we didn’t like but
this one we love! This Old Metairie restaurant is known
for this app, featuring fresh Louisiana crabmeat baked in
a decadent parmesan cream served with warm crostinis. Tell
‘em you heard about it on NewOrleansRestaurants.com.
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Me, oh, my, we love our crawfish hand pies in New Orleans
and the ones on the menu at Felix’s are good inside
and out. They’re perfectly seasoned and the crust is
just right. You can enjoy them at both the French Quarter
and Lakefront restaurants.
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The lovely Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans is home to
Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House. Our favorite
app there is Oysters Rizzuto–and inspired
combination of freshly shucked oysters, lemon,
breadcrumbs, pecorino Romano and oregano. If you’re
not from here, this is something to write home about.
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This isn’t like any corndog you had at the parish
fair, dawlin’! Made with a crispy cornmeal crust,
hot sauce aioli, and sticky pepper jelly, the Shrimp and
Tasso Corndogs at 3rd Block Depot Restaurant + Bar
definitely belong in our Best of Guide: Appetizers.
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