Go Mousse Hunting in Old Metairie

Unlike most of the reviews we do at NewOrleansRestaurants.com, we’re going to start with dessert. Not because “life is short,” but because the Chocolate Mousse at Garrison Kitchen + Cocktails is life-altering. Our taste buds haven’t stopped dancing with the combination of coma-inducing flavors and textures — the caramel, the orange, and the trinity of milk, dark and white chocolate. This is the best mousse since Bullwinkle and the serving size is so generous that, for once, you won’t be lying when you say you don’t mind sharing.

Yeah, the dessert was amazing but the rest of the experience was equally impressive. Owners Steven and April Stewart, Executive Chef John Sinclair, Chef de Cuisine Josh Craigue, Sous Chef Kayla Edelmann, General Manager Julie Koo & and the whole Garrison team have outdone themselves. What used to be Garden Gates, a home and garden center, has blossomed into a restaurant and event venue unlike any other in the New Orleans area.

First of all, the restaurant itself, located in a 110-year-old center hall Creole cottage in Old Metairie, is both lovely and inviting.

Along with a stylish bar area, two charming dining areas, and a chef's counter with full view of the kitchen and windows that open up to let the outdoors in, there are five intimate gazebos outside with their own heating and cooling systems (and large-screen TV). Winter, spring, summer or fall…Garrison Kitchen + Cocktails here we come!

So let's talk cocktails. We love a menu with both creative concoctions and fun names to boot.

Here you can choose from libations like Last Word, Weak in the Knees and Debate Club. We truly enjoyed the Chinola Colada comprised of white rum, passionfruit liqueur, and lime. We were also told they make a mean Espresso Martini.

As for food, the Garrison menu is filled with sharable delights. Right away, it was clear we wouldn't be able to sample everything that looked good to us in just one visit. We are definitely going to have to come back, but we can personally vouch for the spicy, citrusy Fried Cauliflower, the Shrimp Toast (an edible game of Jenga), and the Tabasco-dusted Broccolini.

Of course, we couldn't pass up the pillows of Focaccia bread with caramelized onion to lather up with whipped goat cheese feta and cracked pepper. We tried to leave a little on every plate so we wouldn't judge each other but we failed.

Entree-wise, we split the Fried Chicken Cutlet Sandwich with arugula and pickled peppers on ciabatta and declared it, too, a winner.

But when it came to the Scallops served atop a tantalizing mountain of chickpea and potatoes, olives, and smoked paprika aioli, we had an out-of-body, OMG moment.

Beef is also a huge player on the Garrison menu. The restaurant has partnered with 3 Fires Farms in Mississippi to bring responsibly raised, top-quality beef straight from their farm to your plate. Steak and burger lovers, get ready to do a happy dance.

But back to that dessert. Honestly, once you've had the Chocolate Mousse, you're never going to want to order anything else. Still, we have it on good authority that the PB&J Napoleon and the Coconut Rice Pudding are well worth the calories. Just do a couple of extra turns around Big Lake at City Park. (Go for it – the tulips are in bloom). We left happy and excited to share our experience with you.

Because of its prime location on Metairie Road, Garrison Kitchen + Cocktails is throwing a party during the Metairie Road St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 17. Along with the parade, there will be entertainment by video DJ Richie Rich. If you book in time, you could be one of the lucky few who get to watch the shenanigans with a Gazebo or a Front Lawn VIP Bracelet. For more information, call 504-224-9330 or email info@garrisonktichen.com.

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