Fairway Locals Guide (continued...) and probably the single best reason to send your kids to Tulane. whAT TO ORDER: Very simple: get a large shrimp (or oyster) po-boy with all the fixin’s, and wash it down with an original Barq’s root beer from the coffin-case cooler. When you’re threequarters finished with the po’boy, figure out where you’re going to take a nap, and order another Barq’s for the road!
HERbSAINT (ARTS DISTRICT, JUST NORTH OF THE FRENCH QUARTER) Named after the original ingredient used in the first step of making a proper sazerac, Herbsaint is the one Donald Link restaurant that cannot be missed. Pesche and Cochon were excellent too, but I’d ask Herbsaint to be my prom date. In fact, I went twice in one week, it was so good. Don’t be fooled by the modest setting, as they also have a fantastic wine list and a highly knowledgeable staff to complement the delicious food.
NEW ORLEANS, LA New Orleans, New Orleans, New Orleans; oh, how I LOVE New Orleans! After spending a week there in February for the first time, it quickly emerged as my new favorite food city in the US. The authenticity and passion related to anything music or food is unparalleled.
DOMILISE’S (UPTOWN/WEST RIVERSIDE) When it comes to po’boys, Domilise’s needs to be your first-round draft pick. Parkway Bakery is delicious, too, but why settle for second place? Domilise’s has been a familyowned business for more than 100 years, and they’ve maintained the original décor. The employees are lifers, and you’ll be welcomed into their family as soon as you step through the door. It’s well worth the 15-minute cab ride from the quarter,
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whAT TO ORDER: Start with a sazerac, of course! Follow that up with the house-made spaghetti with guanciale and the fried-poached egg. This is the main reason I came back a second time, so don’t be surprised if Bocelli starts playing a private concert in your head with every bite! For the main course, I recommend the jumbo shrimp with tasso-stewed collard greens and grits. Also, get creative and ask them to whip you up something with fried cheese that’s off the menu.
bOUCHERIE (UPTOWN) For those of you looking for the perfect date spot, look no further! Boucherie is adored by locals as that hard-to-find neighborhood spot that tourists haven’t discovered yet. It’s refined yet familiar, and feels as though you’re in the comfort of your grandmother’s special dining room. They have a very small but excellent
kitchen, and a fantastic selection of local draft beers and reasonably priced wines. If you’re trying to book last-minute, don’t hesitate to accept a late lunch or early dinner reservation.
can you say no to an Arnold Palmer served in a mason jar with a cool blue-striped straw?
whAT TO ORDER: Start with the boudin balls, and check out the applewood-smoked scallops or the duck confit po’boy. If you’re not in the mood for wine, try one of the sour beers. Everything is superb.
As wonderful as Lina Wertmuller’s “Seven Beauties,” Seven Hills is another Italian masterpiece. Set on a quiet street in Nob Hill, this charming place will not disappoint. After a glowing review from my office-mate Lori Levy, I went into this meal with high expectations; needless to say, both Lori and Seven Hills delivered!
ROSAMUNDE SAUSAGE GRILL (LOWER HAIGHT)
whAT TO ORDER: Perhaps I’m a sucker for egg in pasta dishes, but I still recommend the Ravioli Uovo. Also, check out the braised oxtail with TCHO chocolate and Parmigiano Reggiano. Lori also recommends the Niman Ranch pork chop.
This grab-and-go outfit serves my favorite sausages outside of Munich, hands down. It’s the staple food for the regulars at Toronado, which is the iconic bar right down the block. Rosamunde isn’t the place to bring your family for a sit-down dinner, but
SAN FRANCISCO, CA Although it’s true that the San Francisco housing rental market has eclipsed that of NYC, I’m still undecided as to whether or not the restaurant scene has trumped that of our beloved New York. However, based on my most recent visit to San Fran in January, I’m beginning to believe the hype. Note that if you’re looking to work up an appetite before one of your culinary adventures, I recommend hiking Muir Woods and checking out the magnificent redwoods.
SEVEN HILLS (NOb HILL)
it’s the perfect afternoon rest-stop for avid shoppers or daytime drinkers to refuel. whAT TO ORDER: Get the beer sausage or the Nuernberger brat. If you overstay your welcome at Toronado, I recommend the Poland Spring water. (continued...)
PLOW (PORTERO HILL) (breakfast & lunch ONLY) If you were ever curious to know what Brooklyn would be like if it was transported and re-set on the side of a double-black diamond, make your way to Portero Hill. And if you ever wanted to eat one of the best brunches of your life at a 45-degree angle, head to Plow; it’s the one place where you can maintain your New Year’s resolution diet, or summon the food savage inside of you. Not only is the menu affordable, but all the ingredients are local, and the staff is very easy on the eyes. They don’t take reservations, so plan on putting your name in early, then grab a coffee and read the paper next door at Farley’s until your table’s ready. whAT TO ORDER: I went with “The Plow,” but stole many bites of my friend’s Dungeness crab scramble. Sides of Nueske bacon and the crispy potatoes are a must, and how
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