Brigtsent's Restaurant is a bright spot near the river. (Photo Credit: ulterior epicure)
While you can’t miss major landmarks such as The Saint Louis Cathedral, being relatively new to the city, it’s easy to drive right past some of the brightest shining stars in the city that are neatly tucked away on side streets or in residential neighborhoods.
Tuesday night, I was fortunate enough to join a friend of mine who has 35 years worth of Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest under his belt, which means he knows who to call, where to go, and what to order.
Bank on Brigsten’s
When we were making dinner plans, Cube said he wanted to go somewhere that felt like an old girlfriend. He wanted to be treated well, fed heartily, and not rushed out. I needed to meet late, so of his three options, Drago’s, Irene’s, and Brigtsen’s, we chose the latter. With an afternoon phone call, we took the last dinner reservation for 9 p.m.
Fully Loaded Menu
I’m a girl who isn’t much for reading menus. I’m not old-fashioned (although I love a good Old Fashioned!), I just get side tracked by all the options. I spend all day making decisions, so when I sit to eat, I like to have someone else order. Cube did just that.
The Shell Beach Diet at Brigtsen's is a non-fried patter of swimming goodness. (Photo Credit: radaris.com)
From their menu, we had a house salad, butternut shrimp bisque, scallops over spinach and grits, pan-roasted pork tenderloin with sweet potato dirty rice & pork debris sauce, the un-fried seafood platter, and a last minute addition of a light corn pancake.
For dessert, he restrained himself by only ordering the strawberries with tres leches cake, the cafe au lait creme brulee, and a dark cherry creme brule, eased down with coffee. Yes, there were only two of us. Yes, I’m still full.
From the seafood platter, the baked oyster Bienville was my favorite, and we jokingly requested a refill for the stuffed crab. But the strawberries with tres leches cake is pretty much the best thing I’ve eaten in my lifetime.
Stellar Service
Strawberry and tres leches should be ordered at the beginning of the meal, just in case they run out before the end. (Photo Credit: ulterior epicure)
And the make-or-break of any eating experience, the service was stellar. Cube knows the owners Marna and Frank Brigtsen (Frank is a James Beard Award winner) who were running the show. We were tended to by several servers, all attentive and sweet. Truly great service.
When we waddled out of the restaurant, the last table to leave, we took a late-night stroll on the levee and both drooled about makes New Orleans so great. From the levee, we went down Oak Street to the Maple Leaf Bar to a packed house of Rebirth Brass Band devotees to dance off some of the calories.
Where is your favorite hidden gem in New Orleans?
Dinner Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30-10:00 PM
723 Dante Street
(504) 861-7610
Like this post? Check out this one on Antoine’s Restaurant, this one about Rue 127, and this one about Ralph’s on the Park.
GoNOLA Quick Review
| Location name: Brigtsen's Restaurant | Reviewer Name: Sunny Dawn Summers |
| Date Reviewed: March 21, 2011 | Brigtsen’s Restaurant: A Bright Spot Near the River
GoNOLA Rating: out of 5 stars
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| Quick Description: Sunny Dawn Summers takes you through a great New Orleans restaurant experience at the always amazing Brigsten's restaurant near the Mississippi River. | |
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