Eating New Orleans {Justine}

It has been a while since there has been so much hype surrounding a new restaurant opening in New Orleans. J and I finally dined at Justine, the new restaurant opened by the couple behind La Petite Grocery and Balise.

I can honestly say that the restaurant is outstanding. The food was delicious, and the space was even more outstanding. The French vibe is definitely a hit.

Read more from the website: 

Justine is a Brasserie in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Opened by husband-and-wife team Justin and Mia Devillier, Justine combines the sophistication of Parisian brasseries with the playfulness of the South’s most lively district. 

“A French Quarter restaurant has been a longtime dream of ours, and finding this space conjured up a vision for a boisterous, glamorous French restaurant,” says Chef Justin Devillier, the 2016 James Beard Award-winner for Best Chef: South.

Located in the May & Ellis building (formerly the Hurwitz Mintz building), recently the recipient of a historic preservation design award, the café side opens to the Chartres Street sidewalk, emulating the quintessential Parisian-street experience with daytime fare. The kitchen room is anchored by two large communal tables for a shared dining experience, overlooking the kitchen led by Chef & Owner Justin Devillier and Executive Chef Daniel Causgrove. Two additional spaces, an intimate back dining room and outdoor dining area lush with greenery, provide ample dining options in the 200-seat restaurant. In the antique-brass and smoked-mirror embellished bar room, Bar Director Jesse Carr has crafted a menu driven by the drinking culture of France: simple and classic, with a focus on the spirits beloved by French families.

True to the heart of French brasserie culture, the bustling, multi-roomed restaurant offers a versatile space to be enjoyed by all, whether it’s for a weekday lunch, afternoon glass of wine, or celebratory dinner. 

Many of you already know that J and I are huge fans of our neighborhood staple La Petite Grocery, so I am super excited for the success of Justine. Reservations are a must especially on the weekends.

My only regret is that I did not get the hamburger, for it looked amazing. But I will be back to try it in the near future.

Justine, y'all!

The Weekend That Was {Easter 2016}

We celebrated the weekend with crawfish, cocktails, jazz, and family.

The Easter weekend was a great one. We started the weekend with a trip to Houma for an annual crawfish boil at my sister and bro-in-law's beautiful new home. It is always fun to spend beautiful days with friends and family.

On Sunday, some of our family met J & I at Muriel's on Jackson Square in the French Quarter. The food, drink, and jazz were outstanding. It is always fun to be in the Quarter for Easter Sunday.

How did you celebrate Easter weekend?

Easter Weekend, y'all!