Our waitress immediately brought out an amuse bouche for each of us – a tiny garlic tart for the gluten-eater and for me, a tasting spoon with small shoestring-cut cucumbers and a spicy pepper sauce to give it a strong kick. She quickly noted that she was also personally gluten free and that put me at ease... until she accidentally brought out regular rolls for me. Because it looked just like the other rolls around us, I double-checked with her (thankfully before taking a bite), and she immediately apologized and cleared off any plate or silverware that it had touched… the gluten-eater happily ate the gluten-filled roll for me, generously slathering up both rolls with fresh butter. While the moment of forgetfulness did make me a little uneasy for the rest of the meal to follow, she did restore my confidence with each plate served after that and noted how they made it gluten-free if any modifications needed to be made to it.
Nestled on the main drag of N Lamar Blvd, tucked in the corner of an old strip mall, next to a dry cleaner and behind a clothing store – Wink was surprisingly packed from the time we stepped inside at 8:45pm until we walked out just before 11pm. Extremely small and cozy, with a smattering of tables huddled together, the peach-colored space glowed with lively chatter and candlelight. Clad in plaid shirt and jeans, a very friendly young man named Alex greeted us each with a strong handshake, asked each of our names, and showed us to a table in the back corner. Our waitress immediately brought out an amuse bouche for each of us – a tiny garlic tart for the gluten-eater and for me, a tasting spoon with small shoestring-cut cucumbers and a spicy pepper sauce to give it a strong kick. She quickly noted that she was also personally gluten free and that put me at ease... until she accidentally brought out regular rolls for me. Because it looked just like the other rolls around us, I double-checked with her (thankfully before taking a bite), and she immediately apologized and cleared off any plate or silverware that it had touched… the gluten-eater happily ate the gluten-filled roll for me, generously slathering up both rolls with fresh butter. While the moment of forgetfulness did make me a little uneasy for the rest of the meal to follow, she did restore my confidence with each plate served after that and noted how they made it gluten-free if any modifications needed to be made to it. The hamachi poke came out first – a small “cake” comprised of chunks of bonito (sushi-grade fish) and avocado, covered in sesame seeds and a flourish of vinaigrette and greens on top (hold the wonton for gluten-free modifications). The light, fresh flavors of the cake fit the mood of the day and its delightful warm sunny weather – refreshingly reminiscent of late spring days, here in the midst of winter. Foie gras taco, anyone? Yes, one of the best food ideas ever imagined! I have yet to meet a foie gras I did not like, but this foie gras tostada plate takes the cake! I would have gladly ordered another round of the buttery-rich seared foie gras, atop a corn tostada and surrounded with bright red tomatoes, lettuce, and queso fresco.... for dessert... or breakfast... or any reason, at any time! For the main entree, my antelope was served with celeriac and mushrooms – a robust blend of spices gave it an hearty winter flavor, yet it was light enough to enjoy on a beautiful spring day. The duck breast entree was delightfully paired with a cake of sweet potato slices (that added a hint of cinnamon to the dish), cabbage, and mushrooms - a melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful, decadent blend of flavors that was seasoned to perfection. Since the over-indulgent feasts of the holidays, lately I have been skipping dessert, but I was tempted by the lemon-filled crisp meringue cup, covered with berry sauce, fresh berries, cream, and a smattering of crystallized lemon zest crispies – I can't believe I ate it all! A refreshing finish for the meal.
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After missing breakfast to do a plantation tour in the morning, we were pretty hungry by lunchtime. Rolling into New Orleans, we headed for one of the first places that got good ratings - the Palace Cafe - after parking our rental car with a valet lot nearby. The weather was gorgeous - sunny and 70s - and sunshine kissed our cheeks as we selected a table outside along the sidewalk. Our waiter served us drinks - a Pimm's Cup cocktail and lemonade for me - and took our order. My travel partner got the duck and alligator gumbo (I couldn't try it because it was NOT gluten free.) it was a rich stew of flavors with lots of chunks of meat and vegetables that had been braised all day. I enjoyed a refreshing shrimp salad – several large grilled and marinated shrimp atop a bed of oranges, grapefruit, eggs, tomatoes, green onions, and chopped lettuce tossed in lemon vinaigrette. It was an excellent feast to fill my growling belly, while not being too heavy to walk around the French Quarter.
The sunshine peeking through the high rises, a saxophone player serenading us from around the corner, streetcars rolling by, businessmen chatting over lunch, tourists and locals wandering down the street... an overall delightful moment to sit back, relax, and take it all in on a beautiful day. I can't get over the fact that it's the end of January and yet I am transported to a summer day. I may not go home to the snow and cold. It's funny - or maybe ironic - that I ended up liking the "theme" with the big crashing wave background for my blog.
The last year has felt like I've been hit by one wave after another, crashing, splashing, drowning... and I'm not a great swimmer, figuratively or literally. I was beginning to feel like Jonah, swallowed up... but eventually spit out. (Is it a coincidence that I've felt a very emotional connection to Adele's Rolling in the Deep and Hillsong United's Oceans lately?) But 2015 is going to be my year! I have my bags packed, ready to walk out the door at a moment's notice, my head held high. All I can do is pray that God shows me the next step in my journey. Where will my next adventure lead me? Follow me and find out! |
AuthorK, World Traveler Archives
September 2018
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