  Its not often that I put words to computer, heaping raves on a restaurant or their food offerings. But, the new "Elsie's Plate & Pie" induced a spark on my thoughts -- and palette. I ventured into the spot, based on the new segment we produced for the show. Being a bit of a food snob, I was intrigued at the thought of trying something new, tasty and different. And, I was hardly disappointed. On first sight, the restaurant has a simplistic, indie coffee show feel and look. Low lights with simple tables and small, more intimate booths, are in place to accent any dining experience. Plus, the millennial wait-staff were busy, but completely attentive to their customers needs. But any aesthetic aside, good food choices will be the draw. And for myself, I ordered a take-out of the Crab Pie with onion sticks and a slice of strawberry pie for dessert. Good choices, Kent! Upon opening my meal, the first thing that startled me were the portion sizes. They were huge!! The entree came with a field-green side salad with a highly complementary vinaigrette topping. Additionally, the crab pie slice was a massive piece of crabmeat mixed with cheeses and seasonings; and the onion sticks virtually filled the plate. And, the strawberry pie was filled with fruit - incredibly fresh fruit. Simply put, everything was delicious, surprisingly light and won this food snob over. But that's just my humble opinion. What can you look forward to in visiting Elsie's? Take a look below and read more after!
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By: Kent B. - MSTv staff writer
Louisiana sits as a home to excellent cuisine, world-class seafood and the city of New Orleans; renouned for its culture, form and French styled buildings. But if you're looking for a fine dining experience with this true, type New Orleans flair, then the new, soon-to-be opening, Stab's Steak & Seafood in Baton Rouge is for you. Growing form its original location in Central, LA, this new and soon opening location seeks to outdo its older brother restaurant in look and style. Tucked on Jefferson Hwy, just near its intersection with Corporate Blvd, Stab's is sure to be a great place to frequent, or just newly discover. And while the original Stab's in Central is known for its 18oz steaks, unique take on shrimp cocktail (with massive shrimp to boot) and diverse seafood offerings, new diners, far and wide, can probably be assured the new BR Stab's will equal or surpass its elder sibling. Wondering what you can expect? Look no further than above.  A open, comfortable and inviting experience. By: Kent B - MSTv contributor Visit: Everything Philly Its not often a newly opened restaurant can tout greater than expected patronage and receipts in barely a week of operation. However, it seems the all-new, North-gate LSU neighboring restaurant, "Everything Philly" can make that claim. And its more than well deserved... On entering this immaculately clean and inviting establishment, patrons will probably feel a sense of calm electricity emanating from neon blue and green walls, to the laid back seating decor. Next, one can expect the multiple smells, ranging from the lean grilling beef of the cheese-steaks, to the subtle sweet aromas of the water-ices,(kinda like creamy snow-balls or a sorbet) to assault your senses. But, the assault isn't over yet. One need only look to the right of the service counter to see the small, yet satisfying menu of authentic Philadelphia stables this restaurant offers. Then, before stepping up to receive your generous helping of a water-ice sample, you see it-- a courteous and efficient service staff waiting to assure your visit is one to remember; prompting many returns. And be assured, you will be returning... This is what you can expect from the new Everything Philly. And its a very welcome addition to the Red Stick.  Mr. Walker manning the grill Conceived through the passion of Philly native, Ameen Walker, "Everything Philly" proudly claims and delivers the authentic Philadelphia tastes and treats Mr. Walker grew up enjoying. And despite living in Louisiana for nearly two decades, one need only look around the restaurant to see that you can take the boy outta Philly, but not vise-versa. Walker demands that his stock and ingredients are shipped directly from Pennsylvania several times weekly; to bring "Everything Philly" its traditional tastes. From barrels of water-ice flavors to specific cheese-steak rolls, dough for the pizza & funnel cakes; plus even East-coast-centric Herr's potato chips, everything is authentic - and delicious.  The menu, while sparse, is littered with options to appeal to most tastes. Plus, the prices are incredibly reasonable to go along with the generous helpings served.
The pizza is cheesy, flavorful and generous with the toppings. The cheese-steaks are hot, not stingy with the meat and filled to satisfy large appetites. Also, the sides and desserts are typical, but tasty. But, the star of the establishment seems to be a strange, kinda ice cream/sno-ball concoction called a "water-ice." Trying to wrap your head around what this is exactly, is futile. Best to just taste it and get sucked in by its creamy goodness, like the numerous patrons who line up to "free-sample" almost every flavor. And they just keep coming!!! All-in-all, "Everything Philly" goes to show that we here in Louisiana just plainly love food -- as long as its good; something this restaurant brings nicely. So, while you're roaming around Baton Rouge, treat yourself to the new, tasty and authentic that is "Everything Philly." But a word of advice: summer is nearly here and the numerous flavors of that "water-ice" thing disappear fast. Probably best to get there before your favorite gets all scooped up.  By: Gere Iverson - MSTv Contributor
In dealing with our typical SE Louisiana weather, this year's I'ntl Beer Festival, being held downtown in Champions Square, has been rescheduled for June 4th. If you purchased a ticket, have no worries as all tickets will be honored at the rescheduled festival. Refunds are also available. The International Beer Festival, now in its seventh year, offers tastes of more than 150 beers. The festival also features music along with beer classes, tastings and games. General admission tickets are $40. VIP tickets are available for $75. A designated driver ticket is $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.neworleansinternationalbeerfest.com.  Yum!! Crepes on a St Charles Ave. corner! By: AlexTemplar (MSTv) & NOLA.com
Food trucks have long been a fixture in the larger cities throughout the United States. Now, a great many of these rolling diners have began to find a home in New Orleans. As one of the new trends growing out of the tragedy of hurricane Katrina, the first food trucks were mostly Taquerías that fed the growing Hispanic population newly working there. But, trendy Millennials flourishing in this new-New Orleans wanted more of the same, just with different offerings. Well in this case, "ask and you will receive" was a wish granted on a large scale. Now you can find these, "on-the-go-eateries" all throughout the city. And their range of available food diversity and quality are just as varied; sometimes comparable to the many famous eat-in restaurants that made the city famous. But, whether you're a diehard food truck foodie, or new to the scene, all life boils down to choices. So, since the number of these convenient cafes continues to grow all the time, we here at MSTv (with a incredible list compiled by NOLA.com) have decided to make your lunch break options more trendy! Behold, the food truck guide! But remember, this is food on wheels, so catch them while you can.. NOLA.com's growing food truck guide covers the wide range of New Orleans street eats. By their nature, food trucks are moving targets. To help you find them, we've embedded the trucks' Twitter feeds in the guide. B - C - EF - HI - L - R - ST  Who gonna eat Dat burger? Duh, like everyone! Reproduced from: NOLA.com Every true New Orleans Saints fan has a little Who Dat in their heart. Now they can get some in their belly as well. Sonic Drive-In, the Oklahoma-based fast food chain, will sell a burger whose bun carries a "Who Dat!" logo. According to the company, "Who Dat!" will be printed on the upper bun with "edible food coloring." Unfortunately, Sonic could only provide a Photoshopped mock-up of the black and gold burger, which also has Tabasco-spiced mayonnaise, "Onion Tanglers" and pepper jack cheese.
 Miss Leah and Mr "Dooky" Chase By: Kent B. - MSTV When one thinks of "Dooky Chase," thoughts of good food, fine dining and a world famous Treme restaurant that has played host to Presidents and celebrities, the world over, generally come to mind. And of course, you the can't think of the food and history of this New Orleans cornerstone without recognizing the great lady herself, Chef Leah Chase, materializing in your thoughts as well. But, does the better half of Miss Leah and "somewhat" (the restaurant was named after his father) namesake of the restaurant, Mr. Dooky, ever cross your mind? Well, even though this incredibly cordial and humble man doesn't actively seek the attention mostly reserved for his famous wife, he deserves it anyway. And this Saturday, he'll be getting it as March 23rd marks the 85th birthday of Edgar "Dooky" Chase, Jr. As expected, its going to be celebrated in a grand way. I have to say I love both Chases very much. Miss Leah chastises me whenever she sees me, but the words hold comfort like a grandmother's care. But, Mr Dooky is special.. A more gracious and sweet person, I don't think I've ever met; especially given the level of his celebrity and status. Yet to be candid, I don't think he cares about either of those things. Simply put, Edgar "Dooky" Chase is just a incredibly nice man; and one who deserves a birthday celebration to match.  The famous location itself The party, which can only be called a "Jazz/Classical Fusion Luncheon" will be held at the restaurant tomorrow, starting at 11am.
A second luncheon will begin at 2:30pm. The price is $85 per person and seating is limited. However, great food aside, the list of entertainment for the event will make you forget about the price of admission. Local entertainers the likes of: Delfayo Marsalis, Victor Atkins, Anthony Cuccia, Faina Lushtak, Cara McCool, Jep Epstein, Jee Yeoun Ko,Derek Douget, Ellis Marsalis and Khari Allen Lee will be preforming. As said, seating is very limited. So, if you'd like to grab a good meal, hear some great music and have an opportunity to meet an even greater man, grab your tickets now. For tickets or information, call 504.581.7032, or see www.prcno.org or www.masno.org.
 A typical Friday meal during Lent By: Conner James - MSTv Correspondent Lent is a season of sacrifice, after the insanity called Mardi Gras ends. But in-keeping with the strong sense of Catholicism in the area, churches and most other establishments are breaking out the deep fryers in preparation for the high fried seafood demand to come. During Lenten season, most Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays. So, those who don't feel like waiting in line for a seafood platter at their local favorite restaurant, head to churches, halls and schools for a old fashioned lunch plate. Fish fries are usually held Fridays, during the season and up until Good Friday. And the various places serving those hot and ready plates are looking forward to it. “It’s quick. It’s fresh. They don’t have to wait very long,” says Robert Loyde from St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Metairie. As they stay ahead of the curve, St Edward's also offers crawfish pie and even pizza on their Friday menus.  Too tasty looking to resist, right?? Plus, the options are growing from the old standards like fried catfish and trout plates to more elaborate choices like gumbos, fish cakes, po-boys and pastas. Other venues even offer grilled or baked fish and shrimp to their menus for the more health conscious and to very positive reactions. It seems that with updates and multi-option menus for a very diverse patronage, the old-fashioned fish fry just isn't that old-fashioned any more. Where great Louisiana seafood is concerned, the old adage of new changes equals new customers has never been more true. But, Lent season aside, fish fry dinners have become so popular that the Archdiocese of New Orleans started a Twitter hashtag, #fridayfishfry, last year to help locals find the meals. The move proved so successful that the Archdiocese plans to use the hashtag again starting Thursday, Feb. 14. So, since most of us are more interested in finding a good meal then sharing the information, we've made it easy to do both. Just use the list below for some ideas; and let us know if we missed any particularly good spots!!
 By: Kent B. - MSTv Correspondent I'm not a real Mardi Gras type guy, but some of my most treasured memories happened only during parade season in the 1980's. I was just a little kid, but I only went to parades to catch a very specific treasure. No, I don't mean those crappy coconuts, lame cups or big pearl beads. No, for a kid the most prized throw you could catch was a Popeye's doubloon. To catch one of those meant one thing - free chicken!!! But of course, the Popeye's people wised up and ended that hook-up decades ago. But the lure of free or cheap, good fried chicken endures and is something inbred into most New Orleanians.
 McHardy's, located at 1458 N. Broad St., just off Esplanade avenue, keeps many a Treme area family well satisfied for dinner, with meals starting at just $2.99. Besides their being well know for selling multiple piece orders for an incredibly low price, McHardy’s has always been a local favorite during parade season; selling up to 3,000 pieces in a day. Prices range from $8.78 for a 10-piece box to $13.17 for 15 pieces.  McHardy's pieces! But now that we're in the height of carnival season, patrons both visiting and local are looking grub they can easily afford, absorb the copious alcohol they drink and conveniently snack on while walking parade routes. The loyal staff of McHardy's realize following floats and getting dive bombed by beads can be a hungry task. So to keep up with the demand, store owner, Kermit Mogilles, now opens the doors at 5AM for the season. Given their famous flavor and rock-bottom prices, one has to wonder if that's early enough.  Now, we can sing the praises of McHardy's bird's all day. However, if one is willing to just drive down Broad street for about 2 miles, you'd hit the second chicken shack haven to the budget diner, "McKenzie's Chicken in a Box" Located just over a hundred yards from the steps of Dillard university, the former bakery location brings up more common memories of doughnuts and buttermilk drops then fried chicken. Most locals know that the bakery arm of the "McKenzie" name died off almost 20 years ago. But, this corner shop at 3839 Frenchmen St. draws in customers from all over the city with their nicely seasoned pieces for a price and taste that would make a Churches special dry up faster than usual.  And even though you don't have a large pastry variety to choose from anymore; like from the good old days, you can still get some of the famous doughnuts and pies (to go with your chicken), many natives grew up enjoying from McKenzie's. At least, while the daily supplies last.
Of course, side dishes aside, the star is the chicken. With its home-style flavor, slightly crispy texture and prices ranging from $11.42 for 10 pieces and $17.13 for 15 pieces box, McKenzie's is churning out the box lunches like crazy. Now, New Orleans is known for many things, but most of all it excels at being somewhere you can get a tasty meal for not much more than pocket change. At least, depending on where you are, or go. But, fried chicken is a Southern staple. So, long as it tastes great, why not get it for a good price? Well, I think we've just given you a couple of great options to begin with. So, grab some friends, pool your cash and go home with a feast!!! |
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