Brief report

I was only there for a few days and had to be up early every morning, so i was unable to make the most of the quarter.

I dined at the Lucky Rooster a couple times and wanted to love it. It is like someone wanted to recreate all these Asian dishes without studying asian food or ingredients. The soups are anything but ramen. The broth lacks the clarity, subtlety and control of good Japanese or Viet soups. If anything, the flavors are too strong, ex: the pork soup tasted more like pot roast drippings, not bad but not asian at all. they throw in lots of ingredients to no real effect. the bao are very skimpy and overproiced--- not a good value at all. the korean fried chicken was a small sample for the price, and once again was more like a train wreck of flavors than a symphony. there seems to be zero nuance in the kitchen.

always eating at the bar, i was able to watch the crew, who clearly think they're something special and the customers--- not so much. it wouldn't have irritated me if the food was up to par. at least they enjoyed their performance, i guess. i see now that other writers here have picked up on the strange vibe.

Mr. Bs was fine as always. Gumbo trio and salad are all i could fit that night. all good. sitting at the bar there is always a treat. Perhaps the Lucky Rooster crew could take some notes on how to have a good time at work without being annoying. The Mr. B's folks are expert at joking and being themselves without losing focus on the customers.

Emeril's was close by and i had my one real blow-out dinner. Lamb meatballs with gnocci, gumbo, yada yada, and the great banana cream pie. When i asked for a bourbon cocktail and left it up to the bartender, the asshole poured me a $40 shot over the rocks. That's the last time i leave it up to the bartender.

Last dinner in town was very good at Crescent Pie and Sausage co. crawfish handpie was great. after a few other nibbles, i finally settled on the Mid City Slammer pizza, the coppa on it was deeee-vine.

Cochon Butcher was much better than my last visit two years ago. I had a few sandwiches over a couple days. The Gambino salami fest was quite good, the beef melt overwhelmed the puny bread, but the muffaletta (eaten in the car as i drove back to FL) was by far the best i'd ever had. be still, my heart. i'll never go to Central Grocery again.

hope to come back when i'm not saddled with a sleepy conference. it is simply cruel to schedule a conference in NOLA and start at 8 am.