August has surely become one of my favorite months of the year, and the why is pretty simple: COOLinary. During the entire month of August, the annual culinary event allows you to experience various tastes of New Orleans by visiting 80+ participating restaurants that feature specially priced prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. COOLinary is such a cool way to dabble into multiple restaurants without breaking the bank.
COOLinary-participating restaurants curate two to three-course menus. For example, Restaurant R’evolution offers a two-course, $20 lunch, and a three-course, $39 brunch, while Antoine’s offers a three-course lunch for $20.17 and a three-course dinner for $39.
Perusing the list of participating restaurants can be a bit overwhelming. I mean, there are so many to choose from. So, I’ve put together a mini-guide to COOLinary. Here are four spots that have my stamp of approval:
CAFE ADELAIDE – Lunch
COOLinary or not, Cafe Adelaide is one of my favorite places for lunch. There’s always a curated menu and not to mention, $.25 martinis are not a bad idea.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU:
First Course
Downtown Chopped Salad
Romaine, olives, tomatoes, crispy chickpeas, pressed eggs & Parmesan with Spanish white anchovy-buttermilk dressing
or
Shrimp & Tasso Corndogs
Wild white shrimp dipped in tasso corndog batter with 5-pepper jelly, pickled okra & Crystal hot sauce butter
Second Course
Crispy South Louisiana Catfish
“Paradis” potato salad, vegetable slaw and charred green tomato tartar sauce with brûléed lemon
$20
LÜKE – Dinner
Lüke has recently become a favorite of mine. From their amazing tasty brussels sprouts, to the P&J oysters, to the most unique French 75 I’ve ever tasted, Chef Besh knew what he was doing with this one.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU:
First Course
Brussels Sprouts
(Demi Portion)
Second Course
Shrimp & Cavatelli Étouffée
Third Course
Buttermilk Panna Cotta
$39
Lagniappe: Order the French 75. Thank me later.
THE RIB ROOM – Dinner
The Rib Room is cute for date nights with your bae or a nice night
WHAT’S ON THE MENU:
First Course
Crispy Frog Legs
Tossed in a Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce w/ Bleu Cheese Dressing and Pickled Cucumber
Second Course
Pan Seared Gulf Fish Amandine
w/ Garlic Sautéed Kale, Parsley Potatoes and Sauce Amandine
Third Course
Lemon Doberge
Passion Fruit Puree, Candy Lemon Slice, $39
THE MELTING POT – Dinner
If you know me, you’d know that this one of my most favorite spots ever. I literally love to go here to celebrate birthdays, anniversary, or just because. More importantly, the cheese fondue is my life.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU:
First Course
Cheese Fondue
w/ artisan breads + seasonal vegetables
$3.95/plate
Second Course
The Melting Pot House Salad
Romaine & iceberg, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, croutons and sliced egg w/ choice of sweet & tangy or peppercorn ranch (Gluten Free)
Third Course
Coq au Vin (Cooking Style)
Burgundy wine infused with fresh herbs, spices and mushrooms
$4.95/pot
The Coastal (Entrée)
Ahi Tuna, Atlanic Salmon, Lemon Garlic Shrimp
$25
COOLinary ends August 31, so act fast. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit the official website.