Am I the only one who thinks it’s absolutely insane that we are already in the month of August? I mean, it’s cray how fast time is flying by. But I can’t lie and say that I’m complaining because if there’s one great thing that the month of August brings, it’s COOLinary!
The annual culinary event is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives foodies a chance to experience different tastes of New Orleans by visiting 80+ restaurants that feature fixed-priced menus. It’s the perfect situation for the frugal foodie! During the entire month of August, participating restaurants curate two to three-course lunch and dinner menus. Last year, both Lüke and The Rib Room offered three-course dinners for just $39.
Trying to find the perfect spot within a huge list of so many great restaurants can be a headache. Below, I’ve picked a few of my faves from the specially-curated menus to get your palette started. Click on the restaurant’s name for its full COOLinary menu.
CAFE ADELAIDE – Dinner
Cafe Adelaide is one of my favorite lunch spots. Unfortunately, this will be Cafe Adelaide’s last year participating in COOLinary as the restaurant will close for business on August 24. You have until then to rack up on these delicious plates (and that bread)!
WHAT’S ON THE MENU:
First Course
Downtown Chopped Salad
Romaine, olives, tomatoes, crispy chickpeas, pressed eggs & Parmesan with Spanish white anchovy-buttermilk dressing
Second Course
Louisiana Shrimp & Grits
Wild white shrimp sautéed in smoky Tasso ham, Swiss chard, toasted garlic, crisp white wine and herbs over stone ground parmesan & cream cheese grits
+ Third Course, $33
DTB – Lunch + Dinner
Whether it’s to get a quick bite to eat, or to go on a cute, dinner date, DTB has quickly become one of my favorite go-to spots. DTB, which stands for Down The Bayou, is the place to be for coastal Cajun cuisine and vibrant cocktails.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU:
First Course (Lunch)
LA 1 Gumbo
LA blue crab, collard greens, crab fat potato salad
First Course (Dinner)
Duck Wings
Blueberry pepper jelly, foie gras BBQ
Second Course
Louisiana Rice Bowl
Blue crab, shrimp, pork belly, mirliton, Tasso XO, egg yolk
Lagniappe: Order the Saltwater cocktail So yummy!
+ Third Course, $39
RESTAURANT R’EVOLUTION – Dinner
RR is swanky AF, so getting a three-course meal of exquisite cajun and creole fare for just $39? Issa win.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU:
First Course (Dinner)
Watermelon Salad
Feta crema, baby lettuces, chili lime vinaigrette
or
Beer-Battered Crab Beignets +8
with assorted rémoulades
Second Course
Sheep Ricotta Gnocchi with Lobster +$16
Vanilla, tarragon, lobster roe
+ Third Course, $39
COOLinary ends August 31. For more info and a full list of participating restaurants, visit the official website.