Lunch Splurge

Marinated Louisiana Crabmeat Salad with Creole Stuffed Egg and Cherry Tomatoes at One Restaurant & Lounge. At $14.50, the real splurge was the $9 Onetini I had with it. This is one of my favorite restaurants in town. Everything on the menu is delicious. The crabcakes, chargrilled oysters and gnocchi are nothing short of spectacular. And that is just from the starters list. It's also a lovely atmosphere: small with an open kitchen and great lighting. A real favorite of Drew Brees and Tom Benson as well. Don't forget to try the cocktails. Fresh and addictive. Find some real reviews here and here.

Slice

Watch out Reginelli’s, Slice’s new Uptown location is doing it well.  In the name of research, I recently dined here twice. First, as a solo diner at the bar and later in the week on a date with my old man. I did not regret either. For a neighborhood with a serious need for mid-range restaurants, Slice is a much appreciated addition. Yes, it is just a pizza joint, but it’s good pizza in a great setting. Oh, and they have tons of other choices as well.

Whoever designed the interior did a swell job of blending New Orleans rustic with modern clean lines. The colors are soothing while the rich wood tones on the bar and on the walls are warm and cozy. The bar is a nice spot for a solo meal and some delicious NOLA Brewing Co. beers on tap. (Speaking of NOLA, I  heard that they are now selling a draft pack at grocery stores! I am definitely getting one for the game this weekend.) The dining room is divided into separate areas so families can dine in front, friends can get rowdy at a booth in the back, and couples can cozy up in the mini booths near the bar.

On my first visit, I tried the delicious Spinach Salad with a slice of White Pie. This salad is fine dining quality. It is made of organic greens, mushroom, red onion, toasted pine nuts, roasted tomato, pepperoni, bacon, and served with a small gorgonzola crostini. Those crunchy toasted pine nuts really made it. The best part is that you can buy a half or whole salad. The half is a perfect starter portion.

On date night, we tried a few different slices and the antipasto platter which was sort of like a make your own muffaletta tray.  The old man loves a good muff so he was all over this snack.

The restaurant has two big ovens so it is no surprise that the pizza comes out with a nice sear, a prerequisite of good pizza. That is not the only redeeming quality of the large slices served here. The toppings are super fresh; the meats and cheeses are high quality. The basil on the White Pie is strong and sweet, a perfect topping to the olive oil and four cheeses.  Try the Bacon, Basil and Garlic. Garlic breath is sexy, and if anyone tries to tell you otherwise, well just don’t listen.

The service was fine on both occasions. It’s what you expect for this level of dining experience. The place was packed on a Friday night and the waiters looked harried but the wait was not long. We sat at the bar and had only just gotten our first beer when the table was ready. The food came out in good time as well.

I am looking forward to going back to try some more shared plates, specifically the mussels and barbecued shrimp; and the shrimp and andouille pie with caramelized onions, yellow corn, diced tomato, and green onion. My first two trips focused on pizza, barely scratching the surface of what this place offers. The menu includes sandwiches and pastas on top of all the pizza, salads, and shared plates. So, please check it out and let me know what you think.

The Verdict: Ideal place for a high quality beer and slice; nice spot for a date on a budget. Boyfriend approved.

News Flash

Domino's pizza is NOT better than it was before.

I know, I know. What was I thinking? I know they're just trying to sell me something and I still believe their lies! The only consolation is that possibly someone will read this, learn from my mistake, and be saved from the disappointment and pain that is Domino's Pizza. Never again. Don't let those extremely convincing ads trick you.

Instead, get off your tired behind and pick up a slice of this.

A slice of white pizza at Slice's new Uptown location. A steal at $2.50 a slice. Thus, you can afford the $4.50 NOLA Blonde on tap. Stay tuned for a full report on Slice.