Acadiana - hooooeeeeeeyyyy

OK - so clearly we're v late to the Acadiana bandwagon. For some reason we just never think of it when we run through the virtual rolodex of restaurants. But I'm glad we finally made it and I'm happy to report that we weren't disappointed.


In preparation for what I assumed to be a fairly heavy meal - I walked 14 blocks from my last appointment to the restaurant, arriving hot and sweaty (hello - it was 93 degrees!) and 45 minutes early. To cool off and waste time - I checked out the "Mesdames" rest room. I was puzzled to find a full length mirror (nice) but no table or counter top (huh?). I do hate to be picky right off the bat - but it makes rifling through one's handbag for lipstick a tad tricky. I persevered though.

Some of our fellow diners had also arrived early and we enjoyed a lovely glass of Gerwurtzaminer whilst waiting for Mr. Cream (who was reading online stories about the Yankees having acquired Pudge Rodriguez - yay!). OK one more small pet peeve - no hooks under the bar counter at which we sat. (Does Acadiana not like purses?)

To dine we had a nice booth overlooking the site of the old convention center, watching tourists trying to figure out the Circulator, and hoards of new Convention Center attendees settle their dinner plans. Unfortunately, the table was very narrow. I hate to harp on about the interior design functionality but seriously - we kicked each other all meal.

We started with oysters and the watermelon watercress salad - both to rave reviews. The broiled oysters were piping hot and swimming in butter - and served with a good-sized roll to mop up all that goodness. In contrast, the watermelon salad was chilled and light as a feather, subtly crunchy (spiced pecans), peppery (water cress) and piquant (feta cheese) - delish.

The girls followed with New Orleans style BBQ shrimp swimming in a rich broth of spices, again with that lovely bread for dipping. The boys had the crisped duck which disappeared from their plates at an alarming rate. We supplemented (unnecessarily) with sides of Grits, Creamed Spinach and Baby Vegetables. Mr. Cream and I have never really understood grits... always seemed less flavorful than mashed potatoes and heavier and sloppier than a nice light rice... but a spoonful of those grits topped with the sauce from my BBQ shrimp - HOOOOEEEEEEYYYY - heaven right there on that plate.

I found our Faithful Hound Meritage disappointing.

Desserts were up to par but not overwhelming. Brown Sugar Rum Creme Brulee with Caramelized Bananas and Vanilla Shortbread tasted more like banana creme brulee and, I've just realized, was served without the advertised vanilla shortbread. Beignets du Vieux Carre were nice - the creme anglaise was amazing - the beignets just a tad too tough - not quite the lighter than air donut I was expecting. Coffee was good - but no refill offered.

The service was a little slow - nearly three hours for our meal. Afterwards I wondered if it was intentionally. But intentional or not - our shins were battered from kicking each other and my bum unceremoniously stuck to the pleather banquette (again with decor!)

$320 (without tip) for four each appetizers and entrees, three each coffee and dessert, one bottle red, one half bottle white and a G&T.

On walking back to our car, Mr. Creme and I decided that, although a rich meal, and perhaps a bit slow, Acadiana is a slam dunk for entertaining guests for dinner. The menu is varied enough to account for all tastes - and not in a watered down, uninteresting kind of way. The ambiance (as much as I complained about the design) is elegant but unstuffy, and gave off a warmth and energy that was comfortable and easy. From couples to business diners to a large conference gathering in a back room - people were openly enjoying the experience Acadiana had to offer. I'm glad we finally made it.

Two and a half Yums Up from the British judge.