Emeril's Delmonico, New Orleans

This blog is very difficult for me because of who it is, Emeril Lagasse.

It's breaking my heart but I feel he need to know so he can address the issues.

When looking up restauants to visit I was so happy when I noticed Emeril had a venue in New Orleans.  I called right away and made a reservation three weeks in advance to ensure we'd get in.  The young lady that took our reservation was very polite.  Our reservation was for seven so we arrived a bit early so we could visit the bar for happy hour and enjoy the piano player.  A pianio player is a great touch and I'm always so happy when I find a restaurants that offers it insstead of just adding two more tables to try to increase revenues. I highly recommend going to the bar for their happy hour and dive right into the menu, signature cocktails, $4 Stoli Martinis and an awsome bar snacks.  In retrospeck we should have stayed @ the bar.  I give the bar experience 4 out of 4 corks in my book.

Upon entering the restaurant the valet gents greated us and made us feel great, as they open the door to the restaurant I was so looking forward to having a great experience.  When we arrived @ the podium the hostess was nice but she was wearing a cheap looking Cardigan, very inappropriate for this type of restaurant.  As we enjoyed our liebations @ the bar we noticed the hostess walking a couple thru the kitchen to their table, at this point I got very excited that we'd be able to see the kitchen.

It was time to eat and I went to the podium and the hostess walked us thru the kitchen to our table. She walked us right into a banquet room, I was crushed.... The food and service was great but the ambience and atmosphere of the "banquet" room was not very disapointing.

The Spaniard

Miss you So Much!!!

Tomorrow will be seven years since my Dad left us. Their hasn't been one that has pasted that I havn't had him in my thoughts.

On June 30, 2005 God didn't just take my Dad from us but took my best friend I've ever had. Everything changed after he passed. He was the clue that held everything together within our family.

Even after seven years it's still so difficult without him. I consistantly feel like I'm missing something without him in my life.

I still talk to him every day and look forward to seeing him when it's my time, I know we'll be waiting to greet me.

From one Spaniard to another, I love you daddy....

Buono Lavoro

Good job, Espana vs Italy on Sunday

May the best team win, (Spain).....

Via Espana!!!

Great Game!!!!

           

Best Goalie in the World!!!

Fish urban dining, Asbury Park

Asbury park was been trying to rebuild itself and with the help of venues like Fish urban dining it's on the right track.

Fish urban dining was an old bank and they did a great job converting it into a restaurant.  Using the vault as a PDR is such a great amenity to offer and feature.  The web site is awesome and very easy to navigate with a photo gallery what's a must see.  My lady and I had a rough time deciding which items to choose as they all sounded so appealing.  

We had Scallop Caviche, Yellowfin Tuna, Lobster Tagliatelle, Wild Mushroom & washed it all down with a bottle Coppola Votre Sante, Pinot Noir. We've been to Coppola's winery in Geyserville and the wine is dedicated to his Nonna and means "to your health".

Fish has it all, great atmosphere, service and most of all great attention to detail when it comes to the food. I was very happy to take the plunge into Asbury Park and I'm looking forward to going back. Lauren, our server did a great job creating a memorible experience for us. Great job Lauren....remember you have all the power in ensuring a great guest experience.

Another must is their happy hour, Monday-Thursday 4-7p and Saturday and Sunday from 12p-7p. Serving $6 appetizers, cocktails & glasses of wine.

This venue gets four out of four corks in my book.

www.fishasburypark.com

The Spaniard

Cafe' Du Monde, New Orleans

The sign says it all, coffee and beignets...that's it. No tea, no cappuccino no splenda, no skim milk, not even cream for my coffee and once you find a sit in the courtyard you better be ready to order.

This has been the menu for the past 152 years located in the French Quarter.

I listed their web site below, check it out. They offer many different items on line and ship everywhere. Any place that can maintain the same menu for over 150 years and have people flock it it like sheep gets four out of four corks in my book. Wait a minute, no one working the door??? three out of four corks.

www.cafedumonde

The Spaniard

Via Espana

Great Game!!!!

The Spaniard

Huge Ass Beer, New Orleans

Stay away from this man!!! The sign says it all. We must works on commission.

The Spaniard

Acme Oyster House, New Orleans

I've heard so much about the food and beverages in New Orleans that when we're looking over some different locations for our vacation aka "Connie Corleone" and I decided to go to New Orleans and give back to the people of this great City.

Our first stop was the Acme Oyster house. Established in 1910 and has five locations in all. Sit @ the bar and ask for Curtis, I had to have the oysters and when I asked Curtis how he recommends them he said Char ed grilled-hands down!!!, so who was I to not follow his passionate recommendation. Great choice, grilled w/ garlic butter and topped w/ Romano cheese.

This place is a must, I listed their web site below, check it out.

www.acmeoysterhouse.com

This venue gets four out of four corks

The Spaniard