In this series of posts we were in New Orleans for the week. My friend for work, and myself as the tag along for leisure. While she completed reports, I napped on the bed next to her.
We didn’t have a set schedule so when we were hungry we ate, when we wanted to go out we did. And here, I would listen to my stomach and head out on my own.
After a quick surveying of the map in our vicinity, I discovered an Anthropologie (women’s bohemian inspired clothing and lifestyle store) nearby, so wanting to pop in for a quick shop, I decided to look for food in the area. Although, I don’t like shopping on an empty stomach so decided to grab a bite to eat in the area before.
I would not be swayed by the Shake Shack within the same luxury mall property, so across the street to Coterie Nola, and something more authentic to the region instead.
Given the option, I decided to plop myself by their bar to take advantage of their happy hour menu. Most of the food and drink offerings were 50% off (I looked through the menu and did the math) from Monday to Friday 3-6pm, so long as you sit at the top bar.
Seeing as they advertised themselves as an oyster bar, and I was within eye shot of all the shucking from an ice trough, I ordered 1/2 raw oysters for myself. $7 for 6, whereas in Vancouver you are looking at $2 as the typical discount.
What came was an impressive platter of what looked to be oysters on steroids. They were so large that I had to ask, where they were from. I did this by acknowledging that I am from Canada and where I am from they come 1/3 of the size, and double the price. These are Gulf oysters known for their size and taste. Not sweet or briney, but fishy. Not that, that really matters considering how much tomato based sauce, horseradish, and lemon I loaded each up with. Trying to slurp one of these slimy and gelatinous monsters up as is, felt grotesque. With all the fixings it was a meal. I especially loved the deep nostril burn of the pungent horseradish.
I originally came in looking for something fried, so satisfied that craving with the next two happy hour orders from the kitchen. The Boudin Balls were $7 at $7 off. The menu advertised them as being award winning. A panko breaded, fried ball of Cajun seasoned pork and rice. It was here, that I reflected how well New Orleans fries their food. Nothing is greasy, everything stays crispy from start to end, and the crunch of each evenly battered bite is extremely satisfying. This was served in a sea of remoulade, which gives each ball its flavour and creamy finish. It reminded me of a an arancini, but with a more porridge-like rice and meat filling, plus a zestier seasoning for that cajun flair.
Out of the two fried items the Cajun Eggrolls are the best and the one I recommend if you can only have one. This isn’t your flaky wonton wrapped Chinese style spring roll, but more like a chunky tacito. Happy Hour has two for $7 whereas you normally have to pay $16 for three. Crispy fried eggrolls stuffed with Louisiana crawfish, smoked andouille, corn, and cheddar jack cheese. Served with Cajun Dipping Sauce, it tasted like tex-mex made Southern. Each was so flavour and so tasty with all the listed ingredients doing their part.
And for drinks it was $7 for the city’s favourite, the Hurricane and $7 for the Gator Bite. Happy hour saves you $3 and $4 dollars respectively. The former was 1940 Rum, Bayou Rum, and Fruit Juices. And the latter a mix of Everclear, Blue Curacao, Cruzan Rum, Peach Schnapps, Triple Sec, OJ, and Pineapple Juice. They pre-mix this at the start of their day for quicker service through out it. Like all the cocktails I have had thus far, I found this too sweet and hard to finish as a result. The juices are sugary to over power the more inexpensive spirit, and it showed. I downed what I had to get the buzz, but would not recommend it otherwise. It was here that I decided to order wine whenever possible, and so long as the price was right.
I would order the above again and would visit the restaurant again, however my travel policy of not hitting the same place twice, in order to try and experience as much as I can, will prevent that from happening.
Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar
135 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
+1 504-529-8600
coterienola.com
