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If there's anything I know from traveling around the world, it's ask the locals....especially when it comes to food. What they suggest might surprise you, but it's almost always worth a try. On our recent trip to New Orleans, that's exactly what we did, and our trusty tour guides (AKA my sister Mallory and her husband Clint) did not disappoint.
First, after a long day at the zoo, they took us to Lebanon's Cafe, promising it was the best Meditteranean food in New Orleans. I knew it must be for two reasons. First, we must have passed at least five other Middle Eastern cafes on the way to Lebanon's, but my sister barely noticed them. Second, she had been introduced to the restaurant by some of our cousins who grew up in Louisiana and has raved about it ever since, even though members of my family are pretty harsh critics when in comes to Lebanese cuisine. After all, nothing is ever as good as Grandma's, right?
Lebanon's is small and a bit dark, unless you sit outside, which we did. The menu is filled with authentic dishes at very reasonable prices, which can be a real relief in New Orleans where dining out can get pretty expensive pretty quickly. The sandwiches, most of which cost less than $6, are fresh and tasty and wrapped in some of the best pita bread I've ever eaten. You can't fully understand what high praise that is until I tell you that we LOVE pita bread. My daughter and I make it fairly often, and it never lasts long (especially when there's hummus in the house). Lebanon's pita bread was thin and soft and perfectly paired with the Labna they serve. The Labna, which is yogurt with mint and olive oil, was deliciously light on that hot summer's night in New Orleans. We tried the Chicken Shawarma sandwich and found it to be full of flavor and very filling. I also tried the Lebanese tea, which is flavored with rose water and pine nuts. Having never been a fan of things flavored with rose water, I didn't enjoy it and ended up ordering something else to drink. Don't let that stop you from trying it though. My sister loves it, and the restaurant is famous for it.
On the second night, our guides took us to the Superior Grill, which is a Mexican restaurant located on St. Charles Avenue. The location makes it very easy to find, and you can take the streetcar to avoid traffic and parking problems. You're probably thinking, "You went all the way to New Orleans to eat Mexican food?" The answer is that we went to New Orleans to explore the city my sister had been living in, and the Superior Grill is one of her favorite restaurants. Now, it's also one of mine.
Don't think the fact that the Superior is a Mexican restaurant means you won't be in for a new experience. Having heard so many people recently talking about fish tacos, I decided to order some for myself. Oh my word, the Superior Baja Fish and Shrimp Tacos were delicious! Though I enjoyed the fish much more than the shrimp, overall it was a light, refreshing meal, full of flavor and very satisfying. I have to say...it also just looked pretty on the plate. The food was just so fresh! Mallory and Clint shared their favorite dish, the Brisket Quesadillas. Just the sound of that has to make you hungry!
If you think you'd be interested in eating at either restaurant, you can visit their websites to learn more and see their menus. Here are the links: Lebanon's and Superior Grill. And, if you're wondering if we ate anything "normal" for New Orleans, check back soon as I'll be sharing some tips for visiting the French Quarter with kids and about an eventful episode at an old-fashioned New Orleans restaurant!
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