Scott Gold reviews The Sammich, just opened on Maple Street by Michael Brewer, who is "attempting to raise the sandwich to daring and artsy new heights." Elevated po' boys like a duck confit variation and The En Brochette "piled generously with fried oysters, thick-cut bacon, brie and meuniere sauce" are winners for lunch, though a fried lobster knuckle did not impress. If sammiches aren't your thing, Gold also notes that the "small plates do not disappoint." [Gambit]
Gambit doubles the pleasure this week with Sarah Baird also reviewing Oxalis, where Sonali Fernando and chef Jonathan Lestingi continue to make a name for themselves with craft cocktails and small plates: "While elevated bar food and hand-crafted drinks are increasingly common in New Orleans today, Oxalis makes both feel like a new discovery." On the menu for baird: The Rattlesnake cocktail and sweet potato poutine which "makes lowly cheese curds seem elegant." [Gambit]
Tom Fitzmorris gives TWO STARS to Metairie's Bistro Orleans this week. It's a funky cafe in an otherwise strange location infested with chain eateries. T-Fitz faves: "They sling some very good cream sauce... and flame bananas Foster at the table." The "yeastier" Where Ya At Bar next door adds some local color, but T-Fitz doles out NO hipness points this week and also calls out the menu for being inconsistent. [CityBus, sub req]
· Review: The Sammich [Gambit]
· Review: Oxalis [Gambit]
· Bistro Orleans brings neighborhood feel to Metairie [City Business, sub req]
