Note, I wrote this originally around 10 days ago, but when I uploaded, I messed something up. My pal John has now fixed my mistake, but there may be a few references in the post that don't make much sense. A few more than usual, that is.
I wanted to make a quick note that I am updating the list of New Orleans restaurants and chefs using Twitter that I first posted here, as I learn of folks to add. Just this morning I was made aware that Cafe Adelaide has a twitter account. At some point, I suppose, I'll put a permanent link up on the sidebar to the right, but I'm in no rush to do that.
I probably don't mention it frequently enough, but you can follow me on Twitter by going here. Not that I tweet all that frequently, but hey.
I had an outstanding meal last night a few nights ago at Herbsaint, hosted by Jon Smith of Cork & Bottle, in Mid-City. He was pouring some wines from Robert Kacher Selections, most of which were right in my wheelhouse, price-wise, for a bottle to open with dinner (between $10 and $15 or so). The wines were also very good, and I'll be interested to see which of them Jon decides to sell at the shop. Jon already carries a number of Kacher's wines, so the quality and price-point were not surprising. If you've never been to Cork & Bottle, you should definitely check it out, and today is actually a fine day to do so. The Mid City farmer's market sets up in the parking lot just down from the shop, and I believe there's generally a free wine tasting on Thursdays too.
Also present at the dinner were Ian McNulty of Gambit fame and Rene Louapre, of foodblog infamy. McNulty was carrying a tiny, tiny camera that was probably of military origin. Frankly, he scared me. He stared at me across the table like a hyena, and said possibly four words the entire night. Watching him eat reminded me of of childbirth, but messier. I think he might have beaten up a waiter in the bathroom, but we were all too scared to say anything.
I'm pretty sure Louapre soiled himself before our second course. Or, I suppose, that could be the way he always smells. Jon was apparently aware of McNulty's violent tendencies, and viewed our discomfort with the bemused air of a Roman Emperor at the Coliseum. Fucker.
At least McNulty let me touch his camera.
I will put some pictures of the event up when I have a chance, and assuming any of the shots I took are worth viewing. But you will not see a picture of McNulty. One thing he did communicate quite clearly was that he would "wrap my entrails around the bumper of his truck and drag me to El Paso" if I took his picture. Instead, I provide an artist's rendering which, I believe, fairly captures the tone of the evening from my perspective:
