Delachaise

What a great Thursday! My boyfriend and I went here for the Dining Out for Life HIV prevention event in New Orleans. Delachaise was one of the establishments that agreed to donate 25% of all profits to HIV/AIDS organizations.

We got there pretty early, around 5:30 PM and it was just starting up. We stopped by the bar and looked over the great $25 bottle specials offered that night and ended up on a sparkling rose. We also drooled over the cute little cheese clipboard as we marked off our four selections: a french blue, a "funky" goat cheese, an interesting cheddar with mustard seeds and ale, and one other goat cheese. We then took our wine in its nice silver ice bucket and proceeded outside to sit and talk while we gazed on St. Charles and people watched and listened to the big old streetcars amble by loaded with tourists heading to and from downtown.

Our cheese selections came out on a smart slate cheeseboard. They were accompanied by a toasted baguette sliced in perfect thin pieces, some spiced walnuts, and some apple sliced just so. The cheese portions were acceptable, but, definitely on the smaller side of what was expected. But, it was a great plate nonetheless. As we ate our cheese and drank our bubbles the clouds rolled in as they do every afternoon during NOLA summers and we darted inside as it began to rain.

Now inside in the great little porch like front seating area we decided since it was rainy outside we would prolong our stay get more wine and more food and just enjoy. We ordered a carmenere, steak bruschetta, and some goose fat fries. Everything was so delicious. The steak was cooked rare and was tender and easy to bite which can be a problem with bruschetta and was delicious with the herb spread on the crusty french bread. The fries were also amazing, super crisp with nice flaky sea salt on them. They came with garlic mayo and a asian inspired peanut sauce both of which I enjoyed very much.

Overall this was the PERFECT wine bar experience and I cannot wait to go back. Great for a nice casual date full of conversation, delicious food, and of course tasty wine.

I had no idea I'd not reviewed the Delachaise. It is one of my favorite places to hang out both with friends and alone. I have spent many a Saturday afternoon having a glass of Chianti, reading a good book, and listening to the hiss and pop of the streetcars wobbling down the Avenue. I have also spent many an evening having a lovely converstaion with a great friend or friends. The wine selection by the glass is pretty good, by the bottle better. The food is very interesting and very tasty. My favorite menu items are the cheese plate, flank steak bruschetta, frog legs, and pomme frites. I can't say I'm a big fan of the eggplant cannolis which sound better than they taste nor of the mussels which are overpowered by too much citrus and what I seem to remember was lemongrass. And  I will say that lately I find the dishes not executed as well as they used to be. Of course, that could just be the New Orleanian in me--nothing is as good as it used to be. Regardless, it is still one of my go to places.

Ahhh yes, Delachaise has become one of my favorites places to hang out for a glass of wine.  I absolutely love the relaxed environment and not to mention the great music!  Kudos to whoever makes the playlist!  I've been here 3-4 times with different friends, and it never fails to disappoint.  The steak frites dish is such a good deal at $28 for a rather large steak (actually very well marinated and juicy!) and their famous duck fat pommes frites!  Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!  And of course I had to try their desserts!  Their chocolate souffle is DELISH!  If only they served it with vanilla ice cream; I'd be over the moon!  But beware, it does take a while to come out, so order early!  I've also tried their pistachio creme brulee, and that too was amazing!  I love that Delachaise's desserts aren't overly sweet and heavy.  Both desserts I tried were actually fairly light and was the perfect end to an already delicious and satisfying meal.  And of course!  You can't just go to Delachaise without ordering a bottle of wine!  They offer such a large selection that it can be overwhelming.  Don't hesitate to ask the bartenders for some recommendations.  If you love Riesling as much as I do, they offer Dr. Herman has quickly become one of my favorites: sweet, crisp, and refreshing!  Don't worry, their red wine selection is also superb!

A few tips: it can be really loud and crowded on the weekends so just be prepared!  You do have to order at the bar, but they bring the food to you.  If you want to avoid the crowd, come a little earlier or later or just come on a weekday.  It's a fabulous place to unwind after a long day.