Big Easy Eats: Lunchtime Edition

This May, New Orleans Restaurants’ Big Easy Eats blog series serves up the best places to eat on every occasion!

Decided it’s time to finally ask out that special someone? Whether the feeling is mutual or you’re totally out to lunch, New Orleans has dozens of delectable day-date dining options.

Speaking of lunch, it can be the perfect low-key way to get to know your beau. Though dinner by daylight can be daunting, just think of it as a chance to put your best fork forward! If you’re going for a casual bite, don’t have much time, or are super-confident in your mustard containment abilities, check out Dat Dog on Freret Street Uptown. This fun, relatively new establishment is serious about sausage, and offers at least ten “breeds” of dog from Germany, Poland, “the bayou,” and “the swamp” at any given time, including a veggie dog (“from oxymoron”). Top dogs with everything from the traditional ketchup to housemade sauerkraut, wasabi or andouille sauce.

Weiners frankly not your thing? Head over to the St. James Cheese Company on Prytania, where you and your date can sample the shop’s many different farmhouse and artisanal cheeses before enjoying a sandwich, salad, charcuterie or cheese board with carefully curated accompaniments. St. James’ enthusiastic staff will help take the edge off any nervousness; alternatively, sip a glass of wine or craft beer (just be sure it pairs correctly with your meal.)

If you’d rather use utensils, Cochon on Tchoupitoulas serves up Chef Donald Link’s Cajun Southern dishes in a refreshingly renovated warehouse space. For a less expensive excursion, just stick to the small plates and sides. You won’t feel like you settled (food-wise, at least--we can’t speak for your date). We like the Wood-Fired Oyster Roast ($11) and the Fried Cauliflower with Chili Citrus Sauce ($9).

Bon appetit!

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