New Orleans is known for good food. Even the smallest cafe will offer a delicious gumbo or blackened steak. But most well known when it comes to delicious Creole food is the Brennan family and it’s famous restaurant, Commander’s Palace, in the city’s Garden District. Having worked at Commander’s for years our son-in-law is now general manager at their sister restaurant, Cafe Adelaide. I was eager to try it out so off we went!
Named after their aunt, Adelaide, her nieces and nephew began this cafe as a tribute to her joie de vivre and her habit of always looking on the bright side and living the good life. The restaurant is located on the main floor of the Loew’s Hotel at the corner of Poydras and St. Peter, just across the boulevard from the famous French Quarter.
When you visit the Cafe on the weekend you’ll want to don your best hat! Entering into this fine eating establishment with your fanciest chapeau will provide you a choice of free signature martinis to accompany your meal. The menu clearly says a limit of three (cause that’s enough!). Aunt Adelaide loved fine food and libations, she would certainly be pleased! Our sweet Em got a little carried away with the hats, but don’t worry, no martinis passed her lips!
I am a brunch lover so having heard of Cafe Adelaide’s “Brunch With Hat-itude!” I knew I was in for a treat. I was not disappointed. Chef Carl has put together a menu of such delectable items it’s enough to make a foodies head spin! His take on corndogs, made with whole Gulf shrimp and Tasso, lightly battered and served on a pool of five pepper jelly with pickled okra garnish is simply heaven!
You might also find paradise in The Boucherie Biscuit. A light as air buttermilk biscuit split and topped with braised pork shoulder, topped with two poached eggs, Andouille country gravy and a generous dollop of Creole slaw. When you visit Cafe Adelaide you’ll find out for yourself!
I, personally, cannot resist Shrimp Remoulade. Large, succulent Gulf shrimp, bathed in remoulade sauce and presented atop the freshest, crispest greens and raw veggies. Local produce plays a big role in the menu items as well as fresh caught fish and seafood. You’ll find only the best….not a surprise to me.
Did anyone mention dessert? Lift me up to the heavens! A delectable Meyer lemon trifle topped with homemade candied ginger ice cream….
A luscious dense chocolate brownie with freshly made coconut sorbet…..
Or the Cafe’s fabulous cheesecake, made with their very own house made Creole cream cheese. It’s drizzled with a bit of blackberry liqueur and garnished with the freshest berries to be found. You have to save room for dessert, don’t even think of leaving without it.
My trip to Cafe Adelaide was memorable leaving me yearning to go back for more! Aunt Adelaide is surely smiling down from a fluffy cloud, wearing one of her signature fur coats, red hair blazing in the sun. Or maybe she’s wandering through the tables, with a wink and a smile as she enjoys seeing diner’s enjoy this wonderful eatery named in her honor. I’m sure she would say “Cheers” to all!
And Miss Em? She was completely tuckered out from all of the fun! Brunch at Cafe Adelaide is “kid friendly”, a wonderful way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning!
Cafe Adelaide | 300 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 | 504.595.3305
