"One Restaurant and Lounge":
"One" is located in the uptown section of New Orleans, at the Riverbend, a somewhat "secret" locale that locals love to frequent for the fine food in the small, upscale eateries. "One" bills itself as a "friendly, if upscale, neighborhood hangout." The atmosphere is inviting, probably because the restaurant is so small. The decor is more modern than you would expect from the old Creole cottage housing it. "One" was recently voted the best new restaurant in New Orleans.The Chef:
Chef Scott Snodgrass was formerly chef at Clancy's, an uptown legend for Creole food in its own right. You can watch the chef at work in his open kitchen, and he also likes to talk to the diners, when he has a chance, to get their take on his cuisine. He calls his style "contemporary comfort food" in Gambit Magazine, and comforting it is. He is one of the owners, along with good friend Lee McCullough.The Appetizers:
The menu is a fusion of several styles reflecting the chef's background, and periodically changes. When we went, we got char-grilled oysters with Roquefort cheese and red wine vinaigrette, and some got the wonderful crab cakes. Also on the menu is lobster and foie gras wonton, baby back ribs, and pate. Salads include tomatoes, roasted and raw, spicy tuna & smelt roe with shaved vegetables and avocado, and seared scallops on goat cheese salad. The gumbo was voted the best in the City last year.Entrees:
The grilled beef tenderloin with Stilton cheese glacage, served with asparagus and Dauphinoise Potatoes was my husband's choice, and he devoured it. Cochon de lait (from suckling pig) with grits and vegetables (this is real New Orleans-y, cherry glazed duck confit with white bean cassoulet, and salmon were our other choices, and were all superb.Wine:
One has a very good wine list, with choices from such locales as California, Italy, South Africa, France, and South America. While we favor the reds, many white wines are offered, and most can be purchased by either the glass or the bottle.The Nitty-Gritty:
"One" is located at 8132 Hampson Street and is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until closing. Because it is usually crowded, reservations are recommended. (504)301-9061.
