Rue 127 New American Bistro

Rue 127 New American Bistro is located at 127 N. Carrolton Avenue in the Mid-City New Orleans neighborhood. It's on the Canal Streetcar line, so it's easy to get to if you don't have a car. It's a tiny place that you can easily pass up if you're not watching for it. When you find it, it's well worth the stop. Rue 127 only has about 30 table seats, plus maybe another 10 or so along a wall counter. There's also some outdoor seating in front if the weather's good. The kitchen is smaller than many home kitchens, and it's in an old shotgun house. That makes it cozy to say the least. but, because of the decor and the details remaining from the original incarnation as a home, it's comfortable and inviting. Another thing that adds to the ambiance of this restaurant is the art by Natalie Boos, a local artist with a gallery on Royal Street.

Chef Ray Gruezt is a native New Orleanian and knows all about New Orleans food and restaurants. He learned his trade at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and has worked in New York and Florida before coming home. Back here in New Orleans, Chef Gruezt cooked at Commander's Palace and Le Foret, before opening Rue 127. His loyal patrons have followed him, and the word is now out that Rue 127 is a place not to be missed for local foodies. Chef Joanna Palmer, also an alum of the Culinary Institute of America creates the pastries and fabulous desserts at Rue 127.

Rue 127 is committed to serving only sustainable local products and the freshest seafoods and produce available, so the menu changes often. But for dinner they usually have a great gumbo. The last time we went it was made with Duck Confit, Roasted Turkey and Spicy Andouille. That was served with Horseradish Potato Salad. It was an appetizer portion, so I could still eat something else. One of my favorite appetizers is their Mushroom Risotto. For main courses you might try the Chargrilled Bone-in Cowboy Ribeye served with caramelized shallot potato gratin, brandy and green peppercorns. If you're more of a seafood person,I recommend the Panko Crusteed Salmon with dijon, herbs and roasted vegetable couscous and lemon butter.

The lunch menu is more casual with several great entree salads including the Fried Oyster Salad and the Shrimp Remoulade Salad. There's also a gumbo and my favorite, the Butternut Squash Soup flavored with sage and brown butter creme fraiche.

For dessert try the housemade sorbet. Or if you have the room left, try the Chilled Lemon Soufflé Cake with Lemon Curd, Pomegranate Gastrique, Meyer Lemon Tuille, the Brown Butter Cheesecake with Almond and Graham Cracker Crust, Almond Brittle, Salted Caramel. Yum! If you really something a little different try the Deep Fried Pumpkin Cupcakes.

Rue 127 is open for lunch from Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 to 2:00. Prices for lunch average about $7 for appetizers, and $13 for entrees. It's open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10:00 pm (10:30 on Friday and Saturday), and Sunday brunch from 11:30 to 2:30. Dinner prices run about $10 for appetizers and $23 for entrees. For reservations go call 504 483 1571 or go online here. For any other information go to the Rue 127 official website.