Cowbell

I first heard word of Cowbell through my co-worker, Gay. The restaurant is in an old gas station where Oak Street meets River Road, so nice and close to me. It was also mentioned that something called an "adult grilled cheese" was on the menu, which right away sparked my curiosity. Let's not forget that this place is organic and locally sourced, from what I understand. I decided to finally check the place out for a Friday lunch.



Right away I fell in love with the decor. The inside is light and airy, tables made of distressed wood, flowers in glass bottles, and various sculptures including an awesome egret. Look how they post their specials with a little magnet.


Although I really wanted to try their naturally raised beef burger, I opted for a cheaper course since it was lunch and got that much anticipated Adult-style grilled cheese with a mug of the daily soup. Cory copied and got the same thing. We also split an order of fries as an "appetizer".


The grilled cheese consisted of goat cheese, grilled asparagus slices, tomatoes, and something sweet. Fig? The soup of the day was a delicious white bean and vegetable.
I was very happy with my meal. The service was a tad sub-par. Our fries came at the same time as the grilled cheese and it was hard to get a hold of any of the 3 different people that waited on us. Since Cory was on a lunch break for work ('twas my day off!) I think he felt the stress of the wait more than me. I'm not really holding the service against them just yet because I'm anxious to get back there and try more food! The burger and also their brunch.


Cowbell
8801 Oak St
NOLA 70118

Coté Sud

Cory and I went to Coté Sud, formally Ciro's, a couple of weeks ago for dinner.

I had been there once before with my family back in March. I think it was for my brother's birthday dinner. I can no longer remember what I got, but I do remember being satisfied with everything and tasting the other dishes on the table as well. My parents frequent the place quite often.



This time I started with a cocktail called the French 75. Best invention ever. And I'm pretty sure it was intended for me: mixing my two favorite drinks into one delicious blend. Champagne plus gin plus a slice of lemon.

Next I had a small Salade Maison consisting of lettuce, tomato, black olives, and mozzarella cheese with a house vinaigrette. I forgot to take a picture of it.

For my entrée I had one of their daily specials. Veal with potatoes and asparagus. The sauce was creamy and the asparagus had a nice crunch to them.


Cory had the Magret de Canard aux Pêches (duck breast with peaches, prune, apricot, and Bourbon sauce on a bed of mashed potatoes)
I think I might have liked his dish more...doesn't that always happen...but that didn't stop me from eating mine.


We of course had to peruse the dessert list and there were about 3 or 4 that I wanted to try. Both of us glanced at a table across the way and that's how we decided to go with the layered chocolate mousse cake. Because I'm my father's daughter I also had an after dinner coffee.
The chocolate cake was very good, but honestly it was a little bit too rich and chocolate-y for my likings. If you're a chocolate person, by all means go for it. I found myself wishing I had gotten the puff pastry or upside down apple tart, but there's always next time!

The next day my sister finished the chocolate cake and I had a lunch of gourmet left-overs.

Would I go back? Of course. I hear they make wonderful pizza, which I must try.
Diners beware: cash and check only