Taste of Life - Travel, Restaurants, Recipes and Specialty Products

New Orleans, Louisiana (Episode #1)

New Orleans is a city shrouded with mystery and intrigue. With Taste of Life, you'll stroll through the French Quarter, sip some coffee and listen to live Jazz at the first North American coffee house, Café du Monde. We'll tour the city's Garden District and then settle in for dinner at Commander's Palace -- the most recognized restaurant in the city. Of course, we don't overlook the Cajun influence in New Orleans, so we'll take you to Mr. B's, a Cajun spice manufacturer located up the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge.

Commander's Palace

Nestled in the middle of the Garden District, stands this turquoise and white Victorian fantasy of a building - complete with turrets, columns and gingerbread. Since 1880, Commanderšs Palace has been a New Orleans landmark known for the award-winning quality of its food and many commodious dining rooms.

Particular attention is paid to the heart and soul of the restaurant - the kitchen and the dishes created there. Commander's cuisine reflects the best of the city and both Creole and American heritages, as well as dishes of Commander's own creating. Seafood, meats, vegetables, and everything is as fresh as it possibly can be.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Commander's Jazz Brunch (conceived by Dick Brennan) transforms the restaurant with brightly colored balloons, muted jazz by Joe Simon and his group plays throughout the restaurant, and a special brunch menu.

The Commander's atmosphere is like a well run party given by old friends... flowers, conviviality, and most important, splendid food and wines. What could be more fun?

www.commanderspalace.com

click here for the recipe "Crawfish Maque Choux"

click here for the recipe "Crystal Hot Sauce Beurre Blanc"

click here for the recipe "Shrimp and Tasso with Five Pepper Jelly"

click here for the recipe "Bread Pudding Souffle with Whiskey Sauce"

click here for the recipe "Commander's Strawberry Shortcake"