Why has been so long since I visited New Orleans Take-Out? I have no reasonable excuse. Whatever, I was glad to find myself sitting at the window-facing counter on Monroe St yesterday happily soaking up the sun. I could not decide what to eat. With age, my ability to handle serious heat has waned. The server was kind enough to let me tasted the Etouffee and the Dirty Rice. I loved the Etouffee but knew it would not like me. The Dirty Rice was plenty hot but felt manageable.
I almost never order fried food but decided to try a half order of the fried oysters with a side of Dirty Rice. The oysters were perfectly prepared. The coating was nice and crisp and the oysters were barely cooked (not at all rubbery). The flavor was sweet and mild. The breading stayed put so you could even cut each oyster into pieces allowing me to savor the experience. I was unable to finish the rice and I believe a half-order would be plenty for the average eater.
I volunteer with an agency located on Fordem Avenue and often leave my shift hungry and tired. I will reward my good works with good food. Luckily I don't have to travel far.