Boucherie

[bam bam]

I have been a little reluctant to eat at the Boucherie because of how it is the "hot" restaurant. Of course, we have only had two upscale openings this year and Coquette is for douchebags, so I guess those in the know are left with singing the praises of Boucherie.

First, that space has been so many restaurants and the decor and layout hasn't changed all that much, that despite the new name, owners and chef, it is kind of like going to a T.G.I. Friday's after a menu change. You know, like if I actually went to a T.G.I. Friday's.

I am no fan of garlic fries but the garlic parmesean fries here are by far the best I have ever had. If you go, ordering these when you sit down is mandatory, much like ordering soufflet potatoes at Galatoire's. I also love the fact that they put great care into their beer list. They have a solid list of microbrews and imports to choose from including the NOLA Brewing Co beers which I think go pretty well with their food. The wine list, on the other hand, is pretty standard.

The Boudin Balls are a perfect follow up to the fries. They come with a garlic aioli and are a little on the spicy side. You will definitely want a NOLA Blonde Ale to wash them down.

My one complaint about the main courses is that too many of the dishes are "cousins" to one another. Furthermore, they look the same on the plate. The duck, which I ordered comes with Swiss Chard and a Shiitake Confit, contrast this with the Pulled Pork Cake with Potato Confit and Cabbage Slaw and the Grouper with Mirlton Slaw or the Stuffed Artichoke with baby leek and porter fondue. A little more creativity is needed in this area.

My duck was slightly overcooked. No sauce and I think it could have used a little seasoning or something to spice it up. It just didn't have enough ooomph to it. DC #1 had the brisket with the garlic fries, these are the same garlic fries we ordered when we sat down. No real complaint about that as these things are incredible but it underscores my point about the lack of vision with the accoutrements. The brisket was firm and had a pecan smoke flavor to it. This was by far the best entree. The Pulled Pork Cake was bizzare. I almost ordered it but was beaten to it by DC #2. I am glad I lost that one.

We split a bacon brownie for dessert. This is the second time I have encountered such a dish. The bacon fat essentially gives the chocolate a creamier texture but adds no flavor to the dish. The version here was vastly inferior to Miles Prescott's interpretation at The Country Club.

Overall, the Boucherie has promise, potential. There's a lot to like. But it definitely will need to evolve somewhat as a restaurant to have any kind of staying power. Recommended.

[jodyrah]

I actually found the boudin balls low on flavor/spice, with too much rice. I think much of the attraction to Boucherie is the low price points. IMO, it's just creatively plated, mediocre bbq.

[justagirl]

I've only been once but I enjoyed the fries and the mussels very much. The entrees were the low point for me too. I enjoyed the bacon brownie dessert...but then again I love bacon and I love brownies...so I was pretty sure no matter what it was like I was going to love it.

I remember the wine pairing well with the food my DC and I ordered but honestly dont recall what it was, unmemorable but decent for the evening.

[Isabella Maja]

I definitely enjoyed the fries, but I much rather La Boca's fries.
Well, I much rather La Boca's atmosphere as well, not to mention the food.

The March evening we went to Boucherie was jam packed with blond haired, blue eyed coeds. You would have loved it Bam.
It was just a little bit too giggly, too cute and I wondered if I somehow had stepped into the Orleans Club by mistake and had crashed a little deb social.

All this brew ha ha greatly overshadowed the food (in the most extreme way I have ever experienced), which was not how I wanted to spend my evening with my friend.

So, on to the menu. After perusing it, I thought about how each entree sounded like you described, Bam . . . cousins is a perfect fit.
So that made it just that much harder to decide and not in a good way.
Quite frankly, I found the entrees to sound rather boring.

I wish I could remember the app I ordered. I remember liking it, but must not have been that memorable. I also had the brisket.
Had they not run out of the duck app, I would have gotten that.
The brisket was good, but just okay good. I guess I am spoiled with having had really great brisket over the years. I wouldn't get it again.
But you're right, it was the best entree on the table.

DC had the duck entree. OMG, I was almost a bit embarrassed when they brought out his entree. It was the puniest duck breast I have ever seen. Yes, slightly overcooked. But probably not enough to send it back.
A caesar salad was his app. He was very disappointed in the 2 leaves of lettuce slightly drizzled with dressing and about 5 strands of parmesan.
We were celebrating his birthday (which I believe was the night or two before), my treat, so he pretended to like it, but I could tell he was disappointed. He's from Portland and always counts on me to take him to great places. I felt like I had really screwed up this time.

He had the bread pudding, I believe white chocolate - which he enjoyed.
I had the chile chocolate brownie and I definitely liked it, but a little more zing would have been nice.

All in all, I don't think I'll be going back.
I was going to make it up to him by taking him to La Boca for a really meaty meal, but unfortunately he had to cut his trip short. Next time.

[Gourmondo]

I went about 2-3 months ago. I can't remember what app I had, but it was the high point. The entree was the fish special of the day. It took quite a while to come out and I didn't have a lot of time for lunch that day. It was redfish if I recall in a rather minimalist presentation that left me cold after the wait to build my anticipation. The brownie was too dry and did nothing for me. I would go back for a second take with friends, but not on my own.

[bam bam]

Isabella,

This may be heresy but I actually like the fries at Boucherie better.

Interesting that this thread has elicited numerous responses contrary to what the food cognescenti has to say.

[wish I never left]

Isn't it obvious, Bam? Clearly, instead of stating the details of what we did and didn't like about the restaurant, we're all just piling on. We're nothing better than an internet lynch mob out to savage the reputation of the restaurant.

Clearly, everyone who has anything negative to say further about this place should just keep it to themselves and let our betters set the record straight.

[Isabella Maja]

Bam, I didn't say the fries weren't good, for me just not the best.
But then again, you could call me contrary.

[BTG]

Isn't it obvious, Bam? Clearly, instead of stating the details of what we did and didn't like about the restaurant, we're all just piling on. We're nothing better than an internet lynch mob out to savage the reputation of the restaurant.

Clearly, everyone who has anything negative to say further about this place should just keep it to themselves and let our betters set the record straight.

Tom is saying that exact thing right on a thread on his board about Bacco and it being inconsistant.

[jodyrah]

I don't think anyone is intentionally trying to "savage" the rest. reputation. Articulating my likes/dislikes may be interesting to some, but not necessarily helpful unless our personal taste coincides.