Festivus Dining

[bam bam]

We had our annual Festivus meal last night at Restaurant 1179. It had been several years since I had been there last but I have always enjoyed this restaurant.

We got a late start due to the difficulty in planting the pole. (The ground was hard due to the deep freeze we've had.) But the restaurant was more than accomodating with our late arrival. We were told we were right on time and seated immediately.

I was a little wary about going to 1179 for Festivus because the tables are a little packed in and thus we might disturb other diners while we engaged in the feats of strength. However, the maitre d seated us at the chef's table in the back which kept us away from the rest of the restaurant.

Nonetheless, we began the meal with a bottle of the Le Volte, along with the zuppa del giorno, minestrone. We were also immediately brought a crusty loaf of homemade ciabbata bread, this is probably the best homemade bread in New Orleans. Next, we split a tomato and mozz salad. Yeah I know tomatoes in December. But these were hothouse and they were bright red. While not a soft and juicy as a summer creole, they weren't rocks either.

We decided to take an intermezzo while we aired the grievances. A second bottle of wine was brought to the table. And I began to announce all the ways my friends had disappointed me during the year. I had a lot of built up hostility and it's always good to get this stuff off your chest.

After my buddy, Russell laid into me for sleeping with his pilates instructor, we were brought the pasta course. The five of us split two half orders of pasta. The first order was a red sauce with a duck ragu that was simply fabulous. It was a bolognese type sauce very hearty and excellent with a little spice to it. The second pasta was a simple alfredo with peas and bacon. It was rich and probably is the best version of the dish available locally.

A third bottle of wine was brought to the table as the airing of the grievances continued. Mr. Kruger was not happy to hear the ways, I could manage his company better.

Finally, our main courses were brought. I partook in the special veal with crabmeat and aspargus in a white wine butter sauce. The chef was a little skimpy with the white wine butter sauce but regardless, the veal was cooked perfectly and the delicate crabmeat was the perfect accoutrement. C-Note ordered the Osso Bucco, which I tasted (not from his plate, later that night when I kissed him on the lips) and it was a large oversized shank with a huge bone (which Robert the dog will be enjoying tonight on Christmas Eve). Russ ordered the Gulf Fish (speckled trout) which I also was lucky enough to taste. Once again the preparation of the food was outstanding.

Due to the fact that we had yet to perform the feats of strength, we skipped dessert and opted for Annunciation St where we did pushups in the middle of the street, followed by running shirtless to the Saulet front entrance and back.

After working up a hearty sweat and a potential vomit, we retired to Dino's for scotch and cigars.

Overall, I highly recommend 1179 for the excellent depth and diversity of Italian dishes on the menu as well as the deft preparation of the food and excellent service.

[jane dough]

So glad to hear you had a good celebration. My favorite part of Festivus? No tinsel.... I find it distracting.

[justagirl]

I've never tasted Osso Bucco off someone's lips, please tell me more.

[Double M]

Warmed my heart to know the tradition lives on.

[Alex]

So glad to hear you had a good celebration. My favorite part of Festivus? No tinsel.... I find it distracting.

I do not care much for tinsel anymore either. I find it distracting as well.