THE GREEN GODDESS

She says:
After the “wisdom” of numerous Yelpers led us to three unsuccessful Cajun meals in a row in New Orleans, Downtown Boy and I were ready for something different. That’s when we stumbled upon the Green Goddess, a 4-day old restaurant nestled in a cute alleyway in the middle of the French Quarter. Ironically, although the menu utterly lacked in fried seafood, alligator meat, and anything else Cajun, it turned out to be the best meal of our trip!

The eager-to-please waiter easily convinced me to try the “Spooky” blue corn crepes, purely on the intrigue of the dish’s mysterious ingredient, huitlacoche, a rare Atzec corn fungus. Considered a delicacy in Mexico, in the States we apparently throw this “corn smut” out like any old fungus. This is a huge mistake! Delicate blue corn tortillas were piled with the mushroom-like fungus and covered with a brandy ragout, all of the flavors coming together to form an earthy, complex, slightly bitter, and completely addictive dish.

He says:
The bangers and mash was a delightful twist on the English pub standard. The duck sausage was hearty and bold, and it contrasted wonderfully with the butter and citrus notes of the sweet potato mash. And to think this little gem cost the same as those wretched po boys I suffered at the two Masperos!

The best part of the meal might have been the coffee, though. I have a soft spot for coffee mixed with condensed milk, which is how my mom used to make it. Throw in some chicory root for added depth and you’ve got the perfect ending to a meal.

She says:
After such an impressive entrée, I couldn’t resist trying the strawberry crème brulee for dessert. The burnt sugar atop had been soaked in balsamic vinegar and made for a delicious coating. The crème brulee itself had an excellent strawberry flavor though the consistency was a bit too yogurt-like.

We say:
If you’re a budget traveler in New Orleans, the Green Goddess is a godsend.




The Green Goddess
307 Exchange Alley, New Orleans, LA