I absolutely love New Orleans, Louisiana. So, when my birthday came around last year, I decided it was time for a trip to The Big Easy! We had an incredible time, due largely in part to the food! I knew before arriving we were going to be having dinner at Jacques-Imo’s Café at least once while we were there. It is located just a few minutes outside of The French Quarter in a suburb called Carrollton. This one-of-a-kind restaurant is located inside of a renovated two story shotgun house, which are staples in southern Louisiana. A shotgun house can be described by this one statement: You can shoot through the front and out the back door without hitting any walls. This not only adds immense character, it also provides a very welcoming environment. Jacques-Imo's has become so popular, art galleries have sprung up in the area looking to take advantage of the crowds and the business they bring. Most stay open later in the evening so hungry restaurant goers can peruse the art work while waiting for their table. It took about an hour for us to be seated which gave us more than enough time to stroll through the galleries.
I first saw Adam Gertler on the Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate describing the Shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheesecake offered at Jacques-Imo’s Café and I knew I had to try it! I was a little skeptical at first, not knowing what to expect. However, before even finishing the first bite, I was in love! It was unbelievable, having a quiche-like consistency. The creamy texture balanced perfectly with the buttery crust. The pieces of shrimp and alligator sausage were distributed evenly throughout the entire slice giving it a great rich taste. The sauce was spicy and velvety, a fantastic match for this remarkable creation. It is unlike anything else I've ever had!
I was well prepared for the appetizer portion of our meal; however, I was still a little undecided about my entree. Everything on this menu sounded amazing, which made my final decision very difficult. It ultimately came down to our server's recommendation: the fried chicken. She said it was one of their most popular dishes, and I can see why! It was juicy, flavorful and seasoned to perfection. This is some of the best fried chicken New Orleans has to offer! They give you a breast, thigh, and wing with two sides and a house salad! So much fabulous food! It smelled so heavenly that guests walking or sitting near us continued asking if it tasted as good as it smelled. I answered “Yes!” without hesitation every time. For my sides, I ordered red beans and rice and seasoned corn. Both very good!
The dessert menu was rather small, having only two options. We chose the crème brulee. It was warm, creamy and torched to perfection, certainly large enough for two people.
This has definitely become one of my favorite restaurants in all of New Orleans. The atmosphere and the food are going to be very hard to beat!
Jacques-Imo's Cafe
8324 Oak St
New Orleans, LA 70118
www.jacques-imos.com