Gumbo Shop. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Four letters- NOLA.  Three words to describe New Orleans, "Like No Other", because there really is no other place in the world that compares to it.  I fell in love with NOLA (New Orleans Louisiana)  as soon as I had set foot on this magical city. Its history goes back 300 years to French, Spanish, Creole and African heritage. It is not surprising that NOLA  remains a city of rich diversity with seemingly endless festivals, great food, magnificent architecture and jazz. It's a place known for its party atmosphere. You'll never get bored here. 

New Orleans has a unique cuisine and is deeply influenced by Creole cuisine, Cajun Cuisine and soul food. When you think of Louisiana's cuisine, what comes to mind? Of course, it's gumbo. Did you know back in 2004, the state declared gumbo as the official dish of Louisiana.

We arrived quite late in the evening and one of the few places that was still open was the Gumbo Shop, only a stone's throw away from our hotel. Gumbo Shop in French Quarter was repeatedly chosen for having the best gumbo in New Orleans. As this was my first time in New Orleans, I was really excited to try this thick stew tonight.

The restaurant is housed in a restored 1795 building in Saint Peter Street at the heart of the French Quarter. I was fascinated by the lovely old murals on the walls, it certainly added charm to the old Nawlins atmosphere of the restaurant. It also has a quaint outdoor patio perfect for cooler days. 
I had the Seafood Okra Gumbo and loved it. Okra is normally used in gumbo to further enhance the taste as it adds a silky texture and wonderful flavour to the stew. The Boudin tasted amazing and will leave you wanting for more. That was a rare Cajun delicacy any visitors must try, absolutely delicious! Don't forget to leave room for dessert and try their Warm Bread Pudding, it was heavenly. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting to try authentic gumbo or Creole and Cajun inspired dishes for the first time.

 Cajun Grilled Boudin stuffed with rice and served with Creole Mustard.

 Grilled Boudin cut open

Jamabalaya and Shrimp Creole

Chicken Andouille Gumbo

Seafood Okra Gumbo

Warm Bread Pudding with Whisky Sauce
Taste like heaven. Yummy!

Praline Sundae

Gumbo Shop
630 Saint Peter Street 
New Orleans, LA

Err, Bangkok, Thailand

Err is headed by chef-owners, Duangpong "Bo" Songvisava and Dylan "Lan" James, the same couple behind one of Bangkok's top dining restaurants, Bo.lan. This casual, retro-inspired Thai restaurant is tucked away in the quiet back streets of Bangkok near the Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho Temple. 

Bangkok is famous for its street food. The food displays all looked and smelled so good and tempting but still many tourists are scared to try it. At Err, you won't find any of the standard Thai dishes here because they only serve authentic Thai street food. Now that's good for those who are not brave enough to try it on the street like me. The menu was interesting and creative however, for the portion served it was priced slightly dearer compared to other local restaurants. I loved the food, it was exquisite and all tasted fantastic but because they came in small portions we end up having to order two of each dish. 

Fruit Punch

Lemongrass Soda

Pak Dong Ruam

Siamese pickled pintxo- pickled garlic, mustard, turnips

Lab Peak Pla Meuk

Isaan-style salad of squid wing and toasted rice

Neam

Grilled Northern-style garlic and sticky rice cured pork

Si Krong Moo Bar Bee Que

BBQ pork ribs Chinatown-style

Hoi Op Woon Sen

Braised black lip mussels with glass noodles and black bean sauce

Kor Moo
Grille pork neck with spicy tamarind sauce

Khao Niew

Egg coated grilled sticky rice

After meal sweets.

Restaurante Choco, Cordoba, Spain

From the moment I walked in, I can tell I was in for an amazing dining experience at Choco. True enough, it was anything but ordinary. 

We started off at the lounge area where we were served the three appetisers and drinks. Then through the frosted sliding glass doors we continued on to the kitchen where we were greeted by Michelin-starred Chef Kisko Garcia. He explained to us the philosophy and inspiration behind his new menu while another chef was preparing our next course. Then Chef Kisko gifted me a small bag of lavender seeds which was used in smoking the sardines, our next course. Finally, we were shown to our table and one by one the incredible dishes started to arrive. 

The whole experience was fun and the food was delicious and of the highest standard. Everything was excellent from the time we arrived until our departure and I enjoyed every moment. 

The lounge area

Pickled Vegetables 

Smoked Fish

Caviar Tart

Chef preparing our next course.

Regana with Smoked Sardines

Lavender Seeds

Tasting Menu

Goat Butter

Green Gazpacho, Seasoned Horse Mackerel and Cucumber

Cold Gazpachuelo, Prawns and Corn

Choosing your bread, adding some element of theatrics into the dining experience. 

Pink Salmorejo, Scampi, Oyster Leaf

Andalusian Parpatana, Green Leaf and Mint

Vegetable Pot, Iberian Jowl and Fresh Mint

Stewed Choco, Roasted Seabass and Yarrow

Iberian Pork, Roasted Garlic and Charcoal

A lime that wasn't a lime.
'Lime and Lemon'

Ruin

Petits Fours

Our bill arrived in this  intricate container.

Restaurante Choco

Calle Compositor Serrano Lucena, 14,  

14010 Cordoba, Spain