I tried dozens of New Orleans restaurants in 2022. This cool spot was my favorite.
I made several New Year’s resolutions on Jan. 1, 2022, but I stuck only to one: branch out and make the drive to New Orleans to try new restaurants.
Before last year, I was a big creature of habit who always ate at the same places. And while I love routine and the growing food and dining scene on the Mississippi Coast, I felt like I was doing myself a disservice by not taking a short trip to the Marigny or Bywater or Uptown neighborhoods to try favorite local spots in the Crescent City.
More Sundays than not, I would leave my house in Bay St. Louis and plan to spend a half day in NOLA that would usually start with a walk in City Park, shopping and a drink at my favorite local haunt, Phoenix Bar in the Marigny. Then I would try a new-to-me place for lunch or dinner before I would make the trek back to the Coast.
I ate at dozens of New Orleans restaurants in the process and rarely had a bad experiences.
But of all of the spots I tried in 2022, Blue Giant in the Lower Garden District was my absolute favorite.
The Chinese fusion restaurant feels like it belongs in Harry Styles song. The cool blue walls and modern seating is romantic enough for a first date but also fun for a good meal with friends. All of the large plates are shareable, so you get a lot of bang for your buck.
I don’t drink alcohol, but my friends rave about the cocktails and frozen drinks from the bar as well.
Here’s what I would recommend from the menu:
- Potstickers: These aren’t your typical fried gyoza. The sausage has a cajun kick and they’re a perfect small bite to start the meal.
- Egg drop soup: You cannot go wrong. Just do it.
- Sticky beef: The flavor and spices are so good and it’s easily enough for three people.
- Sweet and sour pork: It’s the bougie sister of the to-go food from your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant.
- Chilled sesame noodles: Kind of like a pasta bowl and kind of like a salad, if you like the ginger dressing on hibachi salads, you’ll love this unique dish. It’s served chilled and it’s my absolute favorite.
If you want to try Blue Giant, they’re open for dinner and you should make a reservation. The bar area is first come, first serve but it’s almost always full.
If you go to Blue Giant
Hours: Open Thursday to Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 1300 Magazine St., New Orleans
Website: https://bluegiantnola.com/
This story was originally published January 6, 2023 at 8:00 AM.
