Social media star chooses 12 ‘Best Bites’ of 2023. Two are from MS Coast restaurants
Looking for an incredible meal close to home? You won’t have to go far, according to Mattlan Ladner, a food critic who reviews New Orleans-area restaurants on TikTok and Instagram as Big Eatsy.
In a list of his “Best Bites” of 2023, Ladner chose the filet and stuffed potato he had at Evergreen in Ocean Springs and the Hot Honey Katsu Buns he sampled at Kaiteki in Long Beach.
Ladner, who has more than 30,000 followers across his social media platforms, didn’t just stick close to home with his selections. While his list was heavy on New Orleans restaurants, it also included meals from Chicago and San Gimignano in Italy, along with his Mississippi Coast choices.
During his trip to Evergreen in December, Ladner said the filet mignon “stole the show,” adding that the twice baked potato served on the side “made me smile.” Additionally, he said the ribeye, seemingly cooked medium rare and served over a risotto, was “one of the best we’ve ever had.”
Evergreen opened in September and adds to the growing food scene in Ocean Springs. The restaurant, which is located in the former home of Charred, is also known for craft cocktails, unique appetizers and weekend brunch.
In a food review in September, the Sun Herald’s Scott Watkins said Evergreen “provides a unique vibe no matter which table you sit at.” He added “For a restaurant bringing the class, the burger off the grill came stocked with a surprisingly thick patty. This is where Evergreen flexed its ability to combine a charming atmosphere with a Mississippi Coast menu.”
During his trip to Kaiteki, Ladner and his guests enjoyed the cocktails, the rangoon nachos with a sweet sauce and the flavorful broths in the ramen dishes. His crew tried the shrimp ramen in addition to the red curry with chicken. “I can’t wait to come back and try more flavors,” Ladner said in the video.
Kaiteki opened in the spring in the building once occupied by On A Roll Sushi. When Watkins visited in November for a Sun Herald food review, he said “This was a step up from Cajun seasoning and eggs off the stove. We clinked our broth bowls together as a toast and soaked our noodles. I had the shoyu and the wife had the shio. Her bowl was empty in moments. The shio bowl was stuffed with braised beef and house kimchi. She downed the shio broth in a flash.”
Big Eatsy’s Best Bites of 2023
- Angara Chicken: LUFU NOLA, New Orleans
- Matcha Cheesecake: The Batterina, New Orleans
- Dumplings: Sun Chong, New Orleans
- Slap Burger: The Original Slap Burger, New Orleans
- Crab Beignets: La Petite Grocery, New Orleans
- Loaded Korean Hot Fries: The Will & The Way, New Orleans
- Waygu Hot Dog: The Pool Club, New Orleans
- Gelato: Gelateria Dondoli, San Gimignano, Italy
- Chicken Sandwich: Cindy’s Rooftop, Chicago
- Filet & Stuffed Potato: Evergreen, Ocean Springs
- Alla Vodka: Sofia, New Orleans
- Hot Honey Katsu Buns: Kaiteki, Long Beach
This story was originally published January 1, 2024 at 6:49 AM.