Gumbo New Orleans Style

Growing up on the gulf coast I grew up loving gumbo.  On a recent trip to New Orleans I decided to have a bowl of gumbo at every meal that it was available to see what a town that is know for its food could do.  We were only in town for a few days, so there were many great places that will have to wait for the next trip.

I'll be grading the gumbo on a one to five scale based on the following criteria: roux, spiciness, and freshness of the seafood.  Personally I like a bold roux and a good amount of heat so I don't need to use any hot sauce.

First up is House of Blues.  It was late and we were tired when we got checked into our hotel.  The House of Blues was only a short walk.  I wasn't expecting a lot from a chain, but I was pleasantly surprised. It did have sausage, which I didn't care for as I like my gumbo seafood only.  It was very tasty, but I could tell it wasn't "home made".  The presentation was slightly sloppy, but the ambiance of HOB made up for it.  I give it 3 out of 5 shrimp.

Our next stop was lunch the next day.  Again  we went to a chain restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. My wife's favorite movie is Forrest Gump so not stopping by wasn't an option  While our main courses were great, I was really disappointed in the gumbo.  It was very obvious that it started out prepackaged and was just heated up with no real flavor coming out.  It also had sausage, but the worst part was the fish they used which was tough and cut into squares.  I give it 1 out of 5 Shrimp.

The next day we took about an hour drive outside New Orleans to the Oak Alley Plantation.  Guys if your in the area take your significant other. http://www.oakalleyplantation.com/.  On the premises, they have a restaurant and the gumbo is excellent.  The spices are just right, with enough heat without being overpowering..  I know I'm setting a high bar, but 5 shrimp out of 5.

Dinner that night was for my wife's birthday so we were looking for a great place to eat that would be a touch of fancy without needing a suit.  We decided on G.W. Finns and it delivered.  First the service was top notch, just about every place we ate at in New Orleans had service ranging from so-so to so bad we walked out.  Not so at G. W. Finns.  Now on to the gumbo.  It can be summed up in one word: Rue.  It was excellent, it was very apparent that a lot of time and effort went in to the roux.  It was well textured and complex.  All the flavors complimented each other quite frankly left me wanting more.  The presentation was great and the shrimp was tender.  Again 5 out of 5 Shrimp.

Our last meal in New Orleans didn't involve gumbo, but is still worth mentioning.  Everyone should go to Sunday brunch at the Court of Two Sisters.