Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Onion Rings

The recipe is so simple: Onions + Batter. But what emerges from the deep fryer is a dish infinitely more delicious than the sum of its parts. I'm talking about onion rings, those golden hoops of goodness which lately I can't seem to get enough of. Although my affinity for onion rings is strong, it is nothing but a crush compared to The Pope's certifiable obsession. I remember one particular midnight meal at Camellia Grill a decade or so ago. After waiting 30 minutes for a seat at the counter, The Pope refused to order and stormed out after Sleepy told him that onion rings were no longer on the menu. That, my friends, is a man who sticks to his principles.

Onion rings come in all forms: thinly sliced or huge loops; dusted in a little flour or coated in a thick batter; spiced up with cayenne or simply sprinkled with salt. My absolute favorite are the huge baskets of shaved onions served at Mahony's, which are incredibly light and greaseless. The shoestrings served at Charlie's Steakhouse have withstood the test of time, as have the crunchy coated rings at Mandina's. Though the coating is thicker than I am accustom to, I am also a fan of the puffy rings served in a stack at The American Sector.

So many onion rings, yet my craving still has not been satisfied. Let's hear about some of your favorites in the comments.

9 comments:

Celeste said...

Aw, now you're speaking my language. Gotta hit up Joe Sepie's on Jeff Hwy @ Central Ave, Flamin' Burgers on Williams in Kenner, and Phil's Grill (just go for the onion straws).

Snakebite said...

Not onion rings, but Frankie & Johnny's serves up some mean Pepper Rings, which are just green peppers instead of onions. To tell you the truth, I think it's the only good thing on the menu there.

Donnie Boy Riguez said...

Given its fast food environment, Popeye's has turned out quality onion rings for years. They hand batter and fry to order, which is incomprehensible to other fast food chains. It's always worth the wait to have to pull up in the drive thru while the cashier delivers them to your vehicle.

Anonymous said...

New Orleans Food and Spirits, an old school seafood and hot plate joint in Bucktown and on the Westbank, serves wonderful flaky onion rings in huge columns. They're so good that you'll want to reach for them before they cool, and burn your fingers trying to be first.

Anonymous said...

Funny that the other Anonymous mentions New Orleans Food and Spirits, becuase R&O, which is next door, also has excellent rings, and they serving is very large. I need to go to NOFS for ther rabbit special. Ye Olde also has good fries, small portion though. Looks like New Orleans is quite the onion ring town. Makes sense. I'll bet Deanie's has good rings too. Keep up the good work gentlemen. CharlieH

Uncle Lee-Bird said...

Can't leave out Joey K's on Magazine. Hands down..the best onion rings!

RBPoBoy said...

Liuzzas

jshushan said...

The rings at Parasol's are battered fresh and come out hot and crispy. They go very well with either the roast beef or the Patton's Hot Sausage po-boy.

Jonathan

MaryMagdalene said...

Phil's Grill, Kaz's, and Mahoneys or whatever that sandwich place on Magazine Street