Hoa Hong

We recently had a cast of blog characters gathered together for lunch at Hoa Hong 9 Roses. Rene, Bloggle, Donnie Boy, and I ate our way through nearly every animal in the zodiac. But before the carnivorous feast began, we had our daily fill of vegetables from the Vietnamese crepe (banh xeo). The crepe looks deceptively like an omelette, but it's thinner, crisper, and has a slightly sweet flavor. It's filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, and then served with a tray of lettuce, sliced carrots, and mint. Add fresh veggies, dip in fish sauce, spice up with sriracha, and indulge.

In honor of the Dread Pirate, I tried the goat curry. The curry was flavorful but very thin, which made it less than optimal as a sauce for the steamed rice. The goat meat was cut into bite-sized morsels and served skin on, which may be off-putting to some but the texture is not completely foreign. Still, the meat was oh so love me tender.

Both Rene and Bloggle had the vermicelli bowl with chargrilled pork and eggrolls. In celebration of skipping the Chicago marathon, Bloggle ordered the large bowl - a decision which earned him the distinction of "Superman" in the eyes of our waitress. But in this case the Man of Steel's eyes were bigger than his stomach, and he threw in the towel before he could finish. How anyone could leave behind such deliciously grilled pork, I cannot understand.

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Donnie Boy ate some sort of no carb, non-fat meal. Needless to say it was not worth writing about.

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9 Roses - Birdie

The 2009 Blackened Out State Dinner

Once or twice a year, the loyal denizens of this cyber dark alley gather at a predetermined spot to drink and nibble on victuals. These events are timed with the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and Tales of the Cocktail.

Last year's First State Dinner was replete with delicious food, biodynamic wine (it means you get hungover), and a cougar! You can read about last year's juvenile delinquency here and there.

We also dominated the Tales of the Cocktail at Stella!. No embarassment was spared.

This year the 2009 Official Blackened Out State Dinner will take place at La Cote Brasserie on May 20, 2009. Here is the menu. We chose this location based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: GPS proximity to the Red Eye, the passed apps, Peter's ideal restaurant concept, and the ability of most of us to skateboard there from work.

Scheduled to appear are Peter, The Pope, Lindsay, BB Gunner, Palm Room Hostess, Donnie Boy Riguez (with Catfish Erin on the Accordion), and a host of other characters. But most importantly, you. If you would like to join us, just call over to La Cote at (504) 613-2350 and reserve your spot now. Put together your own table or just lurk from the corner, we don't care. Nor do we judge.

This is a really fun night. Plus, there is always the chance for it to turn into an early morning. And it is Peter's last trip to New Orleans until August 1. So catch him while you can.

Limos by A Confidential.

EDIT

LATE BREAKING NEWS: In a stunning announcement some have heralded as "quite dangerous" Legend will be in attendance at this year's State Dinner. Participants are encouraged to gird thy loins.

Weekend Loaded With Events

First there is French Quarter Fest. The locals' Jazz Fest, this festival combines many of your favorite things about New Orleans: food, booze, music, the French, and quarters - all at a price up to 100% less than Jazz Fest.

Although the price is free, Blackened Out is selling limited edition tickets to this year's French Quarter Fest. For $25 you get access to all stages and front of line skippage privileges at all food booths. For an extra $25, you can reserve your ticket to next year's Mardi Gras.

See? We love a deal here.

Also, there is the 6th Annual Bayou Basset Boogie at Audubon Park on Sunday. So if you like slow, lazy hound dogs waddling around a picturesque park, then this party is for you. I hear Donnie Boy Riguez will be there with his new hound, Ms. Daisy de la Hoya.

Alas, Lindsay and I will be unable to make either event as we are heading to Austin City Limits for the wedding of our PR Director and Social Chair. So Austin, a city I have never been to, prepare to be boarded. Peter has told me something about a mechanical bull, all-you-can-eat barbecue, and a gallon of margaritas. It sounds like fun. If you live in/lived in/frequently visit/ have visited/are named Austin and read this crap, leave a comment and tell me where to go.