Velvet Cactus

When the Velvet Cactus first opened up a few years ago, I was SO excited. Mexican food is my favorite cuisine and the outdoor ambiance was incredibly enticing! Outwardly, I was sucked right in!  The drinks seemed like they’d be fresh and tasty, but turned out tasting like cheap tequila and fruit-flavored syrup.  The perfect gem that I thought we'd found, simply, was not.  I thought my first visit was going to be my last, and I don’t think I was alone: if you Google the restaurant, the third entry reads, “Bad Mexican, Terrible Drinks.” 

Recently, however, we rediscovered the Velvet Cactus.  Word on the street is that they have a new chef.  I don’t know if that’s true, but man was it good!  We started with the Queso Blanco, which was fabulous (how can it not be? It’s a bowl of gooey melted cheese!).  I also spotted a bowl of guacamole on the table!  I’m a bit of a guacamole snob; I like it fresh, not too much cilantro, a bite of acid and NO RED ONION!  This one was perfect, a bit of acid, salt and of course, that amazing fresh avocado flavor.  In fact, now that I’m thinking about it, I don’t think that that was for the table.  I think that I snagged someone else’s appetizer! Oops! Sorry Kim! ;) I blame the tequila!

We went for a birthday party with a large crowd.  The staff was overly accommodating and even split up the check, even though they “weren't supposed to.”  Whatever that means.  My husband and I were charged for an extra $10 margarita on our tab and instead of correcting the mistake; the server explained that she couldn't remove it without undoing ALL the tabs (perhaps this falls under ‘not supposed to’).  She asked that we find a way for our friends to buy us a drink later that evening.  Whatever.  Annoying, but if that were true, I can understand.  After all that they did for us, it wasn't a huge deal.  I don’t know how she kept us all straight in the first place.  That was a feat.  One mis-placed drink is actually quite impressive considering the size of our group. The waters stayed full, the drinks were flowing and the chips stayed HOT!  When selecting a drink, stay away from the Watermelon or Strawberry foo-foo drinks.  Keep it simple. The Patron Perfect Margarita was great, the other too were far too sweet!

As for the entrees, I ordered the shrimp enchiladas with a grilled veggie skewer and rice pilaf.  The veggies were AWESOME!  I loved the seasoning and they were cooked just right.  NOT mushy and still had some bite.  The shrimp enchiladas were also amazing.  I ordered only one because I normally don’t like them, but wanted to something new.  It was worth it! 

 Honestly, my least favorite part about Mexican food in New Orleans is the Spanish rice.  NOBODY can get it right. But Velvet Cactus got it!  It’s not Spanish rice, but it was nice to have a paella style pilaf.  It wasn’t a mushy scoop of sloppy rice.  Each grain was firm and seasoned well.  Not the standard heating pan of rice with spicy tomato puree.  

The restaurant was incredibly busy!  Like… crazy!  

There were children with their parents, college kids and retirees.  We were the loud, noisy, 30-something bunch (well, everyone except me, I’m still 20-something! hehehe).  Sorry friends.  When it comes to a ‘family friendly’ environment, I honestly would bring my kids here and they would love it.  Fountains, eclectic art, bright colors; it would sing to them.  I just wouldn’t bring them late (9pm) on a weekend.  It has more of a bar feel and less of restaurant vibe.  Yes, their food is still being served, but not as quickly as the tequila.  I caught myself in a few conversations that were loud (so that we could hear each other over the atmospheric noise) only to turn and see a young child within ear shot (oops).  It was completely unintentional, but equally horrifying for us and, I’m sure, the parents.  It felt like a bar, so it was shocking when you’d turn and see a child.

Seemingly, we were the last people in New Orleans to give this place another try.  They are nowhere near a secret nor are they hurting for business even amongst the construction on Harrison!  On this one, I was pleasantly surprised.  Happy Birthday to my dear friend!  It was truly a night to remember!

Fat City Franks

After a fun day with the kids, I was looking for a family-friendly place where I could both bring the kids and avoid cooking.  I remembered driving through Fat City weeks ago and seeing a brightly painted and fun looking new restaurant.  With a little research I found Fat City Franks.  Perfect!  I told the kids we were going to have hot dogs for dinner and my three year old almost lost his marbles!  Without delay, he dressed for dinner and even helped me get his brother in the car. A-MAZING!

After a short drive we arrived at the brightly colored restaurant.  Before we even pulled up, my son was giddy in the back.  "Ooh Mama, can we go to that place!?"  For once, I was able to say, "YES!!"  It felt good. Usually, I'm conditioned to compose creative and ironclad lies stories  in a split second as to why we can't do what they're asking to do.  This time, I got to say yes!

Being that my husband is currently handicapped, I was more than pleased to see the impressive ramp leading to the front door! YAY! When we entered, I was a bit apprehensive.  It looked like a bar, and initially I was reminded of the scene in the movie 'Sweet Home Alabama' where Reese Witherspoon says to her long lost friend, "you have a baby....in a bar...." My fears were quickly assuaged.  Worry not, it's a wonderful place to bring your child (at least at 5 on a Monday).

The menu was simple but offered several options.  The "kid dog" gave both of my boys the perfect portion of hot dog and fries on the cheap! Score one for family friendly! My husband found his Banh Mi dog (whatever that is) and I had the Philly Dog.  Of course the meal was not complete without an order of fries topped with copious amounts of bleu cheese, bacon and sriracha mayo.  Healthy! Sometimes you just have to break all the rules!  ;) 

And, since Daddy got his fries, Mama went for the tasty marg!! Lucky for me, my mom came too and they had a 2-1 deal on margaritas.  They weren't bad.  They were your standard triple sec margarita.  Not bad for the price and served its purpose alongside a hot dog!  The charm... it was served in a mason jar.  I'm a sucker for mason jar drinks. They just feel right.  Something about an ice-cold sweet drink in summertime --it just belongs in a mason jar.  

There was a family sitting by us that my oldest son, of course, made friends with.  He and another little boy were dancing to the music that was playing and having a great time.  Their somewhat boisterous presence didn't seem to bother anyone.  My son was leaping off the steps (3 high) and even though I was freaking out, others found it rather hilarious.  All in all, this was a successful trip. Not too expensive, my kids actually ate their dinner, no meltdowns, an environment that could handle their eccentricities, and it was close to home (and the mall)!

They do have highchairs and boosters and there is a dining area away from the main bar.  The outdoor patio is beautiful and had it not been raining tonight, that probably where we would have ended up, even though there aren't any tables.  They take credit cards, even though their Facebook page says cash only.  The drinks are self-serve and the food is ordered at a counter before you sit down, then brought to your table.  You can make your own hot dog, shrimp, alligator, turducken, or many other dog-concoctions for those who are extra picky, and options are limitless. It was a fun ambiance and the kids were happy when we left!  When you're in the mood for something more casual and different, give it a try!  We can also help support a local business helping to revive Fat City!