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35 Leander Ave,
Hillside
Bulawayo

Great rain and a fantastic New Orleans meal 2011
There is nothing more pleasing in Bulawayo than a conversation being drowned out by the pita-pata sound of heavy rainfall.  It was under these circumstances that my partner and I paid a visit to New Orleans restaurant, attached to the Banff Lodge Hotel, a stone’s throw away from the Hillside Dams.  On site parking, complete with security guard in his guard house sheltering from the rain, immediately washed away any concerns there might have been about vehicle security.  We made a quick dash to the door, opened for us by a waiter wearing a happy smile.  Having made a reservation, we were ushered to our table.

The first impression is the vibrant, elaborate and appropriate décor.  Without overdoing the effect, you certainly get an impression of what New Orleans in Louisiana might feel like.  We specifically noted how the light music in the background fitted the same genre.  Drinks were offered and served and we moved onto the menu.

Although quite ‘pedestrian’ in its presentation, the menu offered sufficient variety, though if you happened to be a vegetarian, your options were limited.  Being carnivores, this did not bother us, but if we had a vegetarian friend with us they would have been disappointed.

Our starters made an auspicious beginning to our New Orleans experience.  I am convinced that it was only the salmon and asparagus filling inside my wraps that prevented the lightest of pastry from simply floating away! While the crumbed chicken strips had just the right crispiness on the outside, with a perfect compliment of barbeque sauce.  Then we moved on to bacon wrapped chicken breast and flame grilled pepper fillet steak. To the accompaniment of the sound of falling rain, we devoured our main courses.  Although the vegetables provided only a minor supporting role to the main course, our attention was very much focused on the star performers, the chicken and steak.  The food was spectacular, awakening taste buds that had otherwise been on vacation.

We accompanied the meal with our third choice wine.  The first and second choices from the limited wine list were not available, which was a slight disappointment.  There was nothing wrong with the red wine we finally settled on, but with a limited selection, I would expect that every option should be available.  We were then surprised when given white wine glasses, and slightly shocked when the waiter said that they did not have red wine glasses.  When a certain high standard has been set, then it is the small things take away the shine.

Crème caramel and a chocolate topped mousse were our choices for dessert.  We could not fault the mousse, and the caramel was good, as good as one would expected from a standard caramel.  The art o a really great caramel, though, is in achieving the genuine caramel flavour somewhere after the Ccème caramel is cooked, and just before it is over-cooked.

Coffee and a Don Pedro finished off a very satisfying meal.  Without doubt, the food and service at New Orleans is at the highest level you can expect.  The setting, ambience and relaxed atmosphere are the perfect accompaniment to an enjoyable evening.  When presented with such a high standard, it is easy to be critical of the smaller issues, but those are the areas that will elevate the experience to one of perfection.   By the end of the evening, the rain had spent its enthusiasm, during which time we had had a fantastic meal.
Deluxe Restaurant
4 Plates
Expect to spend $20 to $30 per head
35 Leander Avenue, Hillside, Bulawayo

A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS IN BULAWAYO - FIRST CLASS! (2010 Review)
“Good Food and Southern Hospitality” – that is the logo of the New Orleans restaurant!  And I must say that their claim is totally justified, and their customers can be sure to enjoy a combination of these particular features when dining at this charming restaurant situated in the Hillside suburb of Bulawayo. 
It is always a special treat to come to New Orleans – for whatever reason… Whether it be for a celebratory occasion or just for a pleasant evening out, you can be sure that you will not be disappointed… their food is always first rate and their hospitality exemplary and both are beyond normal expectations.  It’s certainly the place where we would reserve a table for a family birthday party or where we would choose to take our out-of-town visitors. 

On arrival we were warmly greeted by our host, Russell Gardiner, who led us to our table-for-two in the main dining-room. A little light conversation was exchanged as our drinks were ordered and promptly delivered.  The wine list was quite adequate but there were no half-bottles and as we were driving a large bottle was a bit too much for the two of us!    The choice of house wine by the glass was Dry Red or Semi Sweet White and as we generally prefer Dry White, we settled for a glass of Semi Sweet for me and my partner ordered a Heineken.
The menu was brought to our table and Russell informed us carefully and precisely – and also very patiently (!) - the Specials of the Evening.  We naturally took an unhurried look through the Menu but it was purely out of interest as I think we had both decided to opt for one of the Specials as described so temptingly by Russell.  The Menu, however, was in itself a “good read” as it offered a large variety of delicious mouth-watering dishes to suit every taste and preference.  Exotic choices such as Crispy Thai Blusher and Creole Beef Curry as well as long-time favourites – Kariba Bream and Chicken Breasts stuffed with Pineapple and Banana – not to mention the large selection of accompanying creamy sauces.  Starters and Desserts were just as varied, presenting a huge challenge of selection!  There were four choices on the Specials Menu for both Starters and Main Course and for Starters neither of us could resist the New Orleans Seafood Avocado Platter!  For the main course, I ordered the Steak Picayune and my partner was simply delighted to order his favourite dish of Oxtail and Mash!  Our choices were enthusiastically endorsed by Russell himself and we settled back to enjoy the irresistible specialty bread with tiny butter balls that had been placed on our side plate by our very courteous and attentive waiter.

Not long to wait before our orders were served, although we were in no hurry as it was just enjoyable to relax and imbibe the atmosphere of our very pleasant and homely surroundings – and discretely “take-in” our fellow diners!  (It’s always an interesting exercise trying to nonchalantly observe others in the room whilst being careful not to stare!)  There were five other tables occupied – three of which were “tables-for-two” and the others were taken by a three-some at one table and a group of three elderly couples who were bowlers from the national tournament at the Hillside Bowling Club across the road.  (I think they must have had a “good day” as they all appeared to be in a happy mood!)   New Orleans is obviously a place that successfully caters for people of all ages and local residents and visitors alike, making all feel equally “at home”.  In addition to the main dining-room there is also another room at the rear of the building which I believe is used mostly for large parties.

Our Starters were tastefully presented with finely sliced avocado in a fan-shaped arrangement with a mixture of shrimp and crab in home-made mayonnaise and a slice of lime.  Scrumptious!   And our main dishes were equally delicious.  Mine was a tender, melt-in-the mouth steak with asparagus and a delectable mushroom sauce, and my partner's a generous serving of Oxtail and Mash – complete with necessary finger bowl!  Looking around I noticed several other diners enjoying the Oxtail  -  a true Special of the Evening as it was not featured on the regular Menu.  The accompanying vegetables for all the dishes were Crispy French Potato Wedges and Grilled Fresh Vegetable Slices.  These were all perfectly cooked and attractively presented.  The vegetables consisted of an excellent choice of finely sliced onions, courgettes and carrots, delicately cooked – just so delicious – and I would really like to know how they cooked the wedges – in a way that they were beautifully crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy but firm on the inside.  The vegetables were themselves a special feature of the meal, and not just an incidental accompaniment – that so often happens when eating in restaurants.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the main course at a fairly leisurely pace, we felt we should at least take another look at the Menu for the choice of desserts – although our stomachs were already more than satisfied – to put it mildly!   As with the general list of Starters, there was a selection of four Desserts ranging from Double Chocolate Mousse and Ice-Cream to Orange-flavoured Crème Brulee.  Valiantly (because we were now sitting back to rest and digest!) – but with continued enthusiasm through the joie de vivre brought about by the whole dining experience, we went for the Pannacotta – to share…  A plate with two spoons!   This was a junket in a glass, comprising a bottom layer of coffee cream and an oh-so-yummy thick chocolate topping and served alongside a modest (thank goodness!) portion of vanilla ice-cream – all on a large plate drizzled with powdered chocolate and a sprig of mint.
Wow!  To die for!!

New Orleans certainly continues to live up to the reputation it has earned in Bulawayo.  I understand that this present management only took over less than a year ago when the establishment was revamped and chef and new staff taken on.  However, I recognized some of the waiters to be the same “old retainers”, which I feel has also preserved the old-world charm that New Orleans still possesses.  The building and surrounding gardens are pretty and neatly maintained.  The approach from the safely guarded car park is through a small garden with shrubs and flowerbeds and attractively lighted after dark.  The main building is like an old single- storey farmhouse – which it was originally – with pretty French doors and bay windows.  The interior is warm and welcoming and a nice friendly place to step inside.  It also has a freshly painted appearance and is kept scrupulously clean.  There are pretty curtains at the windows with frilly valances and the walls are hung with pictures of the American New Orleans – the buildings and water front, the French Quarter and the jazz musicians.  One wall has a large selection of Mardi Gras masks and headpieces.  And yet, all this actually complements the homely atmosphere of the restaurant, adding interest to the décor without distracting from it.
The New Orleans restaurant remains a first-class establishment which also offers specialty dining experiences throughout the year – i.e. “Mexican Evenings”; “Chinese Evenings”; etc. and now – more recently – they are open for lunches with a Special Pub Lunch on Fridays.  Children are also catered for, offering a varied and healthy menu and there is even a fully-equipped playroom on the premises as well as an outside play area with jungle gym.  And, as if that is not enough there is also a resident “Gogo” in attendance!
Deluxe Restaurant
5 Plates
Expect to spend $20 to $30 per head

 

New Orleans Restaurant still top class 2009
New Orleans is a well-established and popular restaurant situated in Hillside, Bulawayo, which I have visited on a number of occasions.  However, surprisingly I worked out it had actually been at least 3 years since I was last there.  So my partner and I decided it was high time to splash out one Friday night, and see what has and has not changed at the New Orleans.

We arrived a bit before our booking of 7 pm and though we didn’t find a car guard at that time, the parking area is well off the road, and we were not unduly worried.  At reception we were given a very warm welcome by Russell, and promptly shown to our table which was by an open window through which a much needed cool breeze was blowing. 

The drinks waiter came on cue to take our order and when I asked for a glass of white wine he offered a choice of ‘dry or sweet?’  My partner did not have a choice of rums to go with his coke, but it was good quality and the coke was icy cold.  However, my wine was not as cold as it could have been, and there is no way I would resort to watering wine down with ice to bring the temperature down.  If this was a box wine, it would be a good idea to put it in the freezer to chill down well! 

As we sipped our drinks, I had a good look at the décor.  The Mardi Gras theme as I remembered it was still there – the same beautiful feather masks and opulent poster pictures advertising the real thing in New Orleans, USA.   Even though the décor has not changed much over the years, it did not look at all ‘tired and worn out’, which in itself must have been quite a feat to achieve in these tough times.  The tables were set out with simple but elegant burgundy and white, a colour scheme that followed through on the window flounces.  The lighting was provided by a couple of small ‘saloon type’ chandeliers and as the walls are white, this was a good, subtle light by which to dine. To finally set the ambience, the music was low key and background, just right.  When we arrived we were the second party but by the time our main course arrived the large twenty seater table near reception was full and most of the other tables were filling up, mainly with couples.

Russell came to take our order and explain the various culinary terms used.  There were four starters - I decided on the chicken liver parfait with red onion jam and my partner had mince pastry parcels with a mild chilli bean salad.  The red onion jam was superb and would do any rich meat credit. The main course dishes consisted of three cuts of steak grilled with a sauce of choice, pork ribs, a curry, country chicken pie and two seafood options.  My partner chose ‘Surf ‘n’ Turf’ as he had never had this combination before, and I opted for the ‘Plat-o-Prawns’. 

Being seafood, these were the most expensive items on the menu, but worth every dollar!   The ‘Turf’ came just over medium or as Russell said ‘cooked’ and just the way it was wanted.  My prawns were very tasty and tender and sat on a bed of fragrant rice.  Both dishes were served with a selection of just cooked seasonal vegetables and a nice simple salad to share.  A second round of drinks was ordered and luckily this time the wine was colder.  We had a brief look at the wine list which was comprehensive and informative, with seven reds and three whites being offered.  New Orleans impressively even has a children’s special menu as well as a play area for the youngsters.  Perhaps the only area we could fault this otherwise excellent restaurant on was a lack of options on the menu specifically targeting the needs of vegetarians.

To round off the meal and as the servings were not overly monumental and too filling, we both decided to have dessert.  The strawberry and mint terrine with fruit coulis sounded too good to miss and for my partner’s fix on chocolate there was a coffee pannacotte with a rich chocolate topping.  Both desserts were served with a scoop of ice cream sprinkled with ‘hundreds ‘n’ thousands’.  Perhaps these are better for children’s parties – maybe finely chopped mint would be more suitable.  No matter, for the puddings tasted excellent!

Dining out at New Orleans is certainly a lovely experience – food, ambience and personnel are all top class and we decided not to leave it another year before we visit again!
5 Plates
Deluxe Restaurant
Expect to spend between $25 and $40 per head

 

New Orleans maintains its excellence, all challenges regardless 2008

New Orleans Restaurant, situated in the pleasant Hillside suburb of Bulawayo, is a well known, old-established restaurant, much appreciated by residents and visitors alike.  The sort of place where friends can socially get together for an evening out, or you can choose to book a private table-for-two to celebrate a special occasion.  It is also a popular place for a business lunch or where you might take an out-of-town guest.  Whatever the reason, a meal taken at New Orleans has always been a treat to be thoroughly enjoyed and, in my experience, one that is guaranteed not to disappoint. 

And so it was that I was delighted to be invited to review this lovely restaurant as part of the Zimbabwe on a Plate Competition.  In fact I jumped at the chance to reserve a Table-for-Two on a Saturday evening in early-November.  All right, whilst acknowledging that I must on this occasion take an unbiased view and submit an objective report, I was nevertheless personally interested to find out how New Orleans was surviving in this present dire economic crisis and how they were coping with all the challenges of running a business in these extraordinary times.  Would the way they are dealing with those disadvantages actually earn a special rating in this particular exercise?  I was intrigued to find out.

We had booked a table for 7.30pm and arrived in the dark.  New Orleans was suffering one of the numerous power outages in that area and they were operating on a generator.  The car park was barely illuminated but there was a guard on duty and we felt our car was being well looked after.  The garden pathway and entrance leading to the main building was adequately lit although not with the usual floodlights that normally show the beautifully kept lawns and flowerbeds.  The restaurant, as we approached, gave out a warm and welcoming glow with glimpses of the attractive interior through the cottage-style windows.  The New Orleans building started off as a farmhouse on the outskirts of the city some fifty-odd years ago, and with its brick and stone exterior maintains the appearance of a charming by-gone era about which we like to reminisce.  

The interior is attractively furnished with pretty, chintzy curtains and valances framing the windows, and walls hung with tasteful pictures and decorations of Mardi Gras and Jazz instruments depicting the New Orleans theme.  The main dining-room, where we ate, was set out with eight tables with only four occupied on that particular night.  On entering, we were warmly greeted by the Manageress, who escorted us to our table, and the three waiters who served us with genteel, “old-fashioned” courtesy. 

The menu included a fairly large variety of dishes to choose from and only one chicken dish was unavailable “on account of the power outage”.  Soft drinks, however, were rather limited, and there were no fruit juices and no soda water.  Liquor and red wine was available but I noticed that diners at a nearby table had brought their own white wine.  We ordered beer and Coca Cola.  Our first course comprised a superb Cream of Butternut soup and a delicately presented Poisson Georgette.  (No Melba toast or bread rolls were offered).  The Hake which followed was grilled to perfection, with a delectable sauce, and the Chicken Gumbo was substantial!  These were accompanied by an assortment of fresh vegetables – carrots, beans, spinach and diced potatoes.  Finally, upon browsing through the dessert menu, we couldn’t resist sharing a very generous and absolutely delicious Banana Foster (baked banana, drizzled with a toffee syrup and topped with cream).   The coffee to follow was excellent.  Freshly-brewed and hot!  All in all, a first-class meal which we thoroughly enjoyed.

It must be said that the restaurant is obviously suffering from current “hard times” in that on a Saturday night only four tables were occupied – and one of those was by an overseas guest who was staying at nearby Banff Lodge whilst working in Bulawayo.  He was from Germany and doing consultant work at one of the local businesses.  Perhaps because we were so few diners, the atmosphere in the restaurant that evening was quite homely and the Manageress was very friendly and forthcoming, explaining to us all a few of the difficulties they encountered.  However, despite all that, New Orleans continues to produce good food at a very reasonable price whilst keeping a very attractive and homely establishment with excellent service. 

Just before leaving for home, and whilst making my way to the restroom, we were suddenly engulfed in darkness - the corridor I was in was pitch-black – whereupon the Manageress shouted – very reassuringly – “Everybody don’t move!  The generator has run down but we’ll get it restarted in a moment.”   Which they did!  A sign of the times to be sure!! 

I would certainly highly recommend New Orleans, not only for the quality of their cuisine and service but for their ability to maintain their reputation of a first-class establishment against all present day shortages, challenges and difficulties.
Deluxe Restaurant
5 Plates