Red Fish Grill

It would appear that the Red Fish Grill was naturally destined to open in New Orleans, Louisiana - the port city that is known for its multicultural heritage, cuisine, tourism, annual Mardi Gras and always considered to be the birthplace of jazz.

This Ralph Brennan run eatery epitomises the spirit of the city with its enjoyable, casual atmosphere and tasty fare. The interiors feature a sea coloured etched floor, hand-painted tables, oyster mirrors in the bar and a sea of metal fish in neon, swimming overhead. The 19th century building that houses Red Fish Grill is recognized as one of the finest renovations in the history of the French Quarter and the grill is located at the gateway to the area.

Chef Gregg Collier's preparations dominate the menu with favourites like hickory-grilled redfish, alligator sausage, seafood gumbo and a variety of gulf fish. Among appetizers, expect to find delicious BBQ oysters, served on the shell with butter and hot sauce, with a blue cheese sauce, and for shrimp lovers, there is coconut-crusted shrimp, in a sweet batter, fried and served with Cajun coleslaw and pepper jelly sauce.

Without a doubt, redfish is the king of the menu. It is popular as it is free from artificial trans fat and is procured from local fish farms. You can choose from the several forms like the blackened redfish burger, fillet served with tasso, wild mushroom Pontalba potatoes and topped with crawfish tails and lemon butter sauce, grilled in a house salad and wonderfully steamed in a parchment bag with parsley pilaf.

If redfish does not appeal to you, there are other options like fillet of catfish with creamy maque choux and sautéed gulf shrimp, apple-smoked bacon and fresh basil with fettuccine in a carbonara sauce. If you cannot think of a meal without meat, don't worry as you can order a fillet mignon or rib eye steak.

The dessert menu appeals to all, particularly chocolate fans, who should enjoy the chocolate bread pudding; other options include the attractive banana cream pie layered in a rich vanilla pastry with a graham cracker crust, topped with Sailor Jerry spiced rum whipped cream and caramel sauce.

The cocktail and raw oyster bar serves a full wine list both by the glass and the bottle. Tastefully designed extensions like the Wine Room and River Room, facing Bourbon Street, allow guests to watch the activities outside and are also available as venues for private parties. Full details are available on their Website.