The creator of the Muffuletta is the famous Central Grocery in the French Quarter. However, it was closed when we tried to visit it on a Sunday (it is also known to be extremely crowded at all times.) As a result, we took the recommendation of a local to visit Napoleon House Bar & Cafe where locals say the Muffuletta's are superior to Central Grocery's.
We arrived at 11:30am on a Sunday and there was a line. Clearly this was a popular place, although the line moved quickly and we were sitting within 5 minutes. Service was excellent throughout, the server never bothered us except when we definitely needed him, and our drinks were always filled before we needed to ask.
We started off with the cheese board (7.50) which was just an amazing array of cheeses that everyone enjoyed, along with assorted fruit and pepperoni slices. The cheese was fresh and diverse, satisfying everyone's palate.
Our Muffuletta's came next. While most others got either a quarter or half a sandwich, I opted for a full size sandwich, which is recommended for 2. This is because I was massively hung over and starving. The first bite is always the most difficult because this sandwich is so unique. The olive salad combined with the rest of the ingredients is at first very new and strange. However, after you really get into eating this sandwich, it gets more complex and tasty. I can only imagine how much deeper the flavors would have gotten if I took some of my sandwich to go and allowed the olive salad to marinate the bread.
All in all, I was extremely satisfied with my meal, and the Muffuletta lived up to the hype. Napoleon is a great local joint where the natives hang out, and is a must try for the Muffuletta's when visiting New Orleans.
3 Cutting Boards
Napoleon House Bar & Café
http://www.napoleonhouse.com/
1 comments:
I'm going to New Orleans in Sept, 08. I read your post at the perfect time! I need to get my hands on an authentic muffelatta there. And, you also helped me nix August off my list of restaurants. Right now I have Irene's Cuisine and Brigtsens on my dinner venues. I need one more...perhaps Jacque-imos? Thanks!
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