One day last week, I overheard two ladies talking about where they’d been for lunch. One said, “I got my spinach chicken sandwich at the Terminal. You know I love it.” She didn’t have just any sandwich; she had HER sandwich, the one for which her feelings run deep.
I know where she’s coming from.
As someone who works downtown, and likes to leave the office during the noon hour, I’ve compiled a list of favorite lunches: pork tacos from Silver Jalapeño, Greek Salads from Taziki’s, fish tacos from Mojo Burrito, and a few others.But once in a while, I like to break from my routine and add something to the list. I did just that last week when I visited Blue Orleans. Located on Main and Market across the street from the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, Blue Orleans offers contemporary and traditional Creole cuisine. The restaurant has been open for four years, but just recently started serving lunch again.Since I’d never eaten Creole before, and I was in the mood for an adventure, I closed the lid on my laptop and headed across town for a taste of authentic “Nawlins” cuisine.Blue Orleans is located in a refurbished old building, which automatically gives it points for atmosphere.
Adding to the feel of the place, owners Michael and Cherita Adams have draped its walls with New Orleans and Mardi Gras memorabilia. The place isn’t dripping with ambience, but has just enough character to suggest the real thing. The lively jazz music that plays in the background helps to establish a festive mood.Since I arrived as the host was unlocking the door at 11, I was the only one in the restaurant. This allowed him to offer me all of his attention as I asked about the items on the menu. He took his time explaining what jambalaya, gumbo and etouffee were, and didn’t seem the least bit annoyed with my novice status.
With his help, I chose the “Taste of New Orleans” sampler, which allows you to choose three dishes from a list of five: crawfish etouffee, gumbo, Creole red beans, shrimp Creole and jambalaya. I went with the etouffee, gumbo and jambalaya. It seemed like a must-have trio for a first timer, and just saying “etouffee” (ay-too-fay) made me feel classy. I also added Cajun fries.Of the three dishes I took back to the office, I liked the etouffee the most. The jambalaya and gumbo were good, but didn’t knock my socks off. However, the etouffee, with its thick chunks of tomato and meaty bits of crawfish, was an instant hit.
When I dipped my fries into what was essentially a thick soup and tasted the results, I knew I’d have to have that combination again.Despite the reputation Cajun food has, the offerings I sampled at Blue Orleans were not spicy hot. Rather, the dishes had just enough zing to wake up my mouth, but not so much I needed to follow each bite with a glass of water. I did dab my forehead a few times with my napkin, though, and the food left a pleasant after burn that let me know I’d had something good for lunch.
Also, for those of you whose lunch breaks are timed, I was out the door in ten minutes.
I was pleased with my first visit to Blue Orleans, and I have no doubt you also could find something that would please your palette, whether it’s a Po’ Boy, a salad, a steak dinner, pasta, or a dessert item, all of which the chef prepares with a Creole twist.If you grab lunch sometime, you might see me there, eating my etouffee with Cajun fries. You know I love them.Email David Laprad at dlaprad @hamiltoncountyherald.com