Girls' lunch at Gott Gourmet

A few weeks ago, my good friend Anne and I went out to lunch together at Gott Gourmet. Although I have never mentioned this restaurant before, I have been there many times. It used to be one of our go-to lunch spots when I still worked in the Warehouse District, a great spot for breakfast, and I have often recommend it for folks who were looking for a delicious, not-too-expensive spot for lunch with dishes that were just a little bit different than the usual New Orleans fare.

Anne and I parked ourselves at one of the only tables that were left, a high bar table next to the window with backless stools. My wide butt perched on the corner of a high stool is not the most flattering or comfortable of positions, but it was worth a little pain for the pleasure we were about to receive.

For an appetizer, Anne and I both opted for the Mushroom Soup that was on special that cold and blustery day. Though not pretty (grayish-brown goo will never be porn), the hot, creamy soup was absolutely earthy and delicious. We both had no difficulty scraping every last drop from the bottom of our bowls. Although unnecessary, a few slices of ciabatta would have been perfect to sop up what the spoon couldn't reach.

For her entree, Anne chose the Shrimp BLT Wrap with Tabasco butter sauteed shrimp, thick slices of apple wood-smoked bacon, creamy avocado, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers and tomatoes, organic greens and chipotle cream cheese dressed with chili mayo on a sun dried tomato wrap. Anne shared this flavor bomb and I almost regretted not choosing her dish instead. Almost...

After all, what I ordered was not at all a sandwich to regret. I got the Cochon de Lait Cuban with braised, pulled pork, Dr. Pepper & honey baked ham, sliced pickles, Swiss cheese, ancho-honey slaw, honey mustard and chili mayo. It was so huge I could only eat half. I brought the rest home to John who quickly devoured it. Anne and I also shared a large plate of hand-cut French fries that were brilliant - crisp, plentiful and perfect.

Since Gott Gourmet doesn't serve dessert (why the hell not?), Anne and I sped over to Bittersweet Confections where we treated ourselves to a pecan tart, macaroons, a few choice truffles and a large cappuccino. The candy and pastry were gobbled in short order, but I have to admit, I was kind of bummed out that they served our coffee in go-cups. Maybe I'm a java snob, but I think the foamy tastiness of a well-made cappuccino is destroyed when served in a lidded paper cup. Oh well! I'll be sure to specify my desires more clearly next time.