K-Paul's Kitchen in New Orleans

Celebrating with the Best

K-Paul's is a great place to celebrate. We've had a couple festive family gatherings there.  This past May, we celebrated my nephew's graduation from Tulane Law School.

2016 & 2010

The clothing shows the difference between our spring visit and our November visit, 5 years earlier.  We entered on a hot evening recently and a chilly night, on our first visit. The casual clothing also shows you that K Paul's is a little different than some of the iconic Nola restaurants, which still require jackets for men.  

First Visit

Despite the old brick walls, there was a new feel to this wonderful restaurant, with colorful paintings and whimsical table coverings.

I'd like to lie and say we dined with Paul Prudhomme on our first visit.  (He was still living then)  But we didn't spot him that night. Instead we raised our glasses to toast the amazing chef and owner.  After all he was practically sitting at our table... in the portrait behind Don.  
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Early

Our reservations for 5:30 were early, because it's not easy to get reservations anywhere, the weekend of graduations in New Orleans.  It was nice to get a peek at the place early, before the crowds filled it.

Youngin's

We were given a great table in the back corner, near the rustic brick and green doors/shutters. The younger half of our group arrived and scooted to the far end of the table. Our grad of honor, Andy is pictured on the right.  We had many toasts!

​Our Gang

The back room was set up for 3 large parties.  I'm glad we weren't seated beside a romantic table for 2. We look fairly calm in this photo, but our table of 3 families, was not exactly quiet.

Inspiration

Any restaurant that covers their white tablecloths with cartoonish drawings and comical recipes for martinis and pan fried rabbit tenderloin... is just asking for a tiny bit of rowdiness.

Some of the recipes did inspire some ordering.  And some of the recipes inspired quite a bit of debate... about poor little bunnies being cooked...

Off to Explore

After the usual round of Sazeracs was ordered, I was off to powder my nose. Which really means, I was off in search of adventure.  I took one photo into the wonderful open kitchen and next thing you know...

Posing

... I found myself welcomed into the kitchen for a little festive photo time. This probably wouldn't have happened at a busier time, so I felt lucky.  

I am so very bad because I didn't catch the name of this incredibly fine fellow. I did of course tell him we had met before!

2010

These 2 photos were taken 5 years ago, when perhaps I had already indulged in my Sazerac!  It also looks like it must have been a little later in the evening, because my buddy's apron is a bit more soiled.  The main thing that these photos prove, is that dining in New Orleans is just plain friendly and festive! I honestly never threw myself into the kitchen, even though I look like someone who would! Nola dining is not just about the food.  There's a lot of fun to be had, as well.

Good-Bye!

I so wish I knew the name of this wonderful fellow, so I could thank him for generously sharing a quick photo with me!  I like his wave in this photo.  And luckily my cell phone snap didn't reveal any annoyed kitchen staff.  Or does it?

Food!

I skipped powdering my nose and rushed back to the table.  We shared fabulous appetizers before our main courses arrived.

Eggplant Pirogue with Seafood Atchafalaya

This is my heavenly plate.  The mashed potatoes and veggies honestly would have pleased me on their own. And my battered, seasoned and deep-fried Little Cajun Boat of eggplant would have been a meal in itself.  But the boat was filled with fresh Louisiana shrimp, bay scallops, crawfish, sun-dried tomatoes in garlic and parsley...  It was rich!  Which suited me fine.  Did I finish?  No, but our family has memories of overeating 5 years ago.  So I quit just in time!

Blackened Twin Beef Tenders with Debris

There were many dishes at the table, but I did have a bit of these yummy tenders, seasoned and blackened in a cast iron skillet and served with debris sauce.   
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Dessert and Laughing

Food gatherings with family need to end with some good stories, laughter and yes dessert. While the gargoyle watched us from above, we shared a little of those things. I believe the photo shows Karen with Sweet Potato Pecan Pie... and Chantilly Cream!

Celebrations

We have to thank Andy for pulling us together! Family dining adventures are the best and we had 3 families traveling from 3 states.

Next Year

And next year, our Scott (who happens to be Andy's cousin) will be graduating in the same ceremony!  I wonder where that celebratory, dining adventure will be?

Paul's Spirit

Maybe we'll have to return to K Paul's, next year, since his spirit tried to sway us the next morning. Wouldn't you know his face was the first thing that appeared when we turned on the TV!