Where to Dine With Your Pack Without Packing on the Pounds
Where to Dine With Your Pack Without Packing on the Pounds
Where to Dine With Your Pack Without Packing on the Pounds
Where to Dine With Your Pack Without Packing on the Pounds
Where to Dine With Your Pack Without Packing on the Pounds
Where to Dine With Your Pack Without Packing on the Pounds
It’s no secret that typical New Orleans cuisine is not the healthiest, with an abundance of fried delicacies, rich, buttery sauces and sugary desserts lurking around every corner. But it is paw-sible to dig up some good-for-you grub if you know where to look. Luckily, we’ve sniffed out several spots that you can enjoy with your pooch without having to worry about expanding your pooch. So leash up your four-legged bestie and head out for a healthy bite or two that won’t make you dog-tired. Bone appetite!
Bearcat Café CBD – bearcatcafe.com
With a name like Bearcat, how could anyone resist showcasing this locally owned, totally pawsome spot! Named after his rag doll kitten, Xiong Mao, which means “bear cat” in Chinese, owner James Reuter IV opened the original Uptown location in 2017, followed by its CBD counterpart in 2019 (the two have similar menus with some variations). The casual eatery focuses on high-quality breakfast and lunch categorized as “Good Cat”—lighter, healthier fare and “Bad Cat”—heartier, more indulgent options. They offer a variety of vegan, paleo and gluten-free selections, in addition to micro-sourced, artisanal coffees from local roaster Alinea Coffee Roasters, specialty teas and house-made bottled beverages such as mango lemonade, Fuji apple oolong, guava mint limeade and raspberry green tea. If you’re feeling like a cool cat, order the bloody Mary made with vegan Worcestershire sauce. Tasty “Good Cat” breakfast selections, which are offered all day long, include house-made yogurt or chia pudding with granola and seasonal fruit; tofu scramble, served with crispy potatoes and black bean sausage; smoked salmon toast (egg in a hole, avocado, everything seasoning, fried capers, sour cream and pickled shallots); and Shrimp Daddy bowl, loaded with Gulf shrimp, roasted tomato, egg, American cheese, mushrooms, and caramelized onions. Bearcat’s fluffy blueberry pancakes (also available gluten-free), served with cultured butter and house-made blueberry syrup are the cat’s meow! Whisker-licking good lunch picks include the grilled Caesar salad with parmesan and shallots; the farro bowl made with nori, black beans, carrots, mushrooms, almonds, caramelized onions and fennel; dry fried green beans with tofu and crispy chili garlic; glass noodles tossed with preserved lemon pesto, tomatoes, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, arugula and caramelized onions; and the wild mushroom katsu sandwich, which features black oyster mushrooms, katsu sauce and vegan aioli on vegan milk bun, served with crispy potatoes. Feeling a little frisky? The “Bad Cat” menu boasts decadent dishes like Cajun gravy biscuits slathered with crawfish cream sauce; grilled scallops atop stone-ground grits swimming in buttery NOLA-style BBQ goodness; and crispy hot chicken served with mac n’ cheese, creamed spinach and crispy potatoes. Both locations welcome furry friends—the CBD location has a spacious covered patio and balcony, while the Uptown spot offers porch dining. Bearcat’s super friendly staff will even whip up a pup-friendly meal so you and Fido will both be feline fine!
Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown – louisianapizzakitchenuptown.com
Yes, we’re aware that featuring a pizza eatery as a pick for healthy food is not the norm, but LPK Uptown is not your paw-dinary pie joint. While they do specialize in delectable wood-burning oven pizzas loaded with gooey cheese and all your favorite toppings, this Riverbend hot spot offers so much more than what meets the pie! For starters, owner Rob Gerhart, a NOLA-raised foodie-turned-chef who himself loves to indulge on occasion, recognizes that the “everything in moderation” lifestyle philosophy is the healthiest way to live. Over the past 24 years as chef/owner, Rob has continued to tweak the menu to reflect his customers’ dining and dietary changes including the addition of vegan cheese, whole wheat and cauliflower pizza crusts. Pie purists, don’t fret—you can still enjoy superb pizzas from classic pup-eroni to Greek, but for those who desire lighter alternatives, LPK will not disappoint. Salad fans will have a hard time choosing from the tasteful options, including goat cheese and pecan over mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette; shrimp and sun-dried tomato Caesar; or fresh mozzarella and tomatoes topped with red onions and fresh basil. Taste-bud tempting pita wraps (wheat is also available) stuffed with a variety of goodies like black beans, shredded carrots, cilantro, tomatoes, mozzarella, red onions and fresh spinach, and grilled chicken with mixed greens, tomatoes, parmesan and Dijon mustard dressing are doggone delish. Dig into the succulent roasted salmon filet brushed with pesto, or the bad-to-the-bone, rosemary-marinated Tuscan pork chops, served with veggies and panne pasta marinara. There’s ample outdoor seating, so you can bring Fido along for a bowl of fresh water and free dog treats. To say that Rob is an animal enthusiast is an understatement! “My entire life, I’ve never not had a pet,” says the papa of rescue pups 11-year-old Burt and six-year-old Gideon. “I actually cook food from the restaurant for them—they’re spoiled rotten, but so worth the effort!” Not only does Rob regularly support animal welfare organizations, but he also plays surrogate dad to a neighborhood peacock, Mr. P, who mysteriously appeared after Hurricane Katrina. Rob recently helped to nurse Mr. P back to health after being found with an injury, even taking him into his home for a couple of nights. That’s what we call one fly guy!
Meals from the Heart Café – mealsfromtheheartcafe.com
In 2009, Chef/Owner Marilyn Doucette introduced healthy cuisine to the historic French Market when she opened Meals from the Heart Café. “There was not a restaurant easily found in the French Quarter that offered vegan and gluten-free options for locals and tourists,” she explains. So the New Orleans native and Tulane graduate, who has been passionate about healthy cooking for 35 years, set out to change that by crafting healthy alternatives that would appeal to every palate and dietary need—virtually every dish is available vegan and gluten-free. Today, some of her top-selling dishes include classic okra gumbo teeming with shrimp and chicken, and traditional New Orleans-style crab cakes dished up several ways, including a breakfast option with poached eggs and English muffin, or as tacos, topped with avocado, tomatoes and green onions. If you’re craving a savory bowl of greens, Chef Doucette has that covered as well, with enticing selections like the raw avocado and beet salad, and the raspberry, walnut, raisin and feta salad both made with organic spring mix, served with house-made dressings like raspberry vinaigrette and remoulade. Pup-ular selections such as the vegan Philly mushroom cheesesteak po-boy, grilled salmon tacos, vegan hot sausage po-boy (a spicy soy and gluten-free patty made from pea protein, served dressed on whole wheat or GF bread) and black bean, brown rice, tomato and avocado bowl are sure to get your tail wagging. Kick off your day with their totally pawsome blueberry pancakes (available both vegan and GF), which were listed as the 25th best pancake in America by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Quench your thirst with one of their tasty beverages such as freshly-squeezed organic carrot juice, green tea sweetened with honey, kombuchas by Big Easy Bucha, and vegan power shakes. And be sure to pop by during Mardi Gras to dig into one of their “highly coveted” crawfish pies. True animal lovers, the Doucette family has had cats and dogs for the past 39 years, including their two current rescue pups Sweetie Pie, a 14-year-old Pit Bull-Brindle Hound mix, and Juju, an eight-year-old Pit Bull. Leash up your pooch and head to the French Market for a plate full of love at Meals from the Heart, then work it off with a long stroll along the Mississippi River at Crescent Park. Now that’s the ulti-mutt day!
Satsuma Café – satsumacafe.com
Trying to sniff out a quick spot to grab a robust cup of java, tasty tea or in-house squeezed juice with Spot? Then look no further than Satsuma Café. Freshly brewed options like cappuccino, macchiato, iced mocha, specialty lattes, espresso and Americano (with soy, oat and almond milk options, as well as flavored syrups) are sure to get you as excited as a dog with two tails. Sip a cup of house chai tea or matcha latte, or quench your thirst with a signature house-made lavender, satsuma or matcha lemonade. Grab a seat on the quaint patio with your fur pal to nosh on best-selling day starters including the green breakfast sandwich: a tasty medley featuring one egg any style, baby arugula, tomato, avocado mash and Swiss cheese on your choice of bread. Or opt for the chili avocado toast, a flavorsome layering of whipped feta, avocado slices and chili crisp oil on wheat or sourdough toast; or the hearty vegan tofu scramble with chipotle-roasted sweet potatoes and poblano peppers on black beans topped with pickled red onions, spiced chickpeas and cilantro. If lunch is in order, check out the turkey and kale salad wrap, a yummy combo of turkey, lacinato kale, spinach, feta, tomatoes and bacon with a creamy garlic dressing; the Mediterranean quinoa salad, packed with fresh spinach, cucumber, red onions, tomatoes, chickpeas and feta tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette; or the satsuma salad, an enticing combo of marinated fennel, local satsumas, roasted beets, arugula and feta. Satsuma Café offers house-made, gluten-free bread and will gladly swap egg for tofu to create vegan dishes. Peter Dymond, who owns and operates the Dauphine Street location, which opened its doors in 2009, is a restaurant veteran who wanted to create a community-based, coffee and juice shop committed to bringing healthier options to the neighborhood. Satsuma Café focuses on using quality, local and organic ingredients to craft its light breakfast and lunch fare. The laid-back, inviting café offers water bowls for four-legged guests and some lucky pups may even score a piece of bacon!
Tal’s Hummus – talshummus.com
Located Uptown on Magazine Street, this unassuming, quick-serve eatery whips up delicious Israeli-inspired cuisine that is sure to please your entire pack! A native of the Old City of Jaffa, Chef Tal Sharon began his culinary career in Tel Aviv, then later opened and operated three successful restaurants in Costa Rica before being lured to New Orleans to become the baker and pastry chef at Doris Metropolitan. In 2016, he opened Tal’s Hummus, which has been a hit with locals seeking mouthwatering Israeli street food served in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Although the place itself is small in stature with indoor and outdoor seating for ruffly 30 diners, it’s BIG on flavor! There’s even a walk-up window to quickly grab grub to go, perfect for parade season. If you’re looking for lighter fare, snag a spot outside with Spot to dig into Mediterranean favs such as Israeli salad (diced cucumbers and tomatoes tossed with green onions, parsley and kalamata olives in a zesty lemon dressing), tabuleh quinoa (fresh green herbs, bulgur, red quinoa, lemon, olive oil and pomegranate sauce) or red shakshuka (a boldly-flavored platter of eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce, served with tahini, feta, falafel, Israeli salad and pita). Tal’s offers a terrific variety of plant-powered choices including pita sabich (puffy pita, wheat is also available, stuffed with fried eggplant, Israeli salad, egg salad, tahini, mango chutney, s’rug and pickles); Moroccan carrots mixed with harissa, house-made lemon preserve and cilantro and vegetarian stir-fried Israeli couscous. Portions are incredibly generous, especially the platters (like the grilled beef kabob with grilled tomatoes and onions and the sublime chicken shawarma), which are dished up with an abundance of yumminess including hummus, fries, Israeli salad, pickles and pita. Hummus enthusiasts will swoon over the 11 heavenly options including those topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions, grilled veggies, baba ganoush, house-ground beef kabob and spicy tomato with garlic and fresh chili peppers. That’s some woof-worthy chow fur real!
Bearcat Café CBD – bearcatcafe.com
With a name like Bearcat, how could anyone resist showcasing this locally owned, totally pawsome spot! Named after his rag doll kitten, Xiong Mao, which means “bear cat” in Chinese, owner James Reuter IV opened the original Uptown location in 2017, followed by its CBD counterpart in 2019 (the two have similar menus with some variations). The casual eatery focuses on high-quality breakfast and lunch categorized as “Good Cat”—lighter, healthier fare and “Bad Cat”—heartier, more indulgent options. They offer a variety of vegan, paleo and gluten-free selections, in addition to micro-sourced, artisanal coffees from local roaster Alinea Coffee Roasters, specialty teas and house-made bottled beverages such as mango lemonade, Fuji apple oolong, guava mint limeade and raspberry green tea. If you’re feeling like a cool cat, order the bloody Mary made with vegan Worcestershire sauce. Tasty “Good Cat” breakfast selections, which are offered all day long, include house-made yogurt or chia pudding with granola and seasonal fruit; tofu scramble, served with crispy potatoes and black bean sausage; smoked salmon toast (egg in a hole, avocado, everything seasoning, fried capers, sour cream and pickled shallots); and Shrimp Daddy bowl, loaded with Gulf shrimp, roasted tomato, egg, American cheese, mushrooms, and caramelized onions. Bearcat’s fluffy blueberry pancakes (also available gluten-free), served with cultured butter and house-made blueberry syrup are the cat’s meow! Whisker-licking good lunch picks include the grilled Caesar salad with parmesan and shallots; the farro bowl made with nori, black beans, carrots, mushrooms, almonds, caramelized onions and fennel; dry fried green beans with tofu and crispy chili garlic; glass noodles tossed with preserved lemon pesto, tomatoes, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, arugula and caramelized onions; and the wild mushroom katsu sandwich, which features black oyster mushrooms, katsu sauce and vegan aioli on vegan milk bun, served with crispy potatoes. Feeling a little frisky? The “Bad Cat” menu boasts decadent dishes like Cajun gravy biscuits slathered with crawfish cream sauce; grilled scallops atop stone-ground grits swimming in buttery NOLA-style BBQ goodness; and crispy hot chicken served with mac n’ cheese, creamed spinach and crispy potatoes. Both locations welcome furry friends—the CBD location has a spacious covered patio and balcony, while the Uptown spot offers porch dining. Bearcat’s super friendly staff will even whip up a pup-friendly meal so you and Fido will both be feline fine!
Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown – louisianapizzakitchenuptown.com
Yes, we’re aware that featuring a pizza eatery as a pick for healthy food is not the norm, but LPK Uptown is not your paw-dinary pie joint. While they do specialize in delectable wood-burning oven pizzas loaded with gooey cheese and all your favorite toppings, this Riverbend hot spot offers so much more than what meets the pie! For starters, owner Rob Gerhart, a NOLA-raised foodie-turned-chef who himself loves to indulge on occasion, recognizes that the “everything in moderation” lifestyle philosophy is the healthiest way to live. Over the past 24 years as chef/owner, Rob has continued to tweak the menu to reflect his customers’ dining and dietary changes including the addition of vegan cheese, whole wheat and cauliflower pizza crusts. Pie purists, don’t fret—you can still enjoy superb pizzas from classic pup-eroni to Greek, but for those who desire lighter alternatives, LPK will not disappoint. Salad fans will have a hard time choosing from the tasteful options, including goat cheese and pecan over mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette; shrimp and sun-dried tomato Caesar; or fresh mozzarella and tomatoes topped with red onions and fresh basil. Taste-bud tempting pita wraps (wheat is also available) stuffed with a variety of goodies like black beans, shredded carrots, cilantro, tomatoes, mozzarella, red onions and fresh spinach, and grilled chicken with mixed greens, tomatoes, parmesan and Dijon mustard dressing are doggone delish. Dig into the succulent roasted salmon filet brushed with pesto, or the bad-to-the-bone, rosemary-marinated Tuscan pork chops, served with veggies and panne pasta marinara. There’s ample outdoor seating, so you can bring Fido along for a bowl of fresh water and free dog treats. To say that Rob is an animal enthusiast is an understatement! “My entire life, I’ve never not had a pet,” says the papa of rescue pups 11-year-old Burt and six-year-old Gideon. “I actually cook food from the restaurant for them—they’re spoiled rotten, but so worth the effort!” Not only does Rob regularly support animal welfare organizations, but he also plays surrogate dad to a neighborhood peacock, Mr. P, who mysteriously appeared after Hurricane Katrina. Rob recently helped to nurse Mr. P back to health after being found with an injury, even taking him into his home for a couple of nights. That’s what we call one fly guy!
Meals from the Heart Café – mealsfromtheheartcafe.com
In 2009, Chef/Owner Marilyn Doucette introduced healthy cuisine to the historic French Market when she opened Meals from the Heart Café. “There was not a restaurant easily found in the French Quarter that offered vegan and gluten-free options for locals and tourists,” she explains. So the New Orleans native and Tulane graduate, who has been passionate about healthy cooking for 35 years, set out to change that by crafting healthy alternatives that would appeal to every palate and dietary need—virtually every dish is available vegan and gluten-free. Today, some of her top-selling dishes include classic okra gumbo teeming with shrimp and chicken, and traditional New Orleans-style crab cakes dished up several ways, including a breakfast option with poached eggs and English muffin, or as tacos, topped with avocado, tomatoes and green onions. If you’re craving a savory bowl of greens, Chef Doucette has that covered as well, with enticing selections like the raw avocado and beet salad, and the raspberry, walnut, raisin and feta salad both made with organic spring mix, served with house-made dressings like raspberry vinaigrette and remoulade. Pup-ular selections such as the vegan Philly mushroom cheesesteak po-boy, grilled salmon tacos, vegan hot sausage po-boy (a spicy soy and gluten-free patty made from pea protein, served dressed on whole wheat or GF bread) and black bean, brown rice, tomato and avocado bowl are sure to get your tail wagging. Kick off your day with their totally pawsome blueberry pancakes (available both vegan and GF), which were listed as the 25th best pancake in America by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Quench your thirst with one of their tasty beverages such as freshly-squeezed organic carrot juice, green tea sweetened with honey, kombuchas by Big Easy Bucha, and vegan power shakes. And be sure to pop by during Mardi Gras to dig into one of their “highly coveted” crawfish pies. True animal lovers, the Doucette family has had cats and dogs for the past 39 years, including their two current rescue pups Sweetie Pie, a 14-year-old Pit Bull-Brindle Hound mix, and Juju, an eight-year-old Pit Bull. Leash up your pooch and head to the French Market for a plate full of love at Meals from the Heart, then work it off with a long stroll along the Mississippi River at Crescent Park. Now that’s the ulti-mutt day!
Satsuma Café – satsumacafe.com
Trying to sniff out a quick spot to grab a robust cup of java, tasty tea or in-house squeezed juice with Spot? Then look no further than Satsuma Café. Freshly brewed options like cappuccino, macchiato, iced mocha, specialty lattes, espresso and Americano (with soy, oat and almond milk options, as well as flavored syrups) are sure to get you as excited as a dog with two tails. Sip a cup of house chai tea or matcha latte, or quench your thirst with a signature house-made lavender, satsuma or matcha lemonade. Grab a seat on the quaint patio with your fur pal to nosh on best-selling day starters including the green breakfast sandwich: a tasty medley featuring one egg any style, baby arugula, tomato, avocado mash and Swiss cheese on your choice of bread. Or opt for the chili avocado toast, a flavorsome layering of whipped feta, avocado slices and chili crisp oil on wheat or sourdough toast; or the hearty vegan tofu scramble with chipotle-roasted sweet potatoes and poblano peppers on black beans topped with pickled red onions, spiced chickpeas and cilantro. If lunch is in order, check out the turkey and kale salad wrap, a yummy combo of turkey, lacinato kale, spinach, feta, tomatoes and bacon with a creamy garlic dressing; the Mediterranean quinoa salad, packed with fresh spinach, cucumber, red onions, tomatoes, chickpeas and feta tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette; or the satsuma salad, an enticing combo of marinated fennel, local satsumas, roasted beets, arugula and feta. Satsuma Café offers house-made, gluten-free bread and will gladly swap egg for tofu to create vegan dishes. Peter Dymond, who owns and operates the Dauphine Street location, which opened its doors in 2009, is a restaurant veteran who wanted to create a community-based, coffee and juice shop committed to bringing healthier options to the neighborhood. Satsuma Café focuses on using quality, local and organic ingredients to craft its light breakfast and lunch fare. The laid-back, inviting café offers water bowls for four-legged guests and some lucky pups may even score a piece of bacon!
Tal’s Hummus – talshummus.com
Located Uptown on Magazine Street, this unassuming, quick-serve eatery whips up delicious Israeli-inspired cuisine that is sure to please your entire pack! A native of the Old City of Jaffa, Chef Tal Sharon began his culinary career in Tel Aviv, then later opened and operated three successful restaurants in Costa Rica before being lured to New Orleans to become the baker and pastry chef at Doris Metropolitan. In 2016, he opened Tal’s Hummus, which has been a hit with locals seeking mouthwatering Israeli street food served in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Although the place itself is small in stature with indoor and outdoor seating for ruffly 30 diners, it’s BIG on flavor! There’s even a walk-up window to quickly grab grub to go, perfect for parade season. If you’re looking for lighter fare, snag a spot outside with Spot to dig into Mediterranean favs such as Israeli salad (diced cucumbers and tomatoes tossed with green onions, parsley and kalamata olives in a zesty lemon dressing), tabuleh quinoa (fresh green herbs, bulgur, red quinoa, lemon, olive oil and pomegranate sauce) or red shakshuka (a boldly-flavored platter of eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce, served with tahini, feta, falafel, Israeli salad and pita). Tal’s offers a terrific variety of plant-powered choices including pita sabich (puffy pita, wheat is also available, stuffed with fried eggplant, Israeli salad, egg salad, tahini, mango chutney, s’rug and pickles); Moroccan carrots mixed with harissa, house-made lemon preserve and cilantro and vegetarian stir-fried Israeli couscous. Portions are incredibly generous, especially the platters (like the grilled beef kabob with grilled tomatoes and onions and the sublime chicken shawarma), which are dished up with an abundance of yumminess including hummus, fries, Israeli salad, pickles and pita. Hummus enthusiasts will swoon over the 11 heavenly options including those topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions, grilled veggies, baba ganoush, house-ground beef kabob and spicy tomato with garlic and fresh chili peppers. That’s some woof-worthy chow fur real!
Tagged in Places and Spaces in our Winter 2023 issue