TRAVEL BYTES: Mimi's in the Marigny
Dining Review: Mimi’s In The Marigny
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Dive bar plus exquisite cuisine? I’m all in.
After years of exploring, I think I found my ‘spot’ in New Orleans.
I’m a certain type of bar hopper. I’m not into the crowded, hipster martini spots. I can’t stand nightclubs – I honestly only like them if I’m fully loaded and want to shake my booty. I like sitting at a high-top, old wooden bar and enjoying a beer and if I meet a new friend while there, great. If not, I certainly don’t mind enjoying the atmosphere by myself. I guess you could say I like the ‘dive bar’ scene.
Another thing that I lean towards when I am out searching for a good watering hole is food. Being a self-proclaimed foodie, I like to experience different ideas and selections of foods. I have traveled around the United States trying to find the ideal taste experiences. And Mimi’s might just have everything I’ve been searching for.
Mimi’s In The Marigny is located down Royal Street, close to the levees in the Bywater. My husband and I walked there from our usual hotel that we stay at on North Rampart, the French Quarter Suites. One of the great things about this city is walking and enjoying the atmosphere. Now, if you’re a tourist and unfamiliar with the city, I certainly don’t recommend walking through the Seventh Ward late at night. As we practically live there, we don’t mind it as much.
The atmosphere itself is relaxed. An old pool table sits toward the back of the room. Your typical ‘New Orleans’-style bar takes up most of the rest of it. The high wooden shelving lies home to not only your common house liquors, but also to a few premiums, and your most comfortable seat would be perched on one of the high-back bar stools. They do have a few very small tables scattered throughout the room, along with a ‘leaner’ when you first walk in, but the bar is definitely the highlight. Dive not your scene? Mimi’s actually holds a secret… Upstairs there is a bar that has live music and a dance floor on certain nights of the week, loaded with bar and food service as well.
The biggest reason why Mimi’s is getting a write up is not because of their drink list or their wine selection, which is decent. No, they’ve got my heart – and my stomach – because they’re ingenious and talented chef’s take on Tapas. Tapas are appetizers, or snacks, or (my definition) just small plates of deliciousness. They can be cold (ranging from olives or cheeses or meats), or hot (we’ll get to that in a moment), but basically, here at Mimi’s, they blow traditional Tapas out of the water. They hold true to the idea that Tapas leads more to conversation, which is perfect in a bar setting. They were designed for people who are not so much focused on a huge meal, but small bites that blow your mind and spark a discussion on what you’re experiencing.
Chorizo and Creamed pasta with fresh bread? Delic!
The last time I stopped in, I placed my tapas order at the bar. I prefer the hot tapas, as it seems to ooze with creativity. One of my staples are the Goat Cheese Croquetas. They’re three golden balls of goat cheese, which have been doused in honey and served with pickled onions. They are soft, delicate and a cheesy take on fried ice cream. I was nervous about the idea of mixing that much honey with a pickled onion, but the combination was superb.
Little golden balls of awesome
On the cold side, they’re meat and cheese plates are traditional and delicious. Mimi’s chef is mixing Spanish-style meats such as chorizo and jamon serrano with popular cheeses. They also offer almond-stuffed dates with figs, honey and blue cheese which are often served with seasonal fruits.. This is seriously gourmet cuisine, where the chef obviously knows his stuff.
Which brings me to my usual.
I have only had one bad experience with the food here, and I shouldn’t even say it was bad. It was delicious. But boy, did I get trust issues after my order showed up.
Trust me with a side of tears
Mimi’s offers a dish called the ‘Trust Me’. This can be hot or cold; it’s completely up to the chef. The only consideration they take is if you are a vegetarian or if you have any food allergies. The dish is exactly what it says. You put your food experience entirely on what the chef feels like rustling up for you. I completely adore this spin. The first time my husband and I ordered it, we got the opportunity to try slightly seared oysters in a delicate wine sauce with a slice of bread to sop up the left over. It was so good; we were on the verge of tears.
However, the second time I indulged in the ‘Trust Me’, I received a $9 plate of broccoli.
This is why I have trust issues...
Now, let’s rewind. I don’t mind spending money on good food. I believe food is more of an experience than many other opportunities we are given when we travel. Mimi’s is not overly priced. Au contraire; I find the price of their menu to be extremely cheap to the quality of the food. And, I love broccoli. And, this was great broccoli. The waitress let us know that it was locally farmed from a spot about 30 miles north of New Orleans. It was steamed, and than seared, and sprinkled with a little goat cheese. Delicious.
However, I don’t like paying $9 for a plate of broccoli - especially a Tapas-sized plate of broccoli.
That being said, the last time I was in Mimi’s, I was riddled with trust issues. Should I get my usual, or not? Do I dare chance my taste buds to another disappointment in a menu I love?
I did dare, and I wasn’t disappointed. The plate in front of me not only looked gorgeous, but it set off so many pleasure receptors in my mind, that I was worried I would faint. The ‘Trust Me’ was a Goat Cheese and Mushroom Brushetta. Mixed with Louisiana greens, and spread on some crusty French bread, the texture was above and beyond. They had dusted the concoction with a duck glaze that added a slight density to the sweetness of the goat cheese.
Mimi's back in my graces with this tasty little ditty
The sweet taste of redemption.
Mimi’s In The Marigny has it all – atmosphere, decently priced drinks, and a menu that could compete with any high-dollar competitor. Whether you’re looking for something small with a glass of wine, or like me, looking to stay a few hours and indulge, this is a must-stop in the Big Easy.
Mimi’s In The Marigny, 2601 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70117
Bar open from 4pm-late, seven days a week. Kitchen open Sunday through Thursday from 6pm-2am and on Friday and Saturday from 6pm-4am
