They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And if by important, they (whomever ‘they’ are) mean utterly scrumptious and overwhelmingly substantial, then there’s no finer example of this rule than breakfast at Brennan’s. Indeed, the morning I visited this family run French Quarter institution of haute Creole cuisine was without doubt the tastiest a.m. of the year for me, resulting in one of the more delicious meals I had during my time in New Orleans, and perhaps the best breakfast I’ve ever eaten in my life.
Since opening its doors in 1946 (yes this year is the restaurant’s 70th anniversary), enjoying a lavish and boozy breakfast at Brennan’s has been among the most luxurious of NOLA traditions. My experience was no exception.
Dining kicked off with an amuse bouche of shrimp remoulade with fried green tomato, presented by my gracious waiter, Ray, who asked, “how do you feel about it?” I let Ray know I felt great about it. I also let him know I was keen to slurp on something from the eye openers section of the menu. A few sips into my Caribbean Milk Punch (Mount Gay Black Barrel, Buffalo Trace, heavy cream, vanilla bean and nutmeg) and I was feeling even greater about practically everything.
A starter course of Egg Yok Carpaccio (grilled shrimp, crispy sweet potato, and andouille vinaigrette) was as structurally intriguing with its towering cluster of yum set upon a vibrant yellow yolk base as it was scrumptious. And a main of Rabbit Rushing (fried Mississippi rabbit, with creamed collards, eggs over easy, and pickled pork jus) just about brought me to tears and my wildest of yolk porn fantasies had come true.
Breakfast was followed by a tour around the restaurant’s late 1700s mansion two-story with its private dining rooms, courtyard with turtle pond, and cellars (now replenished after losing its entire collection in floods caused by Hurricane Katrina). Top quality food aside, a stop at Brennan’s is worth it for the looksee alone. But to go there and not eat would be a travesty.
Reservations are recommended. Men are requested not to wear tank tops, cut-offs or athletic shorts.
Brennan’s is located at 417 Royal Street, 70130. Find out more at brennansneworleans.com.
Save room for the next post! I’ll be back soon with more in my series about New Orleans in 18 Eats.
