Jack R.
Google
Wonderfully Surprised! "Wow...just wow!" Completely and surprisingly lives up to every bit of it's great reputation for delicious, creative, inspired food.
The restaurant itself is very unassuming and not obvious from the street...save the small square red sign out front. Its located on the lower floor of a two story building with "Tacqueria" clearly emblazoned on the front.
Entering the small, dimly lit space, you notice first the bar...and then the open kitchen directly across from the bar. As you venture further into Red's, finally a few small candle-lit tables become visible.
That said, we were quickly greeted by very friendly/warm staff and ushered to a table-for-two of our choice. Then the atmosphere begins to set in...simple yet inviting if not a little NOLA cool and funky. We immediately felt comfortable and looked forward to the menu so many rave about.
Then came the simple two-sided, thick paper menu. You may notice the drink side is more extensive than the food side...wine, beer, etc as well as some very interesting and inventive cocktails
The dining menu is significantly shorter than those of most restaurants, but what it lacks in scale is quickly recognizable as a fascinating mix of creative, inspired dishes. I felt immediately like having one of each item on that little menu. Note: Do heed the wait staff's warning...dishes are served family style...ie the portions are larger than you might expect. Regardless, especially if you likely won't return to the area for a while, I definitely recommend trying a few things. We shared the following:
- Thai iced tea daiquiri
- Crawgoons - local inspired version of the crab rangoon...crawfish and and a habanero honey sauce!
- Pork Belly Buns were awesome!
- The Kimchee is some of best, most flavorful and intense I've had
- General Chicken - local take on this popular dish using whole fried chicken drums, wings, breast, etc...gain, best I've had ever
- My wife had the ginger noodles ramen bowl and loved it!
- I finished w a Far East inspired Permanent Vacation cocktail...if I'd eaten any more I might have remained there, comatose, indeed on a more or less permanent vacation
- But wait...we weren't done yet. The donuts embellished w a green tree glaze had been fried to perfection. Delightful finish to our amazing meal!
Overall, it was absolutely obvious the food was prepared with soul and love. You could taste it in every bite of every dish, as well as in the funky down home atmosphere, pleasant service, and thoughtful presentation.
As we departed, amazed and already recalling our experience...probably because we didn't want it to end, the staff and cooks all smiled, waived, and said "thank you" from open kitchen.
This experience we'll not soon forget...don't pass up the opportunity!
