When our friend Jay Nix called to invite me to a party, the answer was already yes. I have loved him since our first conversation. Jay is the founder of this version of Parkway Bakery, though his star nephew Justin Kennedy mostly runs it, and very admirably. (Their nod on the Bibb Gourmand list is proof, though none is needed.)
Jay’s wife Sandy, who he met when she was his rep at Caire Hotel & Restaurant Supply, will be the queen of Excalibur, a Metairie parade which will coincidentally be riding on Tom’s birthday this year. (February 6th.) Last night there was a big celebration at Parkway. The last time I was at such a fancy event at Parkway was for Jay and Sandy’s wedding in 2010. It was such a fun and eclectic party to have an event that fancy at a poor boy restaurant. But Parkway does lots of events, and fancy ones there make them more interesting.
And the pass-around apps were the stuff of my fantasies: unlimited fried shrimp and oysters. I have always loved the delicate batter on these two sea creatures, consistently fried golden and greaseless here. The shrimp usually come exploding from a poor boy sandwich, but here they came three to an order, sitting in a puddle of Remoulade sauce. The oysters were napped with a Creole BBQ sauce. Delish!
Inside the restaurant walls were lined with tables laden with trays of finger sandwiches and muffulettas, cheese boards, fruit platters, and grilled vegetables.
There were dishes of delicious shrimp and grits, chicken andouille gumbo, a fantastically good linguine Alfredo, and some cheesy vegetable casseroles. But the star of the show was this carving table with racks of lamb. Jay showed me the racks stacked and waiting to make it to the carving table. Both the lamb and roast beef showed that Justin’s skills extend beyond poor boys.
Another room had a photo booth and candy bar, and drinks flowed freely from a spot in the original bar where a video poker room was when Jay took over the place. ML and I had our first taste of chili cheese fries at a nearby table.
Last night we met Justin’s adorable wife, and their sweet little girl. They also met through Parkway, when the two were pitted against each other in a Louisiana poor boy competition. Parkway won with Becca’s family’s place in Lafayette coming in second. Their marriage united two great people, and two great poor boy places. I love both these stories: Jay and Sandy and Justin and Becca.
All the employees there are always as gracious as the hosts. It’s a real family, and this love shows in everything they do. Of all the Michelin nods on all three lists, this is one of a handful that makes me smile the most. Kudos to them.
We walked out into the night to the sounds of a great band, watching people happily dance. A real New Orleans party.
