By Mary Ann Fitzmorris
If utter privacy is high on the list of particular needs for a meal, do we have the perfect place for you!
Susan Spicer’s latest outpost, Rosedale, is tucked so far into Mid City that the neighbors must be upset that people are being drawn there. It’s a peculiar place right by the railroad tracks that cross Canal Blvd by the cemeteries. It's called Rosedale, probably to help customers find the place on the one block street. And what a street it is. This tract of land shares history with New Orleans music royalty. Louis Armstrong was among the disadvantaged youth who convened here to practice. As for the building itself, it is a former police station, complete with a little jail. Like Mayberry back in the day.
The pretty white frame building differs from the other frame houses by its gardens, ramp, and small blackboard out front announcing happy hour. Inside is a collection of small rooms whose main unifying element is the wood chairs constructed by the chef’s husband. (Think Cochon.)
There is a large patio out back which must get interesting when a train passes. We were a little disappointed one didn’t while we were there.
The menu is eclectic. And like her other restaurants, you want to get a lot of things on it. Susan Spicer owns the bakery brand Wildflower, (produced in conjunction with Leidenheimer), so all the bread is homemade. Sort of. So we had to try the garlic bread. but we also got the guacamole with cebollitas and flour tortilla chips. Entrees were another tough choice. Grits bowl with pulled pork or po-boy? Grilled pimiento cheese on Wildflower sourdough with or without bacon and tomato? We said yes, of course, to the last two questions. And no to the grits bowl, opting instead for the po-boy. And pecan pie for dessert.
The garlic bread was loaded with garlic, but the overall sensation was grease. Too much butter made it unpleasant. The same was true of the cheese sandwich. Greasy and the overall look was really unappealing. So much so that we left half a grilled cheese sandwich. On sourdough, no less! The accompanying chips were smallish and a little dark. Also not good enough to eat. The pulled pork po-boy was much better. Dripping with a really rich gravy, this had a demi-glace quality to it, having been braised in wine. Interesting juxtaposition of fancy meat preparation on a sandwich with coleslaw. The guacamole was also okay, nothing brilliant. Thick flour tortilla chips a little darker than expected, but otherwise okay.
Dessert was more disappointing. Smallish piece of pecan pie which was more like a tart. And a dollop of flat whipped cream on top. Also pretty resistible.
We’ll go back here because the place is intriguing, and there is nothing bad about the food - it’s just not all that exciting. You figure it’s just that you ordered the wrong thing. I want to test this theory again. But I also feel that way about Mondo after multiple visits.
Parking is a bit of an issue as well. That doesn’t help. But we’re not giving up yet.
Rosedale
Wed-Fri 11am-till
Saturday & Sunday 10am-till
Happy Hour 3-6pm Wed-Sun
801 Rosedale Dr
504-309-9595
info@rosedalerestaurant.com
