It was a lovely catch-up lunch last Friday when I took a friend and business associate to lunch at Saba. It took her a while to make her decision, but Saba was a good one. I didn’t confide to her that I didn’t really feel like eating that kind of food, because I do sort of have to be in the mood for that kind of food. It was good though, because I had dinner planned at The Bon Ton that evening.
The place was full, and she remarked about the clientele in there. All young people from all over, I’m sure, this was as I told her, a real 180 degrees from what I expected the crowd to be that night at Bon Ton. (It was.) The evening crowd would be all New Orleans families enjoying a long-held tradition for the last time. Today it was young transplants thrilling over the global cuisine.
I actually prefer the place that has Alon Shaya’s name to this one that has Alon Shaya. The signature pillow puff of pita was there, with its sesame and olive oil dip. And I sat while the waiter and my companion discussed the order. I wasn’t sure what they were talking about anyway. When you are with someone who knows their way around a menu way better than you, let them do it.
I knew we were getting a lot of the small dishes, and I did assert myself into the hummus discussion, swapping out the Brussels sprouts hummus for blue crab. But there wasn’t really even a hint of the crab in it. Also on the table was a labneh with salmon roe and an eggplant and roasted red pepper spread, or dip? (These are all the same in consistency, coming in tiny dishes with tiny spoons) There was a Bulgarian Feta over leeks that I liked, but only because the cheese was very pronounced in favor. The leeks didn’t impress me in either texture or taste.
When most of this was consumed, neither of us wanted to go further. All of this tastes the same to me. Sharp, tangy, fresh, and healthy. I always ask myself after such a meal why I don’t eat like this more often, until I realize the answer is simple. I don’t want to.
Saba
5757 Magazine St. New Orleans
504-324-7770
Sun-Wed-Th 11-10
Friday & Saturday till 11
eatwithsaba.com
