Nearing 25 years in business, Herbsaint (701 St. Charles Ave. 504-524-4114) has established a style that’s a bit French (the duck confit), part Italian (the spaghetti with guanciale and fried egg) and certainly at home in Louisiana (the gumbo…).
Herbsaint’s bar is a popular perch for casual meals or pre-dinner drinks. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
But it’s always had room for other influences (remember the crispy goat with lentils and yogurt?). The latest just starting to make their presence known is coming straight from Japan.
Earlier this year, chef/owner Donald Link and chef de cuisine Tyler Spreen traveled to Japan for a culinary romp. They came back with more than food photos, but also inspiration for their kitchen.
Tyler Spreen, chef de cuisine at Herbsaint, talks with guests during a special dinner at the New Orleans restaurant from Donald Link. (Contributed photo by Josh Brasted)
They’ve put together a pair of special tasting menu dinners in Herbsaint’s private dining room featuring a progression of Japanese dishes. The one I attended this week was eye-opening for the range of techniques the crew here undertook (from the custardy chawanmushi with local crab and sweet corn to mackerel gently seared with sticks of Japanese charcoal).
Tsukene, a Japanese style grilled chicken meatball, is served with foie gras at Herbsaint during a special Japanese-inspired dinner. (Contributed photo by Josh Brasted)
Now, through July 19, a few of these Japanese dishes are in rotation as specials available alongside Herbsaint’s regular menu.
Look for salmon sashimi, layered over white asparagus and finished with dashi and tempura crumbs; karaage, the double-fried, extra-crisp chicken; and tsukene, a kebab-like chicken meatball grilled over charcoal.
Kaarage chicken is served at Herbsaint during a special Japanese-inspired dinner. (Contributed photo by Josh Brasted)
Herbsaint has hinted a future edition of these Japanese tasting dinners could happen this summer, so stay tuned.
Herbsaint
701 St. Charles Ave. 504-524-4114
Lunch and dinner daily
AloJapan.com