Restaurant August, New Orleans

Located in New Orleans Central Business District, in a beautiful historic 19^th century French-Creole building we stumbled upon Restaurant August. This dining establishment exudes elegance from the moment you enter with tall windows, smartly set tables and interesting antiques at every turn. The décor is delightful with lovely crystal chandeliers juxtaposed against exposed brick walls.

The staff was immediately attentive, the aromas were delicate and refined, and the wine list was long and included some very interesting bottles. We started with a salad of heirloom beets, crab meat, bacon and black eyed pea croutons, then the gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle and also a hot buttered crab in a warm burrata cornbread tart. Stupendous! For my entree, with some trepidation, I ordered duckling with kimchi, dirty rice and roasted carrot. The kimchi was sweet, complex and delightful paired with the duck, which was also deliciously prepared; meaty yet delicate. This dish had layers of flavor that all worked together to perfection. My other half chose pecan smoked beef which was slow cooked and beautifully steeped in a rich sauce. Dessert was hot chocolate torte which was decadent and rich. Wine pairings can make a meal and the sommelier succeeded in pairing each course, including dessert with something exquisite and pleasing.

This was our first experience at a John Besh restaurant and we were not disappointed. The dishes here are flavorful and creatively presented. Our evening at August was sensational.