What to order at Coquette in New Orleans
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Coquette's menu changes seasonally. Photo: Denny Culbert
The latest buzz around chef Michael Stoltzfus is all about his new Lower Garden District tasting menu restaurant Wild South, but my recent stop at Coquette proves his oldest child is still getting plenty of love.
Why it matters: Stoltzfus' Magazine Street restaurant is a perfect spot for a date night, friendly catch-up at the bar or celebrating something special.
The big picture: Coquette opened in 2008 and has earned Stoltzfus a handful of notable recognitions, including being named a James Beard Award semifinalist six times, and a nominee once.
- The most recent nod came in 2023.
Dig in: Coquette's menu changes seasonally, and it's best enjoyed with a friend who doesn't mind sharing because you'll want to dip your fork into each dish.
What I ordered: The crab agnolotti ($32).
- Each pillowy bite of pasta was doused in chili oil, with crunchy fennel and lump crab meat over it all. With the weather outside feeling like an exhalation, I was thankful the combination came together without adding any real heat to my night.
- This was also one of the first times I started noticing fennel popping up more prominently on menus around town, and it worked beautifully here to honor the delicacy of the crabmeat's flavor.
If you go: Check Resy for a table and watch for the occasional "No Menu Tuesday," when the kitchen seeks varied inspiration and diners are treated to a fixed-price night of creativity.