Oct 28, 2024 - Food and Drink
What to order at Willa Jean
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It's not easy to multitask, but it's something that Willa Jean in New Orleans manages to do well.
Why it matters: Whether you're looking for a quick coffee, a loaf of bread or a boozy brunch before a Saints game, this spot in the Central Business District can do it all.
Dig in: I stopped by the BRG Hospitality bakery and restaurant in the run-up to Taylor Swift's New Orleans takeover, stepping in for a quick lunch at the bar.
- The space is as beautiful as ever, with its modern farmhouse-style decor and sweeping views of the busy Girod and O'Keefe intersection.
- Though kitchen leadership has changed since it opened in 2015, the menu under chef Ryan White still happily bears some of its signature dishes, like the fried chicken biscuit and a chocolate chip cookie dessert that arrives with some uncooked dough, too.
What I ordered: A chopped green salad topped with crispy chicken ($18), monkey bread ($10) and a chocolate chip cookie ($3).
- The salad's lemon poppy seed dressing was a cool touch alongside the spicy fried chicken, and I loved the mix of arugula, iceberg and romaine lettuces.
- The monkey bread, which I split with my husband later, was like a dessert version of dinner rolls, sticky-sweet with honey and cinnamon.
