I am skipping to day 4 in New Orleans since my day 3 consists of a travel story which I’m not yet ready to post. I am here an extra day and arrange with several other Chief Chowzters to visit Cochon Butcher first thing in the morning. When we arrive, some others are already there, including Chowzter owner Jeffrey Merrihue who informs us that he has placed an order because his group are rushing off to the airport immediately after eating.
There are dessert items on the table already and I taste them all. The Mini King Cake ($7.25) is not as good as the one we try the night before, from Toast.
However, I really enjoy the Elvis King Cake ($4 slice/$40 whole) which has peanut butter folded into it and bacon bits on top. It is sweet, salty and gooey.
While waiting for the food to arrive, I browse in the adjoining marketplace looking for something to bring home to my friends.
Soon, the food hits the table and everyone rushes to take photos before everything is cut into portions to share.
Cubano ($10) is stuffed with roasted pork, ham and Swiss. In theory (and aesthetically) the sandwich is a win, however, it is only average at best. Lacking in depth, there is not much flavor on the whole and is possibly my least favorite of everything we sample here.
I only manage a taste of Moroccan Spiced Lamb ($12) enveloped in a flatbread with cucumber and tzatziki. Decent enough although no where near the one The Lime Truck offered way back when. Daniel? Thoughts on bringing it back to TLT’s menu anytime soon?
Sweet + Spicy Brisket Slider ($9) is rich and packed with flavor. A tad sweet for my taste, but definitely something you might want to order if you are a fan of the sweet and spicy (not too spicy) combination.
The Duck Pastrami Slider ($7) is confusing as it is served on white bread and cut into four triangles. I ask several servers before accepting the fact that this is indeed the slider. Not quite pastrami — I am not getting the briny, peppery taste from this at all.
One of my favorites is Hot Boudin ($6) with bits of rice hiding within the white sausage. It is exactly what boudin should be in flavor and texture — definitely one of the better ones I’ve eaten.
I am eager to eat some vegetables after days of debauchery and Marinated Brussels Sprouts ($6) hit the spot.
Le Pig Mac ($10) is a take on the Big Mac; even its description almost mirrors the decades-old commercial except for the pork part: two all pork patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickle and onion on a sesame seed bun. It is decadent, it is delicious. Have it all to yourself or share it with friends. Either way, you have to order this when you are here.
Last but not least, Cochon Muffaletta ($12) with house meats and olive salad. It is served warm at the restaurant. I order one to bring home to my son and after a whole day’s worth of traveling, it arrives back in OC intact. I take a bite of it before my son devours its entirety and honestly, it is far better at room temperature after its flavors have melded together for a while.
I am told that Cochon Butcher is better than Cochon next door, but don’t take my word for it, I only manage to visit Butcher on this whirlwind trip.
Cochon Butcher
930 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 504-588-7675
We ate at Cochon (but not Butcher) and had a really nice meal! One standout was the turkey and kale gumbo, which was not traditional gumbo at all, but was amazingly delicious. And their butterscotch pudding was devoured – I wish we had ordered two. I’m kind of wishing we had gotten a Cochon muffaletta to take home; I wasn’t terribly impressed with the one from Central Grocery.
Good to know because I wondered if I should have gotten one from Central Grocery because it is so famous, but I’ve heard from many that it isn’t as good as others. I wish I had bought 2 to bring home but I had way too much to carry on the plane as is.