When I mentioned I was going to the Big Easy for supper to friends they seemed surprised that I’d never been to this legendary American style diner before. Obviously the place has something of a reputation, and after visiting I can understand why.
The bright lights and big sign set my heart racing, it was just like being back in the big apple, a city I adored and long to return to. Inside the restaurant it is just as cool, friends sit chatting, everyone seems like locals, totally familiar with their surroundings and even more familiar, and fond of, the food.
We were advised by the manager and our friendly waitress about what is hot at the Big Easy… we soon learnt there are some specialities that customers can’t resist coming back for again and again. The list includes the lobster and shrimps, the bread crumbed chicken strips, and potato skins. Ravenous and obediently doing as we were told, we soon ordered giant shrimps and potato skins with cheese and bacon to start, along with a couple of the famous Big Easy signature cocktails: Rum Runner (White and dark rum shaken with Galliano, fresh lime juice, passion fruit and tropical juices) for me and the Starlett (Gordon’s gin, fresh passion fruit, lime juice and sugar syrup shaken straight into a martini glass) for my equally excited companion. The service was super speedy and our drinks arrived within a minute or two, and within another few minutes were gone! Some of the best cocktails I’ve tasted in a restaurant, they were very sweet but deliciously unique combinations of flavours, expertly mixed so you could barely even taste the alcohol.
Our table fell silent as we gobbled our way through the starters – I had starved myself all day for this meal and was now reaping the benefits. My potato skins were insanely good, gooey and crispy with masses of melted cheese and the crispiest bits of bacon. The shrimps looked good too – a pretty pale peach colour and very fresh. I had to pace myself knowing the feast that was still to come…
I had initially decided on a burger when I stepped in the door but was swayed by the list of steaks, and eventually opted for the New York strip sirloin with the creamiest and spiciest cognac & peppercorn sauce I’ve ever tasted. The chips which come in two varieties: shoestring or steak house fries were delicious and very moreish, I managed to tip mine over while desperately trying to cram them into my mouth, that will teach me for being greedy. My guest chose the whole lobster steamed and marinated with sweet chilli sauce, she seemed delighted to have this whole fancy fish in front of her and couldn’t stop smiling as she made her way through it, only stopping to say “this is so good” and “I am so full”.
Pudding was a struggle and our mischievous waitress tempted us with liquor coffees and dessert cocktails… but we restrained ourselves (well we had already drunk ourselves merry with the ridiculously drinkable cocktails), and decided on JUST a homemade waffle with strawberries, butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice-cream to share. It was exquisite: the ideal mix of hot and cold, sweet, crunchy, soft and icy. Then came a latte for my friend and a fresh mint tea for me, a perfect calming drink at the end of the meal.
For good food and a good time it doesn’t come better than the Big Easy. Look out for the weekday deals to make the most of your trip, plus, to add another dimension, every night from 8ish the Big Easy hosts live music downstairs.
Visit the website for more information and to book here.