Entry #1, 7/31/18

Chef Wes

For the first night of our trip, my family decided to go to Boatwright's Dining Hall, a table-service restaurant in an old boat warehouse with Louisiana-style food and New Orleans decor. Our waitress Jenny was very helpful with bringing out Chef Wes. When Wes came, I told him that I wanted to order the Prime Rib but I was worried that it might have sesame and/or mustard spices (both of which I am allergic to). He knew that it didn't have sesame, but he didn't know off the top of his head if the Prime Rib contained mustard or not. He came back shortly after with some disappointing news: The Prime Rib DID have mustard. I was still in the mood for steak, so I asked if the Big Easy steak was safe for me. Thankfully, it was, since the only spices used were salt and pepper. Along with that, I ordered french fries as a substitute for mashed potatoes (since they had dairy) and broccoli for sides. I asked if they had allergy-free Ener-G bread rolls, but the only rolls that they had were the Ener-G rolls that are also processed in a facility with eggs. Therefore, I was unable to enjoy a bread appetizer. A long while after, I got my huge platter of food. The medium-cooked steak was soft and perfect, and eating it with the fries and broccoli made it even better. Chef Wes did not come out after we received our food, which was disappointing since I would've enjoyed talking to him and asking him more questions. I did not order dessert. All in all, while the food itself was delicious, and I bet it will be for you, the service was okay and the chef, unlike some other restaurants, did not communicate with us as much as I would've liked. The best restaurants are those where the chef is super kind, knows every ingredient off the top of his head, and is willing to come out and talk to his customers. Boatwright's was pretty good, but it wasn't amazing and the best of the best. I will return someday, but I can tell that it won't be soon.