Ever Hear Of this Place>

[jonnygospeltent]

While you're in NOLA, you must go to Cafe Reconcile at 1631 Oretha Castle Haley (Dryades St) in Central City. It's a few blocks from the Superdome in one of those neighborhoods that the tourists pray they never get lost in, amidst missions, food banks, decay and desperation (but there's a kids' community vegetable garden nearby) and it's a teaching restaurant. They take young hopeless people off the path they're on, teach them every aspect of the restaurant biz, and send them out with ethics, skills and hope. Get a t-shirt or 3, they're gorgeous. I dashed in there right before we left and got a plate of beans and rice for the train and ate it cold an hour later and it was still the most satisfying meal of the entire trip. Chef Tony Bourdain profiled the place on "No Reservations" a couple months ago and i cried just watching the show; there was no way I could miss a visit. It's a beautiful, busy anchor in the 'hood and it just feels happy. Smells like neighborhood reclamation and hope.

[Michelino]

Sounds like a plan...we may need a group run.

[Frosty]

I read about it recently and am going to try to hit it up Monday before heading to LMF for John Boutte.

Meatloaf w/ garlic mashed potatos and smothered okra!

[duende]

we just watched a segment on this place either on the Food Network or on the Travel Channel - was it featured in Anthony Bourdain's NOLA special? Anyhow, the food looked great, the portions were enormous, and the cause really touched us. Every kid does virtually every job in the restaurant and gets a hit-the-ground-runnin' look at the biz. Hey, not every kid plays sousaphone, right? uh, no booze... right? A minor omission that can be cured in minutes after lunch!

[ibjamn]

It's only open M-F, 10am - 3pm. The white beans & shrimp on Thursdays are fantastic!

[festivalgirl]

Emeril Lagasse has been working with them as well:

From February 11 until March 11, Emeril’s will donate 10% of lunch sales to Café Reconcile, the non-profit where at-risk youth gain social-entrepreneurship and hospitality experience by working in the lunchtime eatery. Chef Emeril Lagasse is helping develop a Culinary Learning Center at Café Reconcile on the second floor of the five-story building in Central City

From Lagasse's Foundation:

Last week, Chef Emeril revealed plans for the Emeril Lagasse Culinary Learning Center at Café Reconcile, and awarded an additional $250,000 grant for the development of the Center, bringing the total contribution from the Foundation to $500,000. The Center will enhance Reconcile’s restaurant operations and social entrepreneurship programs, as well as create a permanent home for their advanced culinary training curriculum.

[glinda]

I remember Jenn recommending this place last year. Haven't made it yet.

Bet that's a nice training ground for future Emeril's employees. He's getting many good returns from that social investment.

[festivalgirl]

I remember Jenn recommending this place last year. Haven't made it yet.

Bet that's a nice training ground for future Emeril's employees. He's getting many good returns from that social investment.

Yes he is. I believe he has a similar program in NYC.

[eat_mo_crawfish]

It's a great place with incredible food, the white beans 'n shrimp, shrimp fria diavolo, the brown crawfish gravy with fried catfish, and you'd better save room for dessert!