“The Big Easy,” “NOLA,” and “Nawlins” are all nicknames for New Orleans, Louisianna. The combination of Cajun-Creole cuisine and Jazz music is what makes New Orleans unique. An attempt to adopt a restaurant and Jazz bar with the same feel in Toronto has resulted in N’Awlins.
N’Awlins, in all its long and narrowness is decorated with pictures of Jazz legends and brass instruments hanging on the walls. The mood seduces while the singers’ voice resonates as the drums, horns and piano plays. Lovers of Jazz music and Cajun flavors flock N’Awlins nightly for the live entertainment and food alike.
This restaurant serves up typical New Orleans specialties such as gumbo soup, ($8.75) Cajun Crab Cakes, ($9.75) and Baked Oysters ($12) as appetizers. Vegetarians fear not, N’Awlins is looking out for you with a variety of tasty salads you can modify, and the Bruschetta ($5.75) that’s big enough to share.
The menu also offers a wide list of pastas like the Rajin Rigatoni, ($16.25) which can serve as a vegetarian main course or the shrimp Linguini for Sure ($19.50). Seafood enthusiasts might like the Cajun Catfish, served with jambalaya ($19.75) and steak eaters can order a 12 oz New York Strip loin ($29).
Although the portions on the plate are nicely sized, the restaurant isn’t. On busy nights, it may leave some feeling claustrophobic. The layout isn’t wide enough to have a proper stage, so the musicians are positioned to face half the restaurant, with their backs turned towards the bar. And unfortunately, the bathroom is located on the lower level and is not handicap accessible.
But besides the spacing issues, the restaurant presents the taste and sound of New Orleans and is worthy of visiting. Whether it’s for drinks, appetizers, or dinner, N’Awlins is a fine choice.
Click here for reservations
N’Awlins: 299 King St. W 416-595-1958 info@nawlins.ca
Comments