25 Feb New Orleans Comes to LA at Preux & Proper

Eating in New Orleans is one of my favorite annual trips. After all, in New Orleans they know how to fry food like nobody’s business. Po boys, beignets, gumbo….what’s not to like?!?! And, now Angelenos don’t have to travel across the country to enjoy these dishes because Preux & Proper is here.

Located in Downtown LA, wedged between Spring and Main Streets, you might even think for a moment that you are in New Orleans. With second story windows lining the narrow, two story brick building, you can just imagine people throwing down beads. If it wasn’t so quiet in this part of town and the patrons were not wearing so many articles of clothing, you’d be fooled.

As I entered the restaurant, I passed the ground floor bar (Preux) with slushy machines. But, we didn’t stop here until we were on the way out.

Upstairs (Proper) there is another full bar (sans slushy machines) and a full dining room. The drink menu consists of traditional New Orleans cocktails (French 75, Pimm’s Cup, Vieux Carre and Sazerac) as well as variations on other classics (The West Side, Blackberry Honey Sour, Lemon Smash, Category 6). As we were a large group, we shared a Lemon Smash in a punch bowl and then ordered individual cocktails.

If you can tear yourself away from the cocktails, the wine list is a creative selection of international wines from California, Italy, France, Spain and Washington. But, on this outing, we stuck with cocktails. Once the table was filled with drinks, it was time to get down to the food.

Like most good meals, we started with fresh oysters on the half shell. The oysters for the night were Fanny Bay from British Columbia.

As we finished the oysters, the Smoked Shimp Beignets arrived. Whether sweet or savory, how can you not love those little fried fritters? And, the smokiness of the shrimp balanced well with the tart preserved lemon and tartar sauce ($10).

Instead of a traditional muffuletta loaf which is split and covered with layers of marinated olive salad, mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone, the Muffaletta Board is a deconstructed version. Filled with cured meats, cheese, olives, fig jam and grilled bread, the Muffaletta Board is a great option for sharing ($16).

As we were a large table, the Cajun Corn Nuts ($4) and Pickles ($4) are great sides to share as well. Well, I would say to share but I think I might have eaten all of the corn nuts. They are addictive.