The Cajun Foodie

Camellia Grill…..Who has spent more than a night in New Orleans and has not been to Camellia Grill? This place has been a New Orleans institution since 1946.  For a time after Hurricane Katrina it looked as though the diner would be no more, but the community  begged for Camellia Grill to reopen evidenced by the many letters and signs posted on the outside walls of the building.

Although the diner sustained no damage from Katrina, it was definitely due some repairs to bring it to normal standards.  The owners decided to sell the place to a local restaurateur in 2006 whose goal was to update the diner while leaving its familiar look and reopen the landmark for all of New Orleans guests from coast to coast.

For almost two years after Katrina, the diner sat closed but the Camellia reopened for business amid much fanfare. Aside for little touch ups to the interior, the place still has its same diner look. The waiters are still decked out in recognizable whites and some of the same staff are still serving.

The food at Camellia Grill has stayed exactly as its always been……….and that is, GREAT!!!!! The diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its breakfast staples include traditional American breakfast….eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, grits, toast, etc. What many patrons flock here for are their super-sized omelets. That’s right, omelets larger than you could imagine.

The eggs are whipped in a blender to ensure fluffiness then mixed with a variety of choices and cooked to perfection on the flat top. My last trip here, I ordered the chili cheese omelet which is a fan favorite. It may not sound too enticing at first thought, but once you try it, you are sure to be a fan. This wicked looking omelet oozes with the goodness of chili and cheese and did not disappoint.

The hamburgers at Camellia, albeit not as intimidating in size as the omelets, are a great choice when in the mood for a good, tasty burger. It doesn’t get more homemade then these burgers as the patties are formed and grilled right before you on the flattop. I would suggest getting two of these delicious burgers unless you were to order a side of chili cheese fries. The chili cheese fries come served on a plate covered with just the right amount of flavorful chili and topped with cheese. The portion is probably enough to be split between two people.

If you are still hungry after your meal……nah, scratch that….do be sure to try the famous chocolate freeze and a piece of pecan pie. What can be so special about the pecan pie you may ask….well, for starters, the slice of pie is warmed ever so subtly on the same flattop grill that is used for everything. As with most instances of pecan pie, the bottom crust absorbs some of the filling creating an unrecognizable layer at the bottom of the slice. Within just a short time on the flattop, the sugars from the filling are further cooked creating a somewhat crunchy crust.

The chocolate freeze, Camellia Grill’s take on a shake, malt or what have you, is a fantastic companion to the slice of pecan pie. Milk, ice cream, and chocolate syrup are whipped together to create a wonderful concoction that will certainly please the taste buds.

Hop on the historic St. Charles Ave. streetcar for a fabulous view of Garden District and Uptown New Orleans and get off at the Riverbend where St. Charles and Carrollton Avenues meet. Upon arrival, you will have no problem spotting Camellia Grill. At some times, there will be a line assembled outside waiting to be seated at one of New Orleans’ special dining establishment. Although you may encounter a wait, I can assure you that when it’s all said and done, the time spent waiting will be well worth it.