The staff at Landry's Seafood House really makes you feel special. As I was going up the stairs to the restaurant, the manager held the door open and greeted me. I thought it was such a sweet, warm and welcoming gesture. The restaurant is cozy and the staff makes you feel at home. He also held the door open for me leading to their outside dining area. That really meant a lot and went a long way with me. You don't find many restaurants that pay attention to details the way Landry's does. The waiters are very knowledgeable and attentive to your needs. They provide excellent food choice suggestions and will satisfy your every whim. I see why Landry's Seafood House is a top notch restaurant.
I highly recommend eating outside. The restaurant sits on Lake Pontchartrain, so there's a beautiful view from sky to water. Take in the wonderful breeze, beautiful sunlight and seagulls in flight. It was magical to see the sunset. Take in what's around you. Let it encompass you. Its very calming, soothing and relaxing.
Whether dining in or outside at Landry's Seafood House, you'll notice a beautiful white lighthouse located outside. Its a statement piece and historical landmark. Its called The New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center (its operated as a museum by the Pontchartrain Conservacy formerly known as Save Our Lake). It was established (built) in 1839. The US Congress appropriated money ($25K) for the lighthouse to be built. It's been rebuilt many times. In 1843, the lower timbers began to rot. So it was rebuilt in 1855. A remodeling of it was done in 1890. It was then brought up to modern standards in the 1900s. The United States Coast Guard inhabited it from the 1960's to 2001. Since 2002, The Pontchartrain Conservacy. (source)
Before the USCG operated it, many of the lightkeepers were women: Elizabeth Beattie (1847), Jane O'Driscol (1850), Mary Campbell (1870-1895), Caroline Riddle (1895-1924), Margaret Norvell (1924)
The lighthouse has been ravaged by several hurricanes. One in 1915, which had winds up to 130 miles per hour. Hurricane damage in 1926 resulted in the light being raised onto concrete piers. And in 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the lighthouse. Now, a replica of the New Canal Lighthouse, destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, has been built. It incorporates original wood from the 1890 lighthouse that stood on the site and now operates as Pontchartrain Conservancy's New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center.
Funding has come from a number of sources such as the Louisiana Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, Shell Oil, Gayle and Tom Benson, The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board and the community, with help from former Louisiana senators David Vitter and Mary Landrieu. (source)
If you visit Landry's Seafood House, stop by the Lighthouse for a tour. You can support the lighthouse with a donation or purchase a personalized brick.
Now the food! Oh, the delicous food! Let's start with some appetizers. Below is their New Orleans Crawfish Bread. Its really delicious. It's loaded with crawfish tails, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, garlic and Louisiana spices. You'll be squabbling over who gets the last piece. Savor and enjoy each and every last morsel!
Whether you're from Louisiana or not definitely get a bowl of Landry's Gumbo. You know gumbo is really good when you see a dark roux. This gumbo has shrimp, crab and andouille sausage. They also have a chicken and sausage gumbo version to try. I love gumbo. Their version tastes delicious, so I highly recommend getting it.
Landry's cocktails are both pretty and delicious. The first time, I ordered their Peach Solstice Sangria. Its Luccio Moscato, fresh basil, peach, strawberry, and ginger ale. When the waiter brought it to me, I exclaimed, What a pretty drink! The waiter replied, A pretty drink for a pretty lady! I blushed because I thought that was so sweet and thanked him. It's a pretty and delicious cocktail. But ... something beats it. Really beats it. It's called Mango Mojito! I've had mojitos before and had a really sour one that turned me against them. Well not this one! It is SO GOOD! It is Cruzan Mango Rum, Monin Mojito, Triple Sec, fresh lime juice, mint, and club soda. Buy 1. Get 2. You will LOVE it!
Are you ready for your entree? I only show two entrees below from my second visit, because I never took pictures of the entrees from my first visit. I had their Southern Fried Fish. So good! Fresh! It's served with french fries and onion strings. Their crawfish etouffe is also delicious. Landry's really gives you generous portions. Below was their Catch of the Day: flounder, cheese grits, vegetable medley including zucchini. I have to pause a moment and talk about their zucchini. I had some very bad prepared zucchini when I was younger and swore never to eat it again. This zucchini will make you fall in love with it. It is that good. I had their Coastal Seafood Pasta. It is shrimp, scallops, mussels, tomatoes, mushrooms, angel hair pasta, garlic herb and olive oil. Its heavenly delicious. Everything that I've ordered from Landry's has been exceptional. They also serve steaks and poultry.
Below is Landry's chocolate cake with layers of both chocolate and white chocolate mousse. When you get a chocolate cake that is lighter than air but retains everything you love about chocolate, you have a really good cake! It is so delicious. Its enough to share with someone else and then bring some home. It's also, OH SO PRETTY!
In conclusion, Landry's Seafood House contains all the elements of a dreamy day or evening out. It has ambiance, delicious drinks & food, and a knowledgeable staff. I enjoy myself each and every time. I love, the delicious food and natural environment. I want to share something with you! Don't wait for an anniversary ... birthday .... or any special occasion to celebrate. Celebrate everyday ... ANY day! You guys know I love Alice in Wonderland. There's a song called, A Very Merry Unbirthday. Besides the dancing tea kettles, copious amounts of tea and delicious frosted cake shown at the end, the song teaches you to enjoy EVERY day! Don't wait for a special day to CELEBRATE.
