We’re going to rock down to St. Charles’ Avenue…and then we’ll take it higher!

Duck you, you duckin’ duck!

The Avenue Pub and J’anita’s Sammiches should probably be placed into two blogs but since they both reside in the same building I’m doing the old two-birds-one-stone thing.  Pay your $1.25 and catch the streetcar Uptown to the corner of  St. Charles and Polymnia and there you will find The Avenue, a local Uptown bar with one of the most amazing and mercurial selections of import and craft beers in the city.  You won’t know what to choose when you see stouts, lagers, weiss, IPA’s and bocks all either domestic craft beers or imported from countries few Americans can locate on a map.  But don’t worry, if something sounds good but you’re not convinced you want the full pint they do offer 4oz. samples (if they’re not too busy).  Thursdays through Sundays the upstairs balcony bar is open so you can kick back and watch the world go by from a birds eye view.  For those who suffer from acrophobia they also offer a quaint courtyard!  Always make sure to check their beer menu as they seem to get a new beer in every week.

And then there’s the food: J’anita’s Sammiches.  Now, unfortunately I am going to have to place them in the high-middle range of prices for food considering that their sammiches range from $8-$11.25.  But believe me when I tell you you that the food is so delicious expense is entirely justified.  Ringing in at $11.25 I ordered the St. Chuck Duck.  I had never heard of a duck sandwich and I believe it is unique to this place.  I thought, “An eleven dollar sandwich?  It had better be damned good.”  And was I wrong!  It was better than damned good!  It was the best thing I’ve put in my mouth second only to something I am not legally allowed to mention.  It consists of Cabernet sautéed duck and Granny Smith apples smothered in Cheddar and Bleu cheeses with a currant tapenade served on Sourdough bread.  It was heaven.  I had mine with a side of curly fries.  I cannot recommend this sandwich enough.  I am drooling just writing about it.  Other items like The Best Fish Sammich Ever, The Sweet Spot, The “not quite” Cuban all sound so tasty you’ll have trouble making up your mind.  And all come garnished with an Animal Cracker.  

They have plenty of appetizers and salads as well.  I have to mention the Buddha’s Temptation:  Bleu cheese stuffed, bacon wrapped, deep fried apricots.  You just won’t find food like this anywhere else in the Big Easy…even in restaurants!

Look for them on Facebook and at www.avenuepub.com