Table for Two

Savoring the essence of New Orleans

Posted

Po Boys
142 Main St., East Rockaway
(516) 341-7335, www.poboyssandwiches.com

Those who have experienced New Orleans will especially enjoy Po Boys. It’s a small, kick-back type of eatery perked by bright colors, Louisiana memorabilia, and an upbeat feeling. Dixieland jazz or Zydeco music might be playing, but most of all, the flavors of the Bayou prevail. Cajun chefs render a unique merging of spices, and owner/chef Anthony Swaby has nailed it, spot on.

Swaby has been cooking for more than 30 years. He offers his own line of bottled Tony’s Hot Sauce, which comes in a variety of flavors. Also a techie, he has created ExchangeBook.net, a free online community for foodies and chefs. And, he has put out a new app that allows people to rent a chef for any occasion — intimate dinner or gala event.

Expect to sip your beverage from the can or bottle, and dine with disposable tableware. It’s casual. Items are made-to-order from an open kitchen. Meats are slow-cooked, bursting with flavor, and as tender as can be.

Chili was hearty — meat, beans, tomatoes with just the right seasoning. Jerk Shrimp, more Caribbean than Cajun, was an appetizer quite generous in portion. Shrimp, miniature corn fritters, morsels of mango and roasted red peppers were tossed in jerk sauce. Spicy? For sure!

Po Boy sandwiches are served on fresh French bread, which is maybe a foot long. Best Roast Beef & Cheddar was moist with “debris brown gravy” (those tasty bits and pieces from the bottom of the roasting pan … a Louisiana thing). Pulled Pork, offered as a Po Boy or an entrée with rice, was scrumptious, as was the shredded Brisket. Meat Loaf simply melted in my mouth; it was served with homemade corn bread.

The ultimate meal ender were the warm cream-filled Beignets — light, sweet and heavenly. Chicory coffee is available too.

Appetizers are $3.99 to $6.99. Sandwiches, served with a side salad, are $6.49 for Chili Dog Po Boy to $15.99 for Lobster Roll Po Boy or Bourbon St. Bomber. Entrees are $9.75 for Pulled Pork with Rice to $11.99 for Blackened Catfish over rice with vegetables. Beignets are six for $4.

Po Boys is open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are accepted. Take-out and off-site catering is available. Only cash is accepted at this time.
 
Recommendations:
■ Jerk Shrimp
■ Bowl of Chili
■ Best Roast Beef and Cheddar Po Boy
■ Pulled Pork Po Boy
■ Meatloaf with Corn Bread
■ Brisket
■ Beignets