CHRIS BUMBACA
While Bell Boulevard does not resemble downtown New Orleans, the eatery Bourbon Street, located at 40-12 Bell Blvd. in Bayside, provides the opportunity to indulge in delicious Cajun cuisine in the heart of Queens.
Stepping into the restaurant is like being teleported from the concrete jungle of New York to Bourbon Street itself. The color scheme of the interior, with purples and greens, reminded me of Mardi Gras. A spacious bar area with several televisions provides a pleasurable atmosphere to take in a game.
For the appetizer, the lobster sliders were fantastic. Bits of chopped lobster were covered with a creamy sauce, highlighted with tomato, that enhanced the flavor between two grilled buns. Two of these sliders were served along with a helping of homemade potato chips. The chips had tremendous taste with a minimal amount of salt, making them truly delicious and light.
The second course featured fried scallops served over traditional rice and red beans. The rice had a zesty kick and was the perfect complement to the scallops. The scallops were light yet substantial, and were topped off with a peperonata sauce. The peperonata sausage was delightful, adding a different component to the dish. The sauce contained green and red peppers, adding a spice to the scallops. The sauce also added flavor because of the hints of white wine, cilantro and basil in the sauce.
The seafood paella sushi is the quintessential item on the menu for sushi lovers. Even if you are not into sushi, I’d still recommend the dish because it is a mixture of crab meat, chicken and roasted red peppers. The sushi is flash fried, crisping the exterior of the sushi, making it easy to eat and providing a change in texture from the softer interior filled with white rice. A saffron aioli was served on the bottom, and the sushi was topped off with a zesty, orange chipotle sauce. An ample portion of six pieces was served, definitely filling me up.
Dessert was traditional and delectable, and consisted of a trio of cakes and pies. The freshest piece of chocolate cake I’ve ever had was served with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries. The key lime pie was tangy and pleased the taste buds. The carrot cake was fluffy with a sweet filling and frosting.
The drink menu is seasonal, and daily specials vary.
Overall, Bourbon Street provides a delightful experience featuring mouthwatering Cajun cuisine, so bring your appetite!
Bourbon Street
40-12 Bell Blvd., Bayside
718-224-2200
Lunch: 12pm-4pm Monday-Friday
Dinner: 4pm-11pm Sunday-Thursday
4pm-12am Friday & Saturday
Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 12pm-3pm
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