Cristiano's in Houma

The winds of fate took us to Houma so we decided to give Cristiano's a try. I had heard a bit about this place on some of the New Orleans forums but not so much here. I am glad we got to eat here.

While the restaurant doesn't look like much from the exterior, the interior is rustic and comfortable. The feel and warmth reminded me of restaurants I've experienced in Italy.

We started with the gnocchi appetizer which was served with a bit of lamb and a very aromatic brown sauce. Outstanding in every way and now my favorite preparation of this dish.

Second we had salads, me a caesar salad and my wife had a spinach salad with strawberries. My salad was good but nothing really notable. My wife liked her salad, I did get a sample of the dressing which was very good.

For entrees, we both got the Osso Buco. A large shank, served atop a sweet pea risotto and baby carrots. This was not a tomato based preparation as the sauce was thick, rich and beef based. We had a reasonably priced Medoc that went well with this dish. Perfect choice for a cold winter night and an outstanding finish for a wonderful meal.

The only thing that would have made this meal any better was a fireplace and if the restaurant was closer to Baton Rouge. I did notice on the way in that they had a rather large outdoor patio area. Might be something to consider once the weather gets warm again.

eta: If it's your first time at the restaurant they serve you the grilled oyster. This one was a bit unusual and delicious. It had the usual ingredients but added roasted red pepper.

Complimentary amuse bouche excellent Chargrilled Oyster.

Gnocchi