Inaugural Dining Club At MeMe's, Chalmette.

A couple of years ago, what I believe to be the best restaurant in the history of St. Bernard Parish opened in Chalmette. Two couples (the Williamses and the Catalanottos, neither of whom turned up on the dining scene previously, hired an excellent young chef (Lincoln Owens, whose credentials are a bit more impressive--Emeril's, etc.). He assembled a menu that ranges between gourmet bistro and neighborhood cafe. The food is so good that expansion plans (the place is tiny) are underway. They didn't want to wait on that to have a wine dinner next week, though. The wines are interesting in that they come from North Louisiana--Landry Wines, which are better than you might suppose. (Information about the winery is here.) Here's the menu:

Fried Softshell Crab
Crawfish Lafitte sauce
Wine: Blanc du bois dry white

Grilled Louisiana Redfish
Asparagus, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Reduction, Charred Vidalia Onion
Wine: Chardonnay

Pan-Seared Veal With Sweetbreads and Crabmeat
Spinach, mushrooms, sage lemon butter
Wine: Syrah

Filet Mignon Medallions
Horseradish parsnip puree, Creole tomato demi glace
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

White Chocolate Bread Pudding
White chocolate sauce and fresh blueberries
Wine: LaScato Frizante

The price for this is almost a giveaway: $60, inclusive of the dinner, wines, and tax. (Gratuity is additional.) The date is Monday, August 18, 6:30 p.m. One is tempted to make jokes about the location of the restaurant and the winery, but I can't imagine that anyone could walk away from this dinner at this price and not feel happy--if a little overfed. Reservations are essential at the number below.

MeMe's

St. Bernard Parish: 712 W. Judge Perez Dr. 504-644-4992. www.memesbarandgrille.com.