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Mosca's

Mosca's is a legendary family-owned Creole-Italian restaurant located in Waggaman, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans, renowned for its timeless, family-style dishes that blend Italian immigrant traditions with local Louisiana seafood and flavors.^[1]^[2] Established in 1946 by Italian immigrants Provino and Lisa Mosca, who relocated from Chicago to the Avondale area, the restaurant has remained under family operation for nearly eight decades, emphasizing classic preparations without modern trends or reinventions.^[2]^[3] The restaurant's humble roadhouse ambiance, featuring wood-paneled walls and a no-reservations policy for regular diners, has drawn a devoted clientele including politicians, celebrities, and locals seeking authentic fare like the signature Oysters Mosca—baked oysters topped with a garlicky, herbed breadcrumb mixture—as well as Chicken a la Grande, crab salad, and spaghetti bordelaise.^[1]^[4] Its menu, kept short and unchanged for generations, reflects the Mosca family's commitment to hearty, garlic-infused Creole-Italian cuisine served in large portions for sharing.^[5] Over the years, Mosca's has weathered challenges including hurricanes and a false fire alarm in 2021, yet it continues to operate Tuesday through Saturday evenings, often requiring waits of up to two hours due to its popularity.^[2]^[1] Following the deaths of founders Provino Mosca in 1963 and Lisa Mosca in 1979, and their son John Mosca in 2011, the third generation, led by Lisa Mosca, has carried on the legacy, preserving the restaurant's role as a cultural institution in greater New Orleans dining.^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8] Mosca's influence extends beyond its location on U.S. Highway 90, symbolizing the post-World War II wave of Italian-American eateries that enriched Louisiana's culinary landscape with accessible, flavorful meals.^[9]

History

Founding and early development

Provino Mosca and his wife Lisa were Italian immigrants who had operated a restaurant in Chicago Heights, Illinois, prior to relocating to Louisiana.^[2]^[7] The couple moved to the area in 1946 after their daughter Mary married Vincent Marconi, a local oysterman, prompting the family to settle near her in the West Bank region outside New Orleans.^[4]^[2] This relocation marked a pivotal shift for the Mosca family, transitioning from their established life in Illinois to a new venture in a rural Louisiana community. Mosca's Restaurant opened its doors in 1946 in Avondale, Louisiana, along U.S. Highway 90, in a building initially owned by New Orleans crime boss Carlos Marcello.^[7]^[10] Provino and Lisa Mosca established the eatery as a family-operated establishment, drawing on their culinary expertise to serve the local neighborhood.^[3] The restaurant quickly positioned itself as a casual spot offering Italian-American fare, reflecting the founders' immigrant roots while adapting to the surrounding area's resources.^[11] The early menu at Mosca's was developed from Provino Mosca's recipes, which combined traditional Italian techniques with the abundance of local seafood available in Louisiana.^[7] This fusion emphasized hearty, family-style dishes that highlighted ingredients like oysters and shrimp, setting the foundation for the restaurant's enduring culinary identity as a neighborhood destination.^[3]

Challenges and family continuity

Mosca's Restaurant has remained under continuous family ownership since its founding in 1946, with proprietorship passing exclusively within the Mosca family across generations and no external changes in control.^[12] This steadfast structure underscores the restaurant's resilience, as family members have navigated operational hurdles while preserving its core traditions.^[2] The transition to subsequent generations began after the original founders, Provino and Lisa Mosca, with their son John Mosca assuming a central role in operations alongside his sister Mary and her husband Vincent.^[13] Following John's death in 2011, leadership shifted to his wife, Mary Jo Mosca, who had joined the kitchen in the 1980s, and their daughter Lisa Mosca, marking the third generation's involvement; Lisa took on co-ownership and front-of-house management that year.^[8] Today, Mary Jo oversees the kitchen while Lisa handles operations, ensuring the family-style ethos endures.^[2] A major challenge came in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina inflicted severe damage, destroying much of the kitchen, ripping off roof sections, and eroding exterior walls, though the dining rooms were largely spared.^[14] Under the leadership of Mary Jo and John Mosca, the family rebuilt the facility, expanding the kitchen to twice its original size while restoring the original aesthetic, and reopened in July 2006 after nearly a year of renovations.^[13]^[14] During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Mosca's adapted by switching to takeout-only service, packaging its signature family-style platters—such as those for sharing among four to six people—for home consumption to minimize changes to its communal dining tradition.^[15] This approach, led by Mary Jo and Lisa, prioritized staff safety, including for older family members, while sustaining customer loyalty through curbside pickups and even impromptu parking-lot gatherings.^[15]

Location and ambiance

Site and accessibility

Mosca's is located at 4137 U.S. Highway 90 West, Waggaman, Louisiana 70094, an unincorporated census-designated place in Jefferson Parish on the West Bank of the Mississippi River.^[1] The area is sometimes associated with nearby communities like Westwego and Avondale due to its proximity along the highway.^[16] Situated approximately 15 miles west of downtown New Orleans, the restaurant lies in a suburban, non-touristy pocket of Jefferson Parish that contrasts sharply with the vibrant, urban dining districts of the Crescent City.^[17]^[18] It is readily accessible via U.S. Highway 90, a direct route from the Crescent City Connection bridge spanning the Mississippi.^[19] The restaurant operates Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (last seating), and Fridays through Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM (last seating); it is closed on Mondays and Sundays, with private parties available on Mondays and Tuesdays, and full buyouts are available during regular hours upon request.^[1]

Interior and dining experience

The interior of Mosca's Restaurant features a wood-paneled dining room that has remained largely unchanged since its opening in 1946, embodying a no-frills, rustic design often described as a "time capsule" of mid-20th-century charm.^[1]^[20] The space includes simple wooden floors, basic tables arranged to facilitate shared meals, and minimal decorations that prioritize comfort over contemporary aesthetics, creating an intimate yet unpretentious atmosphere for diners.^[19]^[21] The ambiance is distinctly sensory, permeated by the pervasive aroma of garlic from continuous kitchen preparations, which infuses the entire dining area and enhances the overall experience of traditional hospitality.^[1]^[22] This olfactory signature, combined with the warm lighting and casual layout, fosters a sense of communal gathering reminiscent of a family home, where the focus is on relaxed enjoyment rather than elaborate staging.^[14] Dining at Mosca's follows a family-style service model, with dishes presented in large portions meant to be shared among the table, encouraging interaction and a shared feast that emphasizes abundance and togetherness.^[23]^[2] Servers deliver platters directly to the table for passing, promoting a convivial pace without individual plating, which aligns with the restaurant's longstanding commitment to straightforward, tradition-bound operations.^[16] Operationally, Mosca's maintains a structured yet traditional approach, with reservations recommended due to limited seating and a policy of last orders at 8:00 PM on weekdays and 8:30 PM on weekends, ensuring a controlled flow that avoids modern trends like extended hours or menu overhauls.^[1] Private parties are accommodated on slower days, but the core experience resists reinvention, preserving the authentic, unhurried rhythm established decades ago.^[1]^[20]

Cuisine

Culinary style and influences

Mosca's culinary style represents a distinctive fusion of Italian-American techniques brought by founders Provino and Lisa Mosca from their restaurant in Chicago Heights, Illinois, with the robust flavors of Louisiana Creole cuisine, particularly through the incorporation of local seafood such as oysters and shrimp.^[7]^[24]^[25] This blend emerged after the couple relocated to Louisiana in 1946, adapting their heritage recipes to the region's abundant Gulf Coast ingredients while maintaining the hearty, straightforward preparations of their Midwestern Italian immigrant background.^[7] The restaurant's approach emphasizes simple, traditional recipes that have remained largely unchanged since its founding, eschewing modern culinary trends in favor of time-honored methods focused on enhancing natural flavors.^[1] High-quality, locally sourced ingredients form the cornerstone of this philosophy, with fresh seafood and produce from nearby Louisiana waters and markets ensuring authenticity and seasonality without reliance on imported or processed elements.^[26]^[27] A signature garlicky profile defines many dishes, achieved through the prominent use of garlic, butter, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, which create rich, aromatic sauces and coatings that highlight rather than overpower the primary components.^[28]^[27]^[26] These elements, drawn from both Italian staples and Creole adaptations, underscore a commitment to bold yet balanced seasoning that has become emblematic of the restaurant's enduring appeal.^[29] Portions are served family-style to encourage sharing, reflecting the communal dining ethos of the Mosca family, while the menu remains short and focused, prioritizing a select array of classics over expansive variety to preserve recipe integrity and operational consistency.^[1]^[29] This restrained selection allows each dish, such as the renowned Oysters Mosca, to exemplify the intertwined Italian-Creole heritage without dilution.^[27] Mosca's menu features a limited selection of Creole-Italian classics, structured around family-style platters designed for sharing among groups, with no à la carte small plates or individual portions available.^[2]^[1] The offerings are divided into appetizers, entrées, and desserts, emphasizing generous portions that encourage communal dining, such as whole platters of pasta or shellfish sufficient for four or more people.^[30] Among the signature dishes, Oysters Mosca consists of fresh Gulf oysters baked in their shells, topped with a mixture of herb-infused garlic breadcrumbs, olive oil, and grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, garlicky crust.^[26]^[31] This preparation highlights the restaurant's emphasis on simple, bold flavors, with the oysters' briny sweetness balanced by the crunchy, aromatic topping.^[27] Shrimp Mosca follows a similar style, featuring headless shrimp in their shells sautéed or baked in a garlicky breadcrumb mixture enriched with olive oil, Italian seasonings, and white wine, resulting in a spicy, shell-on presentation that requires hands-on eating.^[32]^[2] The dish's intensity comes from the oil-soaked crumbs clinging to the shrimp, amplifying garlic and herb notes without overpowering the seafood's natural taste.^[33] Chicken a la Grande consists of chicken pieces sautéed with rosemary, Italian seasoning, whole garlic cloves, olive oil, and white wine, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then served family-style alongside roasted potatoes.^[34]^[35] This entrée exemplifies the menu's hearty, straightforward approach, yielding tender meat infused with aromatic herbs.^[36] Spaghetti Bordelaise is a staple pasta dish made with thin spaghetti tossed in a sauce of melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, and chopped parsley, often finished with a splash of white wine for subtle acidity.^[37]^[38] The preparation avoids browning the garlic to preserve its fresh pungency, resulting in a light yet garlicky side that complements richer entrées.^[39] Other enduring menu items include Mosca's Crab Salad, featuring jumbo lump crab meat over iceberg lettuce with giardiniera, onion, and oil-vinegar dressing; Sausage Johnny, a grilled Italian sausage accompanied by sautéed peppers and onions; and chicken cacciatore, featuring chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce with garlic, mushrooms, and herbs.^[1]^[16] Additional options encompass spaghetti with red sauce or meatballs, providing a classic tomatoey alternative to the Bordelaise, while the pineapple fluff dessert offers a creamy, tropical whipped topping with crushed pineapple and marshmallows for a sweet finish.^[16]^[1]

Legacy and recognition

Awards and critical reception

In 1999, Mosca's received the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics Award, recognizing its status as a family-operated establishment that has preserved enduring regional cuisine for decades. The award highlighted the restaurant's commitment to traditional Italian-Creole dishes prepared in the same manner since its founding, emphasizing its role in maintaining culinary heritage amid changing times.^[40] Mosca's has garnered positive critical acclaim in prominent publications, underscoring its legendary reputation and unwavering quality. A 2010 profile in The New Yorker by Calvin Trillin described the restaurant as a timeless New Orleans roadhouse, noting its unchanged operations and menu since 1946, which contribute to its enduring appeal among diners seeking authentic flavors.^[12] Similarly, New Orleans Magazine has praised Mosca's for its consistent execution of family recipes, such as those featuring garlic and olive oil, positioning it as a benchmark for Italian-Creole dining in the region.^[7] In July 2025, The New York Times included Mosca's in its list of the 25 best restaurants in New Orleans, highlighting its Creole-Italian cuisine and family operation.^[41] The restaurant maintains strong user ratings on review platforms, reflecting broad appreciation for its authentic preparations and value, even with generous family-style portions. On Tripadvisor, it holds a 3.8 out of 5 rating from over 120 reviews, with frequent commendations for the bold, traditional tastes that have defined it for nearly 80 years.^[22] Yelp users rate it 3.9 out of 5 based on nearly 200 reviews, often highlighting the restaurant's reliability and its place among New Orleans' premier Italian-Creole venues.^[16] This recognition affirms Mosca's ongoing status as one of the city's top spots for unchanged, high-quality regional fare.^[42]

Cultural impact and lore

Mosca's has long been shrouded in rumors of connections to organized crime, originating from its early history in the mid-20th century when the restaurant's original building was owned by Carlos Marcello, the reputed boss of the New Orleans Mafia. Marcello, described as Louisiana's most influential racketeer, not only rented the property to founders Provino and Lisa Mosca in 1946 but also became a regular patron, frequently hosting meetings with associates there. These associations fueled persistent myths, including unverified tales of the restaurant serving as a neutral ground for mob figures, though family members have emphasized that such visits were incidental to its operation as a family venue.^[43]^[12] As a cornerstone of New Orleans' culinary landscape, Mosca's is revered as an enduring institution that embodies "old-school" authenticity, drawing locals and visitors alike for its unwavering commitment to family-style service and rustic charm. The restaurant plays a key role in preserving Italian-Creole heritage, blending central Italian seafood traditions with local Gulf Coast flavors in dishes that evoke post-World War II immigrant experiences. This steadfast approach has cemented its status as a cultural touchstone, often recommended in guides and word-of-mouth for representing the unpretentious, communal dining ethos of the region's West Bank communities.^[12]^[29] The eatery has attracted a roster of notable diners, including celebrities like Harry Connick Jr., Martha Stewart, Quincy Jones, James Gandolfini, and Jon Bon Jovi, who have praised its garlic-infused specialties in interviews and social circles. These visits, alongside features in outlets like The New Yorker—which profiled its resistance to modernization amid New Orleans' evolving food scene—and The New York Times, have woven Mosca's into the city's food lore as a symbol of timeless indulgence. Such mentions highlight its ties to New Orleans' broader culinary identity, where it stands as a pilgrimage site for those seeking the gritty, flavorful essence of Creole-Italian fusion.^[8]^[12] Mosca's influence extends to shaping regional dining trends by exemplifying the appeal of tradition-bound, family-operated spots that prioritize shared platters over trendy innovations. While not directly copied, its model has inspired a wave of similar establishments in the Gulf South, emphasizing heritage recipes and no-frills atmospheres to evoke communal meals reminiscent of immigrant family gatherings. This subtle legacy reinforces a preference for authenticity in an era of culinary flux, helping sustain interest in old-world Italian-American dining amid New Orleans' diverse gastronomic evolution.^[12]^[5]

References

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Mosca's Restaurant | New Orleans Italian
Mosca's Restaurant is a legendary, family-owned Italian restaurant near New Orleans, serving classic Italian dishes like oyster pasta and crab salad, ...MenuReservationsMosca's HatMosca’s Tank TopMosca's Shirt
[2]
At Mosca's, a false alarm, a timely reminder of what matters, a lot of ...
May 3, 2021 · The Mosca's story has been well documented. It was opened in 1946 by Lisa and Provino Mosca, Italian immigrants who moved here from Chicago ...
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Photos: A Friday night at Mosca's, marking 75 years of food, family ...
May 3, 2021 · Mosca's Restaurant got its start in 1946 when Italian immigrants Lisa and Provino Mosca moved to the area from Illinois and began cooking ...
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John Mosca, a Restaurant's Patriarch, Dies at 86
Jul 19, 2011 · A family man who blended his Italian roots with Louisiana seafood, Mr. Mosca presided over a roadhouse restaurant as humble as it was in demand ...
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Flavors, memories turns New Orleans restaurant Mosca's sausage ...
Sep 10, 2011 · Mosca's restaurant on Thursday, March 10, 2005. L to R- Mary Mosca Marconi, Johnny Mosca and his wife Mary Jo Mosca. On the wall behind them are ...
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Cook Dat! A Celebration of New Orleans Cuisine / 1900-1950
After World War II, many new restaurants challenged the “old line” Creole restaurants. In 1946, Lisa and Nick Mosca, originally from Chicago, opened Mosca's, an ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
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Mosca's - New Orleans Magazine
Oct 1, 2020 · When Provino died in 1962, Lisa, two of their children, Johnny and Mary, and Mary's husband Vincent took over the restaurant. Mama Mosca died in ...
[8]
Owner of Mosca's dies at 86 - New Orleans - WWL-TV
Nov 12, 2013 · When the restaurant opened, the building was owned by reputed crime boss Carlos Marcello. 'Carlos Marcello promised he was going to ...
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https://exhibits.tulane.edu/exhibit/cookdat/1900-1950/
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No Daily Specials | The New Yorker
Nov 14, 2010 · Provino's widow, Lisa, also known as Mama Mosca, became the proprietor of Mosca's. (I have always treasured her for having said to a ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Mosca's took a hit from Katrina but aims to reopen intact - NOLA.com
May 15, 2006 · Mosca's took a hit from Katrina but aims to reopen intact · Last week, Mary Jo Mosca stood inside the shell of what was Mosca's kitchen. · The ...Missing: damage | Show results with:damage
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Aug 19, 2022 · Lisa joined ownership interest in 2011 when her father, John Mosca, passed away. With master's degrees in social work and public health from ...
[13]
The Aroma of Garlic Is Back on the Bayou - The New York Times
Aug 23, 2006 · DINING at Mosca's has always involved a little adventure. Leaving behind the legendary Creole restaurants of New Orleans, people would set out ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
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Mosca's Restaurant always serves family-style Italian, and for now ...
May 23, 2020 · Mary Jo Mosca and her daughter Lisa Mosca sit under portraits of Lisa and Provino ... restaurant her grandfather Provino opened in 1946 ...Missing: oysterman | Show results with:oysterman
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Mosca's Restaurant - Yelp
Rating 3.9 (186) · $$MOSCA'S RESTAURANT - Try Our New Menu - 4137 US Highway 90 W, Westwego, LA 70094, 158 Photos, (504) 436-8950, Mon - Closed, Tue - Closed, ...
[16]
Waggaman, LA City Guide - Homes.com
Waggaman is a historic river community about 15 miles from downtown New Orleans. Residents of Waggaman enjoy getting out for bike rides or runs.
[17]
Mosca's Restaurant - Visit Jefferson Parish
Not much has changed since Provino and Lisa Mosca opened Mosca's Restaurant in 1946 and we are honored to continue our family tradition!
[18]
Mosca's Restaurant, 4137 Highway 90 W, Westwego, LA 70094, US
Established in 1946, Mosca's Restaurant is a cherished dining establishment located just outside New Orleans, renowned for its Creole-Italian classics ...<|separator|>
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Mosca's - louisianalife.com
Nov 3, 2014 · For nearly 70 years, Mosca's has been serving virtually the same menu of Provino and Lisa's classic dishes. I headed there with a dozen friends ...
[20]
Mosca's - New Orleans Menu
The building that is now Mosca's was originally the headquarters of 1940s power broker (to put it mildly) and gourmet Carlos Marcello. Provino Mosca and his ...
[21]
MOSCA'S RESTAURANT, Waggaman - Menu, Prices ... - Tripadvisor
4137 Highway 90 W, Waggaman, LA 70094-2464 Website Menu Map Review About Features CUISINES Italian, Cajun & Creole Meal types Dinner PRICE $$ - $$$
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Mosca's Restaurant | Avondale LA - Facebook
Rating 4.8 (176) Family-style Italian Restaurant since 1946! Owned and operated by Mary Jo Mosca and Lisa Mosca. Details
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Mosca's for Italian Creole! - The Beth Lists
Dec 28, 2013 · In 1946, an Italian immigrant named Provino Mosca moved with his wife from Chicago when their daughter married a Louisiana oysterman. Picture ...
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New Orlean's Restaurant: Variations on Mosca's Garlic Chicken
Apr 7, 2015 · Spaghetti and Meatballs, Oysters Mosca, Italian Crabmeat Salad, Roasted Potatoes, Spaghetti Bordelaise and Shrimp Mosca are on the menu. All are ...
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Mosca's - restaurant review and what to eat at 4137 HIghway 90 W., Avondale, LA (504) 436-9942. See our top menu picks!Missing: Jefferson | Show results with:Jefferson<|control11|><|separator|>
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Italian Baked Oysters (Oysters Mosca) - beyondgumbo
Nov 24, 2024 · Italian Baked Oysters (Oysters Mosca) are loaded with garlic, parsley, butter, olive oil, Parmesan, and a bread crumb topping, served in a pie ...
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Oct 6, 2024 · Mosca's serves traditional Italian dishes with a hint of Creole influence. ... It is a simple, tasty salad served family-style with iceberg ...Missing: ingredients | Show results with:ingredients
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Madness At Mosca's - New Orleans Menu
Dec 20, 2022 · Mosca's offers dishes like Chicken a la Grande, Spaghetti Bordelaise, Oysters Mosca, and roasted potatoes. The menu is short, and the Chicken a ...Missing: Avondale wood paneled ambiance<|separator|>
[30]
Oysters Mosca - The Catholic Foodie
Nov 24, 2021 · Mosca's menu describes Oysters Mosca as fresh whole oysters with Mosca's special Italian seasoning, topped with bread crumbs and baked.
[31]
Dinner | Moscas Restaurant
Entrées ; Shrimp Mosca. One dozen headless shrimp in shell sauteed with Italian seasonings and white wine. (GF). $36. Shellfish. Garlic. Gluten free. Dairy free.Missing: early Avondale
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Shrimp Mosca Recipe - Food.com
Rating 5.0 (3) · 45 miningredients · 2 lbs shrimp, fresh, unpeeled (15-20 count) · 6 -8 garlic cloves · 2 bay leaves · 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground fresh · 1 teaspoon salt · 1 teaspoon ...
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Mosca's Chicken a la Grande recipe | Where NOLA Eats
Oct 24, 2013 · One 3-pound chicken, cut into eight pieces, 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as chardonnay, 3/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon freshly ground black ...
[34]
Mosca's Chicken a la Grande With Sauteed Green Beans Recipe
Rating 4.1 (30) · 50 minMay 18, 2020 · The chicken dish is served family-style at the Italian restaurant, where the scent of garlic hits the nose as soon as one's foot hits the ...
[35]
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Rating 5.0 (4) How to make Chicken A La Grande - complete recipe, ingredients, cook time and serving size.
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May 14, 2019 · Basically, the dish is Italian spaghetti aglio e olio with the addition of butter and the removal of browned garlic. The French Creoles also add ...
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Rating 5.0 (2) · 30 minFeb 24, 2022 · Spaghetti Bordelaise is thin spaghetti with a Creole Italian sauce of butter, garlic, herbs, and white wine, a variation of the French and ...New Orleans Bordelaise Sauce · Here's What You Need · Here's What You Do
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Jul 7, 2021 · A restaurant that has been on my must-visit list for a couple of decades is Mosca's. For someone who eats as much as I do in and around that ...
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James Beard Award winning chefs and restaurants from New Orleans
May 5, 2015 · ... Mosca's, the Creole-Italian restaurant in Avondale, Louisiana, was named an America's Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 1999. BRETT ...
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Mosca's | Where NOLA Eats
Oct 23, 2009 · 4137 U.S. 90 West, Avondale, 504.436.8950. Call it Creole-Italian, Italian-Creole or simply more adventures with red gravy and garlic.Missing: Connection | Show results with:Connection
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Meatballs, Mosca's and mob rumors: the story behind New Orleans ...
May 10, 2024 · The backstory of Mosca's. Mosca's was first opened in 1946 by Provino and Lisa Mosca, Italian immigrants who relocated to New Orleans from ...Missing: founding | Show results with:founding