It is no wonder why Bon Appetit magazine rated Cochon as one of The Most Important Restaurants in America. Cochon goes beyond the traditional Cajun/Creole flare that reminded me so much of San Francisco restaurants specializing in organic and fresh ingredients. I also gathered that peak hours gather the most crowd in this establishment despite being in the Warehouse District away from the main New Orleans action.

As I entered for a late lunch mid-afternoon, the restaurant was almost empty, and most servers were half attentive, busying themselves with folding table napkins before the main dinner hours hit. I happily sat on one of the tables filled with sunlight and ordered the must items on the menu- roasted oysters, the rabbit and dumplings for my entree and the red velvet ice cream for dessert. I do wish I had more tummy space for their salads as well.

Best oysters so far in NOLA with chili oil, garlic and jalapeno. A MUST try for oyster lovers!

I was a bit disappointed on the popular rabbit and dumplings even though I asked first what was in it. It turned out to be similar to a chicken pot pie served on a cast iron skillet, but I was exepecting a filled dumpling such as those served in Asian restaurants.

Cochon before the dinner peak hour.

I was really looking forward to this red velvet ice cream sandwich, which was recommended by a colleague, but to my dismay, the sugared chocolate cookie overpowered the taste of the lackluster ice cream. I do believe that it is hard to go wrong with red velvet since it is mostly artificial flavoring, but some fresh fruit ingredients would definitely give this dessert more oomph.

Overall, Cochon is the place to be if you are a major fan of oysters and paints a different picture on NOLA's dining scene. Their adjacent little sister, Butcher, which is next up on my review list, is a must visit place as well for meat lovers.