Local Expert
Su-Jit Lin
Su-Jit Lin once left her native New York on a whim and a gut feeling and has yet to regret the spontaneous shift that has led her to one of the most amazing and character-rich cities in the world.…
Su-Jit Lin once left her native New York on a whim and a gut feeling and has yet to regret the spontaneous shift that has led her to one of the most amazing and character-rich cities in the world. A cum laude Tulane University graduate, majoring in History and English, she has found it impossible to stay away from the one place that’s managed to capture her heart and speak to her spirit: New Orleans. Residing uptown, working downtown, and writing for Where Y'At Magazine smack dab in the middle of the Garden District, she takes full advantage of everything in between – or at least tries desperately to keep up with the frenzied activity! Pastimes include freelance writing and editing, travel, painting, music, her dog, and excuses to wear a scarf. Most importantly, she loves with a deep passion good food and drink, and all things New Orleans … even the poisonous caterpillars that seem programmed to find her year round.
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Discovering Africa in the French Quarter
After passing by high-priced, fine dining restaurant after restaurant, or tourist trap shop with mediocre food for the unknowing traveller, it’s refreshing to find an establishment where lunch entrees can be had in the $6 range. Bennachin, an authentic African restaurant, owned by a Cameroon native, is exactly that.
Although the food was a little too everything for my taste (way too much salt on the spinach, to the point that my mouth dried up on contact; plantains drenched overenthusiastically in butter), many locals love the boring-looking but interesting-tasting fare found in this French Quarter restaurant. The chicken is subtly flavored and tender, the beef, though sometimes a little tough, well seasoned, and the stews are rich. Many vegetarian and fish dishes populate the menu as well. The coconut-flavored rice that accompanies most dishes is refreshing in the heat, and many dishes have a resemblance to old-school Creole buisine.
Established in 1991 out in the ‘burbs og New Orleans, the restaurant moved to Mid-City before settling down In the Quarter. The décor is Turkich and lively, the music rhythmic and inoffensive and the seating fairly comfortable. The tables, chairs, and hangings are all courtesy of the last owner of the space, but it fits nonetheless.
Take note, though, as with any cheap eats, the service is sub-par. Set aside at least an hour and a half for lunch, and if you’re looking for parking, two. The food comes out slowly and there is no sense of urgency here, so if you’re looking to fill your belly and kill some time, Bennachin is a cheap way to do it.