Ruby Slipper Cafe

A restaurant that consistently has a long wait time is typically a good sign. This has been the case the last couple of times I’ve visited Ruby Slipper Cafe. I’ve been to Ruby Slipper Cafe three times now and eaten there twice.  I went a few months ago with a group of friends. We had a larger party and the wait time was an estimated hour for our group. A bit of a longer wait than anticipated. Since this didn’t fit with everyone’s schedule we decided to try again for another time.

Recently, I made plans to meet a friend for brunch at Ruby Slipper Cafe.  She had not been there before, but was eager to try it out since she had heard a lot about this popular brunch spot. It had been over a year since I had eaten there. I remembered their biscuits being heavenly.  I was craving good  biscuits.  “Let’s plan on Ruby Slipper,” I replied, “but be prepared to wait.”

We had plans to meet at 10:45. About 20-30 minutes prior to that I checked in with No Wait. No Wait is an app that let’s you see the estimated wait times for local restaurants. You then have the option of checking in and getting your name on the wait list prior to arrival. No Wait was showing an estimate wait time of 20 to 35 minutes.  Prepare for an arrival time of 11 the app instructed. Ok, a little later than what we had planned, but better than arriving and waiting 45 minutes.

Long Lines are a Good Sign

Ruby Slipper unmistakably boasted the largest crowd in the area that morning. Mid-morning brunchers  spilled outside and around the building as inside there was barely room to stand. Luckily for us, the weekend we chose for brunch was a gorgeous one.

One of those weekends where spring isn’t quite here, but the sun is so brilliant and the sky so clear it’s only the bite of the north wind that reminds you that spring had not officially arrived. We decided to walk around Palafox for a bit and enjoy the scenery.

Our actual seating time was closer to 11:30, but that was ok. It was a gorgeous day and it gave us a chance to talk and catch up as well as develop an appetite for our meal.  The inside of the restaurant has ruby-red tones paired with buttery/marigold yellow hues. One thing I love about this place is the sky lights! I like a well-lit restaurant, especially for a place that serves breakfast and brunch. The light is also great for snapping pictures of food.

The Menu

The menu at Ruby Slipper offers an array of southern and NOLA inspired breakfast options. BBQ shrimp and grits, Croque Madame, Catfish Coupion,  Chicken St. Charles Benedict, Eggs Cochon, and a variety of omelettes, pancakes and waffles. The menu is not lacking in options!

I typically have a hard time making a decision and today was no different. I thought it would be easier since I knew I wanted salmon. However, Ruby Slipper Cafe boasts two options for salmon. The Hot Smoked Salmon Omelette and the Hot Smoked Salmon Bennie.  The omelette comes with the option of bread, so I could order the omelette and still have my biscuit. It also comes with goat cheese, which I adore.  In the end the Hot Smoked Salmon Bennie won out for this visit. I was really in the mood for poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

Ruby Slipper Cafe’s Smoked Salmon Bennie

It was an excellent choice! I do love a good eggs benedict and this version of eggs benedict definitely made the cut.  As you can see from the picture, the serving was quite generous. Instead of the classic english muffin, Ruby Slipper serves their benedicts atop a dense and buttery biscuit.

The presentation itself was appetizing and gorgeous – I could barely restrain myself from digging in before I snapped a few photos to capture this picture perfect brunch.  The salmon had a  distinct smokey flavor with a dusting of black pepper and touch of mesquite. The eggs were precisely poached to perfection.

It was with absolute delight I sliced into the poached egg so  the runny yolk could escape. It swiftly intermingled with the hollandaise sauce and infused all the flavors of the smoked salmon and buttermilk biscuit. The sprinkle of purple onion confetti gave the benedict a sharp and pungent bite that was unexpected yet welcome.

If you’re looking for a unique twist on eggs benedict you must try Ruby Slipper Cafe’s Smoked Salmon Bennie! If you’re not a fan of salmon  or don’t enjoy a good smokey flavor this may not be the dish for you.  However, I’m certain you won’t have a problem finding another delicious option that appeals to your palate, as the menu offers an expansive selection.

Use No Wait to Shorter Your Wait Time

One final thought. If you’re planning on going to Ruby Slipper Cafe on a weekend I HIGHLY recommend using the No Wait app.  Ruby Slipper does not take reservations over the phone, but you can put your name in through the No Wait app and it will shorten your wait time. The app is free and all you have to do is download it to your smart phone, chose your restaurant, enter your phone number and indicate how many are in your party. Once your table is ready, you will receive a text and phone call.