126183 Tue Aug 13 21:55:02 -0700 2002 8 9 New Orleans 0 684805 'Still trying to decide on which restaurants to dine at while in NO this October. We will be there for 4 dinners....too many restaurants, so little time! Anybody been to GW Fins??? Other contenders are: Peristyle Bayona (having lunch there this trip) Clancy's Galatoire's Lilette Martinique Gabrielle {have already experienced: Brigtsen's, Upperline, Commander's, Emeril's, Mr. B's} Appreciate any and all assistance! Tue Aug 13 21:55:02 -0700 2002 0 Pam in N.J. 1 684807 i cant believe you didn't mention riomar. forget gw fins Wed Aug 14 01:23:17 -0700 2002 684805 0 paulie 1 684808 Please try Gabrielle. Next to Bayona, it is my favorite. Thanks for listening. D. Wed Aug 14 01:28:10 -0700 2002 684805 0 Donna - MI 1 684812 If you want authentic, old New Orleans food, Galatoire's is a don't-miss. It's the best there is, even though some of it's so-called regulars have been in a literal tizzy over the (justified) firing of their favorite waiter. Sitting downstairs is your best bet, although there are no reservations there. Upstairs is less Galatiore-like but still great food and takes reservations. Ask for a waiter named Louie...great service, totally without pretension. Rio Mar is really good, but not truly New Orleans-style food. Fos simple fried seafood, you might try Brunings at the lake front.....'tain't fancy. Wed Aug 14 14:31:45 -0700 2002 684805 0 jgom 1 684817 QW Fins is good, with a resaonably priced wine list, though its far removed from a N.O. dining experience. I consider it more akin to a Houston restaurant, like Pesce, which has very good seafood from all over the world, but the food and ambiance has more of a chain feel than a local feel (slick, cavernous, loud, and could be anywhere). Otherwise, I don't think you can go wrong with any place on your list. Keep in mind, though, that Lilette is traditional French cuisine, with no New Orleans bent; Peristyle is more New York continental; and you're going to Bayona at lunch, so try some place new. And at Bayona, give serious consideration to the smoke duck sandwich with cashew butter and pepper jelly(their PPJ), the goat cheese crouton, and the sauteed sweetbreads with the lemon butter and capers. I have all of these regularly. Apart from Galatoire's, its my favorite high-end lunch spot. Thu Aug 15 16:44:30 -0700 2002 684805 0 Tom 2 684826 I would definately suggest Riomar Restaurant for the freshest seafood in the city--you'll find whatever chef Adolfo has chosen worthy--monkfish, skatewing, razor clams, etc.. It's far from the fried and sauced seafood of other venues. A nice wine list with some great Spanish offerings--Riojas and Albarinos. In the quarter on Toulouse, try Bistro at Maison de Ville. For a hearty breakfast (shh) go to Elizabeth's in the bywater, cab it, though. Great cheese grits, brunch all day on Saturday is the best bet. Other great places as of late: Mat and Naddie's (uptown), Dunbar's (take a cab) for the best fried chicken. I;m trying Stella! tonight. Have a great feast. Fri Aug 16 13:16:11 -0700 2002 684817 0 Kim Sunee 3 684832 Kim Sunee - Said you were going to Stella! - How about a report. Dined there with a group of 5 right before they closed for vacation and everything was fabulous - they said the Chef was changing a lot of the menu after they got back - wondering how it was. Fri Aug 16 23:37:33 -0700 2002 684826 0 Mesa2 1 684827 Just wanted to add that Clancy's is always a great choice. Galatoire's is the quintessential experience (although I haven't returned since the all-too time-consuming "scandal." Lillette can be hit or miss but the poached pear with goat cheese is fantastic. Fri Aug 16 13:18:52 -0700 2002 684805 0 Kim Sunee 1 684840 Thanks to all who replied [& who keep replying - - - please, keep your opinions coming!! :-) ] to my post! I appreciate all of the feedback. I promise to provide a complete trip report upon my return! Sun Aug 18 22:59:03 -0700 2002 684805 0 Pam in N.J.