127037 Tue Oct 28 22:40:47 -0800 2003 13 9 New Orleans 0 689203 I have my leanings, but welcome 'hound input. After a bit of discussion with the Missus, we've decided that for at least this trip we want to stick with regional. But if Bayona's anniversary special is still in place after Thanksgiving we might consider there for Sunday lunch if they are open. Any details much appreciated. Here's the plan so far...need to firm up a couple of dinners: Arrive the Friday after Thanksgiving in time for dinner at Drago's. Saturday lunch at Uglesich's, our first time. How early are they open? What are the must have dishes? Need a suggestion for Saturday dinner. We love Brigtsen's, and the lovely Denise has said she'd gladly go back a 4th time (in 4 trips). But I'm leaning towards K-Paul's...the 'hound reviews have been so good of late. Any other cajun/creole that is worth considering? We're especially fond of local hangs...would welcome discovering a new one to add to our list of faves. Early brunch on Sunday at Sugar Magnolia's (unless the Bayona info is positive), followed by a nap before heading to Abita Springs. Either the 13 cent martini's or the outrageous bloody mary's at SM will require over indulgence. Need a suggestion for Saturday dinner in Abita or on the east side of town as we will be staying out that way after coming back. Monday morning EARLY to Mother's for breakfast, massive amounts of ham trimmings and Ferdie's and sides to go for our drive to San Antonio. Thanks in advance for any and all dinner suggestions as well as comments on our other choices. As always, we can't wait! Tue Oct 28 22:40:47 -0800 2003 0 Tha Groovin' Gourmet 1 689213 >> Saturday lunch at Uglesich's, our first time. Rememeber to hit the ATM before you go; they're cash only and moderately pricey ($50-60 for two if you're drinking). >> Need a suggestion for Saturday dinner. Since you like Brigsten's, you might want to give Gabrielle a try. Similar foods, both very very good, but variety is it's own reward. Dick and Jenny's is also a good choice, if you can ignore the supermarket parking lot out the window. What's the event in Abita Springs? Why not blow off Bayona and sugar magnolia, and instead hit Artesia...assuming they do luncheon on sunday. You could also take the Abita Brewery tour...which is very minimal and cheesey, as far as brewery tours go...but they give you free reign in the tap room. :) Then go lounge it off at the park next to the brew-pub (which i don't endorse for dining...it's not awful, but only works if you're already a bit tipsy from the brewery tour.) Wed Oct 29 13:09:14 -0800 2003 689203 0 foodmuse 2 689220 As posted elsewhere, Uglesich is off the list after the bad posts of late. I've got a business associate to visit in Abita Springs on Saturday afternoon...definitely want to catch a brunch on the way out. Is Bayona still doing the anniversary special? If they are that will be our choice for lunch on Saturday. Looks like we'll be doing KPauls for Saturday dinner...need to reserve now and request the coconut cake! Wed Oct 29 15:14:57 -0800 2003 689213 0 Tha Groovin' Gourmet 1 689215 I thought Uglesich's was not open on Sat., but locals might know if this has changed. Wed Oct 29 14:42:30 -0800 2003 689203 0 chumley 2 689219 That is actually OK...after reading the most recent posts it sounds like Uglesich's is just plain Ugly. I have taken them off the list of places to try. So Saturday lunch looks like Acme Oyster unless Bayona is doing the anniversary special. Wed Oct 29 15:12:06 -0800 2003 689215 0 Tha Groovin' Gourmet 1 689216 Wanna take a drive almost to Baton Rouge? Go to Lafitte's Landing. One of the few restaurants in the area New Orleanians leave the city for--another i can think of is Tre Yuen on the Northshore. Lafitte's is in plantation country, so you could possibly take one in and have an early dinner? It's top-notch regional fare in a small-town setting. Very charming, very good. I think anyone visiting the city adventurous enough to go to Abita Springs would really enjoy it. Wed Oct 29 15:00:24 -0800 2003 689203 0 local boy 2 689218 Where exactly is the place, and do they serve lunch? We are driving in and out on I-10 through Baton Rouge, so we'll be in the area. Any details about hours and links to info and/or menus would be appreciated! Wed Oct 29 15:10:16 -0800 2003 689216 0 Tha Groovin' Gourmet 3 689221 Here's the web site for Lafitte's Landing, with directions and menu information. This is my favorite restaurant in Louisiana. The setting is lovely and I have enjoyed everything I've eaten there. We have always gone for Sunday brunch, but I assume the menu is similar. Link: http://www.jfolse.com/lafittes/lafittes_main.htm Wed Oct 29 18:03:52 -0800 2003 689218 0 Sarah C 4 689222 Wow. Looks wonderful. We may just have to book Sunday brunch as that is the only time that will work. Abita Springs may just have to wait. Thanks for the info and the link. Wed Oct 29 21:38:56 -0800 2003 689221 0 Tha Groovin' Gourmet 1 689227 Your plans sound great. One little bit struck me as odd -- that you would be staying in N.O. East one night. Don't. That's a very dangerous place to stay with NO good hotels. Just keep driving back to N.O. for a really great hotel. Thu Oct 30 14:23:59 -0800 2003 689203 0 NolaF 2 689265 Thanks for the tips. We're traveling with Oscar, the amazing mini-dachsund, so our hotel choices are limited. Currently booked at the EconoLodge in Chalmette, mainly because they accept pets and have a frequent traveler program that I do. Maybe I'll look closer in town and see what I can find. Fri Oct 31 10:02:54 -0800 2003 689227 0 Tha Groovin' Gourmet 3 689272 Don't know what your price range is, but Hotel Monaco is a pet friendly hotel. If you show up with out a pet, they give you a goldfish to keep in your room during your stay. Kinda cute idea. Yvette Fri Oct 31 16:47:44 -0800 2003 689265 0 Yvette 1 689239 I would suggest the Upperline for dinner Saturday. Or any meal!! I had my birthday dinner there on the 19th. I got the "early fall" prix fixe dinner ($28.) I chose duck and andouille gumbo for my appetizer, and duck confit with white beans, greens and a sweet potato and smoked ham calla for the entree. For dessert I would suggest the bread pudding with caramel sauce. Everything was fabulous. My friend had the Taste of New Orleans dinner. It was seven courses (in tasting sized portions- still *lots* of food- $38.) He had the gumbo and the turtle soup, fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade, spicy shrimp on cornbread, duck etouffe on corncakes, and orange glazed duck with spiced peach sauce. Bread pudding for dessert. He said everything but the duck etouffe on corncakes was excellent. I loved the atmosphere, too. It's in an old cottage and all the walls are a lovely yellow and are covered with art. It was wonderful. The address is 1413 Upperline St. I also had a really wonderful meal at Gabrielle and would encourage you to go there, too!! (3201 Esplanade) If I can ever stop "replying" to everyone else's posts I *will* write my own more detailed report, so watch for it! Thu Oct 30 16:37:10 -0800 2003 689203 0 Snap Pea 2 689264 Thanks for the tips...gives me some ideas for next trip! We have booked for 2 Saturday at 9:30 on the balcony at K-Pauls, with coconut cake of course! Definitely look forward to a more detailed report from you! Fri Oct 31 10:00:57 -0800 2003 689239 0 Tha Groovin' Gourmet