127323 Sun Jan 25 13:26:35 -0800 2004 3 9 New Orleans 0 690444 Hi,I like your food idea message board. I plan to visitNOLA in the spring and would like to know some special dining experiences for first-time NOLA visitors. Thanks S Sun Jan 25 13:26:35 -0800 2004 0 S Johnson 1 690452 Do you want an elegant, dressy night or down home and basic? Is atmosphere important or only good food? For example, I could tell you to go to Mandinas, Uglesich, Casamentos, or Jacques-Imos for the real New Orleans experience with fabulous food. Then again, if you wanted an really fancy affair you could try Antoines, Galatoires, Upperline or Bayona which all serve very good, creole food. If you want just really good food with a nice ambience, try Gabrielle, August, Herbsaint, Dick and Jenny's, Mat and Naddies, Clancy's, Brightsens, Cuvee, or Emerils. All of these restaurants serve local cuisine. Good luck Mikey Mon Jan 26 13:57:34 -0800 2004 690444 0 Mikey 1 690473 Here are the places I recommend for 1st-timers: Mother's - go for an early lunch and have a legendary Ferdi sandwich Uglesich's - also a place for an early lunch (open at 10:30), cash only, Monday through Friday, lunch only. Brigtsen's - the pinnacle of Louisiana cooking IMNSHO. I recommend a late dinner reservation after doing an early lunch at Uglesich's. Drago's - in Metairie, so a good place to hit to or from the airport. Their charcoal broiled oysters are not to be missed, and the rest of the menu rocks too. Let us know where you go! Wed Jan 28 09:29:35 -0800 2004 690444 0 Tha Groovin' Gourmet 2 690572 Last time I was in NOLA (a little over a year ago) we ate at Uglesich's and the owner mentioned that he was closing soon. Is it still open? Mon Feb 02 17:07:49 -0800 2004 690473 0 C Schussler