127449 Sun Feb 29 18:24:06 -0800 2004 10 9 New Orleans 0 691030 You're all nuts! In the best of ways of course. I can't believe it took me this long to find this site. Now I've only got three days until my trip, and two hours of message reading has ADDED restaurants to my already-too-long list. At least you also knocked some of my "for sures" off. This morning's list to narrow down to six was: Upperline, Bayona, Clancy's & Girod's Bistro for "nicer" meals, Uglesiches, Atchafalaya, Oliviers, and Felix's or Acme for filling in the funky edges. Now I've got to add Brightsen's and Galatoires, which hadn't even made my long list, so what gets cut? Girod's right off the bat unless someone comes to its defense, if only because I haven't seen it mentioned by anyone. Course with a weekend visit (arrive 9 pm 3/3, leave early am 3/8) and no reservations so far, supply and demand may narrow my list for me. Also, we're staying in the FQ so I don't want to spend every evening cabbing out to eat. Had planned on dashing to Olivier's as soon as we dumped our bags, but saw some trash talk about them. Rita's any better? Need somewhere in the FQ we can get into before closing! Friday Lunch: Since people seem to prefer Bayona for lunch than dinner, and they and Uggy's are both only open Friday, I have a dilemma. Since we're spending the afternoon paddling the swamp, I think Bayona is going to have to go. Protests? Friday Dinner: Reservations permitting, could be Upperline, Brightsens or Galatoires. Will have to tell hubby to pack a jacket; that might scotch the Galatoires deal. Saturday breakfast: Cafe du Monde of course Sat. lunch: Had hoped for Bayone, but no weekend lunches. So maybe a return trip to Commander's Palace is in order, since everyone on this site loves it so. Or Cafe Atchafalaya? The Splendid Table raved about their vegetables! Comments? Sat dinner: Same list as Friday Sunday lunch: Oysters and crawfish as Felix's or Acme, whichever suits our fancy Sunday dinner: Again, same list (minus Brightsens which is closed) if my hubby will let me keep eating. We want plenty of "authentic regional" but wonder if Bayone or Upperline provide a slightly lighter break? At the same time, I'd rather not break the bank. So there's the list. And even though a million others have asked for opinions on some of these same places, I'm going to do it again. Your thoughts for a good mix of styles, convenience and budget are appreciated! Sun Feb 29 18:24:06 -0800 2004 0 bugtown 1 691031 There are as many different opinions as there are diners, but I'm sure that not many (if anyone) would advise a visitor to choose Girod's Bistro for a nicer meal. It's nice and the Napoleon House is grand and it does have it's uses but, well, there are too many better places to go for you to waste a meal there. Here are my opinions about the rest of your list: Upperline: good choice. Bayona: excellent choice. You might also sub or add Dominique's on your list. Clancy's: a good place, not one of my favorites but still a good place. Uglesiches: very good but eccentric. Atchafalaya: thumbs down from me, the 'somewhat southern, slightly sophisticated' thing makes me think, 'slightly seedy, a little pretentious'. I'd sub Martinique or Casamento's. Oliviers: I'd sub Zachary's or Jacque-imo's or maybe drop down a tier or two to Dunbar's or if I had to stay downtown I'd look at one of the half-dozen Brennan's family restaurants or Nola's or maybe Herbsaint. Felix's or Acme - personally I'd sub Casamento's. Brigtsen's and Galatoires are MUSTS! Call to make a reservation for Brigtsen's as many days in advance as possible. My girlfriends tell me that the new chef at the Windsor Court tears it up but there have been mixed reviews, so who knows right now. I do know that I'll be eating there in two weeks with busines visitors from California. Good luck on your trip! Sun Feb 29 18:40:14 -0800 2004 691030 0 Amanda 2 691041 Thanks! We'll dump Girod's in favor of a cocktail at the bar, Clancy's and Atchafalaya are gone...they're a hassle to get to anyway. As for your other recommendations, I'm really looking for more restaurants in the French Quarter. We're staying on Dumaine near Bourbon, and currently, all our meals are a cab ride away! Any more thoughts close by? Thanks again. I'll call Brightsens right away... Mon Mar 01 11:23:17 -0800 2004 691031 0 bugtown 3 691044 In the quarter: Maximo's, Irene's, Redfish Grill (casual), GW Fins, Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse... Easily accessible by streetcar or walk: Herbsaint, Lee Circle, Palace Cafe, Cafe Adelaide... Mon Mar 01 13:51:31 -0800 2004 691041 0 Hungry Celeste 4 691045 More Quarter faves:Cafe Giovanni,Peristyle,Pelican Club.Short walk:Marisol,Marigny Brasserie.IMHO top chefs in town are cooking at Peristyle and Marisol. Sounds like you're setting up a reaf nice trip.Have fun and let's hear from you.Enjoy Mon Mar 01 15:26:34 -0800 2004 691044 0 mudbug 5 691079 Merci boucoup! I'll do my utmost to hit as many of these recommendations as possible. I'd had Peristyle on my list but thought that was too much nouvelle, but maybe if I swap that for Upperline... So many choices...I have to keep reminding myself that it's a GOOD thing and nothing to stress over. Also got a late Friday res at Brightsens. I told the woman it was thanks to you-all; she was very interested, took the url and wanted to check out the board. Look forward to reporting my food diary upon our return! (And if anyone wants dining recommendations in Northern Italy or Portland, OR, I'd be happy to return the favor...) Tue Mar 02 13:29:20 -0800 2004 691045 0 bugtown 6 691087 Keep Galitoires on your list and if hubby doesn't want to pack a jacket they actually have a huge collection of not-so-bad jackets in all sizes for him to borrow for the evening. We traveled to New Orleans last November with another couple. My friend allowed me to make all the dining plans other than her one request to have one meal at Galitories...her only "must do" every visit to New Orleans. That morning, my friend learned her husband neglected to pack a sport coat. They had a short lunch break from our bridge tournament at the Marriott and went shopping for a jacket. They did not succeed. The found one jacket his size in the limited time available, an outragesly ugly and expesive yellow plaid jacket that drew tears of laughter when he tried it on. We went to Galitoires that evening with friend's hubby dressed finely sans jacket. The staff was very friendly and picked out a nice jacket for him to wear. There was no fuss, they seemed very accustomed to doing this. I agree with others, put Galitories on your must do list. They don't take reservations, so either stop in early or be prepared for a wait. Worth it! Tue Mar 02 17:27:18 -0800 2004 691079 0 Windsor 6 5139595 Buggy, you did a great job of finding the best.. So where did you end up eating, what did you love, and where did you hate...we're going in Dec?? Thu Oct 29 05:12:02 -0700 2009 691079 260185 sockster 7 5139699 Good lord, another 5 year old thread Thu Oct 29 06:20:53 -0700 2009 5139595 154901 roro1831 4 693493 I'd take Redfish Grill off the list...quality declining. Wed Jul 21 01:01:31 -0700 2004 691044 0 Tulanian 5 5142854 That is too bad. I had not been in a while. Fri Oct 30 08:52:04 -0700 2009 693493 125577 mrsfury