128229 Mon Nov 15 09:38:08 -0800 2004 8 9 New Orleans 0 695266 I'm quite curious. Just back from a 4-day weekend with friends (Gov't employee). Had lovely meals at Antoine's, RioMar, and especially Marisol. Best though was a lunch at Marisol. We arrived for lunch at 1:00 pm on a Saturday. Everything was perfect: cooking, ingredients, presentation, service, courtyard setting, wines. The reason I'm posting is because we were the only table the entire 2 hours we were there! Is there something the locals know (health dept., recent bad review, scanda, etc.) that would explain this??!? p.s. Our dinner at Feelings that evening was mediocre - I thought it had a good reputation but now feel it is highly over-rated. Mon Nov 15 09:38:08 -0800 2004 0 Rosco 1 695273 I can't think of any reason why they'd have been empty. And you had the full attention of the entire staff, so just call it a lucky accident you had the place to yourselves. I was holed up in the lab most of the day saturday, but i seem to remember that it was overcast and not very pleasant out...maybe everyone else just decided to stay cocooned in bed, rather than brave the elements. Mon Nov 15 11:49:20 -0800 2004 695266 0 foodmuse 2 695279 Marisol is one of my favorite restaurants and I was there for lunch on Thursday. Saturday I was cocooned in bed and ate lunch around 5pm! This weather change has been rough for me and I did not go out all weekend. I stayed home & cooked lots of different things just to warm up the house. Also, Saturday lunch is new for them (last few months) and so I also think the word is not totally out that they are open for lunch. Glad you had a wonderful experience at Marisol. I love the place! BTW, what did you have?? Mon Nov 15 16:01:03 -0800 2004 695273 0 Isabella 3 695297 Just to correct a statement from Isabella....two years ago, when my husband and I were playing "tourist in our own town," we had lunch on Saturday at Marisol. The place was empty, Chef Pete waited our table and then cooked the lunch. I found it humorous. This was way before I got to know Pete and Janis well, and a frequent visitor to their place. THeir Sunday brunch is quite well attended though. Yummm.... shrimp and grits, spicey with a tangy Bloody Mary. What could be better than that? Yvette Tue Nov 16 18:21:15 -0800 2004 695279 0 Yvette 4 695303 Glad to hear you love Marisol too Yvette! Actually, we are both accurate, not that it matters tho. They were open on Saturdays back then. Then they were closed on Saturdays until a couple of months or so ago. Anyway, it's neither here nor there, Marisol is a great restaurant and we are very lucky to have it! Please tell Mr. R hi for me! Wed Nov 17 03:12:05 -0800 2004 695297 0 Isabella 1 695275 I wouldn't worry, there is nothing wrong with the restaurant; I'm glad you enjoyed your meal. Saturday lunch is not a big meal for locals. Most are hung over from Friday night or trying to get things done so they can enjoy their Sunday. And as was mentioned, the weather was a bit nasty, keeping most of us inside. Kevin Link: http://www.nolafoodie.com/index.html Mon Nov 15 13:51:35 -0800 2004 695266 0 UptownKevin 1 695281 Too bad about Feelings. It is an incredibly evocative place with the most charming patio. I love the place but sometimes the food can be a bit off. I wish they could get their act together on the food since it is such a great place. Mon Nov 15 17:49:45 -0800 2004 695266 0 Mikey 1 695287 Saturday lunch is probably the worst shift in restaurants for all of the mentioned reasons. Most people blow it out on friday night and most people( myself included) rarely get up in time. They're one of my favorite restaurants in the city but I have yet to make it for lunch on saturday. Count me in for the philly cheese steak and eggs on Sunday though! Tue Nov 16 05:57:44 -0800 2004 695266 0 Hellwig 1 695320 I go to Marisol quite often, and aside from the wine dinners and events, there are seldon lots of people in the place. The food is wonderful and Pete and Janis are always welcoming. It's hardly busy, but I wouldn't let that deter you. Thu Nov 18 00:32:26 -0800 2004 695266 0 justagirl