129169 Tue Oct 11 21:12:46 -0700 2005 2 9 New Orleans 0 700304 Any suggestions for Monroe and environs? It's a pretty town, but as for eats, "It ain't N'Awlins." In fact, nowhere is, including N'Awlins. My heart is in a million pieces. Tue Oct 11 21:12:46 -0700 2005 0 Beau Noppatee 1 700312 You might have better luck posting this on the "South" board -- it includes the rest of the state of LA. My brother went to college in Monroe and nothing stands out as far as food, all though I image there's something around. I'm certain you will be able to find great catfish, gumbo, etc. For a really different experience, head to Johnny's Pizza. Johnny's is a NW LA chain. Johnny himself is from Monroe and attended NLU (Northeast LA University). The pizza is a LA classic. Get the "Sweep the swamp" pie with crawfish, crab and shrimp. Delish! Don't expect NYC or Chicago pie here, it's an original, but enjoy it for what it is! Have a great time. Wed Oct 12 01:07:53 -0700 2005 700304 0 Gayle 1 700342 I have spent a lot of time there this past month for work. And, as a fellow chowhound, I have found the best places possible. First, don't hesitate to have lunch at Rays PeGe. This is authentic southern fried heaven. The french fries are fresh cut and the burgers are great. They are famous for the French Dip sandwich and the shakes are excellent. No atmosphere, no alcohol. Just expect a grimy Camelia Grill type place with great food. It is on Desiard St. Next, give Canard's a try. It is rather good but pricey. For Monroe, the wine list is the best. Also, my favorite is Genusa's. The food is perfectly okay and the veal dishes are actually good. Nothing special really but just a lot of fun. The bar is full of upscale locals ready to chat and the wines are quite nice. I like the Brandy House which is next to a terribly hideous hotel and although the atmosphere is banal, the food is good and the prices are fantastic. Portions are big. The rotisserie chicken is excellent. The sweet potato fries are well worth the trip as are the big spears of asparagus. Desserts look better than they are. Get the bread pudding made at home. The Waterfront Grill is great. Really good catfish desiard and the atmosphere is extremely casual. Nothing fancy but pretty good food. The wine list is horrendous. Actually, I wonder if there is even a wine list. You get white or red. Basically, it is Deanies food in a Fat Harry's setting. Monroe citizens rave about this dive called Trio's which is a trendy bar next door to a gas station. You get a plain steak and potato which is actually good with a lot of smoke around you. Monroe's Port a Call. Good steak at least. The rest of the places are chains. For the best lunch, don't skip The Coffee Bean. The desserts are truly home made and are excellent. The quiche and the soups and salads are wonderful and I highly recommend this place for lunch. It is not open for dinner. Hope this helps. Also, there is a good wine store on Louisville that begins with a T. Prices are high but the selection is nice. Wed Oct 19 11:22:27 -0700 2005 700304 0 mikey