129291 Mon Jan 16 22:10:48 -0800 2006 1 9 New Orleans 0 700766 I'm a CA hound looking like Hootch in the movie with Tom Hanks anticipating our upcoming trip to the Crescent City this date next month. I'll be posting a request for help from the local hounds shortly when I finish researching and coordinating. Lady PB and I were there (her first and only time so far) circa 1999-2000 and did the requisite CdM, Mother's, Johnny's, Emeril's, and Commander's... all wonderful and unique experiences for us that we were looking forward to from years of home cooking attempts (Justin Wilson, Prudhomme, etc, etc) to enlighten us and our dear friends to your superb cuisines. We were armed with so many fine suggestions and lists from folks we trust that we couldn't possibly get to them if we'd had a month's time, but one that we "discovered" that impressed us and nobody mentioned was Mike's on the Avenue. When I returned on business a couple of year's later I heard that they (chef Mike Fennelly) had moved to a little town some 20 or more miles outside NO. Out of the blue I decided to Google the chef and came up with the info linked below and just had to ask on this board what the local palates think. There was another article (which I've since misplaced) that mentioned Mike Fennelly and Vickie Bayley were planning a new full service restaurant to open in NO in early 06, but IIRC this one was written pre-K so I expect timelines had to be readjusted. TIA for any and all input. Link: http://www.nomenu.com/Restaurants/Ohia.html Mon Jan 16 22:10:48 -0800 2006 0 PolarBear 1 700768 From what I know, before Katrina Mike was set to come back from Hawaii and run two restaurants. He was to consult on Ohi'a and actually be in the kitchen at an updated Mike's on the Avenue. From what I can gather, he did design the menu for Ohi'a but decided not to return post-storm. Vickie's new place will be led by David English, a very talented young chef who was at Cobalt before Katrina. Tue Jan 17 10:03:37 -0800 2006 700766 0 Frolic