Can you name just two?

[Superterrific]

I will be travelling to New Orleans soon (for the first time) and have been looking around the board for ideas. Can you give me two names?
1. The restaurant that in your opinion is the epitome of New Orleans - can be fancy or humble.
2. A place that has authentic, downhome cuisine - I'm hoping for Grandma in the kitchen.

At this point in my research I am guessing 1. Galatoires and 2. Mother's (?)

My visit will be brief - please help me narrow this down!!

THanks!!

[pilaf]

1. Galatoire's or Commander's Palace. The latter if food is more important; the former if the atmosphere (with very good, but straight-forward food) is more important.

2. Two Sisters (not the "court of . . .) for lunch and the Bon Ton for dinner.

[Abner]

Galatoire's is a fine representative of what is the epitome of Creole cuisine, but I think many visitors don't really get it. The food is fairly simple and antiquated.

I would vote for Brigtsen's if you really want the epitome. http://www.brigtsens.com/

Mother's, on the other hand, is simply a tourist trap. You want to go to Bon Ton. No website. Hardly a surprise.

I would strongly consider Rio Mar, Commanders Palace, Bayona. Upperline and Mr B's. You'll have a good time whatever you do.

[bbares81]

1. Galatoire's or dick and jenny's embodies newer new orleans cuisine, maybe cochon for the best new look on cajun....

2. mother's is the easiest to get to, but if you want to travel a little bit...liuzza's, liuzza's by the track or casamento's if you like oysters fixed anyway...

[JGrey]

1. Galatoire's for Creole, K-Paul's for Cajun (far out, nouveau Cajun, but still the wholly Cajun)
2. Cafe Reconcile. And it's a good cause.

[Superterrific]

Sorry, I was looking for the metaphorical Granny in the kitchen. I should have been more clear.

[tiomano]

Granny does not work in the kitchen at Mother's either.

[UptownKevin]

1. Galatoire's
2. Upperline (though Granny will not be in the kitchen)

-Kevin