Tommys vs Irenes ?

[pasta]

Is it true that these are "sister restaurants" and share the same menu?
Our concierege told us Irene's was closed the day we wanted but that Tommy's was the "same thing". Thanks in advance for your help!

[phyllisstein]

Without a doubt, Irene's is superior. Less than 50% of my meals at Tommy's would be considered "very good" but 100% of the meal's at Irene's have been "excellent."

[gyppielou]

I posted a food report down a bit. We ended up at Tommy's due to another mishap. The service was excellent and the food was just servicable - nothing special in the paneed oysters and shrimp that I recalled at Irenes. The caesar salad was fast food looking, and barely touched. The chicken dish we shared was simply fine, nothing special.

Good service, but pedestrian food imho.

Loved a drink and some jazz at the adjoining WineBar.

[dcata25]

Irene's is by far superior to Tommy's in every aspect - We go every time we go down to NOLA 4 to 5 times a year. Make sure you get her Creole cheesecake - it is heavenly. Enjoy!

[sirvelvet]

They have similar menus (for the reasons already mentioned) but I think the food at Irene's is superior. The service is better at Irene's as well.

[dcata25]

Irene's. We go every time we come down to NOLA which is about 4 times a year. Been to Tommy's once and won't go back. Irene's is superior in every way. Make sure you get her Creole cheesecake for dessert = one word = heavenly. Enjoy!!

[edible complex]

Tommy left Irene's and opened Tommy's. Some of the staff of Galatorie's went to Tommy's.
So what you will find are some items from both menus.
I still prefer Irene's, but Tommy's has had its moments.
check out the menu:
http://www.tommyscuisine.com/menu.html

[JazzyB]

Not hardly the same thing. Similar menu, done better at Irene's. After several disappointing meals, I won't be going back to Tommy's.

[mikek]

There is actually quite a bit more than Tommy leaving Irene's. Tommy and Irene used to be a couple, got divorced and Tommy then opened "Tommy's". Similar menu, took some of the kitchen/wait staff and started accepting reservations. When it first opened it was very good, the past couple of times I have been to Tommy's, not so much. Irene's is excellent, however.