recs for Friday lunch

[Mark Alberts]

Hi, I'll be in town next week. I have been to Galatoire's twice for Friday lunch on previous visits and really enjoyed the whole rigmarole. But I am interested in trying someplace new and I am looking for recs -- a festive place with good food that makes lunch feel like a special occasion, and that we will not be out of place to be drinking and enjoying ourselves. Creole or contemporary La. food preferred. thanks!

[johnnyforks]

Quarter:
Mr. B's - old school
Bayona - new school
Warehouse District:
Cochon
Herbsaint

[ClevelandRandy]

How is BonTon for lunch on Friday?

[TigerAtty]

Phenomenal. Try the oysters alvin. It gets crowded, so I would suggest calling ahead or going slightly off the lunch hour.

[Tchoupitoulas]

I'll second that!!! Get there around 11:00 though. Fun atmosphere on Friday, lots of drinking going on (not to excess) and the food is wonderful....so are the waitresses.

[ClevelandRandy]

The website says it's open until 2pm for lunch, so if I go around 1:30 perhaps I'll be OK? What are Oysters Alvin? I confess, I've never eaten oysters, but certainly willing to try. I'll be there at the very end of August -- are Oysters in season then (or does the month with R rule only apply to raw oysters)? Any other signature dishes I should consider?

[bronwen]

Mr. B's will fit the bill, I guarantee .......

[Tchoupitoulas]

End of August should be fine. You can pretty much get raw oysters year round now. The "R" month thing began, I think, before refrigeration in New Orleans to avoid the health risks. They are not as good (fat and salty) but you'll get a taste. They have a wonderful side salad and their crabmeat au gratin is fabulous.

[mrsfury]

Fabulous yes, as is the salad with house dressing, bread pudding and everything else I have tried there. If I had the money I would eat there at least once a month.

[kibbles]

while im not sure if it qualifies as feeling like a special occasion, Palace Cafe is offering a two-course lunch at yesterday's high temperature -- eg, if it was 87 out yesterday, lunch is $8.70.

i tried it last friday and was not disappointed -- soup, and bacon-wrapped scallops salad.

[JazzyB]

Regarding Palace Cafe, I feel the expression "you get whar you pay for" applies to their temp. lunch special. While ok, it won't "wow".

[kibbles]

well...i just have to say that a cup of soup and bacon-wrapped scallops at a pretty good restaurant for less than 9 bucks is a "wow" for me -- couldnt even get an appetizer at chili's at that price point. :)

[JazzyB]

Better than Chilis, but definitely not in the same ballpark as Cuvee or August. $24 for 3 courses at Cuvee is IMO a far better value. An opportunity to dine at one of NOLA's best rest. vs a middle tier, for not much more .

[kibbles]

but thats 2.5x as much as $8-9. $10 is a very different price point, especially when eating on the lunchhour. $8-9 for two courses at a good restaurant (even if mid tier) just cant be beat.

[Mark Alberts]

We did go to Cuvee and it was pretty much as you said - elegant but quiet (perhaps, it being mid-July, especially so). A very good value for three courses, delicious food. I'd be very happy to choose from the full menu at dinner. Thanks much!

[edible complex]

Patois or Clancy's, both Uptown,
in the Qtr., the Rib Room or Mr. B's.

[JazzyB]

Commander's or August ( more elegant than festive). Do not miss the Buster Crab.

[Mark Alberts]

I notice you recommended Cuvee to another poster for lunch; apparently they're open for lunch on Friday now, too. Suitable?

[JazzyB]

Definitely, although like August, more subdued and elegant than festive. Don't miss the shrimp remoulade napoleon app.

[Blumie]

Their excellent chopped salad and the shrimp napeloan (which I think of as a deconstructed shrimp po'boy!) would make a wonderful lunch.