592871 Mon Feb 02 11:07:44 -0800 2009 3 9 New Orleans 0 4380537 I have a friend visiting NoLa for the first time and she would like to go to one of the Emeril restaurants for her birthday. I haven't been to any of them in years and I was underwhelmed (with the exception of Delmonico's) with all of them at the time. How are they lately and is there one that stands out right now? Thanks... Mon Feb 02 11:07:44 -0800 2009 131339 mortalcoil 1 4381229 I am probably one of the few locals who loves Emeril's flagship restaurant. You will consistently get people who write it off as a tourist trap. I disagree and find the service to be excellent and the food very good. Delmonico's is very nice but pricey. It is a much more formal and quiet place than Emeril's. Personally, I prefer the hustle and bustle to the hushed atmosphere at Delmonico's. Mon Feb 02 14:01:00 -0800 2009 4380537 14508 mikey 2 4381253 I agree I went there while visiting. I loved it. The "hustle and bustle" was fine with me. I had good serve and good food and would go back. Dinner doesn't always have to be perfection as I feel some expect it to be. I enjoy the entire experience, friends, the time spend talking, the food. All of it. Isn't that what dining is about. I had an excellent dinner at the Olive Garden the other night. Descent pasta, fun times, great salad, wonderful friends, great service. Why complain? I guess I truly appreciate good food, respect those who cook it, but am not that picky and just enjoy sharing food with good friends more important. Mon Feb 02 14:08:11 -0800 2009 4381229 232829 kchurchill5 1 4382131 Recent thread, with a couple of responses: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/590557 I liked Emeril's, pre-K, and Delmonico, post-K. I too wanted some updates. Hunt Mon Feb 02 18:58:31 -0800 2009 4380537 11329 Bill Hunt