Mother's-still the place to go?
We are spending 24 hours in NOLA and my husband wants to return to Mother's for local fare. It has been nearly 15 years since our last visit and wondered is it still good? Any similiar places? Also is Central grocery store still good for muffalattas?
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erikschwarz
Mar 9, 2009 05:22 PM
Elfin, this post probably comes too late to help you, but in case others are reading this thread...I live next door to Mother's, and I eat there occasionally. It is okay, but only a block away, at Poydras and Camp, is a superior alternative. L'il Dizzy's is the latest restaurant opened by Wayne Bacquet, legendary restaurateur from a legendary Creole family. Excellent hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners -- sort of a gourmet version of Mother's at no extra cost and without long lines. And the room is spectacular. L'il Dizzy's is located in what was the lobby of the old Whitney Bank building. Check out the bank robbery murals. The original L'il Dizzy's is still on Esplanade and as good as ever, so if you are in Treme or Mid-City, eat there. But if you are near Mother's, in the Quarter, CBD or Warehouse District, L'il Dizzy's on Poydras is the place to go.
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Bill Hunt
Feb 11, 2009 07:58 PM
The feelings about Mother's seem to be divided about 50-50, with little middle ground. One either seems to love it, or they hate it. Similar to the polarization about Mama's Fish House on Maui (maybe it's the similarity of the names?).
I was never a big fan, and my studio was just down the street, but that was decades ago. However, it does not seem that all that much has changed in that time.
Still, many CH's are big fans, and sing the praises. Why do I, and several others, not "get it?" Why do others praise every aspect of it? Guess we have one of those "different strokes for different folks" situations.
Pretty much the same for CG. In the "good old days" I never considered them the best. Still, they remain and have many supporters. My fav. has move on to other things, and reports are that they do not carry on the standard. Still, some love it, while some leave scratching their heads.
In the end, only you can decide if either, or both, are worth it. Also, times change and there can be great days, and poor days. I only hope that you hit both on their great days, and firmly place yourself into the ranks of those, who love each one. I think that both can do it right, and only hope that you hit them on days, when they do.
Even after my diatribe, go with a completely open mind. Take in the feel of each. Enjoy the food of each. Find nothing but good to think about each. Embrace the quirky aspect of each, and enjoy it, along with the food. Be the lucky one, who love 'em both, and report back. Who knows, half of the people can be wrong. Maybe the other half has it right. I've eaten "crow" many, many times. I have grown accustomed to the taste...
Hunt
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re: Bill Hunt
Both Mother's and Mama's are in my "fantastic" category. I think that Mother's makes the best Red Beans & Rice in town, and I love their Ralph's Special Po Boy. Mama's, well, it's overpriced, but the fish is always so fresh and cooked perfectly, and who can argue with dining on the beach?
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re: Bill Hunt
well, as for mothers.... i have read that it was good when you mentioned -- decades ago :). i work nearby and have been several times, and i can tell you that the famous "debris style" roastbeef just isnt all that. its watery, not gravy. soggy bread, blandish roast beef.. i mean it really isnt very special when compared to the many, many other RB options readily available -- P&G's is better and only a few blocks away.
i think it must have been pretty special when they created a name for themselves, but that was many years & owners ago. i hate to say it, but it really is a tourist-trap has-been :(
(my comments are limited to their poboys...have tried the RB and RB & Ham)
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re: kibbles
Bill Hunt
Feb 17, 2009 06:28 PM
Back in the '70s, I was less than impressed, and they were just around the corner from the office. When the staff made a "Mother's run," I usually opted out. Personal tastes, I guess. If it was an "Acy's Poolhall run," I was always in.
Per your description, I agree - everything seemed to have been boiled and floating in brown water. Then, Acy's was hearty, rich, flavorful and so very much better. Maybe I have just never ordered the proper po-boy? I have had thicker au jus with a French dip, that was thicker than Mother's gravy. Oh well, to each their own.
Maybe I need to stop in and give them another try. It HAS been decades and to rely on past experiences does not help contemporary diners on CH.
Mouth zipped!
Hunt
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re: Bill Hunt
We went to Mother's twice. We went for dinner and had a oyster poboy and jambalaya. The oyster po-boy had plenty of small fried pieces of presumbly oyster-could not tell. The jambalaya was good according to hubby. We wnet for breakfast the next morning-had the early bird special-bad premade steamtable scrambled eggs, grits and sausage. had the overpriced pancake stack which were good and had a delicious ham and biscuit. The coffee was AWFUL- I suspect it was the chicory stuff. Did not go to Central grocery but opted for the Muffalatta at Cochon Butcher-OMG! Best of the best . Thanks for your posts.
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re: Bill Hunt
mrsfury
Feb 19, 2009 04:35 PM
I passed by there today after lunch at Nola Grocery. The sign out front advertised a chicken salad sandwich on white bread for $9. Must be a heck of a sandwich. I also saw that they have red beans by the pint and some other goodies to go. I'm going to try them out soon but no way I'm getting chicken salad for nine bucks. I did taste the bacon pralines. Very different.
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re: Elfin
edible complex
Feb 20, 2009 11:51 AM
coffee w/chicory when done right is very good. it is an acquired taste, one I grew up with...not the burnt dishwater that certain fast food and coffee chains serve.
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grampart
Feb 10, 2009 08:31 AM
If you get to Mother's for breakfast early enough to some "Black Ham" (they run out quickly) and then get your muffalatta at the CG about 3-4 hours before you want to eat it (gives the flavors time to marry), I think both places are still worthy of a visit.
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CEfromLA
Feb 10, 2009 07:53 AM
My opinion? I think bith places are WAY over rated, but I seem to be in the minority.
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re: roro1831
Bob W
Feb 24, 2009 06:58 AM
I have to say I agree. I ventured to Domilise's for a roast beef po-boy years ago after hearing how great the place was, and I was completely unimpressed. The sandwich was dry and skimpy.
I generally like Mother's but it is a complete tourist spot now (I won't say tourist trap because I think the food is pretty good).
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