Four Amazing Dinners?

[Indy 67]

My husband and I will be in New Orleans in early May, arriving Wednesday and departing mid-day Sunday. Part of the trip will be work-related and the company has scheduled a dinner at August Friday night. What three other restaurants should we visit for amazing, memorable dinners?

Some info: We have little exposure to New Orleans cuisine. My husband likes richer food; I prefer lighter food. We have no price limits for our dinners with one caveat: I'm not looking to collect a string of name upscale restaurant experiences just to say "I've eaten at..." However, we're willing to pay for truly extra-ordinary food. We're adventuresome eaters so the sight of head-on shrimp won't bother us. However, I'd rather not "play with my food" at dinner. I'll happily go places for lunch where the best the dishes require peeling -- or the equivalent -- but not at dinner.

I'd particularly appreciate both restaurant recommendations and specific dishes at your recommendations. Thanks!

[mhdousa]

Herbsaint - one of the greatest meals I've had anywhere, and a nice variety of richer and lighter items.

[thecajunfoodie]

I'll add on Brigtsen's. Your husband can get the fantastic seafood platter:
~Grilled Drum Fish with Crawfish & Pistachio Lime Sauce
~Shrimp Cornbread with Jalapeño Smoked Corn Butter
~Baked Oyster LeRuth with Shrimp & Crabmeat
~Baked Oyster Bienville
~Jalapeño Shrimp Cole Slaw
~Panéed Sea Scallop with Asparagus Coulis
and you could order one of the several great grilled or broiled fish dishes!

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The Cajun Foodie
www.thecajunfoodie.com

[N.O.Food]

EC's got a good three. I'll add August, Stella, and Commander's (I like Commander's better for lunch though).

For a more casual three: Boucherie, Mandina's, and Jacques Imo's (not the best food, but a fun atmosphere with decent food).

[Vineaux]

+1 for Stella, Galatoire's, and Patois, but I have to differ on Clancy's. While it's very clubby (in a good way) and very New Orleans, I just don't think the food measures up to the best places in town. Not even close, in fact. I'd suggest MiLa downtown and Lilette on Magazine.

[edible complex]

never had a bad meal at Clancy's. love the oysters w/brie, sweetbreads, smoked soft shells, the veal chop and whatever is in season. and don't forget the frozen brandy alexanders for dessert.

[JazzyB]

I prefer Commander's for lunch as well. Reserve the garden room. Emeril's has been outstanding these past few months. We had another exceptional meal Friday evening. An assortment of "small" and "not so small plates" as table appetizers followed by entrees and dessert. Not a bad dish in the bunch. Herbsaint and Brigtsen's will give you a taste of local flavors. I'm with vineaux regarding Clancy's.

[BayouTeche]

I'm with ec on Clancy's........love it! Just ate there Friday night......wicked good.

[edible complex]

Galatoire's, Patois, and Clancy's.

[thecajunfoodie]

Why not Galatoire's for a stellar Friday lunch?

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The Cajun Foodie
www.thecajunfoodie.com