The Real Thing

[lakshmidas]

I've been up and back about what to choose for a short period of free time in New Orleans. I was originally very intrigued by Stella and August as perhaps the two best restaurants, from what I've read on this board.

But since I have such a short stay, I want to make sure that I go places that have cuisine that I can't get in New York City.

So, if you had to choose the one best high-end dinner and one best high-end lunch that were uniquely New Orleans, what would they be?

Dinner: could be Wed., Thurs., or Friday eveing
Lunch: could be Thurs. or Friday.

[piglet3000]

I second the Commander's/Brightsen's suggestions. August was nice but Commander's I found MUCH more memorable. August is really no different than anything you could get in New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco.

[JazzyB]

A few things re: Brigtsen's...it's in an old house and a bit shabby (if ambiance is a factor), most entrees are served with the same mashed potaotes and veggies as opposed to being well composed plates with complimentary accompanyments.

[luvsgudfodmm]

lunch: po-boy at Parkway or Cochon
Dinner: Brigtsen's or Stella

[lakshmidas]

The possible itinerary now is:

Wed. Eve: Bayona (or something cheap depending on finances)
Thursday Afternoon: Lunch at Commader's
Thursday Eve: Zydeco Night at Rock and Bowl (have casual food there)
Friday Afternoon: Lunch at Galatoire's
Friday Evening: --- Somthing Cheap

[lawstudent]

I'm not a huge Bayona fan. Unless you get to sit on the courtyard. It just seems touristy to me. If you don't mind leaving the quarter, One restaurant is great, as is Dante's Kitchen and Brigsten's. All uptown in the riverbend. A long trolley ride (40 minutes or so but very scenic, if you haven't done it - I would definitely do it) or a 10-15 min. cab ride.

Friday evening: Eat restaurant on Dauphine & Dumaine is a perfect inexpensive spot. The fried green tomato app is delicious, as is everything else on the menu. BYOB also, so that makes it a real steal.

I do like the idea of doing high-end lunches and more inexpensive dinners. That is a great way to do it.

[nikinik]

+EAT VERY reasonable...especially since it's BYOB!

[N.O.Food]

I disagree about Bayona being touristy. It's far from it. It's as non-touristy as anything in the quarter can possibly be.

Be sure to get to Galatoire's early on Friday. At least by 10 o'clock if you want to be able to get a seat before 2-3 o'clock.

[mrsfury]

In case you were not aware, Rock & Bowl moved next to Ye Olde College Inn. Wouldn't want ya thinking it was closed if you went to the old location.

[lakshmidas]

Thanks, yes, I was on their website, and saw they were moving. This will be my first time at Rock & Bowl -- didn't get there last couple of trips. Do you hear good things about it since they moved?

How long is the wait at Galatoire's if you get there at 10 a.m.?

[N.O.Food]

It depends on whether you make it in for the first seating. It also depends if you want to sit downstairs or upstairs. Check out this thread:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/575220

[mrsfury]

I have heard no things. Sorry :( Last time we were there was a few years ago. Hubby was into his third throw of the bowling ball and dislocated a prosthetic bone in his wrist. Had to have surgery the next day. He's become a case study. True story.

[nikinik]

Lunch: Commander's Palace
Dinner: Brightsen's

[lakshmidas]

Thank you! I've reserved Commander's for lunch in the Garden room. I was amazed that when I made the reservation, they remembered that my party had been seated in the kitchen last time we were there! That's good customer relations!

[JazzyB]

Their computer remembered.

[lakshmidas]

I know. But it still worked somehow. Made me feel good, even though I knew it was the magic of technology.

[Hungry Celeste]

Commander's Palace for a lunch or dinner, same goes for Galatoire's (but only because you specified high-end).

[lakshmidas]

Should I ammend that to best recommended dinner and best recommended lunch, whether high or low end? I'd love to hear the unrestrained version!

[JazzyB]

High or low end, my choices remain the same.

[Grippstick]

I have always liked Mandina's for some good ole creole: Turtle Soup! I think Softshell crabs are in season right now.

For something a bit more upscale, I would suggest Bayona.

[JazzyB]

You'll get far better upscale dining in NY than either Stella! or August offer. Neither are uniquely New Orleans. August is open Fri. lunch.

My choices :
lunch: Commander's...reserve the garden room
dinner: Emeril's... quality ingredients with a "new " New Orleans twist. Don't miss the abita rootbeer glazed bacon (porkbelly) salad or the andouille crusted redfish. Brigtsen's would be #2.

BTW, Galatoire's is THE quintessential NOLA experience. Great time, average old school cuisine.

Try a Pimm's Cup while you're here. Bon Appetit.

[Bill Hunt]

JazzyB,

Is it safe to assume that one would not enjoy either Stella! or Restaurant August, unless they were from Brookhaven, MS, and had never left town before?

Just curious, as I have traveled much of the globe and dined at every corner. For what it's worth, I've got 12 Michelin 3-star restaurants in my portfolio, and have dined all over NYC. I was impressed by the cuisine, and the service at both of those. No, neither was The French Laundry, nor Per Se. Still, they were quite good. I'd put Stella! in line with Le Bernadine, and August would have done so, had it not been for the wine pairings.

Guess that I just missed that I should only dine at "traditional NOLA restaurants," when I visit the city. I've been doing it all wrong over the last 5 decades.

Hunt

[ccmurieta]

I really respect your opinion as from reading your posts we seem to dine in many of the same places. I would feel quite comfortable relying on your recommendations if I were dining in an area I was unfamiliar with. But Bill, Stella! on par with Le Bernadin? I like Stella! I really do but neither of the 3 times I have dined there did it come close to Le Bernadin in service (food styles are so different I can't really compare those)