2 Chefs coming from San Francisco

[fatback]

We are two chefs coming from SF. One of us is a first timer. What would you suggest?
We are in at 9pm on Saturday and leave Wednesday morning. Short I know, but thus is the restaurant life. Right now we are planning on Cochon and Bayona (Susan Spicer is a good friend of my boss.) What else should we not miss.

Thanks for your help!

[ccmurieta]

Well....where did you end up going?

[edible complex]

if you don't have Sunday dinner plans yet, you may want to hit Bacchanal Wine, as this Sunday Chef Ian from Iris is cooking in the courtyard.
"Chef Ian is Back Baby!!
That's right Chef Ian Schnoebelen of Iris is back at Bacchanal to get all your tongues wagging this Sunday, along with the sultry sounds of the mysterious Esquizito. And our outdoor bar will feature some original cold cocktails to cool you off, as well as absinthe shots to fire you up."
"Chef Ian's Sunday Menu
Octopus Tostadas
Mussels in Coconut Broth
Rare Tuna with Vietnamese Greens
Roast Poussin with Wild Mushrooms
Monkfish Peperonata
Gnocchi Primavera
Poached Pears with Marscapone
Bittersweet Chocolate Torte"
most dishes are around $6 per, cash to Chef. and you can buy your wine from their wine shop.

Bacchanal Wine 600 Poland Ave. 948-9111
www.bacchanalwine.com

[paz5559]

Herbsaint, Patois, La Petite Grocery, Bistro @ the Maison de Ville, Green Goddess if it is open

I personally would skip Upperline, Chateau du Lac and Elizabeth's (all are over hyped and under whelming)

I personally loved my meal at MiLA, although I did find the surroundings a tad sterile. Oh, and I would substitute Galatoires for Comanders (both are wonderful old-school places, I just think Galatoires is more fun)

[ccmurieta]

Just went to Upperline and used to love it but unfortunately would have to agree that it is now mediocre. Too bad, have been going for years -always looked forward to it - but too many good ones in NOLA to settle for mediocre.
Love Patois, Gautreau's, Daisy, Cochon, Lilette and Herbsaint.
Would skip MiLa, Galatoires and Commanders

[foodophyle]

I also highly recomend One Restaurant in the riverbend. The prices are very reasonable and the food and atmosphere are lovely. I also like that Chef Todd Snodgrass changes the menu seasonally. The web link is: http://www.one-sl.com/

[robrob]

I am originally from SF and my favorite New Orleans restaurant is One. I think the chef's name is Scott though- not Todd. We also love Lilette, Bistro Daisy, and Luke.

[fatback]

I had not heard of One, but I just looked it up. It looks really good and nice atmosphere! Thanks any other appreciated!

[kibbles]

ok now i feel like the oddball -- i love One's bar & masterful cocktails, the open kitchen, and the friendly owners. great shop. but after having gone a few times i cant quite put it on my shortlist... while i couldnt really complain about the food, it didnt woo me either. weird.

[edible complex]

I didn't get all the hype either on One R&L. was disappointed in the food and service. I'm sure I'm the minority, but I cannot recommend going when there are so many other places that have satisfied.

[fatback]

Where would you go?

[edible complex]

Iris, Irene's, Martinique Bistro, Clancy's, Patois, Lilette, Vizard's, Luke, Galatoire's, Ciro's Cote Sud, Jamila's, Il Posto, St. James Cheese Co., Mat & Naddie's, Brigtsen's, Parkway Bakery, R&O, Rivershack Tavern, Crabby Jack's, Galley Seafood, Ristorante Da Piero, Chateau du Lac, Clementine's, Kim Son, Mosca's

[ScarlettNola]

Amen to Vizards.Kevin is awesome!

[nikinik]

One is one of my favorites as well.

[jolieblonde]

You must try One, located in the riverbend area at the end of St. Charles Ave. near the river. It's consistently amazing food by and for locals. The rabbit and cochon are really special, but if they're offering soft shell crab...go for it. You won't be disappointed. Apps and salads fresh and great, too.

[ccmurieta]

I am from SF as well and come here to NOLA about times a year. Cochon is a great choice. I actually prefer Bayona for Sat. lunch as opposed to dinner. I also would highly reccomend Brigtsens, Gautreau's and August. I, personally, could skip Stella! and MiLa. I never miss my Sunday dinner (divine duck) at Upperline. We are here this time for 8 days and I have 12 reservations set thus far for our lunches and dinners. There are many, many good places. It really depends on what you are looking for. Are you looking for something akin to a Danko or Coi experience or are you looking for a casual or even hole in the wall place (i.e Dotties True Blue Cafe or a Mission taqueria?)

[fatback]

We are more of a Delfina CoCo500 duo although who doesn't love Gary Danko and Dotties rocks! La Taqueria is prob my second favorite in SF. It sounds like you know my favorite places so I appreciate your reccomendations. Thanks for any help!

[ccmurieta]

I have been eating all day so I hope this reaches you before you make dining decisions.
Delfina is one of my absolute favorites (although my pals at Quince are a very close second!!)
Ok, based on Delfina, Craig is a "chefs chef" and along those lines I would absolutely recommend Herbsaint, Cochon, Lilette and Gautreaus.
Herebsaint- I love the salad with buttermilk dressing, spaghetti with poached egg and the shortribs
Cochon- the rabbit livers, pork cheeks and the cochon. Also I love the pickled watermelon rind I always ask for a bag of cracklins (chicharrones) to go and they always are happy to give them to me
Lilette- Oh, the beet salad, duck confit and beef cheeks are wonderful; but save room for dessert. the pastry chef is amazing!!!! Great wines as well. (Ask for Louis to serve you-I love him)
Gautreau's - I just tried this for the 1st time when I was here in March. I don't know what the hell took me so long but I will try to make up for lost time. Pork belly, duck breast and roasted chicken are the only things I have had besides dessert so far but they were all SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!! Sue is just the rarest of chefs. All that talent in just a wisp of a girl. Absolutely lovely from start to finish. I like Susan Spicer but in a battle of Sue's, in my opinion Sue Z. wins hands down.
The other ones we usually hit when here:
Restaurant August
Upperline
Brigtsens
Dantes Kitchen
Cuvee
Parasols

Ones a lot of people love but I personally don't think are all that:

One
Stella!
MiLa

Ones that I have been to only recently but enjoyed:
Rambla
Iris
Bistro Daisy

Let me know how it goes.
Am interested to see what you think.

[ScarlettNola]

Stella!, Restaurant August (John Besh), Commander's Palace, Plus 1 on Parkway (Po boys) Dante's Kitchen, Mandina's (Casual neighborhood joint), Bayona is awesome in atmosphere and cuisine, Napoleon House (lunch) Casamento's (oysters and seafood, but they close in summer) Elizabeth's (Breakfast) EAT (Brunch) Rio Mar, Upperline, Lilette, SO MANY options and with your "chef's palate" you are in for a real treat!

[nikinik]

What she said! LOL As we've already determined...ScarlettNola and I have very similar tastes!

[megany09]

Glad you're going to Cochon. It's spectacular.

I would suggest Parkway Bakery for po'boys.