660963 Tue Oct 20 11:34:21 -0700 2009 10 9 New Orleans 0 5117571 I've been to New Orleans a couple of times before Katrina and have done most of the famous places. I am now returning for a conference in November and am looking for some places that are not famous, but that you locals really enjoy. Living in Philadelphia (a great restaurant city), I can get virtually any food I want, except the fantastic cuisine of New Orleans. Therefore, I still want to eat creole/cajun/southern food when I am in town. I am staying in the Convention Center area and will not have a car. So, I would like the suggestions to be within a 20-30 minute walk (and hopefully, in a safe area). I am looking for anyplace that you love - from holes-in-the-wall (jeans) to fine dining (suit & tie). Thanks, chowhound-compadres. Tue Oct 20 11:34:21 -0700 2009 61972 rockpile 1 5117646 I am not sure what you mean by not famous, especially combined with the caveat that it be places that we also enjoy. I don't think there is any question that New Orleans is able to support such an extensive and varied dinning scene other than the fact we locals can be found eating out at most all of the famous restaurants, I know that many locals consider Emeril's one of the City's best dining experiences, and it is certainly one of our more famous restautants. In any case, Emeril's is quite close to the convention center, as is Cochon, Rio Mar, La Boca, A Mano, the last three being run in part by the same chef, but representing different cuisines. Herbsaint isn't to far either. Tue Oct 20 11:55:27 -0700 2009 5117571 1114274 CharlieH 1 5117747 Adding to CharlieH's suggestions, I'd suggest Cochon Butcher for great sandwiches. Johnny's Po-boys. Is the French Quarter do-able for you? Several places there, but mostly "famous." Tue Oct 20 12:30:08 -0700 2009 5117571 324814 nomadchowwoman 2 5118860 Yes, I can walk there., but I have been to most of them in the past. Tue Oct 20 20:35:46 -0700 2009 5117747 61972 rockpile 1 5117808 Cochon should be on your list if you haven't been there. I would also hit the Green Goddess in the French Quarter. Not cajun/creole specifically, but definitely unique (and very good) and since it's pretty new, you won't have been there. Tue Oct 20 12:49:02 -0700 2009 5117571 241661 gastrotect 1 5117997 if you're willing to streetcar or cab it (most places anywhere in town are just 15 mins away), go to Clancy's, Patois, Boucherie, Vizard's, Joey K's, Pascal's Manale, Commander's Palace, Casamento's, Brigtsen's. in the Qtr., check out Muriel's, Mr. B's for gumbo ya ya and bbq shrimp, Galatoire's, K Paul's, Johnny's Po Boys, Central Grocery and/or Napoleon House for muffalettas, and Felix and/or Acme for oysters.. Tue Oct 20 13:50:35 -0700 2009 5117571 195694 edible complex 2 5118867 These are all great suggestions. I have been to Galatoire's, K-Paul, Johnny's, Central Grocery and Acme, and Commander's Palace, etc. Tue Oct 20 20:37:49 -0700 2009 5117997 61972 rockpile 1 5118904 This is difficult. The criteria would literally preclude so many places. Considering your geographic location, and possibly disregarding some of your criteria, here are my recs. Chef John Besh's Restaurant August, CBD (Central Business District) - short walk. Chef Susan Spicer's Bayona, FQ (French Quarter) - short walk. MiLa, CBD, short walk. The Bonton, CBD, short walk. Chef Frank Brigtsen's Brigtsen's, River Bend - streetcar ride, then very short walk. GW Fin's, FQ (NOLA take on local seafood) - short walk. Galatoire's, FQ - short walk and even if you've done it a dozen times, it's worth the trip. Now, this is from a fella', who loves Mirimoto and Le Bec Fin, so might not all be your cup of tea. Enjoy, Hunt Tue Oct 20 21:06:50 -0700 2009 5117571 11329 Bill Hunt 1 5119596 If you enjoy oysters 1/2 shell, stop in Luke 3-6pm (7 days) for 25cent local oysters , 1/2 price drinks. August and Emeril's are close by and excellent. Herbsaint as well. Wed Oct 21 08:15:40 -0700 2009 5117571 118263 JazzyB 1 5120609 OK--you want places you haven't been to, that are "not famous," that are walkable from your hotel, and if I understand you, serve food that is distinctly New Orleans. Your criteria are very limiting. A lot of the best places are "famous"; the area you've defined is well-travelled by tourists and locals alike, so it's not going to contain many "mostly locals" gems, as yet undiscovered by tourists. I'm going to interpret broadly your requirement of "New Orleans cuisine" and repeat what some have already suggested: 1. Cochon--upscale casual, Louisiana country cooking. 2. Its little brother, Cochon Butcher, next door does wonderful sandwiches with its own cured meats. 3. MiLa--Fine dining. Delicious takes on "southern" and "cajun/creole" (the name is derived from the chef couple's home states: Mississippi and Louisiana. New since Katrina. 4. Mr. B's--esp., as everyone will tell you, for gumbo ya-ya and bbq shrimp. 5. Restaurant August--if you haven't been there you absolutely should try it, for lunch or dinner. It is justifiably famous. 6. Luke--for oysters, other shellfish, and many other very well-prepared dishes. Upscale casual. 7. Grand Isle--I personally do not like it, but some posters do. Lots of local seafood. Not famous, I don't think. 8. Herbsaint--delicious, bistro-like. Along with most everything--the menu is eclectic--the gumbo is fabulous. 9. Eleven Seventy-Nine--yes, you can get fabulous Italian in Philly, but this is Creole- Italian, which is a bit different. Here you can have soft shell crab with your pasta--and a very local scene. Although it's quite close to where you're staying, I wouldn't feel comfortable walking there, at least not alone. 10. Cafe Amelie--casual, good food, lovely courtyard, beautiful little rest. in the FQ. 11. Wolfe's--either location: excellent fine dining, unjustly not famous, imo. 12. Irene's Cuisine--FQ, creole-Italian, very popular with locals. 13. Meauxbar Bistro--edge of FQ, frequented by FQ denizens, upscale casual, good food with local influences. 14. Green Goddess--interesting menu; FQ; very new restaurant. Finally, venture into other parts in a cab: Parkway Tavern for po-boys, Boucherie for lunch or dinner (definitely Louisiana flavors); Restaurant Patois for lunch, brunch, or dinner(fabulous Louisiana food); Casamento's for oysters any which way; Liuzza's by the Track for a real neighborhood restaurant experience--with really good food; Mandina's--the ultimate neighborhood restaurant, somewhat "famous" but very New Orleans; Cafe Atchafalaya; Coquette; One. Wed Oct 21 13:38:14 -0700 2009 5117571 324814 nomadchowwoman 2 5122299 Thanks you so much - you have given me all of the information I needed. Thu Oct 22 06:58:56 -0700 2009 5120609 61972 rockpile