662022 Sat Oct 24 17:52:57 -0700 2009 44 9 New Orleans 0 5128365 tops 5's are always tough on chowhound, but I'm in the early stages of planning a visit and want to know whats hot on the culinary scene there. Sat Oct 24 17:52:57 -0700 2009 106315 chefbrendan 1 5128651 brigtsen's, herbsaint, stella, august, gautreau's, commander's, emeril's, galatoire's. Some of these aren't "hot" but odds are you'll have a great meal/experience at all of them. They are in no particular order. I stuck to "fine dining" places, too. There are also a few newer places, but I haven't been to any of them yet: Le Foret, Le Meritage, and Besh's new italian joint in the Roosevelt Hotel. For a few casual places: Green Goddess, Cochon, Boucherie. Sat Oct 24 20:37:45 -0700 2009 5128365 164399 N.O.Food 2 5129106 will add Iris and MiLa (fine dining), and a Mano and Domenica in the Roosevelt (what's hot). Sun Oct 25 07:13:19 -0700 2009 5128651 195694 edible complex 1 5129266 Five hottest restaurants in New Orleans are... Cochon Green Goddess (I haven't been yet, but this is based on Chowhound reviews and the fact that Chris DeBarre (sic?) is an amazing chef) Dominica Luke Rambla Sun Oct 25 09:05:43 -0700 2009 5128365 276028 shanefink 2 5130023 Having recently dined at both I concur regarding Cochon and Green Goddess. Commander's Palace belongs on any Top 5 New Orleans restaurant list. Sun Oct 25 16:25:46 -0700 2009 5129266 127433 PeterB 1 5129374 If money were no object, in no particular order Restaurant Patois Stella! Restaurant August MiLa Herbsaint and for lagniappe, Commander's Palace Sun Oct 25 10:12:24 -0700 2009 5128365 245819 mimadeli 1 5129633 What does "hot" mean? ANd what does "scene" mean? Often I encounter mixing of varied ingredients to Make Something New...leaves me puzzeled, dismayed, and usually unhappy. What is "hot" cools down, it seem to me. Sun Oct 25 12:46:18 -0700 2009 5128365 107060 hazelhurst 2 5130159 Here is this week's Times Picayune's fall 2009 dining guide recommendations, "4 chefs to watch" Michael Farrell, Le Meritage Erick Loos IV, La Provence Scott Maki, Rambla Michael Stoltzfus, Coquette Bistro & Wine Bar and the TP food critic Brett Anderson's top ten restaurants, and their chefs Commander's Palace (Tory McPhail) Emeril's Delmonico (Spencer Minch) Ristorante del Porto (David & Torre Solazzo) Galatoire's (Brian Landry) Gautreau's (Sue Zemanick) Herbsaint (Donald Link) Lilette (John Harris) MiLa (Slade and Allison Vines-Rushing) Restaurant August (John Besh) Stella! (Scott Boswell) Sun Oct 25 17:21:26 -0700 2009 5129633 245819 mimadeli 3 5130651 Interesting list. Since I am no longer a "local," I have to admit that top set is new to me. Of the latter, I have not made it to: Gautreau's Lilette Hersaint (in too long to comment) Based on my last trip, I'd put CP's at the bottom, though we tried to love it again. I do agree with the others, though Delmonico's did not make my Top-5 list for the OP. Gotta' spread myself on the next trip! Too many new, good-sounding places and chefs. Thank you, Hunt Sun Oct 25 20:25:19 -0700 2009 5130159 11329 Bill Hunt 3 5131195 I read that restaurant section (at lunch) and was surprised to see Delmonico's that high up. When the Big Rush from this edition dies down, maybe I'll wander oveer there and see What Gives. I suppose I should branch out more but, then, I do not get excited about goat-cheese-stuffed figs and other things that could be had almost anywhere. It might be a rut, but it is a pleasant rut. Was good to see Mosca's get a nice comment or two. At the end, though, I found myself wistfully thinking of so many good places that are gone....function of age. Mon Oct 26 07:02:04 -0700 2009 5130159 107060 hazelhurst 4 5132205 Delmonico has been in his top ten for about a year now. Mon Oct 26 12:15:03 -0700 2009 5131195 164399 N.O.Food 5 5132258 That escaped me....bt I so liked the Old Place when the ladies had it that it is hard to be in the precincts without shedding a tear Mon Oct 26 12:30:04 -0700 2009 5132205 107060 hazelhurst 5 5169126 I could agree with that. Unfortunately, you guys and gals get to do so many more spots, than we do. Still, as I commented to Hazelhurst, Delmonico would be about #8 for me. Gotta' do a full list, just to see where they place. Hunt Mon Nov 09 20:53:55 -0800 2009 5132205 11329 Bill Hunt 4 5139475 When you say "that high up" do you mean it literally? The list is alphabetical and in no particular order. I'm only chiming in because at the office on Friday when this came out folks were commenting on the fact that Stella and August "just made the top 10" and they went on and on for hours until someone looked at it and pointed it out. Anyway... that is all. Thu Oct 29 00:37:55 -0700 2009 5131195 96184 haywire 5 5139731 Just the notiojn of the Top Ten..I do not follow Brother Anderson that closely. Thu Oct 29 06:34:06 -0700 2009 5139475 107060 hazelhurst 4 5169122 Hazelhurst, Check out my review about 1.5 years back, and you'll get an idea of Delmonico. We loved the meal, and most of the service (except for the wines) was very good. I did not read the listing, but I'd put them about #8 on my list. Enjoy, Hunt PS - my Panama just got a bit darker on my recent Hawai`i trip - thinking of you! Mon Nov 09 20:51:33 -0800 2009 5131195 11329 Bill Hunt 3 5145631 Let me chime in, if I may . . . re: "4 chefs to watch" -- I've been to two of the four: a) Rambla was quite good, but I didn't think it was great. Perhaps that's due to a number of similar places I've been to in the SF Bay area, or perhaps it was the hour (6:00 pm). Very enjoyable, just not "special." b) Coquette was wonderful. As for the "Top Ten," I've been to seven for lunch and/or dinner . . . -- Commander's Palace (Tory McPhail): only been there for lunch, but have always had a wonderful experience with marvelous food. -- Galatoire's (Brian Landry): again, lunch only -- Fridays, whenever we're in town -- and we've never seen a menu, but it's always been good food and lots of fun! Disclaimer: "our" waiter has come to stay with us in California and we've wined-and-dined together out here, having some truly incredible meals, among the best I've ever had, any time, anywhere. -- Herbsaint (Donald Link): this was another meal I'd be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about; we had a great meal here. -- Lilette (John Harris): ditto! In fact, I think it was Donald Link who suggested we go here. -- MiLa (Slade and Allison Vines-Rushing): missing any sort of special "spark" to make it memorable. It was NOT a bad meal at all, just "good." In the restaurant's defense, we were there on a Sunday, so perhaps the "B" team was in the kitchen. But one waiter loudly complaining to a second waiter about a third in the middle of the dining room wasn't a good sign. -- Restaurant August (John Besh): Been here 3-4 times, and each time the food has been spectacular! Service was off once. -- Stella! (Scott Boswell): I'll keep quiet on this one, and presume I was there on an off night; and Scott Boswell was having an off day when he read my letter. Other highly personal recommendations of mine would include * Patois * Lüke * Cochon * Bayona Cheers, Jason Sat Oct 31 15:10:42 -0700 2009 5130159 28122 zin1953 2 5130643 You know, I really read over those terms. I stick with great food from fun chefs, and let the adjectives sort themselves out. In PHX, some of those terms turn up some of the worst food in the Vally of the Sun. For me, it's about the dining, and I do not care about the "buzz." Of course, I'm "old-school," and many younger folk are looking for something else entirely. That's why I listed my reference for this Chef. If he/she hated Excalibur, then they would likely not like my recs. Hunt Sun Oct 25 20:20:17 -0700 2009 5129633 11329 Bill Hunt 1 5130635 These are my Top-5, and in no particular order: Galatoire's Brigtsen's Stella! MiLa Restaurant August As a bonus, I would add Bayona, and also Cochon. Now, you have to realize that many, many great restaurants have not made my list. Also, not all fo my choices are pure "New Orleans," though I feel that all are great restaurants. As a frame of reference, I really enjoyed Excallibur, last time in Boston. If you hate that one, please disregard my recs. Enjoy, Hunt Sun Oct 25 20:15:59 -0700 2009 5128365 11329 Bill Hunt 1 5130988 Check the Times Picayune's restaurant guide http://www.nola.com/dining-guide/index.ssf/2009/10/the_top_10_new_orleans_restaur.html Mon Oct 26 04:50:13 -0700 2009 5128365 118263 JazzyB 1 5132912 My favorites, at the moment, are Patois, Coquette, Del Porto, Stella, Iris, August (great lunch special on Friday's), and Cochon for lunch. I also like to go to Domenica for small plates and pizza. Mon Oct 26 16:24:28 -0700 2009 5128365 131339 mortalcoil 1 5133048 thank you everyone...just to clarify, when i said hot i didnt men to imply trendy or hip, just what is the best of the best food and service wise. of course i'll want to try the old new orleans landmark restaurants (commanders, etc...) but i want to know who i want to pay attention to now. what excites me the most are (in no particular order) locavore restaurants, refinement, experimentation and fearlessness (as long as there are delicious results), rare and artisnal ingredients, beautiful and inventive plate presentation and fun. i like to have fun at restaurants. too many of the restaurants with great food in boston have an uptight attitude. thanks again for the tips and ill be sure to report after i visit! Mon Oct 26 17:19:09 -0700 2009 5128365 106315 chefbrendan 2 5133315 we're not uptight here. cheers! Mon Oct 26 19:07:25 -0700 2009 5133048 195694 edible complex 2 5133990 You just described Green Goddess. Call ahead and let Chef Chris you're on the way. They don't take reservations but he's always really interested in sharing his inspirations. It's a tiny place so you can't help but get a really personal experience. If you go for dinner, I would not be surprised if you enjoy yourself so much that find yourself back there for brunch the next day. Tue Oct 27 06:32:04 -0700 2009 5133048 78662 uptownlibrarian 3 5135040 i read up on that place last night, i recognized his name from the back sleeves of my poppy z. brite books...sounds reallly cool. im also looking forward to herbsaint, stella! and august. Tue Oct 27 12:06:37 -0700 2009 5133990 106315 chefbrendan 4 5135079 go to Iris! their new location is in the Qtr. http://www.foodandwine.com/bestnewchefs/?year=2007&chef=84AE03FE-B19C-4974-BA7D99C1162B91AA and if you are here on a Sunday, Bacchanal Wine has guest chefs doing the cooking in the courtyard. great opportunity to taste some great food by some great chefs. http://bacchanalwine.com/ and if you're here on a Tuesday, check out Clever for Tapas Tuesdays w/guest chefs: http://www.cleverwines.com/home/ or on Tuesdays and Fridays, Swirl Wines has guest chefs: http://www.swirlinthecity.com/ Tue Oct 27 12:19:41 -0700 2009 5135040 195694 edible complex 5 5136691 1. Stella 2. Brightsen's 3. Iris 4. Rambla For the most part the New TP dining guide is right on. There are a few that I think were over rated. Not So are; Coquette - The menu is very limited and the service is hit or miss Galatoire's - the food is average, it's all about the drinks and the atmosphere MiLa - the dining room is very cold. Domenica - high fashion, all about the looks. We have been several times for lunch and dinner. Some dishes are good. Others are just average. August - used to be spectacular. Was in last week. I think he has too much going on. The food was decent but, over priced for what else NOLA has to offer. Wed Oct 28 04:58:31 -0700 2009 5135079 96821 d.lish 6 5138144 Interested to hear about August..so many good reports here of late, so say nothing of recent remarks by friends. I respectfully dissent regarding Galatoire's but my views on that subject are well-known Wed Oct 28 13:31:34 -0700 2009 5136691 107060 hazelhurst 7 5146860 Yes. They are. It's kind of like me and Stella! Sun Nov 01 09:56:09 -0800 2009 5138144 28122 zin1953 4 5139510 his food is much better than her books. :) Thu Oct 29 01:59:15 -0700 2009 5135040 131339 mortalcoil 5 5144328 Honestly I've only read "liquor" as far as the chef inspired books go...havent started "soul kitchen" or "prime" yet. but when i was a 15 year old goth boy i sure did love "lost souls" and "drawing blood"! Fri Oct 30 19:11:45 -0700 2009 5139510 106315 chefbrendan 2 5138220 I meant to inquire earlier--and perhaps any reply would best posted elsewehre--just what ARE the Boston places with the uptight attitude these days. I donp;t get to town that often these days but I always stop at Locke's anyway and have no problem with them..but the newer places are mostly foreign to me. Wed Oct 28 13:50:51 -0700 2009 5133048 107060 hazelhurst 2 5147158 Responding to your "experimentation and fearlessness" request, I have always heard chef Vizzard's creations described with those terms (I have never been, so I can not give that my personal recommendation) Sun Nov 01 12:24:13 -0800 2009 5133048 27365 paz5559 1 5141767 Hi Boston !!! Worst, IMHO...... Mr B's Bistro Stella! (food ok - but the atmosphere is so stuffy you feel you have to whisper of get kicked out) GW Fins Gallatoires (not what it used to be) Maximos I absolutely love emeril's Nola (but only on a weeknight - Garlic Encrusted Texas Redfish with bacon butter sauce is so incredible you will want to lick the plate). Go on a week night and sit at the cook's bar and watch - great theater ! Ask them for the Rocket Science cab - boutique vineyard out of CA. Talked them down from 120 a bottle to 85 - who knew wine was negotiable. Louisana Bistro on Dauphine in FQ - small intimate hidden gem - no tourists - great food Dante's Kitchen on the riverbend (not formal but every ingredient on the board is local) - Incredible dish - petite filet mignons with three different sauces Emerils - filet mignon in demi-glace with fingerling potatoes cooked in bacon - outstanding. once again, week night best - too touristy and crowded during weekend Of course, you can not come to nola without Commander's Palace - pinnacle Thu Oct 29 18:42:53 -0700 2009 5128365 1097496 Ambiance 2 5144862 Most of the menu at Mr. B's is more in the "ok" category and can be had better elsewhere, but their BBQ shrimp is a destination dish. I'll give you my stock suggestion: Go at lunchtime and sit at the bar. The lunch portion is plentiful and cheaper than the dinner portion (and you can split it) and there's a nice $1.50 cocktail menu at lunch. Seriously, this dish is not to be overlooked. Sat Oct 31 07:36:44 -0700 2009 5141767 127594 kukubura 3 5144866 I spoke to a demi-regular there who said that his wife is a great devotee of the BBQ shrimp and prefers it over Manale's. This is a High recommendation with Oak Leaf Clusters Sat Oct 31 07:38:41 -0700 2009 5144862 107060 hazelhurst 4 5144873 I've only had two other BBQ shrimp dishes (three counting my own) and Mr B's certainly towers over the rest (although mine was damn good) Sat Oct 31 07:41:59 -0700 2009 5144866 127594 kukubura 4 5144930 I guess I consider my self a "demi-regular" at Mr. B's as I eat lunch there once or twice a month, and in addition to BBQ shrimp I tend to like their soups. Last week I had a really good cream of cauliflower. I also love the duck spring rolls. I don't remember ever having anything that wasn't good, if not necessarily great. Mr. B's would certainly be nowhere near my worst of NOLA list, but then neither would any of the places on Ambiance's above worst list. But I wouldn't recommend Mr. B's to the OP, just because I don't think it fits his criteria. Sat Oct 31 08:20:50 -0700 2009 5144866 78662 uptownlibrarian 5 5145012 Mr. B's does a mighty fine burger, believe it or not. And if they have the braised lamb shank as a special, GET IT! Sat Oct 31 09:04:52 -0700 2009 5144930 195694 edible complex 2 5169135 "ella! (food ok - but the atmosphere is so stuffy you feel you have to whisper of get kicked out)" Personally, being one of those old, Deep South guys, I find no problem with ladies and gentlemen speaking in quiter tones. We have found Stella! to be excellent on many visits, and my wife (a NOLA native) rates it near the top. Maybe we just enjoy being able to converse at our table, and not having to shout over folk, who feel the need to scream and be heard. Personally, I do not feel that an enjoyable dining experience needs to be shared with people two blocks away. It's personal. With your moniker, I am surprised a bit, but then I am an "old guy," who enjoys genteel conversation with my guests, and feels no compunction to share my life with others. Hunt Mon Nov 09 21:01:52 -0800 2009 5141767 11329 Bill Hunt 2 5169982 i have to disagree (and question why one is posting their personal least favorites when the original poster clearly asked for favorites. but i digress..) Mr B's has perhaps the best bbq shrimp in town, and while the rest of the menu isnt mind-blowing they offer many classics done well. add in the prix fixe menus and whats not to be appreciative of? Stella has some of the best food in the city. sure its formal fine dining but big whoop, im not there to watch tv. GW Fins is often rated some of the best & freshest seafood in the city, albeit less traditional preparations. service is outstanding. Galatoire's has never been about the food, but rather the experience paired with reliable food. while there are those who feel its now too noisy or whatnot on fridays, there are 6 other days of the week. Maximos's is okay. not the best, but not the worst in town either. Tue Nov 10 08:49:02 -0800 2009 5141767 143137 kibbles 3 5170944 Actually, there are five other days of the week as regards Galatoire's. And I see the point but the stuff they do well is in the comme il faut tradition. It may not be in fashion, however. Whatthehell? Tue Nov 10 14:02:48 -0800 2009 5169982 107060 hazelhurst 1 5170324 What Chef Link is doing with Cajun food at Cochon is exciting and groundbreaking. I don't know if you're interested in the cocktail side of things, but Green Goddess has an amazing drinks list, and a very inventive menu. Tue Nov 10 10:40:53 -0800 2009 5128365 1122263 AnneBerryWrites 2 5174533 I concur. Cochon is awesome. When I dined at Green Goddess it was lunch on a hot day so I wasn't in the mood for booze. However, I did notice they had Barrilitos 3 Star Rum- seldom seen outside Puerto Rico. Very cool. Wed Nov 11 19:32:53 -0800 2009 5170324 127433 PeterB 1 5174076 It's tough to winnow it down, but I'll throw in my current Top 5, in no particular order: Restaurant August, Herbsaint, Coquette, MiLa, Boucherie. OK, I can't do it. Also love Restaurant Patois, Cochon, Iris, Domenica. Have not been but am dying to try: Green Goddess, Le Meritage. Wed Nov 11 16:08:26 -0800 2009 5128365 324814 nomadchowwoman