664465 Tue Nov 03 13:57:02 -0800 2009 1 9 New Orleans 0 5153029 I don't think I'll be able to keep this short so I hope you at least find it informative. We (my girlfriend and I, both mid 20's, both first time NOLA visitors) arrived early on Thurs the 29th for the weekend with the intentions of having a great time and eating great, regionally influenced food in the process. We thought we'd make it to Cafe du Monde for coffee and beignets, but were (inevitably) sidetracked by shops, people-watching/sightseeing and before we knew it, it was 11:30. Since the lunch hour was near enough, and Johnnys was in sight, our choice was clear. Even before noon, there was a decent crowd but I'd say we had our po'boys within 15 minutes of walking in. I had roast beef and she meatball (she isn't much of a shrimp fan or I would've suggested that for her from recs on this board). Both sandwiches were good, the roast beef probably edging the meatball for our preferred choice- although more of a deli-style, sliced roast beef than I was expecting. We each had 1 beer, our total was around $25. After lunch we continued our self-guided walking tour of the FQ. We spent a healthy amount of time around Jackson Square checking out boutiques and admiring street musicians and artists- a great afternoon. We did finally make it to CdM, and truthfully I was disappointed. I'm sure this is a case of being sucked into hype/reputation. We sat ourselves, and it was busy but I'm sure 10-15 minutes passed before we were waited on without so much as a smile or an "I'll be with you shortly." We ordered cafe au laits and beignets. The coffee was good, the beignets little more than carnival fare. I must say I was amused by blowing the confectioners sugar on my unsuspecting gf, but that's about as much enjoyment as CdM was able to provide. total with tip about $11 We made our way back to our hotel after cocktails at the Napoleon House... we went with Pimms Cups and loved them. 4 drinks with tip $27. After relaxing and cleaning up, we headed to Cochon for dinner. I was told that we "probably" wouldn't need a reservation for that evening, but the wait was about 30 min. (we arrived shortly after 8). The friend alligator (chili aioli) and boudin (pickled peppers, grain mustard)-both small plates, presented unique opportunities for us Clevelanders, and they were both fantastic. Our split entree was rabbit and dumplings and it was equally impressive, very tender rabbit and biscuit-like dumplings served in a crock. Excellent. 4 drinks, 2 apps, 1 entree +tip for <$100. We had a small in-room breakfast on friday, and went to Emeril's for lunch- mostly because it fell right on our walk to the street-car stop at Julia/St. Charles. It was almost empty when we arrived at about 12:15. Luch was tasty although unspectacular. We split crispy oysters with cajun slaw and feta cheese. This dish was probably better than either my truffled shrimp with tomato salad or her bacon and fried green tomato on briochette sandwich. Her sandwich did come with some interesting potato chips. We had creme brulee for dessert (a part of my prix fixe menu choice- good value). One 3-course lunch and one lunch sandwich with tip <$40. After riding the street car and walking around audobon park, we stopped at Mahoney's po-boy shop on the way back for a late afternoon snack. We ordered within 3 mins of walking in but didn't receive our poboys for about 30 minutes after that (I can understand why there's a sign asking for patience while food is being prepped). We did get our onion rings as soon as they were ready so we had something to munch on and they were great- light and crispy with right amount of salt. Once the po'boys arrived, I understood why people wait that long for sandwiches. The roast beef was more home-cooked style than Johnnys, and it was a revelation. The abita-glazed ham was interesting, but probably wouldn't order it again given the chance. One 12 inch and one 6 inch po'boy, small onion rings and 2 beers with tip, about $30. We checked out the Riverwalk... basically a waste of time but it does provide a good look at the river. We wanted a casual dinner and decided on Luke, John Besh's brasserie on St. Charles. Laid back atmosphere... good food. We started with the pied de cochon, fried and served with grain mustard. This was awesome, though I didn't have the heart to tell my gf what she was eating (she loved it). I also had the corn and crab bisque which was, as expected, flavorful and satisfying. My girlfriend had the crab ravioli and enjoyed it. I asked our server for a dinner rec and she suggested the burger and billed it as "top ten in the nation." It was a good burger, but lets pump the brakes a tad before we start throwing out national rankings, shall we? 4 drinks, 1 app, 1 cup of soup, 2 entrees $110 with tip. On Saturday we wanted to check out the farmers market and of course while doing so our appetites began to demand our attention. As pizza lovers we decided to check out the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen right on French Market Pl. I think we drew the short straw that afternoon, but our server pretty much ignored us. As former bartenders/servers... you'd think this would bother us more, but in a place such as this we really just hoped the pizza was good. Thankfully, it was. Good flavor from the mozzarella and basil on a margherita and a nice bacon/pineapple/oregano combo on a hawaiian. I was hoping for more regional influence on the pizza selection... but only after we ordered did a nearby table inform us there there are things you can order that aren't on the printed menu, for shame (maybe next time). 2 pizzas, 2 beers $35 Our last notable meal of the weekend was born of need and convenience(I know, not exactly ideal). We needed something to eat before resting and getting all costumed up, and we needed to be close to our hotel to save time. We ended up dining at Mulate's. <insert audible gasp from audience> And really, it was quite passable. Certainly there are numerous better options in the area. For what we needed at the time it fit the bill. Our server was friendly and efficient also in costume. We had a bowl of zydeco gumbo which I thought had pretty good flavor. We also had an entree of blackened tilapia and grilled shrimp with dirty rice and a twice baked potato. The potato was not the most appetizing of sides, but everything else on the plate was actually quite good. I can see why people suggest avoiding this place, but it really isn't as horrible as some would have you believe. What it is, however, is expensive. Although the portion sizes are pretty large, our meal of 3 drinks, bowl of gumbo, 2 entrees came to about 110 with tip. Thankfully, we got muffalettas from Central Grocery for our way-to-early-even-after-the-time-change plane ride home Sunday morning. They we're appropriate souveniers. We went down equipped with mostly just recommendations from hounders and family/friends, so for those I will say thank you. Hopefully this has provided a few people with insight for future journeys to New Orleans, it's really a foodlovers paradise. Places I am still very interested in dining and will be top priorities on my next visit: Galatoires, Restaurant August, EAT, K-Paul, GW Fins, Parkway B&T, NOLA, The Old Coffee Pot and the list goes on........ Tue Nov 03 13:57:02 -0800 2009 1121425 getsomeflavor 1 5153063 Sounds like you missed the only interesting thing left at the Riverwalk: the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, www.southernfood.org Tue Nov 03 14:05:51 -0800 2009 5153029 12023 Hungry Celeste