664880 Thu Nov 05 06:53:37 -0800 2009 5 9 New Orleans 0 5157707 We're visiting one of our favorite towns this year at Christmas. We have reservations for Christmas day at Restaurant August for lunch, and are trying to decide where to make reservations for Christmas eve. Open Table shows availability at the Pelican Club, the Rib Room, Stella!, and Coquette, among others. Which would you recommend for Christmas eve dinner (we'll probably eat around 6 or so, if that makes a difference)? We've been to many places on previous visits, but none of the ones listed in this post. I read the NOLA board regularly, and think these are the places we would most enjoy, based on previous posts. Thanks in advance; we can't wait to come back! Thu Nov 05 06:53:37 -0800 2009 18072 Niki in Dayton 1 5159305 I would choose Pelican Club 1st - 6 PM is nice as you could take a walk along Royal Street at sunset before and even afterwards. There's something just so unique in walking onto Exchange Alley. If not there, then Stella! The Rib Room and Royal Orleans is under new ownership (Berger Group) and it's not quite as enjoyable as before (had to just about beg for 2nd's on bread). While you're in town, do go to the Roosevelt and walk thru the Holiday "Angel Hair Everywhere" display and stop at the Sazerac bar while you're there too. Thanks for visiting NOLA and spending $ here. Thu Nov 05 15:20:27 -0800 2009 5157707 1106772 savory south 2 5159512 I'd missed the new ownership of Rib Room..thanks for the info. Thu Nov 05 16:44:03 -0800 2009 5159305 107060 hazelhurst 2 5162943 The Windsor Court was recently acquired by the Berger Company. I hadn't heard that the (Omni) Royal Orleans was too. Are you sure? http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2009/10/partnership_led_by_the_berger.html Sat Nov 07 05:47:38 -0800 2009 5159305 78662 uptownlibrarian 3 5166666 Yes, seems to be 2 different holding companies. The Royal O deal went through right before the holidays last year - 2008. It was referred to as The Royal Ogden in some circles as he is one of the investors for that one. They clamped down on small things, like the ability to get Touche red beans & rice on Monday in the Rib Room, letting you be seated while you awaited the rest of the group (to folks that have long standing every Tues at 11:30 lunch types). The begging for bread was the tipping point for us. The good part is Patrick vonH left the Rib Room for August - a much better fit. Seems that the wine / luncheon groups have switched over to August too. Mon Nov 09 06:40:17 -0800 2009 5162943 1106772 savory south 1 5164129 Coquette makes a nice lunch option as well. But if you're staying downtown and want a whimsical way to spend an hour or so, go to the Ritz-Carlton and walk through their life-size gingerbread house. Yes, you can eat the gum drops off the walls! And then have a cocktail on the patio if the weather's nice. Sat Nov 07 17:53:30 -0800 2009 5157707 286400 shrike4