Commander's on Thanksgiving--what to order?

[midcity]

Hi everyone,

My mother is coming for Thanksgiving this year, and I hope to use her visit as an occasion to go to all types of NOLA restaurants that I have not had a chance to visit yet. I just made a reservation for us for Thanksgiving dinner at Commander's Palace, which I've never been to. Commander's has a special menu that day, and I know some local Chowhounds have spent the holiday there. What were your favorite dishes? Anything you would not recommend?

[Hungry4Good]

Unless it's absolutely essential to you, avoid the dry-prone turkey and stick with the duck or fish.

[bmoskowitz]

The 2010 Thanksgiving menu is not yet up on the Commander's Palace website, but I think it will be similar to last year. I'm going with my wife, our 3 year old daughter, and my good friend and his wife. We landed a reservation, but I'm wondering about how important it is to request the Garden Room. I've never been, but have heard that sitting downstairs is a must. Can anyone explain why? Is it like sitting downstairs at Galatoire's vs upstairs? Tourists only upstairs? Should I call and request the Garden Room? I was happy just to land the Rez.

Thanks,
Brett

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Commander's Palace Restaurant
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Galatoire's Restaurant
209 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130

[noradeirdre]

Lucky! I called a couple weeks ago and they were booked up.

[Littleman]

The garden room has large windows on the N side overlooking the outdoor patio. It's just more scenice. The other dining rooms don't have a view. It's probably booked now though.

[hazelhurst]

THe Garden Room is simply more open, as opposed to the downstairs "parlor." It has a nice view.

The posted menue reminds me, again, of why I do not like descriptive menus. Painful to read. I'm sure I would not know the difference between a "wild shrimp" and a domesticated one.

[midcity]

Wow--commenting on my own resurrected zombie thread! We didn't score the Garden Room last year, but dinner was delicious and we had a good wine pairing. If I were going out for Thanksgiving again, Commander's would be my first choice. Enjoy!

[CharlieH]

Didn't see the menu, but the bread pudding souffle is a must if its offered.

[BarkNFly]

Just updating this post since Commander's updated their website just today with a copy of the Thanksgiving menu. I'm hungry already!

http://www.commanderspalace.com/menu/...

[midcity]

Wow--looks great! Thank you! Everything looks really tempting . . .

[roro1831]

I was there last year,I had the turkey dinner and I know some mirliton dressing was included on that, which is the main reason I got it as it reminded me of my grandmother. Can't recall what appetizer I had as it was almost a year ago and many drinks were consumed, we had some champagne then I switched to Sazerac's and a Brandy Milk Punch was thrown in at some point as well. I know all the food was excellent and I finished off with the bread pudding souffle.

[BarkNFly]

I'm a Newcomb girl who is now an Austin hound heading back to NOLA for turkey day. We got super lucky and got reservations at Commanders for our dinner on Thanksgiving! Can anyone tell me if this will be their normal menu with a turkey option thrown in or a set special turkey dinner? I am hoping for turtle soup, bread pudding souffle and loads of that great garlic bread, but I fear hubby might want some turkey. I know it will be great regardless, just want to make sure I set expectations accordingly. Any details would be appreciated!

[roro1831]

There were other options in addition to the turkey