What to order: Cochon Domenica Dante's Kitchen Commander's Palace Mr. B's

[larrybard]

I am visiting my son at Tulane for Thanksgiving, and for better or worse made dinner reservations in advance for the four days for Cochon, Domenica, Dante's Kitchen and Mr. B's, and lunch at Commander's Palace. Now I'd appreciate some suggestions as to what to order at each. (Maybe if the selections are good enough my son will forgive me for not bringing a genuine Sarcone's Italian hoagie with me.)

From what I have read, the Ya Ya Gumbo and barbecue shrimp should be considered at Mr. B's, and I've read recommendations for wood-fried oysters, fried chicken livers and cheese grits at Cochon, but welcome additional help at all five of the restaurants listed.

[midcity]

Dante's is great. I can vouch for the shrimp and grits--I LOVE the grits, you can really taste the corn--cheese plate, mussels, gulf fish, redfish and chicken under a brick. The specials are great too--I had a duck one. The cocktails are also very good, and save room for dessert! I once had a wonderful chili-chocolate mousse.

[ernie0716]

Just got back from NO. Spot on with Mr B's, we had the gumbo yaya and the BBQ shrimp, wear the bib! Excellent apple/blackberry crisp and pecan pie as well.
At Cochon, we had the ribs with pickled watermelon, boudin balls and brisket with horseradish potato salad. We also had a side of grits. dessert was the pineapple upside down cake. Everything was wonderful, including the homemade rolls.

[JazzyB]

Gumbo ya ya and bbq shimp are the only reason to dine at Mr. B's. Cochon is best for all apps. I much prefer Herbsaint (Links's other venue). Don't miss the burrata mozzarella at Domenica. The flavor of ricotta, rich, creamy, sensously smooth. Turtle soup, bread pudding souffle, bloody mary at Commanders. Reserve the garden room.

[kukubura]

If commander's has the crawfish strudel entree, I highly recommend it.

Also, their Whiskey Smash is another very nice cocktail.

[edible complex]

Domenica's goat cheese stuffed squash blossoms are heaven. Also get the grilled radicchio and the tagliatelle rabbit ragu and the stracci oxtail ragu, fried chicken livers.

Commander's shrimp & tasso henican and the oyster & absinthe dome are not to be missed.

[Suzy Wong]

I may be alone in this, but I think Mr B's is mediocre at best....(Pre hurricane of 05 it was much better)

[speyerer]

I like Mr B's as much as Suzy dislikes the place. I always order the gumbo ya ya when I am there.

[uptownlibrarian]

Agreed. I think it's actually better than it used to be. They had a rough couple months after the re-opening, but they're stronger than ever now. Much like Commander's.

[kibbles]

definitely alone :). they have the best BBQ shrimp in town; many other of their items are quite good -- not pushing the envelope in any way, but solid classic dishes.

[foodophyle]

I second the vote for Chicken under the Brick at Dante's Kitchen. I have had great meals there and everything has been terrific, but the chicken is particularly good and unique. You should also check with the wait staff - they know the menu well. Jacky is a great waitress, as are all the rest of the staff.
The maitre d' is also helpful for giving advice on wine and the menu or specials. I love that place - and am not an owner either.

[mrsfury]

I've never had chicken so good as the one at Dante's.

[Hungry Celeste]

Everything on the menu at Domenica I've sampled has been delicious. A bonus: all dishes are available in two sizes, so you can mix & match, or get plates large enough to share. If you're a fan of pizza napoletana, then definitely try the pizzas.