A local's weekend in town

[collardman]

We spent the weekend at the Roosevelt and every single part of our Roosevelt experience was great.

Friday night we tried for a drink at the Sazerac but it was packed. The same when we moved onto Bar Uncommon (victms of N.O. Friday Christmas parties). Then to French 75. We waited 10 minutes for them to open and when the didn't, we went in through the restaurant door to be told that there was a Christmas party buy-out. It would have been nice if they would have posted some signs to that effect.

Thirsty as Legionnaires we decided on Hermes Bar. We did have a great drink in an interesting place, and were just ahead of a Grey Line tour that gave us a floor show.

A few weeks ago I had asked for opinions on N.O. old school restaurtants and got no replies. We chose Antoine's over others on the basis of menu desireability as, like many, we hadn't been to any of the old line places for decades.

It may be decades before we return. Service was mediocre. We were well dressed, as were a few others, but most patrons were casual (to a fault). I was looking forward to oysters Rockefeller. You get a little card with your order telling you what number order yours was. Mine was just into the 4 millions and tasted like they lost interest in the dish several million ago. The trout meuniere was moist and flavorful but noting exceptional. My wifes soft shell crab was also good but noting that I couldn't do. So, I'll have to do my own oysters Rockefeller for Christmas.

Saturday was shopping in the Quarter before the rains came which cut off a planned lunch at Green Goddess.

After a rest and with the deluge we got a drink at a very crowded Sazerac Bar and, with no seats there, went and sat in the lobby and watched people, including the prelude to a fancy uptown wedding. We then waded thru ankle deep water to Bar Uncommon which we really enjoyed. It is a very sharp small bar and the mixologist was fun to exchange stories with.

Through valor above and beyond, a parking valet at the Pierre Marquette hotel got us a cab in driving rain which got us to NOLA. We like NOLA for its service and consistency. A grilled foie gras amuse and duck confit salad (off their Revillion menu) were exceptional. My wife had a steak and I had wild boar (2 ribs). Basic meat and potatoes on a rainy night.

We were thinking of Dominica for brunch but decided to get home in time for the football game.

Recap: Bar Uncommon and NOLA, yes. Antoine's no. Roosevelt is worth the trip during this season.

[kukubura]

That's sort of our experience with Antoine's from a few years back. Not BAD per se, but when it's all done and you look at your bill you sort of wonder what the hell happened. Still, it's worth a visit once in a lifetime for the space etc, but no more than that.