If you had 2-3 days in New Orleans to pack in the most amazing meals possible...

[phillygourmet]

Where would you go?

I'll be in New Orleans for my 30th birthday at the end of July for 3 days and I am looking for the MUSTs for 1 showstopping dinner, one awesome late lunch or early dinner, and one great brunch.

Friday - dinner - special occasion
Saturday - either larger lunch or early dinner before big night out
Sunday - brunch

The main purpose of this trip for me is to experience the amazing New Orleans food and restaurant culture. I am a definite "foodie," for lack of a better term, and am really hoping to be blown away in a small amount of time. Please help! :)

[Bayareafoodiei]

I would do Stella! for my special dinner. Saturday I would go to either Elizabeth's for brunch or Domenica for lunch. Sunday I would do Commander's for brunch, request the garden room.

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Domenica
123 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

[phillygourmet]

Thanks to all 3 of you for the suggestions! I'll definitely look into all of them!!

[bill1jan]

Littleman nailed it. His choices aren't necessarily the best restaurants in NOLA, but they will give you the quintessential NOLA experience.

[Suzy Wong]

For Friday dinner, Stella! excellent for a special occasion IMO...
http://www.restaurantstella.com/

(I agree) Galatoire's perhaps Saturday lunch...and or Commander's Palace...
http://www.commanderspalace.com/
http://www.galatoires.com/

I bet JazzyB will/might suggest Emeril's (also a very good choice
)http://www.emerils.com/restaurant/1/E...

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Stella Restaurant
1032 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

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

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

[Littleman]

Are you staying in the FQ? Do you have a car?

Commander's Palace in their Garden Room Friday night for special occasion.
Galatoire's Saturday for lunch at 11:30. Dinner at August @ 7:30 then big night out.
Emeril's for Sunday brunch.

Have a good trip.

[phillygourmet]

Staying in the FQ - no car...

[Littleman]

Stella Friday night, Galatoire's Saturday lunch, August dinner Saturday night and Emeril's Sunday brunch. No need for cab or car. Good luck.

[kukubura]

I would still head to Commander's, but for brunch. And take the streetcar. Sure it'll be hot but it'll be worth it. You want to have a real NO experience, dontcha? You gotta do a little sweating along the way.

||
\/ Us sweating on the way to Commander's Palace

[JazzyB]

Emeril's is not open for brunch except pre Saints 3pm games and a few holidays. Swap Commander's for brunch and go to Emeril's for dinner. Commander's provides a good time in the garden room, even with their less than stellar food.

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Emeril's Restaurant
800 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130