If you could eat at only ONE restaurant......

[griffingallery]

Three serious foodie women in town for only one day (sigh) to hear six young and upcoming conductors rehearse with the Louisiana Philharmonic. Where to go for the most awesome dining experience? And maybe one quick lunch? And the best coffee?

[Bob MacAdoo]

Based on recent visit, I'd skip August. Lovely place, some exceptional food, but for the most part, overhyped.

Commander's is another option. Or Brigsten's. Both struck this Northerner as quintissential high-end N.O. chow, with exceptional dining experiences to boot.

[Bill Hunt]

I have just got to get back, and give them a try. Going back a bit now, the food was a real knockout, and the only issue I had was with the sommelier's wine pairings, but they are several sommeliers down the stream. Still, too many are commenting about the food for me to ignore. Either things have changed, and not for the better, or we both just missed issues with the many dishes.

As things do change, I need to taste for myself.

Brigtsen's, even on a weak night, has always come through for us.

Commander's has not, and it was once our "go-to" restaurant for special occasions. About the time that Chef Shannon died, we have yet to have a really good meal there. Still, others continue to rave, so I must be missing something?

Hunt

[Bob MacAdoo]

Bill, that's a sound approach. Inre Commander's, maybe we caught them on a good day (Friday lunch.) Whatever it was, the meal and experience were both stellar.

[Bill Hunt]

Were I given only one choice, it would be Galatoire's, and, while I know that I would have missed some great restaurants, I would still be happy.

For coffee, I cannot help myself. I am, and have always been a fan of Cafe Du Monde (and the old Morning Call, when in the FQ). I grew up with that, and still enjoy it greatly. The crowds are bigger now, the leisure is not quite what it once was, but then we were often there on foggy evenings, back when Jax Brewery was still working. The tourists had moved on to Bourbon Street, and we often had our pick of most tables. Still, sitting and sipping gave me some great memories, and I still LOVE the coffee.

Hunt

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

[griffingallery]

So interesting - my favorite restaurants from 20 years ago were Galatoire's and Bon Ton! I guess Gourmet Mag. got it right back then! Are they STILL the best? Amazing. Thanks for everyone's input!

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

Bon Ton Cafe
401 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

[Niki in Dayton]

Bon Ton was a bit disappointing the last time we were there (May). Lots of folks love August, and I thought it was good, too, but my recommendations include Herbsaint, Bayona (I've never been disappointed by Susan Spicer), Cochon, Coquette and Patois. I'll be back for a couple of days in March, and those are on my short list (been to all before). Still haven't made it to Galatoire's so have no frame of reference for that venerable institution.

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Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Bayona
430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

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

Herbsaint
701 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

Bon Ton Cafe
401 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

[ChiTown_NOLA_SF]

I'll say this until the day they disappoint me--Restaurant August--if you do not want to go for a fabulous dinner (a lot of local New Orlean's flavors combined with French techniques), then go for lunch--the Prix Fixe $20.11 3 course lunch (M-F) is amazing value.

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Restaurant August
301 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

[midcity]

+1. If I had only one day, August is undoubtedly where I would eat lunch [or dinner if I could afford it more easily]. The $20 increases if you order drinks, but it is still an amazing deal.

[SusanB]

We're going to New Orleans at Easter (4 nights - arriving Wednesday midday and flying home on Sunday morning). A $20 prix fixe sound great. I think that Emeril also has a $20 prix fixe at lunch. How do the 2 restaurants (August and Emeril) compare? Thanks!

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

[abouttoburst]

Jaques imos. My spelling may be a little off but i have always had a great time there

[mrsfury]

I adore Bon Ton but have yet to go to Galatoire's. My friends love it though.

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

Bon Ton Cafe
401 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

[hazelhurst]

A lot depends on (a) what you are used to (b) where you are coming from (c) what day of the week.

[griffingallery]

a) everything - NYC, SF, Hotlanta
b) Florida
c) Wednesday

[hazelhurst]

If you want the "cajun" taste, go to Bon ton or, possibly K-Paul. If you want creole and The N'awlins Old time experinece, go to Galatoire's (which has the best coffee)

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

[edible complex]

agree on Galatoire's. I went off caffeine yrs ago, but their coffee is the best. I drank a pot one night and could have washed every car in the parking lot so I was so wired...in a good way.

for a quick lunch, where will you be at lunchtime?

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

[Littleman]

I second Bon Ton and Galatoire's.

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

Bon Ton Cafe
401 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130