New Orleans in July...any recs?

[peachacid]

I've never been in full summer before, so I don't know if there are any places that peak (for whatever reason) in the middle of the summer. My BF and I will be in New Orleans toward the middle/end of July.

Anything to avoid? Anything to make sure we try? I think we'll be there for two or three nights.

[collardman]

Look at restaurant web sites and some New Orleans calandar sites. The summer is considered to be the slow period for New Orleans tourism so restaurants do have some good pricing menus. The three Emeril places have done a "world tour" for the last few years where each restaurant has a specific country menu for July/Aug/Sept in addition to their regular fare. I've enjoyed a few of them. I know several of the dishes, Vietnamese ban minh and a Peruvian slanted dish has stayed on the NOLA menu after the summer.

The city and business also throw several festivals in the French Quarter during the summer. Hot, but fun

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

[FoodChic]

I think the Coolinary menu's don't kick off until August.

[kukubura]

Yeah, I have one recommendation: Carry a sunbrella!

[FoodChic]

And make sure you stay somewhere with a pool!

[hazelhurst]

I don't think any place "peaks" necessarily at one time or antoher..obviously oyster specialities are better in winter, for example. But when you are going to be here is peak crabmeat season..lots of teh fish run well in hot weather.. But obviously you won't be getting, say, great asparagus in July, even if it comes from the Southern Hemisphere.

[peachacid]

Hey, I was just reading your review of Galatoire's from when I was disappointed by my experience there like two years ago.

So...my BF and I have tried the following places: Commander's Palace, Emeril's, NOLA, and Galatoire's...for the fancier meals I mean. What would you suggest we try this time around? We'll go back to Commander's, because I love it there, but we want to add to our experience.

[hazelhurst]

I like Bayona as a bit of variety...and I enjoy Clancy's a lot but that is, kinda like Galatoire's, a bit clubby and does not pretend to "huate cuisine." Certainly you ought to take a lunch, anyway, at Antoine's just to see what the Rockefeller is _really_ like,,you don't have to splurge too much although it is a great party restaurant.

Lots of good things lately about Le Foret and herbsaint..cannot speak to those m'self. Generally I stick to the tried and true.

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Bayona
430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

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

Le Foret
129 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

[CharlieH]

You should try to see more of Uptown, one of the Bistro's like Coquette, Patois or Lilette.

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Lilette
3637 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115

[hazelhurst]

Good idea although I think you'd agree that Uptown is a helluva lot better in March or in November. Still, it does give a visitor the feel of the place.

I think we should not forget to warn our friends to stick to lightweight cottons, a hat is of immense help, and lots of water.

[Bill Hunt]

I'll see Hazelhurst's Bayona (like it too), and raise him a Stella! Not "New Orleans" per se, but is an excellent restaurant with a strong Deep South (New Orleans IS in the Deep South, but encompasses so much more) cuisine.

Enjoy,

Hunt

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Bayona
430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112