Emerils or NOLA

[ncara]

Which is a better choice for dinner? Are they too similar to go to both?

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

[phamus]

I have been to both many times and Emeril's is by far better than Nola

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

[Bill Hunt]

There ARE similarities, but also differences.

While I have not been back to Emeril's, as recently as NOLA, I would still lean towards Emeril's.

Due to the similarities, if you have limited time, I would choose it, over NOLA, so as to experience another, and very different restaurant. If you have the time, then both would not be out of order, due to the differences. It all just depends on your time, and what you wish to do.

Most of all, enjoy,

Hunt

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

[jetsettess]

if anything emrils...but try to check out Pat O'Briens and Deanies Seafood.

-----
Deanie's Restaurant
7350 Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126

[twyst]

I would not recommend eating in either of those places......

I would recommend checking out places like Brigsten's, Clancy's, August, Bayonna, or galatoire's if you are looking for upscale meals in the same vein as Emerils or Nola.

There are lots of great casual places too, but judging by what the OP asked for I think those are the best spots to check out.

[Blumie]

Agree completely with twyst.

[ncara]

Planning on August for Lunch. We are planning on 2 nicer dinners and 2 nicer lunches and then some casual spots in between.

[GDPhalp]

both are nice restaurants if you'd like to visit an "Emeril's" establishment - of the two, I would definately recommend Emeril's - the food there is a notch above NOLA, though both are good

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

[twyst]

Just to be clear, when I said I would not recommend either of those places I was referring to Pat O's and Deanies! Although Emeril's gets mixed reviews from some people, I have always had great meals there!

For your more casual lunches you should get a muffaletta from central grocery and a Poboy from (insert name of famous po boy shop here, there are tons)

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

Deanie's Restaurant
7350 Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126

[Bill Hunt]

Though it has been a few years, for Emeril's, they have never disappointed me on any aspect - fun, good food, good wines and service. NOLA filled the bill recently, but I'd defer to what has proved the better over the years for me.

Hunt

PS - I also note that Emeril Lagasse does not get a lot of love on this board, and NOLA actually gets a lot of disrespect. I must have hit them on their "good night," as they hit on every cylinder.

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

[collardman]

NOLA will always be in the shadow of Emeril's, that's just a corporate fact. Emeril's is meant to be "better" which does not mean that NOLA is worse. NOLA serves a different niche and does very well at it.

As I've said before, I think the service is similar at both places. Remember there is cross movement of staff among the corporate restaurants. While the food is under the hand of the Executive Chefs and their staffs, corporate has the final say in much of what gets put on the menu.

It is sort of a three ring circus theory where there is quality from the three to entice varied tastes.

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

[Bill Hunt]

OK. Given that possibility, I would move one dinner to Restaurant August, and then choose Emeril's for the other.

Maybe do Luke for one lunch?

Enjoy,

Hunt

-----
Restaurant August
301 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

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

[FoodChic]

Deanie's? Pat O'Briens? Yuck! Not good food places at all.

-----
Deanie's Restaurant
7350 Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126

[kibbles]

+1

[twyst]

Emeril's and its not even really close! I would not recommend doing both, there are plenty of other great places to eat in the city.

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