Brigtsen's, Cochon, or Mr. B's for Saturday night??

[PhillyCook]

I'm going to NO for the first time this weekend and frantically planning out my meals -- and I need advice!

Friday night we get in kind of late -- have a 10 pm reservation at August, where I plan to definitely order the foie gras three ways. Any other must haves?

Saturday night is up in the air. Mind you, I don't even know if any of these places have reservations available, but I'm teetering between Brigtsen's, Cochon, or Mr. B's. I'd love some help with this decision. Our hotel is in the French Quarter, so while I love the idea of Brigtsen's, it does mean a longish street car ride. The other two are much closer -- and I want to be sure to have the energy to go to Fritzel's for some jazz.

Sunday brunch I have a reservation for the Commander's Palace.

The rest of the question is where to grab a terrific po boy or two on Saturday afternoon while strolling around, trying to build up an appetite between these decadent meals?

Thanks for your help!

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Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130

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

Brigtsen's Restaurant
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118

[PhillyCook]

Update! I chose Cochon, partly for the location, and had a great time. Soooo much food! All the pig was, naturally, outstanding, but the surprise winner of the night was the side dish of lima beans. Tender, melting in their gravy, studded with nuggets of pork.

Also loved August. The foie gras three was was predictably very good, but my real love of the night was the beet salad, studded with chunks of the best bacon I've ever eaten -- and I don't say that lightly.

Grabbed oyster and crawfish po boys at Johnny's for Sat lunch. The fried seafood was excellent, but I wished the bread and the veggies had been as good.

Headed to Commander's Palace for brunch now.

Thanks to all for the advice! Hubby goes home today, but I'm here for a few more days for a conference, so I'll be able to hit a few more dinners. I may make it to Mr. B's for those BBQ shrimp yet.

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Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130

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

[marthasway]

I love Mr. B's, although I must admit I haven't been recently. It's gracious, the food is fine without being too outlandish, and it has always been one of my favorite places.

Brigtsen's is worth the trip, in my opinion.

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Brigtsen's Restaurant
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118

[joedontexan]

Mr.Bs on a saturday night only way to go.

[Monch]

Joe Don,

Should a Brigtsen and Cochon lover put Mr. B's on his radar for a weeknight visit between Christmas and New Year's Eve?

Chef Frank has us for one of three nights, but we're interested in great places that are new to us....never been to Mr. B's.

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Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Brigtsen's Restaurant
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118

[JazzyB]

Try Mr. B's bbq shrimp for lunch. There are better dinner options. Consider Herbsaint, Patois, Coquette. Make resv asap. Many rest. book up weeks in advance.

Johnny's fq or Parkway midcity for poboys.

[joedontexan]

I love Mr. Bs do it Monch you will enjoy yourself

[Monch]

Lunch, Mr. B's, BBQ Shrimp...CHECK!

We're already jonesing to get back!

(BTW...called Brigtsen's last night and Ms. Marna asked that I call back in November...too early to make reservations for December...I guess that makes good sense)

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Brigtsen's Restaurant
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118

[tzurriz]

We just ate at Mr B's last weekend, Sunday night actually. A full report on our trip will follow, but let me say, Mr. B's was the best meal we had in N.O. And we had some great meals.

I had their shrimp and grits, and it was the richest, yummiest thing I've ever eaten.

[JazzyB]

Imo, Mr. B's is best for folks who have never had bbq shrimp, gumbo, shrimp/grits, crabcakes, bread pudding, or if you can't cook. These are easy dishes many locals make at home. Some of these recipes are on their site. Make them at home and dine elsewhere.
Brigtsen's, Herbsaint, August are all superior.

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Brigtsen's Restaurant
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Herbsaint
701 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

[tzurriz]

I make gumbo, bbq shrimp, and shrimp and grits at home all the time. The shrimp and grits I had at Mr. B's were spectacular however.

The shrimp (really more like prawns) were wrapped in excellent bacon. The grits were less grits, and more of a method of slightly solidifying hot butter heavy cream so that you can eat it with a fork, and I've never in my life had a red eye gravy like that one. It didn't taste of coffee, it tasted more like a reduction of cider vinegar and veal stock.

[JazzyB]

Here's the recipe
http://www.wdsu.com/r/4112378/detail.html

http://countryroadsmagazine.com/Sides/mr-bs-stone-ground-grits

Zea's grit are delicious http://www.wdsu.com/r/759063/detail.html
You can order Anson Mills stone ground grits online. Very good and expensive (they are perishable so the shipping is a killer) .

[hazelhurst]

It may be good but it ain't Re-Eye Gravy. Someone shoudl sue over that...

[jarona]

The ride may be longer, but Brigtsen's is definitely worth it. D.E.F.I.N.I.T.E.L.Y!!

Did you also try to get reservations at NOLA? I've had a couple of very good meals there as well.

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Brigtsen's Restaurant
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118

[Monch]

Cannot speak to Mr. B's, so my advice is limited between the remaining two.

For your first experience, especially if you'd like a "nicer" environment (Cochon is cool/casual), please strongly consider Brigtsen's.

Cochon pay homage to the pig....all the way to the oink....and does it marvelously. If you go to Cochon, consider ordering appetizers rather than entrees.

Brigtsen's is South Louisiana cooking served in a friendly, attentive, homey atmosphere. In our opinion, Brigtsen's is the ONLY restaurant we will visit each and every visit....My wife has chosen them for her birthday dinner in December.

Try Johnny's, at 511 St. Louis, for po' boys in the Quarter.

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Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Brigtsen's Restaurant
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118