Dick & Jenny's vs. Jacques-Imo's

[titleTK]

So my friend and I are headed to Nola the last week in February. I've pretty much settled on all of our meals except our Monday night dinner and I've narrowed the list to Jacques-Imo's and Dick & Jenny's.

I lived in New Orleans pre-Katrina and at that time D&J was one of the most touted restaurants on this list. I remember having one of the best meals of my life there. Lately, it doesn't seem to pop up nearly as much and I had a just okay meal there on a visit about 4 years ago. I still have great memories of the place, though. What's the current consensus?

I've enjoyed Jacques-Imo's in the past but it can be hit or miss . . . and not always worth the wait/price. When it's good it's a heck of a lot of fun, though. My friend has never been to New Orleans and it has the kind of laid back atmosphere we are looking for.

Just so you know the other restaurants we are going to are Cochon, Coop's, Dante's Kitchen, Herbsaint, Parasol's and Port of Call.

Let me know what you think.

[titleTK]

Okay, I've finally been convinced and made reservations at Coquette instead of D&J and JI. I originally ruled it out because it looked a little too upscale but at second look it appears to be more of a bistro atmosphere. Would you say that's a correct assumption?

That leaves my food itinerary as:

Sat dinner: Cochon
Sunday lunch: Coop's Place
Sunday dinner: Dante's Kitchen
Monday lunch: Herbsaint
Monday dinner: Coquette
Tuesday lunch: Parasol's
Tuesday dinner: Port of Call

The only choice I'm second guessing now is Dante's Kitchen. I've heard some mediocre reports recently. Do you guys think it's worth it or would you recommend something else in its place (similar price point and atmosphere)? Would Dick and Jenny's or Jacques-Imo's be a better choice? I'd easily substitute Boucherie but they are closed Sunday night.

Also, I know Port of Call is a dirty gross burger joint. It's just tradition that I always eat my last meal in New Orleans there.

Thanks so much for your helpful suggestions!

[uptownlibrarian]

I don't know where you're hearing mediocre reports, but Dante's Kitchen is consistently very good. I last went for dinner in late December and it was wonderful. The marrow bone and escargot small plate in particular was a standout for me. It's far better than either Dick & Jenny's or Jacques Imo's.

[titleTK]

And how do you think it compares to Boucherie? Because now I'm thinking that I can move Port of Call to Sunday night and make that our dive bar/casual type day and move Boucherie to Tuesday night. If you could only pick one (Boucherie or Dante's Kitchen) which would you choose?

Thanks again. You guys have been very helpful!

[uptownlibrarian]

I would pick Dante's, no question, but it's sort of apples and oranges. Compare the menus online and see what you think.

[noradeirdre]

I agree with uptownlibrarian, the two are very different. And both very good. I personally would choose Boucherie.

Glad you're going to Coquette! It is definitely a neighborhood bistro atmosphere. (In my neighborhood!)

[paz5559]

I would go with Dante's. I would also go to Tracy's instead of Parasol's

[titleTK]

Okay I'm going with Dante's since it's 2 to 1 (and I already have a reservation). Plus, it seems a little more New Orleans-y than Boucherie. I'll definitely give Tracy's a look, too. Thanks for the rec's!.

[noradeirdre]

I think Tracey's food has declined somewhat since the move, and Parasols is still Bringing It. Would definitely recommend parasols over tracey's.

[JazzyB]

Contrary to "Uptown", I find Dantes disappointingly overrated. By far the best menu selection is the "chicken under a brick". It is infused with a lovely maple flavor. Unfortunately, the skin is mushy. An all appetizer meal at Brigtsen's would be far superior. Just my 2 cents.

[noradeirdre]

Go to Coquette instead of either of those. Or maybe Boucherie.

[teachergirl23]

I think if you want your friend to have a uniquely NOLA experience, you go with JI's. I have never not liked the food there and the atmosphere is something to be experienced.

[pepper131]

Dick and Jenny;s..
Jacques-Imo's is overpriced and the quality is not equal to the price paid. Plus...there is the wait...

[nolala]

"Laid back" is not how I would describe a hyper atmosphere manned by a drunk owner often staggering around and laid out across cars outside, but to each his/her own. D&J's definitely.

Suggestions: Don't hit Coop's during peak times or you will wait and the quality of your food/service may suffer. They serve from 11am until 2am. Also, Port of Call is frankly overrated. Much better options abound.

[hazelhurst]

I'd go with Dick & Jenny's..ask for "Alex" or "trey" to take care of you (goes by both names).