Herbsaint or GW Fin?
We'll be in NO next week and need some help, please, choosing a restaurant for a quiet, celebratory dinner. I watched the video on the GW Fin site and it described the tables as having "ample space" between them to permit quiet conversation, but the restaurant seemed pretty lively in the video. Is it quiet? What is the noise level at Herbsaint? Also, Herbsaint does not post its wine list. Are there some modestly priced wines at Herbsaint? (We almost went thirsty at Stella! last trip.)
Previous postings have been ever so helpful.
Thanks in advance!
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Although our experiences were different, the food and service in both restaurants were delectable and attentive.
At GWF we split the smoked oysters and the lobster dumplings. Those amazing oysters alone were worth the trip. I enjoyed the scalabot and Hubby had the drum. The apple pie for dessert wasn't as remarkable as the previous dishes - but we managed to clean the plate. Service was prompt but friendly. Honestly, I felt a bit rushed. The entrees arrived while I still had a precious oyster on my plate. The noise level wasn't too bad, but there was some vibration from next door. It was a fun experience.
At Herbsaint we ended up with a table at the back of the front room. There was a large, loud party in the backroom. I started with the kale salad. It had slices of smoked drum in it that were like butter. Hubby had a pleasant bean soup and enjoyed his lamb neck. I had the duck confi. The citrus sauce with it was a nice contrast. We split a duck egg creme brule. It was lovely, but I'm not sure the nature of the eggs made much difference. Our table was too close to those on either side. Next time, and there definitely will be a next time, maybe we can sit outside.
Thank you again for your thoughtful advice!
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Definitely Herbsaint....and if they have the mussels with coconut curry broth - order me a case of the broth. haha
I actually lived in apartment above GW Fins for a couple months.
I found the place mediocre, over-priced, over-rated, with slow service to boot.
At least Herbsaint has some creativity to it.
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We like Herbsaint for the food, but it is extremely noisy around the 6-9:00 hour. If the weather's nice, it's fun to sit outside and eat. We even got to meet Donald Link one night while enjoying our small plates. My favorite dessert ever is there: Brown Butter Banana Tort. And I'm a chocoholic!
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Thanks for your thoughtful responses. After great deliberation we have made a decision. We're going to both! We have reservations one night for a booth at GW Fins (here's hoping they have Scalibut that night) and the next night we have reservations at Herbsaint for the backroom.
Many thanks again.
'Will report back.
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Toss a coin. We usually make 2 rsv. when planning to dine at Fins, both at the same time. I call Fins after noon on the day of the rsv. to inquire about the menu since lit changes daily. Should the Scalibut not be available, I cancel and keep the other rsv. Depending upon the app selection, we make a tasting of 5or so and split the Scalibut. Less enticing apps, we order a couple plus 2 Scalibut. The Scalibut with lobster risotto is outstanding as are the cold smoked sizzling oysters. These are the " gold standard" for chargrilled . They arrive plump and juicy with a lovely smoke flavor, unlike the chargrilled elsewhere, that are grilled to death and dry. You are ordering these mostly to sop up the garlic butter sauce. The oysters are inconsequential. FWIW,. I always request a streetside window table. No difficulty with conversation due to noise.
No Scalibut, keep the Herbsaint rsv. Most anything you order will satisfy. Enjoy!
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re: sanglier
"Scalibut" is halibut that is crusted on top with thin sliced scallops. Really delicious, although after tasting the crab dish that my wife ordered last time, I would have traded my scalibut. I think the whole menu is prepared at a very high level, with very imaginative preparations.
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Well, I loudly and often tout Herbsaint as my favorite New Orleans restaurant. I go there for dinner 2-3 times a month and also stage private dinners there for large tables. It has never, ever failed to deliver the goods in terms of food and service. Some have commented that it can get noisy, guess I never noticed since I am always in the throes of having such a great time! The wine list has a good, varied selection, and thought there are triple-digit wines (particularly strong in the red burgundy area), there are many fun wines to be had between 35-50. Ask Colin, Sean or Reno, whoever is working that night, for advice, they know their wine stuff. Have fun wherever you end up!
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GW Fins has a slightly elevated level with booths. The booths are more quiet and private than the tables below, and if you want a more quiet space for conversation, I'd request a booth. I like the booths for that reason, and also because I enjoy having a "catbird" seat where you can see all the activity on the main floor.
Having said that, the main floor, while more lively, is not really a noisy din, and if you sit there you will be able to talk without shouting.
I'd likewise describe the noise level at Herbsaint as moderate at most, and (although your estimation may be different than mine) my memory of Herbsaint's wine list is that it has a decent range of options that won't break the bank.
Enjoy your visit!
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