Yep, 3 shrimp po' boys, one large order of fries and 3 sodas. It all came to between $55 and $60. I think the sandwiches were about $14-$15 each. Add the other stuff and, of course, tax, and it was waaaaaay up there. The food was great, but it was still pricey for lunch. Fortunately, we ate mid-afternoon so we only needed a light dinner.

Hi Laurie,
Here's a few suggestions from a local. Would you consider leaving the quarter? There is a lot of great food outside of the quater.... much more. None of the below restaurants are terribly expensive.

*Irene's
539 St. Philip St. (Chartres St.)
*Herbsaint
701 St. Charles Ave. (Girod St.)
*Louisiana Pizza Kitchen
Near the French market.
*Palace Cafe
605 Canal St. (bet. Chartres & Royal
Sts.)
*Creole Kosher Kitchen
115 Chartres St. (Canal St.)
*Maximo's
1117 Decatur St. (bet. Governor Nicholls St. & Ursuline Ave.)
*Lulu's
307 Exchange Alley (Bienville Ave.)

Bon Appetit. Tim

Interesting to see all the recomendations for the Gumbo Shop...that was one of my first meals in NO when I came to check out Loyola when I was 17...37 years ago!!!!!
My new favorite resaurant is Marisol's on Esplanade right outside of the quarter. Incredible buffet that they keep refilling,for lunch...Very mediterranean style food, reminds me a lot of Italy and Spain. And yes it is cheap! You will not be disappointed. It has a lovely inside dining area as well as a french quarter style patio.And yes you will be HOT!

Thank you for your suggestions, Tim and Nancy! I have made notes and hope to try some of them.

Tim, We tried Irene's a couple of years ago. The portions were very large but my chicken dish was just okay. It was a little dry. Is there something is particular that they are know for? I have heard lots of good reviews of this restaurant and I would be willing to give it another try.

I have never heard of Creole Kosher Kitchen. We will check it out.

We would be willing to go outside the quarter, but we will not have a car and do not want to spend alot on cab fare.

I have heard that Brigtsens is good and we may spring for a taxi to try them.

Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions! Laurie

Irene's is noted for their manicotti ,Shrimp dishes,veal, and baked Alaska... among others.

I love Brigsten's. Go for the early dinner and get three delicious courses for about $20. I believe their early dinner special is from 5-6pm, but call to make sure. The restaurant is located about two or so blocks from the St. Charles streetcar,so you could reach it that way. I would consider your safety, however, and not walk after dark in small numbers.

Mite, Irene's is one of my favorite restaurants in the Quarter. Great suggestion.

Irene's owners recently split, and Tommy opened his own restaurant a few blocks away fromthe Windsor Court Hotel away from the quarter. We LOVED it! You think you're inj Italy! It's called Tommy's. I think you'll prefer it to Irene's. Most of the staff followed Tommy to his new restaurant. Also very reasonable. If I think of any more I'll post them. There was just an article about cheap NO food a few months ago in Southern Living. If I have time to lacate it I'll add those. I'm leaving for Australia Sat. so I don't have much time. There's a great place across the Lake called Alex Patout's. Has Sunday brunch, you can sit on the balcony and view the Lake. Haven't been there myself but my brother isin town working onthe Kate Hudson movie that's being filmed here and he needed a good rec for a producer who went, loved it and said he would rec it to the rest of the crew. It's in a nice old home or something on the Lake. Gotta start packing but will check back later.

Thank you for your suggestions, Mite and Nancy. That was a good tip about Tommy's. We will check that out! Thanks again! Laurie

Dear Laurie: Cafe Reconcile is perhaps the best lunch value in all of New Orleans - located on Oretha Castle Haley - best to take a cab from the Quarter if you don't have a car. They live up to their slogan of "gourmet food at blue collar prices". In the Quarter, the Napoleon House at St. Louis and Chartres is a perennial favorite of locals (wonderful atmosphere, too, plus a non-smoking area). For a list of "can't miss" restaurants from a native New Orleanian, visit my web site at www.hystericalhistory.com.

Hysterically yours,

The Nac