I know all about the old stand-bys as I have been to NOLA many times. I've been hearing about some new places. Any suggestions are welcomed & please advise as to dress requirement (if any) & food type. Thx, SA

SA,
We were just in NOLA last month and had 2 good meals at Muriel's and Bourbon House. I believe the Bourbon House is a Dickie Brennen operation. Local flavor menu. We went in "tourist casual" and didn't feel too out of place. You could wear a suit and tie too and fit in if that's your choice.

We really can't wait to go back to Muriels'.
I believe their chef, Erik Veney, was picked "Chef of the Year" in NOLA recently. We can see why.

Nice place too. Once again, tourist cas but some people were dressed to the nines.

Two restaurants that I really want to try are Peristyle and Bayona. Both are highly acclaimed and mentioned often for their great food. I originally read about them on nola.com. Here is a review of Peristyle: http://www.nola.com/dining/reviews.ssf?2579?2579

You can also check out chowhound.com for dining advice.

I know all about Peristyle & Bayona, both are excellent. Where is Muriel's located. It sounds familiar but I can't pace it. S.

I believe it used to be The Chart House. Right off Jax Sq next to St Lou Cathedral. Chartes/St Ann.

Ate at Bayonna 2yrs. ago and had a wonderful meal, sitting outside in the courtyard on a warm NOLA night with a good friend who happened to be in town on business the same night we were.

You meet some of the nicest people in NOLA!

One sad part of this Oct trip was missing Jacques-Imos. Fun place-good food.

I was just there too! (JUST to see Kal.)

If you can't make it to Muriel's for dinner, they were also very good for lunch. We went in wearing jeans, shorts, etc and were fine.

I also enjoyed the Palace, owned by Mr. Brennan. The service was excellent and the food was really good.....that is, except the dessert. Only one in our party ordered the dessert on special, and everyone wished we had his!! I'm not sure how to pinpoint what disappointed us in the dessert. Ah well, do we really need it?! Lookit my tummy now!!

Another nice surprise was the steak house in Harrah's. If you are a big carnivore, that's a good place to go! Little expensive, but for my party it was a very nice escape from constant buffets.

The best of the newer restaurants in New Orleans is Stella in the French Quarter on Chartres near Ursiline. Its dressy casual, the food is eclectic but superb, and the environment is very quiet and relaxed.

We liked Dante's Kitchen, right off of the St. Charles streetcar line, west of the Garden District in the Riverbend area...attire is dress casual... different atmosphere - a renovated home.
Meal and presentation were both outstanding...head chef is another disciple of Commander's Palace. Check their web site...they've received outstanding reviews.

Mels, Quit making me blush!

We heard good stuff about Stella and Dante's,too but you know how time flies when you're in NOLA!

So many restaurants, so little time".

Stella was on my list, glad to get some positive feedback there..Thanks to all...SA

ttt

SAnParis, can I piggyback on your thread?

I just made reservations to be in New Orleans over Valentine's Day Weekend. Looking for a nice romantic restaurant for Valentine's Day dinner.

Every time we go to New Orleans I have to eat at Vaqueros on Prytania St. I love Mexican food and this is very good. The atmosphere is casual but nice and the prices are great. Also love to have a snack (big one!) of cheese and pate at Cafe Degas on Esplanade during off hours. Believe me, two can share one appetizer. Never have eaten dinner there. We also used to go to a cute little place called Bud and Ally's (I think). Not sure if it's there anymore and don't know where exactly "there" is. It's in a small old house. Husband will probably remember and I'll ask him if anyone's interested.

Check out www.chowhound.com for great food/restaurant information about cities throughout the world. It's addictive, like this website!
I was in New Orleans over Thanksgiving and enjoyed Marisol. Very nice atmosphere, wonderful food, prices moderate, dress- well, nice casual+. You're offered a complimentary appetizer at the start, and a small plate of sweets at the end of the meal. Nice touches!

Muriel's New Orleans, LLC

ADDRESS:
801 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70116


Facing Jackson Square

Thanks for your replies. I did review chowhound - tough site to navigate, but got some good reviews.

I am looking at making reservations at Brigtsen's Friday night, and Muriel's Saturday on Valentine's Day. My wife has never been to New Orleans. Will those choices make her happy?

Thinking of just walking around and winging it the rest of the time, and maybe sucking down a few beers and some oysters at Acme. Any "must do" lunch places?

Try Mothers for lunch. It is on Poydras. Nothing fancy--kind of a hole in the wall. We eat there everytime we go to NO. There is always a line out the door but it moves fast. Also try gumbo shop down by the cathedral.

for a casual "must do" lunch try Frankie & Johnny's (321 Arabella Street, 70115) or the Camellia Grill (626 S Carollton 70118) Not in the quarter by any means, but was taken to both by NOLA natives.

I was just at a Neworleansonline website and hit the Cuisine button and hit the Coupon button. There was a download coupon for Muriel's -- bottle of house wine with two entrees.

I guess I was a little surprised. Is this the norm for Muriel's? I feel coupons are normally used for businesses who "need" more business.

Have I made the correct decision for Valentine's Day?

I ended up @ August. Still waiting for replies on that decision.