I have been "lurking" for about a week now. We are taking our first trip to NOLA in April 2005. Staying at the Hotel Monteleone in the Quarter. One of our nights there I will be celebrating my birthday and want to go somewhere really nice for dinner. On the web I have found what seems like a nice place and want to know if anyone knows anything about it. I want to make a reservation before we leave New York but first want to know if the place is as nice as it looks. ok, It is call Jean Lafitte Bistro. The restaurant is on Burbon St above the Old Absinthe House. I would appreciate any advice. Since "lurking" on this site I have planned most of my trip from all the suggestions I have read from all of you. I don't know how we are going to cram all these restaurants in five days, plus do all the suggested tours. Thanks

Hello, June. I started watching travel site forums for New Orleans in April for a trip we were going on in September. I still view these forums because NO and 'da qwateh' instantly became a favorite destination for us. To answer your question...I've never read a review of the Jean Lafitte restaurant--good or bad in all that time. Either it's a gastronimic secret kept selfishly by the locals, or just doesn't get the business of the traveling community. You want special, you might consider Bayona, Brennan's Antoines, Galatories(sp), Nola, Emeril's Delmonico, or any of the score of fine dining places others mention on the various travel site forums. BTW...your hotel is only steps away from Acme Oyster House and Zydeque. Consider these two places for two of your meals. Hope you have a great time in the Crescent City.

Thanks Jimmy, I did not think I would get any kind of response. The few times I have written on this site I usually get ignored. I will try those two places you mentioned. I have heard of Acme oyster house but not Zydeque. I will try them both. thanks, june

June, sometimes posts don't get replied to because the people reading the forums can't answer the question posted. If it happens again, just bump your question to the top.

Personally, I don't have much knowledge on NO.

Have you tried asking your question on www.chowhound.com It's a food forum and the people seem to be excellent conoisseurs of food. They usually have excellent suggestions of restaurants. I have used it on many of my trips and the suggestions have been spot on!

Cheers,

gtrekker

june, you may get more response if you use a more descriptive header. Remember, those of us who scroll down the left side of the screen don't have a clue that you are looking for a restaurant in New Orleans, unless you put that info in the header.

ttt- for june and better results

For that special celebration....I would vote for Bayona. We had dinner there to celebrate my husband's birthday and we had a great time!

I have not heard of the restaurant you are referring to either...? I checked Digital City and could not get a hit for it.
One of my favorites (had my birthday there 2 years ago) is Bella Luna. Great food and it is on the river with great views.
Have a good time!

June, no one would ignore you. They might curse you or make fun of you, but the US board only ignores those who post here by accident thinking it's the Europe board. No, we are equal opportunity offenders.

I say go for Bayona. It is lovely. Very special, very New Orleans.

The other issue related to replies here is that this is a very common question that is answered every three weeks here. Searching yields answers.