CircleK

Hello - My husband and I will be returning to New Orleans soon and are agonizing over where to eat because there are so many places we want to try! Last year, we thoroughly enjoyed meals at Bayona, Upperline and Galatoires -and of course multiple po'boys at Mother's. We'd gladly go back to any of those (and I'm sure we will lunch at Mother's again), but want to try new places this time, and we only have 3 nights.

So, questions... first, we've been eager to try Peristyle, but I think I heard they recently lost their chef. Has anyone been recently - is it still worth trying?

Also, is Commander's worthwhile food-wise? I know it's a legendary place, but with so little time, I only want to go if the food's great too.

Any other special places - especially a good suggestion for my husband's birthday dinner on Friday? Are the Emeril restaurants worth checking out? Anything else we shouldn't miss?

Oh, one last question... we will be arriving in town late on our first night (a Thursday) and are staying in the Quarter - anywhere that serves really good food late (like 11pm)??

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

mclaurie

Have you been to Brigtsen's? I think it's terrific and might make a nice change of pace for the b'day celebration. You can take the street car to get there.
http://www.brigtsens.com/

I don't know if the food at Commander's is great but I like their jazz brunch in the garden room (although it's been a while).

snowrooster

Personally, I think Commander's is fabulous. It is a must every time we visit. I lived in New Orleans when I was much younger and have many family memories there. The food is always wonderful though I've only been for dinner. I love brunch at Brennan's (bandy milk punch, creole onion soup, eggs hussard, and bananas foster)!

We tried NOLA last time, which is one of Emeril's. I almost expected to be disapointed, but I wasn't. The food was very good.

Byrd

We have really enjoyed Stella! and Lilette, and after many years still love Commander's and Galatoire's.

We had a very good dinner at NOLA, but have been disappointed twice at Emeril's.

Byrd

lisbeth

I agree with mclaurie about Brigtsen's. Their food is wonderful and the restaurant is in an old house in the Garden District. You will not be disappointed. Also, my husband and I really liked Mr. B's Bistro when we were there last September. The BBQ shrimp are messy, but delicious.

CircleK

Thanks all! I think we will definitely do Brigtsen's one night. Have been to Mr. B's for brunch already and loved it.

Other thoughts for dinner are Herbsaint or Clancy's... any opinions?

If anyone has word on Peristyle, or a late-night option for when we arrive, please weigh in.

Thanks again!

SusanCS

I loved Herbsaint, but it seems more like a lunch - rather than dinner - place.

We had trouble finding a late night dinner a couple of years ago and finally ended up at Mr. B's, but they were winding down and it was much earlier than 11:00.

Let me put in a good word for Commander's Palace. My personal bias might be based on decades of wonderful experiences there, but I can't imagine a trip to NO without at least one meal there. My personal favorite is the Sunday jazz brunch. Though I've had fabulous food there over the years, I don't think I can point to any one particular thing on their menu that's always exceptional, but if you love a "dining experience" you'll get one there. I notice that you enjoyed Galatoire's and think if you like it, you'll like CP, too.

alg

Another vote for Brigtsen's and a suggestion you try Restaurant August on one of the other nights. Drinks at Muriel's is another favorite (upstairs, in the lounge...the building is beautiful).

Anne Kearney has left Peristyle and the new chef is Thomas Wolfe. He has/had a very good restaurant out by the lake called Wolfe's, so I think Peristyle would be worth a try.

Late night dining: if you want to go casual but with good food, try Coop's on Decatur.

snowrooster

If I'm not mistaken, Food Network did a show on New Orleans eats after hours. You might be able to find info on their website (foodtv.com). Sorry but I don't recall what they recommended.

CircleK

Oh, the agony of all these good choices! But I think we're set for this trip. We'll probably check out Coop's when we get in late on Thursday, then Friday lunch at Gabrielle and dinner at Peristyle, Saturday jazz brunch at Commander's and dinner at Brigtsen's, and Sunday probably some po'boys from Mother's for a last hurrah.

Thanks to all of you for such great advice, and I know we have lots more great places to try on our next visit!