We just got back from New Orleans last Tuesday. Our favorite meals were dinner at Commander's Palace, dinner at Mr B's and morning coffee and Beignets at Cafe Du Mond in the French Market area.

We are headed to The Big Easy in 2 weeks to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We are not into fancy food, but we do love Cajun, seafood, and homestyle cooking. So far, the restaurants on our list are: The Gumbo Shop, Red Fish Grill, Praline Connection, and Petunia's. Oh, and some beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Any others?

Christie, you might like Mother's on Poydras for poboys. Get the Ferdi special. I think their gumbo is the best in town. Absolutely chocked full of seafood. You won't be disappointed. The personnel behind the counter are sort of surley but this is part of the atmosphere. You learn to ignore it if you're a regular so I just wanted to give you a heads up as it may turn some people off.

And anyone thinking of Court of Two Sisters for brunch, you'd be wise to skip it. It too is resting on its laurels as is Brennan's for this meal. It is terribly expensive, and it's just not up to snuff - certainly not up to the standards of the old days. If you want a really upscale and delicious brunch, go to Dominique's. They have a jazz quartet playing on Sundays. It's another locals place - not overly expensive but worth every penny.

As a former resident of NOLA, I have eaten (I think) at all of the restaurants written about so far... So many good meals, so many memories.

IMHO the best upscale jazz brunch in the city is Mr. B's Bistro.

The Gambit (local weekly) just had a contest for best food in the city. The winners were Bayona for fine dining. Second place (which I HIGHLY recommend) was Jacahmo's uptown. Its not as nice as many of the places, but still good service and food out of this world.

I would go early or late, as they don't accept reservations and its usually a 1-3 hour wait (depending on the night). If you go late, you can put your name on the list and go next door to the Maple Leaf Bar -- which is an absolute dive but has some of the best live Jazz in the country.

Good luck, and enjoy. One note, most of the upscale places are closed on Monday's.

ChristieP:
We went to Mulates about 2 years ago (it's close to the Riverwalk) and really enjoyed a great cajun meal in a very casual atmosphere.

Christie: Acme Oyster House!!!

"June211" - no wonder your husband goes crazy if you "get off the airplane running"!

That's the way my job is, and it's the LAST way I wish to spend my leisure time. Sure, when I visit a place I make a list of things I'd LIKE to see and do, but I "play it by ear" as the vacation plays out. I find some things are not very interesting, and depart earlier than I thought I would, and other activities I stretch out longer than I'd planned. We find a place to dine when we're hungry and don't worry too much about how others find it, only how we find it, and often give a place the benefit of doubt if we thought it a bit "below par".

Anyway, I guess I'm just saying why not look for a leisurely vacation than a "perfect" one? I'm not saying your planning is wrong, just that it seems very hectic to me. Maybe your hubby could enjoy a less regimented visit more, and who knows? Maybe you would too? Enjoy your trip, no matter what.

(I flew to NO a few years ago to visit friends near Baton Rouge. I'd wanted to spend a day at NO, but they convinced me to drive directly to their home. We drove to NO on Saturday and spent a grand total of 3 hours before returning back to their home. What a great place (NOLO), but hardly worth a 200 mi r/t drive for only 3 hours. "I'll be back", but on my own!)

Yup,
I'd recommend Jacque Imo's also. We had: Fried Green Tomatoes meet Godzilla. (deep fried soft shell crab on fried green tomatoes). Awesome! I think the reason you find conflicting reviews is that service and chefs are variables. While I may have Jane the waiter who is very attentive, you may have John the waiter who is mad at the world. Also what's delicious to me may not be appealing to you. My wife hates my taste in food. I like spice and adventure and she prefers steak/chicken and a familiar taste. NOLA has it's own unique taste and atmosphere/experience. It's just fun.

Regarding Jacque Imo's, the chef left a few weeks ago to pursue another venture, and regulars to the restaurant are much concerned as it is well known that he was the force behind their wonderful cuisine. I have not been since his departure, so I cannot say how much things have changed. Just something to consider.

I grew up in New Orleans and return every chance I get. I would recommend (as far as really nice restaurants go, since that's what you've requested): Commander's Palace (my favorite, great food, wonderful service), Brennan's (been going for years and never had a bad breakfast - nor a need for lunch 'cause I eat so much!); Arnauds (great atmosphere sitting in the jazz room for a small cover); and NOLA (one of Emeril's - I didn't expect much but was pleasantly surprised).

I can totally relate to your planning - I like to make a spreadsheet before each vacation and list info on all restaurants I'm considering (which sites recommend it, what comments I've read, price, etc). I don't think $100+ is a lot to spend on a 2 person meal anywhere. We live in Ohio and when DH and I go out for a "nice" dinner, it is always over $100.

One final thought. I read the travel site recommendations a lot as well (fodors, frommers, etc). I recently checked what they had to say about restaurants in my home town (Cincinnati) and found that I didn't agree with quite a few of their recommendations. They are a good source of info, but just because they are professional published and edited doesn't make them any more knowledgeable than the next guy. It just depends on whose taste matches yours. Have a great time, and do visit Brennan's for a fabulous, three course breakfast, including desert and a morning cocktail!!

June.........please go to www.chowhound.com and click on "go to the chow" at the bottom of the first black page.......then click on south on the map at the bottom of the next page........then click on New Orleans..........you will be on a free message board so please use a nice user name and post what restaurants questions you desire.

You should go to Emeril's, Delmonico's, Peristyle, Galatoire's, Gabrielle, Gautreau's, Commander's Palace, Bayona, The Grill Room, Brightsen's or Cafe Atchafalaya...........along with Uglesich's, Camelia Grill and Central Grocery........NOLA as well.....Bon Appetit.