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laurelee Apr 2nd, 2007 01:49 PM

new orleans restaurants
 
We are spending three nights in New Orleans for the jazz festival. We won't have a car and are staying on Magazine St. at the Country Inn and Suites. I'm in charge of the restaurants. I think we want more casual than fancy places, but want great food too. I've been to Acme Oyster bar and loved that. Any recommendations....I believe we are close to Bon Ton Cafe....ideas? Thanks.

mah1980 Apr 2nd, 2007 02:16 PM

I work a block away from your hotel. I don't know what dates you are coming in for, but here are my recommendations:

1. Restaurant August- the best restaurant in New Orleans right now. It is one block over from your hotel. Lunch on Fridays only, if you don't want fancy that would be the time to go. The entrees for lunch are in the high teens, for dinner, in the high twenties. A note about "fancy" in New Orleans. You can wear jeans, as long as they are fashionable, really nice jeans. It's more about being stylish, than wearing a certain jacket, etc. During Jazz Fest, everyone has had a few cocktails so I wouldn't worry too much. We wear business casual at work and go to the "best" restaurants for lunch consistently.

2. Cafe Adelaide, a Brennan's restaurant, is on Poydras a block away from your hotel and they have good prix fixe lunch menus for around $20.

3. Riche, the new Todd English restaurant in the Harrah's hotel (across the street from Harrah's casino) is very good, and has outdoor seating on Fulton Street. It is French bistro fare--I've had everything from the filet to the burger and mac & cheese. It is all very good--an inexpensive option would be to get the salad with the crock of french onion soup. Delicious!

4. La Cote Brasserie- In the Renaissance Arts hotel in the warehouse district, which is on the other side of Poydras from your hotel. They have good food at reasonable prices, especially at lunch. There is a bar eating area where you can order bistro food all day (burgers, french onion soup, etc.).

5. Pan Asia- One block over from Poydras Street on St. Charles. Consistently good thai food.


Dan Apr 2nd, 2007 02:31 PM

I would agree with mah1980 except regarding Riche, where I had poor service, mediocre expensive food and an overall unpleasant evening.

laurelee Apr 2nd, 2007 06:52 PM

Good info., I'll definately look into these since they are close. What's your opinion of NOLA-I already have a reservation there, and Bon Ton Cafe--thanks.

mah1980 Apr 3rd, 2007 06:07 PM

NOLA very good. Much closer to your hotel, and better IMHO, is Emeril's in the warehouse district.

Bon Ton Cafe is an old school New Orleans restaurant popular with lawyers and judges during lunch. It is PACKED during Fridays in lent as it specializes in seafood; I went two Fridays ago and it was very crowded.

neworleansglenn Apr 3rd, 2007 06:19 PM

Very good suggestions and valid comment about Riche. I would add the following:Bayona-lovely restaurant in the French Quarter [my opinion one of the two best with August]; Mothers-for breakfast and sandwiches-very reasonable and about two blocks from you; take a taxi to Jacques-imo's cafe, great food and great fun. taxis are cheap. You will be stuffed eating at JazzFest. Also try the Chart Room {Chartres at Bienville} for a cocktail-cheap and fun.

neworleansglenn Apr 3rd, 2007 06:21 PM

Bayona. I type terribly.

MissZiegfeld Apr 12th, 2007 10:22 AM

ooh..PETUNIA'S! I think it's on St. Ann. I still dream about the food there..

laurelee Apr 23rd, 2007 09:45 AM

I did make a reservation for Petunias..also NOLA and Bon Ton Cafe---I'm not sure we'll keep these but I just wanted something lined up.
I'm also wondering what foods I shouldn't miss at the Jazz Festival itself!


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