Preservation Hall & Sunday Jazz Brunch Suggestions?
 

Has anyone visiting the french quarter recently been to Preservation Hall? How was your experience? We have plans (2 couples) to visit the weekend of 9/23. I've seen long waits in past visits prior to Katrina, queuing up @ least an hour prior to show. Our flight arrives on Sat 9/23 @ 4:40pm, we're staying @ the Hotel Monteleone & are hoping to grab a quick bite to eat prior to the 8pm show. I was told by the hotel that their Aft Deck Oyster Bar is & will be closed for remodeling. I was also thinking of our going to Muriel's or Commander's Palace for a Sunday jazz brunch? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Spike Lee's loving & powerful portait of the aftermath was so moving. We had plans to visit last Oct '05. I feel if this city has a place in your heart as it captured mine about 15 yrs ago. It's important plan another visit.

Commander's Palace won't reopen until October.

I have heard but can't speak from personal experience that the House of Blues has an incredible Sunday "gospel" Brunch. We were notin New Orleans on a Sunday, but when we go back I definately want to go there.

amelie,

A few weeks ago, we had a really(really!) good Sunday brunch at Ralph's on the Park.

Several of us had the Crystal Orsters followed by "Debris and Poached Eggs".

I had the oysters and BBQ shrimp and grits. Everything was wonderful, including the Bloody Marys.

Check out the menu at www. ralphsonthepark.com.

Byrd

Byrd -
Thanks for the suggestion. Looks like a restaurant I'd like to try. Which room did you sit in?
Amelie

Amelie,

We were in the room on the right as you enter the restaurant. There were six of us, and we had a big round table in the corner overlooking the park.

One of our group had Ralph's recommended to her by a New Orleans resident she met at a business conference.

Actually, we went to Ralph's planning to have very light brunches, since we had all seriously overeaten all weekend--Galatoire's and NOLA.

The aroma, the atmosphere, and the first Bloody Mary changed our minds; however, good sense prevailed enough to keep us from sampling dessert!

Next time, we'll plan ahead for them.

Have a wonderful trip!

Byrd

Byrd,

Thanks for your reply. I really enjoy being taken with a restaurant & the company you chose to enjoy it with. It's part of why we travel. You've heightened my expectations.

Amelie

I walked by Preservation Hall Saturday night. The doors were open and several people were dancing in the street as they went by.
You are coming on a very busy weekend considering the Grand Reopening of the Superdome is 9/25. The Saints play Atlanta and those fans love to drive over. Get there early just in case.

Mmmmmm - Ralph's looks really good. We are planning a trip next year, so I am collecting suggestions :)