We are going to New Orleans for a long weekend next week. We are staying at Soniat House, have reservations at Nola & Commanders Palace. Would like a funky or fun recommendation for the other night. Gumbo Shop, Praline Connection, Napoleon House??Thanks Cindy

Depends on what kind of food you like. If you want a po' boy, go to Mothers - its not too far from the Hilton Hotel on the river. They have the best po' boys around - try the Fergie - GREAT! They also have wonderful breakfast - there will probably be a line, but it goes quickly. Also for plain old seafood try Mike Anderson's on Bourbon Street or Ralph and Kakoo's (also have great gumbo!). If you want a mufaletta try the Central Grocer near the French Market - THE BEST! Enjoy!

Cindy: I had one of the best meals of my life a few years ago at a tiny place called Peristyle, on the corner of Rampart Street and something on the fringes of the French Quarter. It was one of those well-kept secrets -- there wasn't even a sign outside -- but the food was unbelievable. Unusual preparation and very cool atmosphere with a funky mural on the wall behind the bar and just a few tables. You need to call a day or two ahead for a reservation and it's not cheap, but it's not a formal or stuffy place at all and it's well worth whatever it cost. We also had lunch one day at K Paul's which was fab. There was another place that I think was called Frankie and Johnny's that was informal and had good fried crawfish, stuffed artichokes, and other yummy stuff. Tipitina's and the Maple Leaf were lots of fun for music/dancing/local color and that delicious Abita beer. Also beignets and cafe au lait at the French Market. That's all I can remember right now. Have a great time -- you're in for some good eating no matter where you go in New Orleans.

If you are really looking for a funky or fun recommendation with GREAT food, go to Lucky Chengs. I know it sounds strange, but it is Cajun Chinese. I promise it is not like anything you have ever had. Even if you don't like chinese, you WILL like this. It is one of my favorite places and I go to New Orleans A LOT! (Fair warning...all of the waitresses are transvestites, but it is all done with a lot of fun.-not a gay restaurant though.) If its on Sat. you should call ahead for reservations earlier in the day. If you go, you MUST get the "rock and roll" as an appetizer! Not a tourist place by any means.

If my endorsement is not good enough, I work for a 175 attorney firm out of New Orleans and they print their own book of restaurants in New Orleans. This is one of the top in the list of fun and funky places to go.(with excellent food.)

By the way, you have chosen two excellent restaurants.

We enjoyed the Praline Connection for lunch, I assume their dinner menu is similar. Nola's is an excellent choice, we liked everything that we tried. There's a restaurant that we've eaten at several times called the Quarter Scene Restaurant at 900 Dumaine. Basic cajun foods-po' boys, jambalaya, shrimp creole etc. The server was delightful and the food quite tasty.

My husband and I usually go to New Orleans for the Jazz Fest, so our best dining experiences are out at the Fairgrounds (don't laugh- the crawfish monica at the Fest is to die for!) We've always enjoyed the Gumbo Shop. Ditto on the advice on breakfast at Mother's and a muffalata at Central Grocery- that's New Orleans to me. Enjoy!