Just returned from New Orleans. Commander's Palace not nearly as good as in the past, and we lived there. We love Brennan's for breakfast. Broussards is wonderful for dinner. For lodging I highly recommend Iberville Suites connected with the Ritz Carlton at the edge of the quarter and not expensive.<BR> Felix's is wonderful for po-boys and oysters. Desire on Bourbon street also.<BR>

Hi all.. I just came back from New Orleans 7 hours ago for a week long conference. I tried Emeril's at the warehouse district but I was disappointed. I was very impressed by the one in LV and was hoping to get similar quality of food in NO. I was with a big group of 20 and our host selected a sampling menu - a nine course meal. The food is ok at the beginning but now I only remember the haibut and tenderloin I got was overcooked. The lemon tart (2 quarters of a 4" tart) is too lemony for most of most people but it is ok with me but the crust is too hard. I didn't try to force my fork into it afraid pieces of it will be flying across the table ;-) We also notice only couple of us gone some of the "essence" on the rim of one dish so I guess the kitchen must be very busy but they should watch out for that if they want to keep the standard up.<BR><BR>The Emeril's staff was trying to impress the group with loud announcement of each dish and all waiters (each with two plates) were waiting for the rest of the crew to get ready so that all plates were presented at the same time for all 12-14 of us. Quite impressive for the first couple rounds but I think 9 times are too much. We were in the wine cellar room but it is not quiet at all. Staff came in to get wine for others and there is not a lot of room between the chair and the wine.<BR><BR>I also went for another business dinner at Dominique at the French Quarter. The food was nice and place was romantic...just the opposite of Emeril's. The chocolate souffle is very very rich too. Good food.<BR><BR>Bracco in the French Quarter is good too... They have a truffle tasting menu... from truffled egg, truffle pasta to truffle gelato. The place has a gothic ceiling, warm lighting, romantic and cosy.<BR><BR>We also tried Cupperland at the Garden District. My colleagues didn't like their steaks since they were swimming in a pool of butter. I am lucky since my catfish stuffed with crab meal was done very nicely. Their crabcake is the best I have tried during the week. Their steamed veggies are well prepared. Yes, this is a strange comment but I tried too many places that overcook their veggies.<BR><BR>If you want to try some fast cajun food, Acme is a popular place. I heard that the restaurant at Wydham Canal Place - River 127 - is good too but I only tried their crabcake egg benedict this morning. That was a good and filling breakfast after a morning walk to the French Quarter.

Hi all.. I just came back from New Orleans 7 hours ago for a week long conference. I tried Emeril's at the warehouse district but I was disappointed. I was very impressed by the one in LV and was hoping to get similar quality of food in NO. I was with a big group of 20 and our host selected a sampling menu - a nine course meal. The food is ok at the beginning but now I only remember the haibut and tenderloin I got was overcooked. The lemon tart (2 quarters of a 4" tart) is too lemony for most of most people but it is ok with me but the crust is too hard. I didn't try to force my fork into it afraid pieces of it will be flying across the table ;-) We also notice only couple of us gone some of the "essence" on the rim of one dish so I guess the kitchen must be very busy but they should watch out for that if they want to keep the standard up.<BR><BR>The Emeril's staff was trying to impress the group with loud announcement of each dish and all waiters (each with two plates) were waiting for the rest of the crew to get ready so that all plates were presented at the same time for all 12-14 of us. Quite impressive for the first couple rounds but I think 9 times are too much. We were in the wine cellar room but it is not quiet at all. Staff came in to get wine for others and there is not a lot of room between the chair and the wine.<BR><BR>I also went for another business dinner at Dominique at the French Quarter. The food was nice and place was romantic...just the opposite of Emeril's. The chocolate souffle is very very rich too. Good food.<BR><BR>Bracco in the French Quarter is good too... They have a truffle tasting menu... from truffled egg, truffle pasta to truffle gelato. The place has a gothic ceiling, warm lighting, romantic and cosy.<BR><BR>We also tried Cupperland at the Garden District. My colleagues didn't like their steaks since they were swimming in a pool of butter. I am lucky since my catfish stuffed with crab meal was done very nicely. Their crabcake is the best I have tried during the week. Their steamed veggies are well prepared. Yes, this is a strange comment but I tried too many places that overcook their veggies.<BR><BR>If you want to try some fast cajun food, Acme is a popular place. I heard that the restaurant at Wydham Canal Place - River 127 - is good too but I only tried their crabcake egg benedict this morning. That was a good and filling breakfast after a morning walk to the French Quarter.

Amy, there's no such place as Cupperland.

Rue Bourbon is a great resturant but on the expensive side. We had dinner there on New Years Eve. It's right on Bourbon street. Enjoy!

Sorry about the spelling of the restaurant. I think the place is more like Cuppaland. It is in the garden district on St. Charles Ave. It is further away from downtown than the Emeril restaurant on the same street.

You mean Copeland's, I bet.

If no one has suggested the Garlic Glove in the Garden District- its wonderful and intimate for dinner. Only bar food for lunch- but dinner is wonderful. Its just off the St. Charles Streetcar as you enter the garden district. You have to try their deserts also. Wonderful place with an ecletic menu, not just Cajun. If you want Cajun- go for Mulate's on Julia Street- its a bit of a walk, but great place to see some Zydeco? dancing on Fri and Sat nights. Hope this helps.

We are currently in NO - great food at Cobalt (new restaurant in the hotel Monaco), August (next to the Windsor Court), and the "Grill Room" at the Windsor Court. All are priced about the same. Service has been especially good. For lunch I would recommend (in order of increasing price) the red fish grill (Bourbon Street), Mr. B's (Royale Street) and Cuvee (Magazine Street). The Windsor Court hotel has been great. Book in advance to get the best deal.

What's this post doing under Montana???

Bella Luna is wonderful!!! On my last trip to NOLA, I went to Commander's Palace and Bella Luna. My date and I enjoyed the food, atmosphere and service at Bella Luna much more!

All the locals know -- Santa Fe is a hidden gem. Opposite Washington Square on Frenchman, it's away from the touristy French Quarter hussle but close enough that you can walk (if you can manage to move your overfed self) to Bourbon Street easily if you like. You won't need to hit Bourbon for drinks though -- Santa Fe has the best, strongest, most gorgeous margaritas anywhere. No reservations, OUTSTANDING service.

I have to concurr on K-Pauls, our first (and last) meal there was incredibly mediocre. Other people clearly have had a different experience, which says to me that it is hit and miss and their chef has his work cut out.

And why settle! The food in NO is so unbelievable it's hard to pick, and a crime to risk it with something that is not always good. A new one (for me) from our last trip was Mr. B's right in the quarter. De-lic-ous. Sort of a Southern version of the business-person's lunch, but really great. And truly, how can you visit NO and not down a dozen oysters over a beer at ACME?

-R

We were disappointed in Emerils but loved Mr B's Bistro and The Court of Two Sisters.

Sue