I will be in New Orleans for Christmas day and am having difficulty getting a dinner reservation at a nice restaurant for Christmas night. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I don't know if they're open Christmas or not, but Jacques-Imos's, on Oak Street, way uptown, is one of my favorites. Not fancy atmosphere, think neighborhood bistro, with a usually crowded bar up front, but the food is fantastic.

They don't take reservations (except parties of 5 or more), so if you don't mind waiting, you'll get in.

Try the alligator sausage cheesecake appetizer (really).