I agree with you on all counts, except that I don't necessarily recommend Shaya to first-time visitors. It's not that I don't love Shaya -- I do, and have a reservation to return for my third visit later this month -- but just that for visitors looking for a "taste of New Orleans," Shaya probably is not the best choice. Instead, I recommend places like Brigtsen's and Clancy's, and especially Bacchanal (not because Bacchanal's food is especially traditional New Orleans, but mostly because Bacchanal has such a unique only-in-New-Orleans atmosphere and vibe about the place, especially if you're in the courtyard listening to Helen Gillet or solo cello or some other great music).

But for visitors looking for the best New Orleans has to offer, irrespective of whether the place has a uniquely New Orleans feel about it, then I absolutely recommend Shaya. And to paraphrase Brett Anderson, restaurant critic for The Times-Picayune, the fact that it's in New Orleans makes it New Orleans. "New Orleans is and always will be New Orleans."

(The NYTimes article from which that quote comes is an interesting read about the evolution of New Orleans restaurants in the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/05/di...on=SlideCard-1)