I suggest staying flexible on this point. As a result of the dispersion from Katrina (and some general migration), good Creole cooking can be found in more and more places around the US. I've run into 3 fairly good local ones (and one bad one) in the Denver/Boulder area.


Back on topic: Yes, I can be a food snob. To me, the most important facet of the meal is the taste of the food. I will avoid places which spend a lot of time on (and charge a lot of money for) presentation, especially if the food is only average or below. No amount of presentation can compensate for mediocre food in my book. Assuming minimal levels of cleanliness and service, I have no problem eating at small or "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants which have great food. And (putting on an asbestos coat because I know the flames are coming) if at all possible I will avoid restaurants which have a smoking section unless that section is isolated from both the kitchen and the non-smoking section; for a non-smoker, being in a room where there is some cigarette/cigar/pipe smoke, even a small amount, can significantly impact the taste of the food.