New Orleans
 

I will be celebrating my birthday in New Orleans, in late Dec. :) Have been thinking about making resevations at "Emerils" place, you know from the food network. Has anyone been? Comments are greatly appreciated. If there are other suggestions that would be fine also. One note, I DO NOT want to have to dress up. I like casual.

Thanks,
Phil

Nola
 

If you are going to New Orleans, I assume you are going to stay in the Quarter. Emeril has a restaurant there called NOLA's. food is excellent and dress is casual. Food is superb. A little pricey, but not for New Orleans. Go to Emeril's web page and drool away.

In a place like NOLA Emerils is not your best option. I'd suggest a lunch rather than dinner. Emerils as a group is such a large chain the food is good but not extraordinary. NOLA has too many outstanding options that you wont want to pass up. I have even had appetizers and drinks in one, moved to another for dinner and finished with dessert and coffee at another resturant. Peristyle is awesome but the list of favorites is LONG to say the least. If you want some true Southern Food try Dookie Chases, you'll find Dookie in the kictchen cookin'. Another favorite is Cuvee probably my favorite. Enjoy!

Might also want to consider Wolfe's. Did the tasting menu with some other FT'ers back in 2002 and it was superb.

:-: :-: :-: :-: :-:

I believe chef Tom Wolfe worked with Emeril back at Commander's Palace.

If you plan on giving this place a try I highly recommend you make a reservation as the place is really small.

http://www.wolfesofneworleans.com

Emeril has two restaurants in New Orleans (unless he's opened a 3rd that I don't know about). The original is in the Warehouse District and the newer one, called NOLA, is in the French Quarter.

We had an outstanding meal in the original restaurant. It is definitely on the causal side, a bit noisy and frenetic, but the service was excellent and the food outstanding. Personally, I would not hesitate to go back. I personally prefer the original restaurant over NOLA, but more because of the type of menu items rather than quality.

Don't forget Commander's Palace. On a special occasion, in particular, a restaurant like that is exquisite. They've got superb service, and their food is impeccably prepared. They've also got their chef's table in the kitchen -- if you're interested in something like that. It really is right there in the kitchen. I've never been disappointed there.

Bon anniversaire, cher!
 

One note, I DO NOT want to have to dress up. I like casual.
Since it's December you'll need a jacket, even in New Orleans. I say, put on a sportcoat & chinos, no tie, go to Commander's Palace and be sure to get the bread pudding souffle. At http://www.commanderspalace.com/new_...neral_info.php they say "Dress is upscale, jackets preferred at dinner. No Shorts." You can get away with a lot in New Orleans, including how you dress - except for maybe at Galatoires or a few other places.

Here're some tips I gave to someone who's never visited the city.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303249

That time of year you can get Papa Noel hotel rates, and many restaurants have Revillion Dinners throughout December. Windsor Court may offer a good package for a suite & dinner in the Grill Room if you're looking for an extravagently indulgent time.

Any good Cajun/Creole on iDine / Aadvantage Dining?
 

Will be staying in Metairie this weekend, so any good nearby Cajun / Creole or Seafood restaurant (New Orleans metro area is OK) that also earns Aadvantage Dining or iDine miles is appreciated.

The idine selections in New Orleans s*ck. I live in New Orleans and none of the "good" places to eat (even in Metairie) are not on Idine. if you are looking for a good lunch place head to Zea's and order the CORN GRITS, they are fab!

Emeril's Del Monico Steakhouse on St. Charles would make it three. It's been open a few years now. I found it to be a decent place to eat, like Emeril's and NOLA.

Z

found this list of places in the South Forum : http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...hlight=Orleans

Phil,

Fine dining in New Orleans, like in Paris, means that dressing up is usually appropriate. It doesn't hurt to put on the Ritz every now and then. New Orleans is a great place to celebrate a birthday. Nevertheless...

Here's a suggestion: http://www.snugjazz.com/ If you visit this place on a Monday evening, you will see Charmaine Neville perform. I think she has the best show in town. This is in the Fabourg Marigny area just outside of the French Quarter. Just walk up Decatur Street until it changes names to Frenchmen Street. There are a host of local jazz clubs there. This area is not "touristy". Very local, etc. Charmaine Neville is the daughter of Charles Neville, from the musical clan known as The Neville Brothers. You can dress casual and eat local fare while you watch the show, like shrimp Po-Boy sandwiches, etc.

I have dined at all of Emeril's restaurants in New Orleans. A tie is not required, but there is a dress code. These are all good restaurants. However, my favorite restaurant in N'awlins is Bayona. The restaurant is owned and operated by local chef and heroine, Susan Spicer, and unlike Emeril, she still lives in New Orleans. Bayona is located in the French Qtr. at 430 Dauphine St. Telephone is 504.525.4455. This is also a good place for a romantic date!

Speaking of the romantic date thing, you may also want to try http://www.thebombayclub.com/ This place has very late dining during the later part of the week. No tie required, but the place is somewhat dressy. If you don't have a date, you can certainly find one here especially on Thu nights. The piano player comes in at around 9:00p. The bar there is "cigar friendly", so if you'd like a nice port wine with a cigar for dessert, this is the place to do it. I have gotten to know the owner/managers there over the last few years. These are Richard and Lew Fiske, brothers. They run a good operation, and the food is great.

Have fun on your b'day!

Z

We ate at Bayona earlier this year, and it was excellent. I would suggest Peristyle. We consider ourselves foodies, and this was my favorite restaurant meal of all time.

If you are going to do do Commander's Palace, I would do a lunch. Prices are much lower and you still get the experience. There are many better restaurants in New Orleans IMO.

I went to Emerils for my birthday lunch and I wished I had not. I had not been in years so I thought it would be nice. The food is good but the locals really don't go. If you go, I would recommend lunch. Other suggestions are Lilette, Commander's Palace-always good and a classic, Rene Bistro, August, Cuvee, NOLA's, Antoines (if you can get in the back), New Orleans Grille at the Windsor Court and HerbSaint. You won't go wrong with any of those.

We did that for a Sunday brunch on Mother's Day. It was pretty good. They even had a case of reading glasses for thosee of us who forgot them. :) We did not stay at the hotel, as I usually choose Itercontinental for my NOLA visits, or Dauphine Orleans if I can get a booking.

Nice place!

Z

New Orleans in December
 

It's a great time to go because there are so few tourists. As an earlier post mention, Papa Noel rates are terrific. I took my husband on our delayed honeymoon using HH points at the Riverside (far enough out of the French Quarter to work off all that great dining) and US miles so we had plenty to spare for dining, sites, and holiday shopping.

My choices - NOLA's tasting menu, Acme Oyster (if its really busy, head across the street to Felix's), Alex Patout's, and Commander's Palace for Sunday brunch. Also, for great morning treats, Croissant D'Or on Ursaline is a local favorite.

Take a (daytime) walk to the D-Day Museum - its an increadible experience.

I must agree, I don't care for NOLA during MardiGras or JazzFest [aka DrunkFest]. In fact I think the city is best explored in the off-season. All the music and the restaurants are still there.

Here's a great hotel, http://www.dauphineorleans.com/index.html Not a real business-type hotel, but a great place to take a spouse or a date.

Z

Commander's Palace -- if not for dinner, then for the weekend jazz brunch

no miles but lots of smiles
 

So go to Deanies in Bucktown, which is right up from Veterne (I'm blanking on the street) up near the Lake. Great down home seafood, if you order the Seafood Platter is literally a MOUND of fried seafood and fish, it's great but feeds up to 4 people....don't order one for each person like some of my friends did (and I forget to warn them). There's also Drago's which has a nice lobster but really the best is the BBQ oysters for an appetizer. Oki Nari is a Asian seafood buffett which is great too.

I LOVE living in NOLA
 

the food is AMAZING and very affordable, even for Charity Hospital residents....

So here are my suggestions and where I take my friends:

Commanders Palace for weekday lunchs, great 2 course lunches which change daily and in the teens, of course you must get the Bread Pudding soufflee....also $.25 martinis, and just one of the best deals in town...oh try the their Turtle Soup and/or one of the Gumbos too....

Jacque Imos (just opened on in NYC) which is Uptown off Carrelton and on Oak St. It's what I call a Neuveau New Orleans restaurant, very decadent cooking with lots of great seafood, fresh fishes, the Carpetbagger Steak (blue cheese, onions on a great tenderloin smothered in holindase sauce), duck and must try the Shrimp & alligator sausage cheesecake appitizer (sounds kind of gross but its a creamy, spicy quiche-sort-of-like creation). My best suggestion is to go on Tuesday night, after dinner go next door to the Maple Leaf to hear the Rebirth Brass Band. On weekends, the restaurant is very packed, can wait up to 2-3 hours, but actually worth the wait. Reservations only for groups of 5 or more. Beware they often close for August.

Elizabeths in the Bywater area (Charters and Gallier). This is a very local place that is the best brunch spots in town. Small place with great "Neuveau Southern Cooking" such as Soft shell crab meuinere over cheese grits, fresh strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast, or praline bacon for starters. Open only for breakfast and lunch on the weekdays with 1-2 speicals, but sat is the day to go with usually 5-6 specials. Beware they are CLOSED on SUNDAYS. If you are around for Jazzfest weekend....this is the only time of year that they are open for dinners....also save room for dessert or homemade ice cream
http://www.elizabeths-restaurant.com/

The Emerils restaurants are very good, but not my fav (there's NOLA, Emerils and Delmonico). It's not pricey by fine dining scales but it is for the local scene....you won't be disappointed but I haven't been back

Marisols on Esplanade does a great happy hour Tapas with 30-40 things on the menu from 5-7. Their meals are excellent as well and the outdoor patio dining is quite romantic

Restaurant August would be my fine dining choice for the city. Great food and service.

Finally you must have beignets "French donuts" at Cafe du Monde in Jackson Square and have a cafe au lait or hot chocolate. Don't get them from any where else.

There are so many amazing restaurants.....Enjoy...

the secret
 

So the key to enjoying these events is knowing how the locals do it....I recommend Mardi Gras for everyone....it is a very big family event if done the right way. Mardi Gras is a season and culminates in about 16 days of continuous parades at least 2-3 per night on the weekdays and then more on the weekend...my suggestion is to come TWO weekends before the big day OR come the weekdays between the two Mardi Gras weekends....also go Uptown on St Charles in the Garden District or further up. Its much less crowded, very interactive and fun for the whole family. You'll be amazed at how much you get into catching plastic beads.....also there are some unique parades such as Barkus the very last dog parade through the French Quarter in which the pets and owners must come in costume....

Jazzfest is great but French Quarter Fest a few weekend beforehand is much better and FREE.....

And yes, NOLA is great off season as well....

Promise....
 

last post.....

So in December check out the Christmas concerts at 7 PM in St Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square in the French Quarter. They happen every night for at least 3 weeks and each night features a different musician or group (such as Ellis Marsalis, Theresa Anderson, choirs) and for free. Also there are 2 nights where they do Caroling in the Park which is fun. Also can be a bit surreal if you are from up north like me (Minnesota) to be drinking daiquiries in shorts during a nice 70 degree evening singing Xmas carols....

Here is some good NO cookin....
 

Jacques-imo Cafe
Location: Uptown
8324 Oak Street, New Orleans
504-861-0886


This is a locals place and they fill up fast... but it is sooo good. Do not miss it...

70 degrees at night in December is NOT the norm for New Orleans, is it? I enjoy the city year-round but I recall the winters still being rather brisk, especially at night.

there really is not a NORM for weather in NOLA. Sometimes on Christmas day we are wearing shorts and other time it is sweaters and hats. You just never know.

Excellent suggestions
 

I noticed that you didn't include the Palace Cafe' on your list - it's one of my favorites without having to travel to the Garden District.

Tell me more about Marisols. That sounds incredible. How expensive for the tapas menu that you referenced?

I find the Palace Cafe to be WAY overrated. As a NOLA girl I only go there if guests/clients insist. It is on Canal Street and attracts many tourists. The decibel level in that restaurant is incredibly loud. It is true that is owned by the Brennan family of New Orleans but I think for less money you can get better food, service and ambience. YMMV

I don't disagree with you on most of your points. However, as a visitor to NOLA, I find the location much more convenient than having to trek to Commander's Palace.

Some of the best restaurants that I have ever visited in the world have been some of the noisiest. However, I've never found anything about the food or service lacking at the Palace Cafe, IMHO. I will give you that I have never been to the Cafe' at primetime dinner - I typically eat an early dinner or have been there for brunch/lunch. @:-)

Palace Cafe is popular, but wasn't impressed the one time I was there. My friends were, but I prefer the original Palace.

Marisols (http://www.marisolrestaurant.com/) is wonderful. The tapas are a mere $4 each....great for an early dinner, wine and chatting with some friends. I've been there about a 1/2 dozen times and have been very pleased each time. Last meal I had there was with 3 other friends, we each had one of their amazing soups (Duck Soup with sherry for me), 9 tapas, a couple drinks and dessert (the best Key Lime I've had ever and the molten chocolate cake was of course great). I think the total bill was $120.

It's located on Esplanade which is on the far side of the French Quarter (other side of the hotels) in the Marigney Triangle neighborhood, right near Frenchman Street. It's not a big place and am always impressed on the size and depth of the menu. They claim to have the largest selection of Artesian cheeses as well....

Now do'nt forget about the Susan Spicer restaurants too (Herbsaint and I do'nt know why I can never remember the other one) are yummy and I think better than the Emerils restaurants.

Marisol's Restaurant

http://www.marisolrestaurant.com/

Another Emerils Nola Fan here.
Exceptional dining,interesting crowd,casual, superb service.
Great with friends clients or a date who appreciates eating.
The desserts are stand outs. Save room.
A Nola institution not known by most tourists and a location thats a good ride
is "Clancys" Satisfactory and better dining with Lemon Ice box pie for dessert.
Don't go if it is not available. I will be going back for a slice soon.
I also love the Jazz bruch trio at the Rib Room in the Omni Royal Hotel. Fair prices and great old world dining.
Fried Shrimps amd Prime Rib a steal at lunch/brunch.Location perfect.
Cheers to the good old days that are worth preserving in this case
Not been but the word of mouth on Stella is real solid

I was in New Orleans the end of June and dined at Emeril's (in the Warehouse/Convention District) and enjoyed it very much. The service was superb and the food was wonderful. I wasn’t able to get reservations until 9:00 PM though, but it was worth it. ^

Hi, Phil, for some good local flavor, try Mandina's. Great food, & the locals go there:

http://www.mandinas.com/ Toward the end of their descriptive I think they meant "exude the charm," and not "exclude!"

Hope you have a very happy bday!

I can't believe this thread has made it to the third page without mention of the best restaurant in New Orleans (and one of my favorites anywhere, anytime) . . . Galatoire's.

Galatoire's

Being from the NO area, I agree with this statement totally. Weather in December is unpredictable. We've had unusually mild weather this year, up til the last few days.

So how about those funnel clouds and tornadoes right before Thanksgiving?? Is that "unusually mild?" I think a funnel cloud woke me up before it headed over to Slidell and smashed into some houses back then!

emeril's is not all that casual
 

I've been to Emeril's and Delmonico's many times. They are wonderful place to celebrate a birthday with great food and a great wine list but I do dress up and I feel most people do. We still have a little of our French and Italian heritage left, and people like to dress up from time to time.

I haven't tried Nola's, perhaps it is a bit more casual.

Definitely "country club casual." Superb food and service. Try the planked fish with citrus/horseradish crust, or the banana pudding cake - OMG. It would be a great place for a birthday.

having many relatives in NO and having been there many times, i'd highly recommend Clancy's, Herbsaint, and Galatoires. Galatorie's is VERY new orleans and the food is phenomenal, while Clancy's and Herbsaint are newer and have amazing food. service is great at all of these as well.

There's a place in the Garden District called "Upperline". The food has always been fabulous & the service very friendly & efficient without being obtrusive. Prices are in line (a little high) but the place is definitely worth it!!!

I've been there several times, but not for about three years. Whenever I'm in NO, I make it a point to go there. I'm from Alaska, so it is a special treat after a long trip.

Take the trolley from the Quarter. It's a lot of fun.
http://www.upperline.com/