I wouldn't go there for a romantic dinner but for LUNCH with two teenagers I think it is a great way to experience the cooking of the Brennan family in a casual atmosphere where you don't have to worry about being stiff and proper. The original poster was asking about LUNCH. I stand by recommendation as a LUNCH place. Yes I still think it is too expensive for what it is but I didn't say the food was BAD just that you could get better for the money. I think MOST of the restaurants that tourists want to go to over-priced and over-rated, for instance COMMANDER's PALACE. My ex was a chef in Commander's (CIA trained) and he stated that unless you went for a full blown evening dinner then you were getting seriously overpriced food. I tend to take his word for it since he was in the kitchen day in and day out. Frankly if you are looking for REALLY good food it won't have fancy table cloths and it isn't in the FQ, but then again that is not what most people consider the NOLA experience.

Interesting.....the other thread that I referenced where you said that you would not go there unless clients/guests insisted was about someone planning a birthday meal and they wanted a casual environment. It's ok if you don't like Palace Cafe or Commander's Palace. I was a bit taken aback when you seemed to have an aversion (in July) to Palace Cafe and now you are recommending it to someone.

Bigjim do you live in NOLA, how many DIFFERENT restaurants in the NOLA area have you actually tried. I have lived here my entire life and have tried pretty much all the "big name" restaurants and many many restaurants that you haven't even heard of. What makes you think that you are the expert on New Orleans dining. You are comparing apples and oranges. the Original poster had a specific set of requirements (ie, lunch with teenagers in the French Quarter, wanting a NOLA experience). The original poster in the thread you quoted was a different set of circumstances. I have different choices for different occasions.

I personally believe that the BEST desserts in New Orleans can be found Angelo Brocato's on Carrollton Avenue but I wouldn't send most people in the FQ all the way down there just for a canoli. You have to take all the facts into account when making reccomendations.

Another favorite of mine is Vincent's Restaurant. They have the most to die for corn crab bisque in a bread bowl that I have ever had. it is uptown in a crowded little dimly lit restaurant. The tables are crammed together and doesn't have a New Orleans flare but all the dishes are delicious. The owner is a charming little man who loves his restaurant and takes pride in the food prepared. After polishing off the wonderful food at Vincent's I would then head over to Cooter Brown's for a few pints of beer or if really adventurous you could try "Around the world in 80 Beers" challenge.

Not trying to debate you here - I was just trying to understand what appear to be contradictions. I felt sort of blasted by you in the referenced thread and now you're recommending exactly the same place. It's not a big deal - thanks for trying to explain though.

Also, in answer to your question, I spend at least 60 days a year in New Orleans and have been doing this for years. I eat out 3 meals a day, at least 60 days a year in New Orleans.

Is there a place in 'Naw Orlins' that isn't good to eat at?

I have yet to find one!

-Mark

^ ^ ^

Cafe Degas!

And, my best friend in NOLA was the GM of Commander's for many years. I think it has to be one of the best LUNCH values in town (when compared to the same fare prices at dinner).

Also, Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse, which is way more than "just steak" and has the intriguing "your price in dimes is the outside temperature" special. Good when a cold front hits NOLA and it's 80 instead of 95!

Or, Fiorella's, by the French Market, for that old diner experience and the best fried chicken and pork chops on the planet... but don't expect posh there!

Hi, prncess ...
I like the upstairs at Galatoire's - used to have my own
waiter there back in the palmy old days ... haven't seen
him (Imre, the little Hungarian guy with the big eyebrows)
since my heart crisis a couple years ago, though ...
but then I prefer not to be seen most of the time anyway.

I'm partial to Brennan's. Mmmmmmmm! Have their Bananas Foster for dessert; they originated it. ^

http://www.brennansneworleans.com/index.html

I've found two.

1) Hot dogs and chips from the upstairs snack bar at the State Palace Theater.

2) Ernest Morial Convention Center cafeteria.

Infromal, in the Quarter, best burger in a bar setting, good for lunch with teenagers-- Port O'Call on the edge of the Quarter. Real NO experience. Pizzas are good also.

I really enjoyed 2 Brennan places,Palace Cafe on Canal,and Bourbon House in the Crown plaza.
And I just loved Mothers!
The Susan Spicer place cobalt is Gorgeous-just don't let them out you next to the bar-but you have to be carfull ordering,very hit or miss.
I will have to try some new places at the end of the month.I will make it out to comanders palace this time.

And lunch at the Palace can be had for less than $20 per person; that even includes a few of their 25-cent martinis.

http://www.commanderspalace.com/new_...menu_lunch.php

(edited to correct typo)

So what is a good place to eat lunch around the Convention Center? It looks like I will be attending a three day event there next month.

MOTHERS!
Actually