FLYMSY

I've always have problems with "Best" declarations and I, also, have some other issues with this article's writer and some of his pronouncements, but this should add to the high regard that some people have for Shaya. I still think that this is a restaurant to try if you come to New Orleans.

http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/re.../a38805/shaya/

Blumie

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)

WillTravel

Has anyone recommended Compère Lapin yet? If so, I will. I loved it last month. It's getting various awards.
http://comperelapin.com/

Blumie

I've heard mostly (but not universally) good things. I'm staying in the hotel where it's located for JazzFest, so may give it a try. (What kind of awards is it winning? Most of those things are BS.)

FLYMSY

Well, this article outs a couple of shops that I've written about, but never named, in some previous posts over the years. These shops are for true, authentic New Orleans po-boy lovers. Have you been to any?

http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com...urbs-exploring

rustykettel

Looking forward to giving one of those a try next week as schedule allow!

FLYMSY

I recently tried a relatively new place, Kin, at 4600 Washington Ave. It's very small, so don't even think about going with a large group. BYOB, for now. Doesn't have a website, you'll have to use their FB page or Yelp. Menu changes frequently. I'm not quite sure how to classify it because it is not your mother's Korean food. Maybe, Korean fusion or Korean-American or Noveau Korean. Far from the tourist areas. I really enjoyed the food and friendly service. Looking forward to my next visit.

Blumie

Man, so many new places to try. How does one keep up? On chowhound, someone just posted about Red Dog Diner, from the Rum House team, on Magazine. I might have to sacrifice a breakfast at Surrey's (my current favorite) to give Red Dog a try.

rustykettel

Ack! I know that feeling well. I didn't make it to any of the po-boy shops in FLYMSY's article link after all.

FLYMSY

Some of my recent restaurant outings:

Casa Borrega in the Central City neighborhood on OC Haley Blvd. - very good Mexican & not your typical dried out rice and mushy black bean place. I'd go back.

Bourrée on Carrollton Ave, next door to Boucherie (same owners) I haven't made up my mind about this one yet. Maybe, because I'm not really a wings and daiquiri lover. The French fries were very good as were the wings & sauces. I left wanting a little more. I'll give it another shot sometime.

Avo on Magazine St., in the old Martinique space. I just stopped with a friend for a couple of appetizers - cheese & charcuterie board & a glass of wine. Both were good and other people's meals looked good. However, the wine by the glass is WAY overpriced, in my opinion. When 3 barely half-filled glasses of wine would almost equal the bottle cost, it's better to get the bottle. Service was very good. I'd go back, but order wine by the bottle.

swag

Only in New Orleans would a wings & daiquiri shop have a fancy French name more evocative of a Paris bistro.

FLYMSY

When you come up with an answer, let us know.

Now, to add further to the conundrum:

http://www.nola.com/dining/index.ssf...ants_2016.html

Blumie

You're killing me! I like the sounds of Lula, if only because the owner hails from Donaldsonville. I used to really enjoy driving the River Road to Donaldsonville and dining at Lafitte's Landing.

nineworldseries

We thoroughly enjoyed both Cochon and Boucherie the last time in NO.

Southernlady

For a Sports Bar, try Manning's on Fulton St. (behind Harrah's Casino). For oysters, try Drago's attached to the Riverside Hilton; they also have a delicious chicken & sausage gumbo.