Restaurant Suggestion

[dank_bass]

Im not new to NOLA or to her restaurants, but I am in charge of organizing a dinner for our group (10-12 people), and was curious if anyone had any insight on a good place to go with a group that size. We want to go to a nice restaurant, but not have to watch our volume or constantly be wondering if we're bothiering or offending the lil old couple next to us who's having their 25th wedding anniversary dinner. Know what I mean?

FYI anyone interested in making reso's at Jacques Imos ... I just tried to for sat second weekend, their ONLY available times were Second Sunday 5 or 7 PM (not leaving the fairgrounds early :), I didnt check for 1st weekend.

Brigstens and Commanders Palace are two on our list to check out this year, so any suggestions in that sort of vein would be helpful

Thanks!!

[glinda]

Hey Dan - last year my group of 12 had a nice fun dinner at Muriels. It's quite good, and the building has a fun, very New Orleans history - bordello, ghosts & all. Also great for people new to the city since its right on the corner of Jackson Square. Mostly I remember good martinis and crawfish-goat cheese crepes. mmmm. We had cocktails in the Seance room before dinner and loved that too.

I'm always challenged to find new places for this group each year - we've done Commanders twice - may places don't take groups that big. This year it will be Stella, which sounds terrific, we shall see. But probably will have to be at 2 separate tabes to accomodate us.

[Azeater]

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[rosetree]

Dan:
You better make those ressies quickly...I made mine @ Brigsten's last week and they were filling up. Most smaller restaurants have seating early ...5-6 and then have later seating...7:30 -8. This way they can sell the table twice in a night. If they took ressies 6 - 7:30, they can only sell the table once. ( If that is any help for you ;) ) HTH

[BigDag]

Not to hijack this thread completely, but this week's Gambit has an interesting story on the difficulties New Orleans restaurants are having keeping their doors open these days:

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/current/news_feat.php

[nolalou]

There is a good casual Cajun place on Tchoupitoulas street, not far from the convention center, downtown, called Cochon that might fit the bill.

http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/

Louis

[Goose]

I agree with the Cochon recommendation. I would also suggest Donald Link's other restaurant Herbsaint. Good for groups...great food, great cocktails, and reasonably priced. We were there a few years ago celebrating my sweetie's b-day and are going back this year (group of 8 going on Thurs. of days between)... :)

http://www.herbsaint.com/

[Festvet]

There is a good casual Cajun place on Tchoupitoulas street, not far from the convention center, downtown, called Cochon that might fit the bill.

http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/

Louis
Nola Lou, I stay right around the corner form there. Noticed they just opened last year between Mardi Gras & Jazzfest. Do you have a reivew?

Alos, right across the street the Sunray Grill is very good and very casual.
http://www.sunraygrill.com/

[UncleFester]

i could give another recommendation for cochon. i had the oyster sandwich- with the chichorrones/cracklins (sorry i live in new mexico) as an appetizer. 5 of us shared our meals- all of them were great. plus great service and good beer selection. it is a little noisy- the layout is just a large open room- very busy during fest.
hope this helps.
mjt

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Im not new to NOLA or to her restaurants, but I am in charge of organizing a dinner for our group (10-12 people), and was curious if anyone had any insight on a good place to go with a group that size. We want to go to a nice restaurant, but not have to watch our volume or constantly be wondering if we're bothiering or offending the lil old couple next to us who's having their 25th wedding anniversary dinner. Know what I mean?

FYI anyone interested in making reso's at Jacques Imos ... I just tried to for sat second weekend, their ONLY available times were Second Sunday 5 or 7 PM (not leaving the fairgrounds early :), I didnt check for 1st weekend.

Brigstens and Commanders Palace are two on our list to check out this year, so any suggestions in that sort of vein would be helpful

Thanks!!

Cochon isn't bad, but if you're looking for "upscale" its not going to fit your bill - one of my favorite post-K "new" places is Restaurant One - it was opened by the previous chef of Clancys (a local new orleans favorite) and i have yet to have had a bad meal there - its in the uptown area, maybe four blocks from Brightson - here is the link to the menu and website ... http://www.one-sl.com/menu.html

[rosetree]

MGB: I know that area pretty well.....I'm not placing the jernt! Is it next to the Haagen Daz?? Or next to Symetry? Across from Yvonne LaFleur's? It looks like a place to check out!

[Mardigrasbaby35]

MGB: I know that area pretty well.....I'm not placing the jernt! Is it next to the Haagen Daz?? Or next to Symetry? Across from Yvonne LaFleur's? It looks like a place to check out!

Rosetree - its on Hampson, across the street from Yvonne LaFleurs and i want to say right next to Symetry (its on the same side of the street as Symetry and Haagen Daz) - i'm taking clients there tomorrow night, as stated i have yet to have a bad meal there - i'll report back on Thrusday with an update.....

[NOLA]

Rosetree - its on Hampson, across the street from Yvonne LaFleurs and i want to say right next to Symetry (its on the same side of the street as Symetry and Haagen Daz) - i'm taking clients there tomorrow night, as stated i have yet to have a bad meal there - i'll report back on Thrusday with an update.....

NOT to be confused with "Table One" which is also new and is located on Magazine near (or at) Washington. I haven't been to Restaurant One so I can't compare the two. Table One was solid, but not what I'd rate as outstanding. MGB, have you been there?

[Mardigrasbaby35]

NOT to be confused with "Table One" which is also new and is located on Magazine near (or at) Washington. I haven't been to Restaurant One so I can't compare the two. Table One was solid, but not what I'd rate as outstanding. MGB, have you been there?

Yep, I've also been to Table One, and yeah, i'd agree, its solid, but not outstanding....haven't been back because there are so many other places i'd rather go - on the other hand, i've been to Restaurant One at least 3 times (maybe 4)......

[NOLA]

Yep, I've also been to Table One, and yeah, i'd agree, its solid, but not outstanding....haven't been back because there are so many other places i'd rather go - on the other hand, i've been to Restaurant One at least 3 times (maybe 4)......

Thanks - I haven't been back either, for the same reason. Been wanting to give Restaurant One a try.

Some co-workers went to Alberta the other night (unfortunately I was out of town) and they thought it was great - have you tried it yet? I hate it when I miss out on a new restaurant...

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Thanks - I haven't been back either, for the same reason. Been wanting to give Restaurant One a try.

Some co-workers went to Alberta the other night (unfortunately I was out of town) and they thought it was great - have you tried it yet? I hate it when I miss out on a new restaurant...

I JUST heard about Alberta - its on like the 5900 block of magazine, or something like that???? That one's been added to my list....

[NOLA]

I JUST heard about Alberta - its on like the 5900 block of magazine, or something like that???? That one's been added to my list....

Yeah - I gotta get there soon! :)

[Bill/KC]

A couple of years ago, a bunch of Kats and Threadheads went to Redfish Grill. Good food, good service. There was enough of us that we had to sit a 2 long tables, so I know they can handle a crowd.

[Corona]

Sorry, couldn't resist.
memories :D

[Corona]

A couple of years ago, a bunch of Kats and Threadheads went to Redfish Grill. Good food, good service. There was enough of us that we had to sit a 2 long tables, so I know they can handle a crowd.
I was gonna say Redfish Grill or maybe GWFins? Bocca (a Brennans restaurant) is awesome and sat a big party of us last year...

[FestNut]

I just wanted to mention to newbies that most of the restaurants DO NOT have a full menu during Fest, Mardi Gras, etc. They usually have an abbreviated menu that allows them to turn the tables quicker, but it's ALL good!

Have y'all tried the Grapevine on Orleans? It's across from the Bourbon Orleans and is owned by Earl (who owns the Tropical Isle bars with Pam). We ate there first in August when we were in town for 6-String Music Songwriters and again in January when we were in for Pardi Gras. The food and service were excellent and they did have a big group in the back at a very long table. I don't have a clue about reservations and such.

Y'all are making me hungry....

[jolie]

For more casual dining... Arnaud's Remoulade http://www.remoulade.com/ traditional New Orleans fare, oyster bar, good service....on Bourbon St. right around the corner from the original Arnaud's. I've been with a group of 14-16 ..don't recall the reservation policy. I don't know why you don't hear of this place more??? Check it out.

[jolie]

Im sorry I know this is so off topic but could someone please tell me how to do the direct link thing...I know it's simple url..url????

[rosetree]

Im sorry I know this is so off topic but could someone please tell me how to do the direct link thing...I know it's simple url..url????

Just a cut and paste thang!!
Go to the site you want...highlight the address in the address bar at the top of the page....right click "cut".....go back to the thread....put cursor where you want the url....right click "paste"..and voila or viola or whatever, it's there!!! (is this what you wanted???)

[jolie]

Just a cut and paste thang!!
Go to the site you want...highlight the address in the address bar at the top of the page....right click "cut".....go back to the thread....put cursor where you want the url....right click "paste"..and voila or viola or whatever, it's there!!! (is this what you wanted???)

Yep thats it...and boy do I feel stupid..That is way too easy. Thanks rosetree!!

[Belle]

I have been to Christians with groups large and small and this place is wonderful. Never had to pick up the tab though!! Anyone else love this place?

[mariena]

OK, next to Tommy's Wine Bar on Tchoupatoulas is Tommy's Restaraunt. I think it is called Tommy's Cuisine. It is excellent. We has a party of about 10during the ACC meeting a couple of weeks ago and they accomodated us. The food was great and so was the atmosphere.

[NYMAMA]

For more casual dining... Arnaud's Remoulade http://www.remoulade.com/ traditional New Orleans fare, oyster bar, good service....on Bourbon St. right around the corner from the original Arnaud's. I've been with a group of 14-16 ..don't recall the reservation policy. I don't know why you don't hear of this place more??? Check it out.

And you HAVE TO have the bannas fosters It is the most wonderful tast sensation!(drooling on keyboard)

[NOLA]

I have been to Christians with groups large and small and this place is wonderful. Never had to pick up the tab though!! Anyone else love this place?

Belle, I don't think Christian's has re-opened since the Thing.

I second the recommendation on Tommy's - great food, great wine list, great service.

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I have been to Christians with groups large and small and this place is wonderful. Never had to pick up the tab though!! Anyone else love this place?

I'm afraid that Christians hasn't reopened post-K (please correct me if someone knows otherwise, but last time i checked it was still closed and no plans to reopen) - a sad casualty.:(

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Oh, and if you like Tommys - try Irenes - (they were originally husband/wife....) Irenes is in the Quarter and was open long before Tommys - while i like Tommys, I prefer Irenes.....

[NOLA]

Oh, and if you like Tommys - try Irenes - (they were originally husband/wife....) Irenes is in the Quarter and was open long before Tommys - while i like Tommys, I prefer Irenes.....

I love Irene's too, but they don't take reservations so you have to go early or go prepared to wait. (Tommy's does take reservations).

[nolalou]

I live in Mid-City, and Christians has not re-opened, and last time I drove by, it didn't look like it was being worked on.

Several other Mid-City resturants have not re-opened, like Michaels Mid-City Grill. In some cases the buildings just remain closed, in other cases new resturants have moved in. Cafe Minh , an asian/vietnamese resturant is now located where Mid-City Grill was.

[Belle]

I live in Mid-City, and Christians has not re-opened, and last time I drove by, it didn't look like it was being worked on.

Several other Mid-City resturants have not re-opened, like Michaels Mid-City Grill. In some cases the buildings just remain closed, in other cases new resturants have moved in. Cafe Minh , an asian/vietnamese resturant is now located where Mid-City Grill was.

That is too bad about Christians (all others for that matter), I love the architecture and the food and service was wonderful. Speaking of Mid-City, I remember driving by where the floats for MG were stored and it broke my heart. Amazing the show went on. I think it was in Mid-City?

[mariena]

Oh, and if you like Tommys - try Irenes - (they were originally husband/wife....) Irenes is in the Quarter and was open long before Tommys - while i like Tommys, I prefer Irenes.....

I will definitely have to try it.
Thanks, Mariena

[Ludlows23]

Not too much of a thread drift - but can anyone recommend a restaurant that takes reservations AND is open on Sundays - that would be a great way to close out the fest and I'm less likely to have enough energy that night to race to a club... Thanks!

[Orleansnj]

there are tons of places. You could try Anatole on St. Charles, well reviewed and recently opened. Cochon, Commanders, Arnauds, Bayonna etc. start with the who's who of restaurants.

if you want a complete list check out http://www.nomenu.com and there is a listing of restaurants, location, type of food and approximate cost with phone etc. on that site. It's the first thing on the site in the middle of the page- under the words 802 restaurants now open....

[Goose]

Not too much of a thread drift - but can anyone recommend a restaurant that takes reservations AND is open on Sundays - that would be a great way to close out the fest and I'm less likely to have enough energy that night to race to a club... Thanks!

Hi Ludlow...check out opentable for some Sunday restaurant reservation options... :)

http://www.opentable.com/start.aspx?m=14

[nolalou]

... can anyone recommend a restaurant that takes reservations AND is open on Sundays - that would be a great way to close out the fest and I'm less likely to have enough energy that night to race to a club.

If you don't want to wander too far from the Fair Grounds, try Sun Ray Grill in the American Can Company on Orleans Ave. (just off Jeff Davis, near Bayou St John). They also have several other locations around the city.
http://www.sunraygrill.com/welcome

[Mardigrasbaby35]

there are tons of places. You could try Anatole on St. Charles, well reviewed and recently opened. Cochon, Commanders, Arnauds, Bayonna etc. start with the who's who of restaurants.

if you want a complete list check out http://www.nomenu.com and there is a listing of restaurants, location, type of food and approximate cost with phone etc. on that site. It's the first thing on the site in the middle of the page- under the words 802 restaurants now open....

I TOTALLY forgot about Anatole - i highly recommend that one, its upscale, seafood is fabolous, if you like onion soup there's is over the top with cheese - it owner/chef is originally from Grand Isle - definitly worth checking out.....

[Mardigrasbaby35]

If you don't want to wander too far from the Fair Grounds, try Sun Ray Grill in the American Can Company on Orleans Ave. (just off Jeff Davis, near Bayou St John). They also have several other locations around the city.
http://www.sunraygrill.com/welcome

SunRay is also nice - more casual, less expensive than choices like Anatole or Bayona....a good alternative.

[mno]

Not too much of a thread drift - but can anyone recommend a restaurant that takes reservations AND is open on Sundays - that would be a great way to close out the fest and I'm less likely to have enough energy that night to race to a club... Thanks!
pretty sure Dante's Kitchen (by brigtsen's - in the riverbend) and Stella! are open on sundays.

[Ludlows23]

Goose - thanks for the idea to go to open table - that was helpful and gave me some good ideas!

I have a rezzie at Restaurant One at 9 pm - which may be what I do - but based on open table there are openings at Arnauds, GW Fins, Muriel's on Jackson Square, and Zoe (whihc I have never heard of). What do you all think?!?

[Orleansnj]

Goose - thanks for the idea to go to open table - that was helpful and gave me some good ideas!

I have a rezzie at Restaurant One at 9 pm - which may be what I do - but based on open table there are openings at Arnauds, GW Fins, Muriel's on Jackson Square, and Zoe (whihc I have never heard of). What do you all think?!?

one has received outstanding ratings, Zoe has good ratings for contemporary creole, usually 3 stars (or equivalent) it's in the W hotel on Poydras

Muriel's is a 4 star restaurant, in quarter

GW Fins gets 4 stars and it is known for it's seafood....

One is uptown on Hampson - I've eaten there before and we had an excellent meal. It is a small place, it can get loud - but not distracting - and the service was very good. Eric is at the bar and he can make some good, and interesting drinks. (actually, I've eaten at all of these places - they are all good)

sounds like you have a nice list from which to choose...you might want to go by location and determine what you're going to do after dinner if you don't have a car - but the city isn't so huge that a cab ride anywhere is prohibitive.

let us know what you decide !

[TheGuzilla]

I would agree with all that was written here. Can't beat Muriel's location & ambiance, but the food we've had has been a little spotty. It definitely errs toward good, but not as consistent as one might like...

another great spot Uptown (Maple & Burdette) is Jamila's. great Tunisian food, very unpretentious, Moncef the owner is a super nice, happy & genuine guy, his wife Jamila is an incredible cook, and the crawfish spinach bisque is slap-yo'-momma good... I believe they sell it at the Fairgrounds as well...

[Jada]

Oooh, I like Sun Ray :)

[TheGuzilla]

crawfish spinach bisque is slap-yo'-momma good... I believe they sell it at the Fairgrounds as well...

yep, confirmed from the handy TH map... Food Area 2. Crawfish, spinach and zucchini bisque. That's good eating... And again, made by super sweet people...

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Goose - thanks for the idea to go to open table - that was helpful and gave me some good ideas!

I have a rezzie at Restaurant One at 9 pm - which may be what I do - but based on open table there are openings at Arnauds, GW Fins, Muriel's on Jackson Square, and Zoe (whihc I have never heard of). What do you all think?!?

Stick w/ One....

[where yat brah]

I haven't seen anyone mention 7 on Fulton yet. I went during MG and had a great meal.

My appetizer was Escargot and Sweetbreads Pot Pie. It wasn't really a pot pie, more like a stew of escargot and sweetbreads covered with a puff pastry. It was good, but not amazing. I would have preferred no sweetbreads at all, and just serve it as an escargot pot pie. The addition of thymus glands did nothing for the dish.

My gf's appetizer was the Seared Foie Gras, and the best way to describe it is OH. MY. GOD. It's one of those dishes where after your first bite, you make the Homer Simpson drooling noise. It's that good. I don't care if force-feeding fat down some bird's gullet is cruel -- to paraphrase Ben Franklin, the existence of foie gras is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

My entrée went by the can't miss name of Pork, Pork and Pork (surprised if the cracklin' lovers haven't tried this). It consists of pork tenderloins, wrapped in bacon, and served with a slab of pork belly. The bacon-wrapped tenderloin was delicious, and the belly -- essentially a thick hunk of bacon that has been roasted -- melted in my mouth almost as sensuously as the foie gras did. The gf had seared sea scallops. They come with smoked tomoatoes and hollandaise sauce.

For dessert, we had apple tart with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Had we not been in a restaurant, we both would have licked the sauce off the plates. Stupid society with their "table manners" and "proper behaviour."

The service was a little odd. I tried to stump our waiter, asked if the sweetbreads were thymus or pancreas. The waiter answered right away that it was thymus, the neck glands. That impressed me, but after that knowledgeable display, he described foie gras as a vegetarian dish. Now I know that in Louisiana, fowl is not legally considered an animal, a loophole deliberately written into the state's animal cruelty law to exempt cock fights. But nowhere in the world would ever consider foie gras to be vegetarian.

Side note: there was no portable ice bucket in which to store the wine. Our wine was taken to a large tub they had set up at the wait station, which meant we had to flag down a waiter or other staffer when we wanted a refill. It's nice to have someone else pour your wine, but when it's time for a toucher-upper, I'd rather serve myself than have to get someone's attention.

All in all, it was a very good experience. Just keep the wine at the table.

Oh, and if your in the pizza mood, try the World's Healthiest Pizza (Carrolton/Calhoun). Especially after the Turchin II is finished. Very good Creole Cajun Throwdown with: Andouille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, Shrimp, Chicken, Garlic, Bell Pepper, Onions :)

[swampwoman]

I've heard very good things about Cafe Adelaide, might be worth a try

http://www.cafeadelaide.com/

Been to Commander's Palace twice since it reopened and its just lovely there as well, both food and ambiance

[pokerchick66]

I haven't seen anyone mention 7 on Fulton yet. I went during MG and had a great meal.

My appetizer was Escargot and Sweetbreads Pot Pie. It wasn't really a pot pie, more like a stew of escargot and sweetbreads covered with a puff pastry. It was good, but not amazing. I would have preferred no sweetbreads at all, and just serve it as an escargot pot pie. The addition of thymus glands did nothing for the dish.

My gf's appetizer was the Seared Foie Gras, and the best way to describe it is OH. MY. GOD. It's one of those dishes where after your first bite, you make the Homer Simpson drooling noise. It's that good. I don't care if force-feeding fat down some bird's gullet is cruel -- to paraphrase Ben Franklin, the existence of foie gras is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

My entrée went by the can't miss name of Pork, Pork and Pork (surprised if the cracklin' lovers haven't tried this). It consists of pork tenderloins, wrapped in bacon, and served with a slab of pork belly. The bacon-wrapped tenderloin was delicious, and the belly -- essentially a thick hunk of bacon that has been roasted -- melted in my mouth almost as sensuously as the foie gras did. The gf had seared sea scallops. They come with smoked tomoatoes and hollandaise sauce.

For dessert, we had apple tart with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Had we not been in a restaurant, we both would have licked the sauce off the plates. Stupid society with their "table manners" and "proper behaviour."

The service was a little odd. I tried to stump our waiter, asked if the sweetbreads were thymus or pancreas. The waiter answered right away that it was thymus, the neck glands. That impressed me, but after that knowledgeable display, he described foie gras as a vegetarian dish. Now I know that in Louisiana, fowl is not legally considered an animal, a loophole deliberately written into the state's animal cruelty law to exempt cock fights. But nowhere in the world would ever consider foie gras to be vegetarian.

Side note: there was no portable ice bucket in which to store the wine. Our wine was taken to a large tub they had set up at the wait station, which meant we had to flag down a waiter or other staffer when we wanted a refill. It's nice to have someone else pour your wine, but when it's time for a toucher-upper, I'd rather serve myself than have to get someone's attention.

All in all, it was a very good experience. Just keep the wine at the table.

Oh, and if your in the pizza mood, try the World's Healthiest Pizza (Carrolton/Calhoun). Especially after the Turchin II is finished. Very good Creole Cajun Throwdown with: Andouille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, Shrimp, Chicken, Garlic, Bell Pepper, Onions :)

Wow, you had me mesmerized there for a minute. :)

[rosetree]

Wow, you had me mesmerized there for a minute. :)

two words........FOOD PORN!!!!!!
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q98/rosetreeglass/eat.gif

[Orleansnj]

Food porn - that's a riot......TFF

[ajl_mo]

at 3am

[NYMAMA]

at 3am

I just want a LUCKY DOG cart. They are da bomb dawg.;)or the Dawg Bomb

[pgh_girl]

Can anyone recommend late night eating (preferably delivery) places close to the warehouse district? We are staying outside of the quarter on Poydras this year. We generally are too slurged to eat after fest and run from fest to shower to show so we don't eat until the middle of the night :D Thanks for the info!!

[funkkjunkie]

There used to be a 24 hour place just behind the sheraton on Magazine. Don't know if it's still there. Not great but open 24.

[mightyradgumbo]

"My entrée went by the can't miss name of Pork, Pork and Pork (surprised if the cracklin' lovers haven't tried this). It consists of pork tenderloins, wrapped in bacon, and served with a slab of pork belly. The bacon-wrapped tenderloin was delicious, and the belly -- essentially a thick hunk of bacon that has been roasted"

Holy heart attack, Batman...I want me some of dat eatin' right dere.

[RevDon]

I haven't seen anyone mention 7 on Fulton yet. I went during MG and had a great meal.

My appetizer was Escargot and Sweetbreads Pot Pie. It wasn't really a pot pie, more like a stew of escargot and sweetbreads covered with a puff pastry. It was good, but not amazing. I would have preferred no sweetbreads at all, and just serve it as an escargot pot pie. The addition of thymus glands did nothing for the dish.

My gf's appetizer was the Seared Foie Gras, and the best way to describe it is OH. MY. GOD. It's one of those dishes where after your first bite, you make the Homer Simpson drooling noise. It's that good. I don't care if force-feeding fat down some bird's gullet is cruel -- to paraphrase Ben Franklin, the existence of foie gras is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

My entrée went by the can't miss name of Pork, Pork and Pork (surprised if the cracklin' lovers haven't tried this). It consists of pork tenderloins, wrapped in bacon, and served with a slab of pork belly. The bacon-wrapped tenderloin was delicious, and the belly -- essentially a thick hunk of bacon that has been roasted -- melted in my mouth almost as sensuously as the foie gras did. The gf had seared sea scallops. They come with smoked tomoatoes and hollandaise sauce.

For dessert, we had apple tart with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Had we not been in a restaurant, we both would have licked the sauce off the plates. Stupid society with their "table manners" and "proper behaviour."

The service was a little odd. I tried to stump our waiter, asked if the sweetbreads were thymus or pancreas. The waiter answered right away that it was thymus, the neck glands. That impressed me, but after that knowledgeable display, he described foie gras as a vegetarian dish. Now I know that in Louisiana, fowl is not legally considered an animal, a loophole deliberately written into the state's animal cruelty law to exempt cock fights. But nowhere in the world would ever consider foie gras to be vegetarian.

Side note: there was no portable ice bucket in which to store the wine. Our wine was taken to a large tub they had set up at the wait station, which meant we had to flag down a waiter or other staffer when we wanted a refill. It's nice to have someone else pour your wine, but when it's time for a toucher-upper, I'd rather serve myself than have to get someone's attention.

All in all, it was a very good experience. Just keep the wine at the table.

Oh, and if your in the pizza mood, try the World's Healthiest Pizza (Carrolton/Calhoun). Especially after the Turchin II is finished. Very good Creole Cajun Throwdown with: Andouille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, Shrimp, Chicken, Garlic, Bell Pepper, Onions :)

Vickey Bailey's new place at the Riverfront Hotel, isn't it? She's always pushing the envelope, with sometimes mixed success. She did partner with John Besh for a while, but I think he came out the better for it. I'll have to give it a shot!

[funkkjunkie]

And if you're staying at a hotle with a frig, you can always do the old ziplocs at fest trick and bring some stuff like cochon du lait poboys, crawfish bread, monica, fried chicken, angelo brocatos bakery goodies back to the hotle for later.

[grisgris]

I bought zip loc bags yesterday.

[festivalgirl]

And if you're staying at a hotle with a frig, you can always do the old ziplocs at fest trick and bring some stuff like cochon du lait poboys, crawfish bread, monica, fried chicken, angelo brocatos bakery goodies back to the hotle for later.

You know, every time I think I'm smart, someone hits me in the head with the obvious. I never thought of this - what a big fat DUH for me.

[ohio]

I haven't seen anyone mention 7 on Fulton yet. I went during MG and had a great meal.

My appetizer was Escargot and Sweetbreads Pot Pie. It wasn't really a pot pie, more like a stew of escargot and sweetbreads covered with a puff pastry. It was good, but not amazing. I would have preferred no sweetbreads at all, and just serve it as an escargot pot pie. The addition of thymus glands did nothing for the dish.

My gf's appetizer was the Seared Foie Gras, and the best way to describe it is OH. MY. GOD. It's one of those dishes where after your first bite, you make the Homer Simpson drooling noise. It's that good. I don't care if force-feeding fat down some bird's gullet is cruel -- to paraphrase Ben Franklin, the existence of foie gras is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

My entrée went by the can't miss name of Pork, Pork and Pork (surprised if the cracklin' lovers haven't tried this). It consists of pork tenderloins, wrapped in bacon, and served with a slab of pork belly. The bacon-wrapped tenderloin was delicious, and the belly -- essentially a thick hunk of bacon that has been roasted -- melted in my mouth almost as sensuously as the foie gras did. The gf had seared sea scallops. They come with smoked tomoatoes and hollandaise sauce.

For dessert, we had apple tart with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Had we not been in a restaurant, we both would have licked the sauce off the plates. Stupid society with their "table manners" and "proper behaviour."

The service was a little odd. I tried to stump our waiter, asked if the sweetbreads were thymus or pancreas. The waiter answered right away that it was thymus, the neck glands. That impressed me, but after that knowledgeable display, he described foie gras as a vegetarian dish. Now I know that in Louisiana, fowl is not legally considered an animal, a loophole deliberately written into the state's animal cruelty law to exempt cock fights. But nowhere in the world would ever consider foie gras to be vegetarian.

Side note: there was no portable ice bucket in which to store the wine. Our wine was taken to a large tub they had set up at the wait station, which meant we had to flag down a waiter or other staffer when we wanted a refill. It's nice to have someone else pour your wine, but when it's time for a toucher-upper, I'd rather serve myself than have to get someone's attention.

All in all, it was a very good experience. Just keep the wine at the table.

Oh, and if your in the pizza mood, try the World's Healthiest Pizza (Carrolton/Calhoun). Especially after the Turchin II is finished. Very good Creole Cajun Throwdown with: Andouille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, Shrimp, Chicken, Garlic, Bell Pepper, Onions :)<drool>

[ohio]

Can anyone recommend late night eating (preferably delivery) places close to the warehouse district? We are staying outside of the quarter on Poydras this year. We generally are too slurged to eat after fest and run from fest to shower to show so we don't eat until the middle of the night :D Thanks for the info!!Same here- looking for a selection of late night eating options....

[Blitzzzzz]

And if you're staying at a hotle with a frig, you can always do the old ziplocs at fest trick and bring some stuff like cochon du lait poboys, crawfish bread, monica, fried chicken, angelo brocatos bakery goodies back to the hotle for later.

This is a great idea, but because of the danger of food poisoning, be sure to get that stuff cooled down (41 degrees or below) within 4 hours max. Mini-fridges might not do the job, ice baths help.
Also, make sure you do your shopping as close to the end of the day as possible. The nature of food prepared at the Fairgrounds is already prone to cantamination and New Orleans' sultry weather doesn't help. Something that sits over 41 for an extended period will grow bacteria exponentially and those little beasties can make for a very long night (day, plane flight, etc.):cool:

[pgh_girl]

This is a great idea, but because of the danger of food poisoning, be sure to get that stuff cooled down (41 degrees or below) within 4 hours max. Mini-fridges might not do the job, ice baths help.
Also, make sure you do your shopping as close to the end of the day as possible. The nature of food prepared at the Fairgrounds is already prone to cantamination and New Orleans' sultry weather doesn't help. Something that sits over 41 for an extended period will grow bacteria exponentially and those little beasties can make for a very long night (day, plane flight, etc.):cool:
Good point! We are staying at the W so no fridges. The fest food ziplocs are a great idea.

[funkkjunkie]

There's a 24 hour place close to the chateau lemoyne called dejavu, ithink.

[NeenAtlanta]

And if you're staying at a hotle with a frig, you can always do the old ziplocs at fest trick and bring some stuff like cochon du lait poboys, crawfish bread, monica, fried chicken, angelo brocatos bakery goodies back to the hotle for later.

Hey KK - I called the hotel yesterday just to confirm everything. I asked about a fridge, and they said they would add it to our preferences. So fingers crossed, we may get one.

[funkkjunkie]

YAY! I'm bringing a small ice chest and i'm going to pick up my bigger one on sunday at the jamns. Left it there festgiving.