Restaurants - reservations or no?

[Skanti]

Hi, this will be my FIRST Jazzfest (the 1st weekend) and my first trip to New Orleans. Someone told me that, for the really good restaurants, I should make reservations in advance (like, pronto). There will be 2 of us (my husband & myself.)

What do you recommend regarding evening meals? Are there certain "can't miss" restaurants that I should be sure to go to while I'm in town? Big name restaurants are not all that important to me; I'm more interested in going where the locals go and the food and music is good. I don't want to miss out for lack of reservations, though. Can you get into some good local places without them? What is the Jazzfest protocol???

BTW, we'll be staying at the Royal Sonesta in the French Quarter. (I wasn't sure where to stay, but for our first trip it looked a little pricey but nice.)

Thanks for any input you can provide!!!

[Muffaletta Diver]

Welcome, Skanti!

Reservations at any of the more popular places are pretty much a must during JF, Mardi Gras, etc. Without them it is difficult to get in just due to the sheer volume of people competing for the same tables in the same places. That's not to say that you can't eat well in NO without reservations at those times. There are plenty of places than most visitors don't know about or go to that you can probably get into if your timing is right.

As far as recommendations go, this city has an embarrassment of riches, too many to do justice to without knowing your preferences. There are a couple of threads on this bored on the food/restaurant topic. I'd begin there. Another board I frequent, chowhound.com, has a good New Orleans section entirely devoted to finding the good food in the city. If I were you I'd begin with these resources as ways to begin narrowing your search. Then, if you have a handful of places you are considering ask the bored for opinions of them as well as whether or not you need a reservation.

Good luck, and let me know if you need any advice once you have some choices in mind.

[bobatude]

come on down and enjoy the food experience, this will be my 11th year attending the fest for the first week end and i stay one week , this year i have 1 reservation, there as been 1 other yr that we made advanced reservations for the same resturant. i have many favorites in new orleans and i fully intend to find a few more and vist the ones that abousolutley are a must as part of my "hit the ground running campange"

[ohio]

Skanti, one thing to think about, at least on Fest days, is that the food at the festival is awesome! We generally eat enough while there that we don't go out for a full meal on those nights. Also, many folks take ziplock bags with them to Fest so they can take food back to their room. This can be very handy when trying to quickly shower and get out to a club show at night, and always delicious. Last year's food list (http://www.nojazzfest.com/foodcrafts/food-list.php)

You might also try using the 'Search' feature above to find existing threads regarding food or restaurant reviews..

[swag]

If you don't mind a wait, you can eat (even during Jazzfest) at some of New Orleans best restaurants.

For example, in the past, I've had Jazzfest dinners with no ressies at NOLA, Jacques Imos, Port O Call, K-Pauls, Pelican Club, Redfish, Bacco, Mr B's, and Mothers. All are Zagat-rated with food scores of 22+.

[dank_bass]

If you don't mind a wait, you can eat (even during Jazzfest) at some of New Orleans best restaurants.

For example, in the past, I've had Jazzfest dinners with no ressies at NOLA, Jacques Imos, Port O Call, K-Pauls, Pelican Club, Redfish, Bacco, Mr B's, and Mothers. All are Zagat-rated with food scores of 22+.

Also if your group is small enough, and you dont mind, grab a seat at the bar ... you might find that being tied down to a reso can be a downer ... especially if you stumble across something cool and have to leave.

We try to do one nice dinner with our whole group (8-12) and you pretty much NEED one for that.

Outside of that NOLA is hidden gem after hidden gem, and discovering them is half the fun!

[Festngator]

If you don't mind a wait, you can eat (even during Jazzfest) at some of New Orleans best restaurants.

For example, in the past, I've had Jazzfest dinners with no ressies at NOLA, Jacques Imos, Port O Call, K-Pauls, Pelican Club, Redfish, Bacco, Mr B's, and Mothers. All are Zagat-rated with food scores of 22+.

Great list- we hit nice places w reservations 2nd week end we have 20+ people. Bacco has put up with a lot from my group. If you want to hear music you may want to grab something late at fest. Mothers is a great choice cost wise and no reservations is not a problem.

[Michelino]

If you don't mind a wait, you can eat (even during Jazzfest) at some of New Orleans best restaurants.

For example, in the past, I've had Jazzfest dinners with no ressies at NOLA, Jacques Imos, Port O Call, K-Pauls, Pelican Club, Redfish, Bacco, Mr B's, and Mothers. All are Zagat-rated with food scores of 22+.

Add NOLA, Casamento's , Mandina's and Irene's to that list...and they are all good.

New Orleans still has quite a few places where you can experience a good meal and culinary history in a manner that has disappeared from many another American city. These include Antoine's, Broussard's and Arnaud's but my favorite of the oldest restaurants is still Galatoire's. Galatoire's often has a long line but does also except reservations.

Also, look around some of the other threads here for tips on places to catch breakfast which can be a great meal in New Orleans. One of the simplest and cheapest of all treats is catch a Cafe au Lait and Beignets at Cafe du Monde. Do that at least once.

Overall, it IS true as has been mentioned that Jazz Fest is a festival of Food as well as music, so no matter what, you will eat good.

[FestNut]

I'm more interested in going where the locals go and the food and music is good.

The list of places to eat is just phenomenal! I totally agree with M-Diver about narrowing down your choices. A word of caution: Many restaurants do not have their full menus available during Jazz Fest. They want to turn as many tables as quickly as possible and some may offer an abbreviated menu. If you have your heart set on one particular item from a "must go to" restaurant, ask about it before you make the res.

Fest closes at 7PM each day, so by the time you get out of the Fairgrounds, fight a little traffic (a lot if you're on the shuttle), get back to the hotel, grab a shower or whatever, it may be pushing 9PM.

Enjoy your trip!

[funkkjunkie]

At the Royal sonesta, you are surrounded by several great places to eat. Redfish Grill is right there and if you want something more down home, try Deanies Seafood. Also close by are Acme Oyster House and Bourbon House. Don't go to GWFins. NOt worth the $. And welcome, Skanti! Yay on your first fest and first Nola visit!

[NYMAMA]

At the Royal sonesta, you are surrounded by several great places to eat. Redfish Grill is right there and if you want something more down home, try Deanies Seafood. Also close by are Acme Oyster House and Bourbon House. Don't go to GWFins. NOt worth the $. And welcome, Skanti! Yay on your first fest and first Nola visit!Deanies is on my must try list this time. Do you think I need a reesie? Made a ressie so far for NOLA and will make K-Pauls (only take ressies one month out), and I will make one for Palace Cafe.

[ibjamn]

At the Royal sonesta, you are surrounded by several great places to eat. Redfish Grill is right there and if you want something more down home, try Deanies Seafood. Also close by are Acme Oyster House and Bourbon House. Don't go to GWFins. NOt worth the $. And welcome, Skanti! Yay on your first fest and first Nola visit!

We were opposite. We loved GWFins and didn't care for Redfish.....

[bobatude]

last year 2007 i walked out of deanies left and went to "orleans grapvine wine bar bistro" this resturant is overlooked by many, i stayed at burbon orleans many years during jazz fest and always walk by this resturant, one day we walked in sat down and we gone every year since

[Belle]

Skanti, one thing to think about, at least on Fest days, is that the food at the festival is awesome! We generally eat enough while there that we don't go out for a full meal on those nights. Also, many folks take ziplock bags with them to Fest so they can take food back to their room. This can be very handy when trying to quickly shower and get out to a club show at night, and always delicious. Last year's food list (http://www.nojazzfest.com/foodcrafts/food-list.php)

You might also try using the 'Search' feature above to find existing threads regarding food or restaurant reviews..


Welcome Skanti--I was in your shoes last year 'cept i had been to New Orleans many many times. You will be blown away with Fest!!

Ohio beat me to it. The food on the grounds is awesome and the baggie trick was one of the best ideas I scored last year on this bored. Going out to dinner is not a priority for me cause we hit the clubs at night and we fill up at the track. We focus more on a great breakfast and manoman there are some wonderful places for that!

Bout the only thing I eat out is oysters at a few of the great raw bars in town on the way to the hotel to rest and shower before the night shows.

These folks here are more seasoned than me but I tell you one thing I was prepared last year for everything cause they answer your questions or point you to the thread to do so. Check out swag's site too. Everything is there for you to use. Check it out http://www.swagland.com/

Be prepared to prepare and throw care to the wind cause New Orleans just blows you in many directions and is best enjoyed that way.

Stick around

[funkkjunkie]

I'm gonna say no rezzies needed at Deanies. My fave bbq shrimps in NOLA.
Ibjamn, I'm not fond of Redfish but I know lots of folks on da bored who love it. My fave Brennans restaurant is Ralphs in the Park! Yuuuuummmmmy. They have a sunset dining menu of 3 courses for $32 and this month the desserts are
Lemon Icebox Crème Brûlée
Hand-squeezed local lemons sweetened into silky crème brulée

Creamsicle Bread Pudding
Orange caramel made of Louisiana navel oranges swirls with a vanilla anglaise over sweet and fluffy bread pudding

[ibjamn]

I'm gonna say no rezzies needed at Deanies. My fave bbq shrimps in NOLA.
Ibjamn, I'm not fond of Redfish but I know lots of folks on da bored who love it. My fave Brennans restaurant is Ralphs in the Park! Yuuuuummmmmy. They have a sunset dining menu of 3 courses for $32 and this month the desserts are
Lemon Icebox Crème Brûlée
Hand-squeezed local lemons sweetened into silky crème brulée

Creamsicle Bread Pudding
Orange caramel made of Louisiana navel oranges swirls with a vanilla anglaise over sweet and fluffy bread pudding

I love Ralph's too and the fact that they sat 13 of us, without a rezzie during Satchmofest further endeared them to me. :) I remember I had a fried green tomato stuffed with something; it was a WHOLE green tomato, hollowed out, fried then stuffed - oh my!

[NYMAMA]

I love Ralph's too and the fact that they sat 13 of us, without a rezzie during Satchmofest further endeared them to me. :) I remember I had a fried green tomato stuffed with something; it was a WHOLE green tomato, hollowed out, fried then stuffed - oh my!


Now that sounds yummy! I LOVE fried green tomatoes.

[FestNut]

last year 2007 i walked out of deanies left and went to "orleans grapvine wine bar bistro" this resturant is overlooked by many, i stayed at burbon orleans many years during jazz fest and always walk by this resturant, one day we walked in sat down and we gone every year since

That's an excellent choice directly across from the Bourbon Orleans on Orleans. The wine list is outstanding and the filet mignon and the ribeye steaks are always perfect. We try to make it in there one night of every trip. They have a special happy hour at the bar with a cheeseboard and wine samples that sounds good to try on the daze between. I'd pick it over many of the top spots to eat a decent meal. Earl from the Tropical Isle is the owner and this spot is his baby.

[kapeman]

Can't believe noone mentioned Commanders Palace. Service wasn't up to usual standards last year- but can be forgiven for effort. I have found that more restaurants won't take reservations until one month before. Also some of the pricier places are real sticklers on confirming reservations the day before ( using cells from the Fest is a challenge) or you may lose them..........

[Orleansnj]

Can't believe noone mentioned Commanders Palace. Service wasn't up to usual standards last year- but can be forgiven for effort. I have found that more restaurants won't take reservations until one month before. Also some of the pricier places are real sticklers on confirming reservations the day before ( using cells from the Fest is a challenge) or you may lose them..........

Yeah -commanders is still one of my faves for dress-up. In terms of the resie confirmation policy =as annoying as that is - and difficult to remember - I have to say, I agree with the policy. (I have lost resies myself for failure to confirm - but the places have been really nice about trying to accomodate). A lot of people openly admit to booking a couple of restaurants on the same night so they can 'decide' later :mad: not fair to the restaurant and just basically a selfish thing to do......

and yea - cellphone service in the city is still a bit of a trick in some places........especially around JF

[NeenAtlanta]

At the Royal sonesta, you are surrounded by several great places to eat. Redfish Grill is right there and if you want something more down home, try Deanies Seafood. Also close by are Acme Oyster House and Bourbon House. Don't go to GWFins. NOt worth the $. And welcome, Skanti! Yay on your first fest and first Nola visit!

I really enjoyed the Bourbon House when we went. That was my first time there and it really cool.

[NeenAtlanta]

I love Ralph's too and the fact that they sat 13 of us, without a rezzie during Satchmofest further endeared them to me. :) I remember I had a fried green tomato stuffed with something; it was a WHOLE green tomato, hollowed out, fried then stuffed - oh my!

That's a really good place for large groups. They are very accomodating and it's a little off the beaten path, so it doesn't seem to get as packed out. We had a group dinner there a couple years ago (I think you were there Jenn), and got the three-appetizer sunset deal that KK mentioned. It was great.

[ibjamn]

That's a really good place for large groups. They are very accomodating and it's a little off the beaten path, so it doesn't seem to get as packed out. We had a group dinner there a couple years ago (I think you were there Jenn), and got the three-appetizer sunset deal that KK mentioned. It was great.

I was sposed to go but it was a Thursday night & my guests were arriving that evening. Next time. :)

[brooklyngal]

Mr. B's Bistro is a place one of my newbies has heard of and thought we should try. Do people recommend it?

[frangooch]

My absolute favorite is Brigtsen's. Wouldn't miss it on any trip to N.O., not ever!. Just booked a rez for Saturday, 2nd weekend (late--10pm). They are filling up, so if you want to go, get your dibs in.

[Orleansnj]

Mr. B's Bistro is a place one of my newbies has heard of and thought we should try. Do people recommend it?

my personal opinion is that it is ok - but for similar money you can have outstanding/excellent experiences elsewhere. Why are they attracted to Mr. B's so that I can provide you with other suggestions along those same lines. As stated earlier in the thread- New Orleans has an embarrassment of riches in the food category...

[brooklyngal]

my personal opinion is that it is ok - but for similar money you can have outstanding/excellent experiences elsewhere. Why are they attracted to Mr. B's so that I can provide you with other suggestions along those same lines. As stated earlier in the thread- New Orleans has an embarrassment of riches in the food category...

I'm not sure exactly. I think they heard it had a "fantastic shrimp dish" that shouldn't be missed. This description doesn't narrow it down much. LOL.
I read some reviews and it wasn't given any stars like other restaurants that have similar food but I thought if they wanted to go and others had found it good then we'd go for it. What restaurants that serve similar food do you like Orleansnj?

[Orleansnj]

well, hmmm....keeeping in mind that they are newbies they probably want something totally new orleans

I like K-pauls, muriels, Restaurant August, NOLA and Emeril's on Tchoupitoulas For big name appeal (ah, not that the aforementioned aren't some of the biggest) I also think that reading Jenn's descrption of her recent meal at Lüke - John Besh's place - that's a home run. Dickie Brennan's steakhouse if they are a meat-lovin' crowd....

I love Antoine's - the food is fantastic, the service is incomparable, and the dining rooms are such a treat for new orleans tradition. There are 15 different dining rooms in Antoine's. I go there every year on the first Friday of Jazz Fest.... yep - even though all that crazy good fairground food is awaiting......

For the shrimp - pascale's is still fantastic.uptown..and a lot of people are doing bbq shrimp these days (that's what it is called - although it is not a red-sauce bbq like you may be thinking - it's butter, worcestershire, rosemary, garlic and a few other ingreidents).

Many people recommend Palace Cafe, GW Fins etc.

It's not really helpful - is it? There is just too much food.

Shortly I'm going to update a website of maps that I did a few weeks ago and Ohio graciously put on the threadheads.org site - I'm going to add a listing of the top restaurants in new orleans as determined by local food critics....but in the interim - here you go

Brett Anderson from the Times Picayune did a nice 100 great places to eat in New Orleans and here is a link to the blog, as well as that guide
http://blog.nola.com/brettanderson/2007/10/the_timespicayunes_fall_dining.html

The other site is Tom Fitzmorris' site http://www.nomenu.com he has his own system of rating things - but you can choose by type of food or location.

[brooklyngal]

well, hmmm....keeeping in mind that they are newbies they probably want something totally new orleans

I like K-pauls, muriels, Restaurant August, NOLA and Emeril's on Tchoupitoulas For big name appeal (ah, not that the aforementioned aren't some of the biggest) I also think that reading Jenn's descrption of her recent meal at Lüke - John Besh's place - that's a home run. Dickie Brennan's steakhouse if they are a meat-lovin' crowd....

I love Antoine's - the food is fantastic, the service is incomparable, and the dining rooms are such a treat for new orleans tradition. There are 15 different dining rooms in Antoine's. I go there every year on the first Friday of Jazz Fest.... yep - even though all that crazy good fairground food is awaiting......

For the shrimp - pascale's is still fantastic.uptown..and a lot of people are doing bbq shrimp these days (that's what it is called - although it is not a red-sauce bbq like you may be thinking - it's butter, worcestershire, rosemary, garlic and a few other ingreidents).

Many people recommend Palace Cafe, GW Fins etc.

It's not really helpful - is it? There is just too much food.

Shortly I'm going to update a website of maps that I did a few weeks ago and Ohio graciously put on the threadheads.org site - I'm going to add a listing of the top restaurants in new orleans as determined by local food critics....but in the interim - here you go

Brett Anderson from the Times Picayune did a nice 100 great places to eat in New Orleans and here is a link to the blog, as well as that guide
http://blog.nola.com/brettanderson/2007/10/the_timespicayunes_fall_dining.html

The other site is Tom Fitzmorris' site http://www.nomenu.com he has his own system of rating things - but you can choose by type of food or location.

you can also go to the maps and click on names (left) and get links to the restaurant site and check out menus for yourself. (http://www.threadheads.org) - last link on the page.

I already saved your maps the other day--thank you so much for those. This is all incredibly helpful Orleansnj! Thank you SOOOOOO much. :)

[Orleansnj]

I already saved your maps the other day--thank you so much for those. This is all incredibly helpful Orleansnj! Thank you SOOOOOO much. :)


no problem - we're as much the food nation as the threadhead nation - LOL. Seriously, where else are you gonna get the soft shell boys and "food porn"?

[trixie]

I haven't heard anyone mention August. Have I got the name right? I have heard great things about the food and the owner. Anyone have any experience with the place?

[brooklyngal]

no problem - we're as much the food nation as the threadhead nation - LOL. Seriously, where else are you gonna get the soft shell boys and "food porn"?

YYR! :)

[ibjamn]

I haven't heard anyone mention August. Have I got the name right? I have heard great things about the food and the owner. Anyone have any experience with the place?

LOL!! Onj mentioned Restaurant August just a couple of post before yours, Trixie. There have been several references to August and the owner, John Besh on this thread & the other restaurant thread. He has three restaurants here & from all accounts, they are all quite wonderful. :)

[ibjamn]

Olus he's hottttttt!

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/ibjamn50/JohnBesh.jpg

[Zydekitten]

Yesterday, the Sundance Channel showed a GREAT Iconoclasts show with John Besh (rowrrrrrr ;)) and Wynton Marsalis talking about how important New Orleans is to them and their arts.

For those that get the Sundance Channel, it's on again Wednesday night at 11:00 pm CST. :)

[stlbarb]

Yesterday, the Sundance Channel showed a GREAT Iconoclasts show with John Besh (rowrrrrrr ;)) and Wynton Marsalis talking about how important New Orleans is to them and their arts.

For those that get the Sundance Channel, it's on again Wednesday night at 11:00 pm CST. :)

love sundance channel. love Wynton and good food, and of course New Orleans. and since i am usually planted in front of the idiot box around that hour, i will make a mental note to watch. that should really perk up my jazz fest brain cells.

[bluedog]

Yesterday, the Sundance Channel showed a GREAT Iconoclasts show with John Besh (rowrrrrrr ;)) and Wynton Marsalis talking about how important New Orleans is to them and their arts.

For those that get the Sundance Channel, it's on again Wednesday night at 11:00 pm CST. :)

yowzers! thanx for the heads up! setting the dvr

[PaulC]

Yesterday, the Sundance Channel showed a GREAT Iconoclasts show with John Besh (rowrrrrrr ;)) and Wynton Marsalis talking about how important New Orleans is to them and their arts.

For those that get the Sundance Channel, it's on again Wednesday night at 11:00 pm CST. :)

as usual,.. i'm livin' a day late??.... but caught it early this afternoon somehow....

was gettin' ready to get some fishin' in and there it was,.. instantly took a seat and put off the fishin' till sunset.... gooood move... three snook right near sundown....

a mighty fine program,.. well worth the watch.......

[stlbarb]

Yesterday, the Sundance Channel showed a GREAT Iconoclasts show with John Besh (rowrrrrrr ;)) and Wynton Marsalis talking about how important New Orleans is to them and their arts.

For those that get the Sundance Channel, it's on again Wednesday night at 11:00 pm CST. :)

about 12:15 last night i remembered i forgot to change the channel.

then tonight (thursday 2/21) i found its being broadcast again at 8 pm CST. hope i can remember this for another 90 minutes.

[DaCounselor]

I second the prior recommendations for Restaurant August, Brigstens and K-Pauls. I also highly recommend Stella.

[tabasco]

so we should make reservations now?

We usually try to hit 1 upscale restaurant each year and decided on K-Pauls, because we ran into Paul Prudhomme last year!

Good Idea? He seemed like a pretty decent guy. How's the food??

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w315/IL0VEBEER/Jazzfest07019.jpg

[NYMAMA]

so we should make reservations now?

We usually try to hit 1 upscale restaurant each year and decided on K-Pauls, because we ran into Paul Prudhomme last year!

Good Idea? He seemed like a pretty decent guy. How's the food??

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w315/IL0VEBEER/Jazzfest07019.jpg

The food is to drool for! We tried it last year and are making ressis agin for this year. They don't take ressies more then a month before the day. I want to request a table on the balcony this year so you can hear the cajun musicans that play in the street in front of the resturant.

[glinda]

My krewe does one fancy dinner each fest. So far, it's been Commander's, Muriel's, NOLA, Bayona, Stella, Pelican Club, Irene's & Mr B's. None have disappointed, but I'd say the ultimate were Stella & Bayona. Not sure yet about this year. Sometimes tough to get a rez for 10.

[SkyeDragon]

Bayona is wonderful..........slurp! Also check out the cooking demos in the grandstand during Fest. Local chefs, amazing food, A/C. I have made dinner plans after seeing the chef demo something from his/her resturant. Susan Spicer's seared tuna muffeletta comes to mind.

[ohio]

My krewe does one fancy dinner each fest. So far, it's been Commander's, Muriel's, NOLA, Bayona, Stella, Pelican Club, Irene's & Mr B's. None have disappointed, but I'd say the ultimate were Stella & Bayona. Not sure yet about this year. Sometimes tough to get a rez for 10.
I keep forgetteing Pelican Club. Went there years ago & it was delightful!

[linza22]

My krewe does one fancy dinner each fest. So far, it's been Commander's, Muriel's, NOLA, Bayona, Stella, Pelican Club, Irene's & Mr B's. None have disappointed, but I'd say the ultimate were Stella & Bayona. Not sure yet about this year. Sometimes tough to get a rez for 10.

i've made reservations at Palace Cafe, NOLA, Arnaud's (just for the sampler of baked ostyers and banana's foster)...and i used to finish out sunday at Irenes, but last time they weren't opened on sunday. anyway, when it came down to actually making the reservation, i sometimes did and sometimes didn't ...but would call and cancel...that gave me the option of going or not.

[ShaSha]

Yay food!

I'd pass on NOLA these days...food is still OK, but price-wise you can do better. Red Fish Grill I thought was awful - twice! Bayona was so-so the last couple of trips. Had the worst meal ever at the Palace Cafe...but I think it was just one of those off nights for them or the chef didn't like us or something. ;)

Where I do like: Delmonico - never have had a bad meal there, Brigstens, Arnauds, Dantes Kitchen, Irene's, Dick and Jenny's (but they don't do ressies), Upperline, Clancy's...and a bunch more my brain can't think of now because I'm thinking about all the food I've had at those restaurants. :o

At anyrate, your tastebuds may vary...happy chowing!!!

[Goose]

My krewe does one fancy dinner each fest. So far, it's been Commander's, Muriel's, NOLA, Bayona, Stella, Pelican Club, Irene's & Mr B's. None have disappointed, but I'd say the ultimate were Stella & Bayona. Not sure yet about this year. Sometimes tough to get a rez for 10.

Hey Glinda...Herbsaint is a good place for groups. We've eaten there a few times and have always had a positive experience. The food, service and atmosphere are all great. :)

http://www.herbsaint.com/

Cindy

[Goose]

Bayona is wonderful..........slurp! Also check out the cooking demos in the grandstand during Fest. Local chefs, amazing food, A/C. I have made dinner plans after seeing the chef demo something from his/her resturant. Susan Spicer's seared tuna muffeletta comes to mind.

The last few years Jon and I have done lunch at Bayona on one of the days between. The smoked duck, cashew butter, and pepper jelly sandwich is delicious! :)

[festbabe]

Festdude & I have decided to make it to an upscale restaurant this year (haven't done so in the past). There's just two of us - any other THs interested in making a joint ressie and sharing a table? We're in Thur-Sun 2nd weekend.

[funkkjunkie]

As Ibjamn said, Ralphs accomodated 13 of us during Satchmo without rezzies. We did call ahead about 30 minutes before arriving. Of course rezzies would be needed during fest.

[ohio]

Yay food!

I'd pass on NOLA these days...food is still OK, but price-wise you can do better. Red Fish Grill I thought was awful - twice! Bayona was so-so the last couple of trips. Had the worst meal ever at the Palace Cafe...but I think it was just one of those off nights for them or the chef didn't like us or something. ;)

Where I do like: Delmonico - never have had a bad meal there, Brigstens, Arnauds, Dantes Kitchen, Irene's, Dick and Jenny's (but they don't do ressies), Upperline, Clancy's...and a bunch more my brain can't think of now because I'm thinking about all the food I've had at those restaurants. :o

At anyrate, your tastebuds may vary...happy chowing!!!
August has better food for less than Nola...

[funkkjunkie]

Aw, Festbabe, I'd love to have dinner with my scrabble buddies but I know myself well enough to know I won't make it to a dinner rezzie on a fest day.

[festbabe]

Yeah - I think that's why we never made it in years past - just don't know which way the wind will blow once we're in town. But this year we gotta do it!