Wow, some of these recs are truly amazing.

I have heard great things about Brigtsens, what should I expect when I go there?

"Ambiance" mentions that Emeril's Delmonico is the worst of the three Emeril's places. I had been planning on going to Emeril's (eponymous) , is this the best of his restaurants?

Casamento's vs. French Market Restaurant for oysters. If I want a dozen or three what is the best place in and out of the FQ?

Does anyone else think Mr B's is not a good choice for BBQ shrimp?

BTW, Littleman, I really liked the things to see recs on the way to food :). For those of you in the know, is there a Katrina tour that puts money toward the rebuilding process more so than the entrepreneurs pocket?

Thanks for the amazing responses!

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Casamento's Restaurant
4330 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Emeril's Restaurant
800 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130

Brigtsen's Restaurant
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Emeril's Delmonico Restaurant & Bar
1300 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

Guys thanks so much for the recs, please let me know if there are any other options I should consider.

My friend and I are coming to New Orleans for a bachelor's long weekend at the very beginning of October. My friend is a well respected chef and I go long distances to eat the best food I can whenever I can. We chose NOLA not necessarily because of the party (though that's nice) but because of the food scene. We are staying in the FQ and don't mind streetcars or cabs to get around if necessary. I am looking for some one to fill out the rest of our itinerary with restaurants and great places to drink (doesn't need to be the same place.)

We get in on Thursday evening and leave Monday.

Thursday Dinner - Cochon. I have been reading the boards and it seems like the small plates are the way to go.

Friday Lunch - Mr. B's for BBQ Shrimp

Friday Dinner - ?

Saturday Lunch - ?

Saturday Dinner - August

Sunday Brunch - Commander's Palace

Sunday Dinner - ?

Stella! sounds great, but we have similar world class restaurants where we are from. I am looking for places that build in some southern flair with their food. I have heard good things about Rampart, Johnnies, (sp?) and Parkway for Po Boys. I am also trying to decide whether we should go to ACME or Felix's for oysters. Laslty, I have been to Galatoires the last time I was in town, and do not need to go back, however I am curious about Gautreaus, Antoines, and even Emeril's.

Thanks!

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Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Commander's Palace Restaurant
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Emeril's Restaurant
800 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130

Galatoire's Restaurant
209 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Gautreau's Restaurant
1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Gary,

Your pictures and web links are amazing! Is there anyway I can see the rest of the Chengdu related links - Emei Shan, Leshan, and Chengdu from the Wrapped in Dough site? It was really exciting to read that. If you want to contact me directly please email akniaz@gmail.com.

Thanks!
Andy

I am a Chicago chowhound traveling to China in August. We will find ourselves in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Chengdu (Leshan, Emei City as well) I have seen a reasonable amount of recs for HK and BJ but not Chengdu. Where do you recommend? I am looking for amazing hot pot (including the meat to order...), as well as any other amazing restaurant that comes to mind.

If you are from China and need help in Chicago, I will certainly trade information. :)

Thanks,
Andy

I can second the vote for Fox and Obel as an easy place to get amazing quality prime meat. I have been to Paulina, I have been to Gebherdt's and both are very good, but Fox and Obel has them beat. A few weeks back I ordered prime bone-in ribeye for a BBQ, and it was some of the best meat I have ever had. Not only that (and believe me I can't beleive this is true myself) it was actaully cheaper for prime there than at many butchers I have been to.