We are big fans of B and C. We have been there multiple times and have always been made to feel like a local. Always frustrated that we cannot buy the shrimp in their store. Huge LA shrimp at 6 bucks a pound and what am I going to do with them on vacation? Nice to know I have their seafood spice in the closet to use as opposed to Old Bay.

We will be there the week after. Commander's for Monday lunch. Take the trolley. No need for a car and after 25 cent martini's you would not want to. R'evolution as a return splurge on Saturday night. Can you clarify what you are looking for? High end, local, Famous Chef?

25 cent martinis are always available M-f regardless of item ordered at lunch. Have hit he 3 limit multiple times but never asked for 4 because who would?

We were there in the summer and the impressions I keep reading about - great to amazing to so well done food, keep getting offset but by what the heck about the service. I agree totally. We loved everything- regardless of price. But the service was so off for the experience that you want to say why did the owners not invest the same effort into the wait staff.. Our post dinner experience was better than dinner. We got the grand tour throughout including the kitchen and hellos to the pastry chef. The finale made the dinner event special.

NOLA dining does not lend itself to 3 squares a day. There is so much that is so good that 3 is tough. We have never been breakfast people so enjoying an early great lunch with a late great dinner has always been our MO. Check out the posts on Felix's economic problems before committing. Based on our last trip, Mr. B's shrimp is all that is cracked up to be and R'evolution delivers. I would highly recommend some research on R'evolution as the room they sit you in may impact your experience. Commander's as a back up on Friday is a pretty good alternative. I am a big fan of Muriel's but have always done dinner. Can't comment on lunch but it's a great room with a great location and the food and service has always been spot on.

Giving a shout out to Rock 'n Bowl. Check the schedule and see if it fits your group but it's a pretty good alternative place. If you can dance and deal with bowling pins- it will be a great night.

Certainly sorry to hear you had a bad experience but there should be some balance. Sunday brunch at Atchafalaya IS busy. Our reservations for noon was honored. Without one we heard quotes of up to 90 minutes It is hot in NOLA in July/August and I can understand not wanting to wait in the sun but not sure that Atchafalaya is responsible for ensuring your wait outside is covered and comped. We were amazed at how busy they were in July so I am not so sure that your disappointment with your experience will translate to a drop in attendance. PS- We ordered the muffins and paid for them- and they were pretty damn good.

They were open when we were there late July but no beer due to license issues and it seemed liked food quality was also severely impacted.
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We put R'evolution into those very special once in a moment restaurants. They are so over the top in everything they do that their hits are amazing but we are just not one of those folks who could have this on a regular attend list as the price of exception is pretty high. I did multiple appetizers for my meal and it was perfect. My wife was thrilled we were not in the back room next to the drying pigs. The room tour was great and each one looks like a great vibe. I will probably do a bar seating and just have Death by Gumbo on a return visit. The dessert box was incredible and were were able to say thank you to the pastry chef during the kitchen tour they gave us. My make your own Bloody Mary experience at Atchafalaya was not great as I am not a tomato juice drinker but I had to do it just because it was there but it was a really nice visit. The pickled veggies were the saving grace. You eat way more fish then we do. My wife likes drum but I eat all things NOLA except the fish. We did a chef's' event with Frank Brigtsen and she had an amazing black drum. Based on your likes, I would recommend you visit his place on a future visit. Our first time was memorable.

I tried to write a review of our week and include as much as I could but your review just blew mine away. We hit many of the same spots but your attention to detail and the true feel for the meal came though so well. Commander's, Domenica, Atchafalaya, R'evolution were all on our list this time. Your experiences mirrored ours in many respects. Muriel's has been a favorite for dinner and it was nice to see a lunch review. We did the Cochon Muff last visit. BBQ left overs from The Joint were the flight choice this time. We love NOLA in the summer and it sounds like you do to. Great review.

Love the Commander's choices and Brigtsen's served us a great meal last time but Death by Gumbo at R'evolution was pretty special. Whole stuffed quail under a rich dark gumbo soup.

Maybe swap Mr B's for Cochon to take advantage of their lunch specials. Unless there is something I am unaware of, Domenica's lunch specials start at 3. We ate there last week and could not eat dinner. Check out the board regarding Felix's -they are in bankruptcy and seem to be suffering. We love Muriel's. Biggest best pork chop I have ever had (more than once).

It was if he had a cell tower next to him. My luck.

It was "off". I have worked in to many kitchens so I know that decision process on whether the item is just ok, on it last legs, or has turned. Someone said, its close but ok but it really was not a good decision to send out in such a nice high quality establishment.

Left off the report my visit to the Sazrarac Bar in The Roosevelt Hotel. Had seen it while walking after our trip to Domenica and wanted to give it a try for the house special even though I don't drink whiskey. Much like my Atchafalayaya experience with Bloody Mary's I wanted to experience what everyone talks about. As my wife was at Harrah's and I would rather eat and drink than gamble, I walked up Canal to give it a go. The drink was actually pretty good although it will be awhile before I develop a real taste. The bar was very busy on a weekday at 11 PM with what seemed to be a heavy expense account crowd. I had the distinct displeasure of sitting next to two open shirt hairy chest guys going full bore on two cougars. For some reason they seemed amused and engaged with watching one guys porn on his cell phone and talk of anal bleaching. Lovely evening at a high class bar. My walk home along Canal was highlighted by a full pick up attempt by a hooker. Gotta love NOLA.

It was a side and I am mad at myself now for not saying something. It was such a nice meal and they were very accommodating throughout the meal and I just wasn't in the mood to complain.

Domenica was very quiet and we were talking to folks we met down there and all agreed that Domenica is not usually crowded at any time.

Finally getting settled from a great week in NOLA. We experienced some old restaurant friends and found some great new ones. Our trip started early from Philly and we went into flexible mode as we were alerted at check in that our connection in Houston was overbooked. Upon arrival we were offered a deal to bump but it was not worth it. After some wait and some negotiation we hit bump gold with $400 credits and only a 2 hour wait. Unfortunately United could only get one of us onto an early next flight so we decided to forgo and head on. A great rep kept working and when we saw him coming down the aisle as the plane was preparing to close the door we knew we were off to a good start.
Arriving in Nola at 3 instead of 1 did not make much of a difference and after check in headed to our first planned meal at Domenica. http://domenicarestaurant.com/restaurant-bar.html. Believe everything you have heard about the Happy Hour. We ate a filling and delicious Tutto Carne- fennel sausage, bacon, salami & cotechino. Combined with an Abita Amber and a 23 oz. Abita AndyGator beer, the whole check was $17. Service was great and people were taking home pizzas all over.
We ate late in the day and just did not have it in us to have dinner.
Wednesday lunch was at Mr. B’s http://www.mrbsbistro.com/menu_slide.php where we had never visited. We arrived at noon and while the restaurant was fairly quiet we were pushed to a back table by the kitchen doors. I did not ask to be re-seated and figured we would keep with our go with the flow attitude. We had a very good server but despite my clear statements that we were in no rush, the meal did feel pushed out too quick. The BBQ shrimp were the reason for going and once assured that they would cut of the heads for my wife’s request, we were good to go. Well done $1.50 martinis were served as ordered and we settled into another wonderful meal. I had the 2 course special and the gumbo did not disappoint and my main of salad was also great. Having Mr. B’s BBQ shrimp for the first time was well worth the wait. Large succulent shrimp in a messy butter spice sauce. The waiter gave us some great tips for places to go at night and despite the slightly rushed aura, an all-around hit.
We spent the afternoon in the Quarter. On our way back to our Warehouse home, we decided to give Manning’s a quick look for Happy Hour. Harrah’s owns it and it is pretty big and during the week we saw it as pretty empty all week. http://www.harrahsneworleans.com/casinos/harrahs-new-orleans/restaurants-dining/mannings-detail.html
Half price beer and selected apps were the special. We ordered Duck wings which were 4 Duck legs. We enjoyed them as well as the small display fry basket of some sort of pork rinds. Dinner was not until 8, so we lingered a while before leaving the mostly empty restaurant.
We headed off that evening to Brigtsen’s which we had also never visited. What a wonderful night. A perfect mix of home like service in a home like setting combined with superb food. We ordered from the $33 dollar 3 course menu and were treated to pure joy. Tough to find a better value in NOLA. A perfect shrimp soup, pork chops, etoufee and jambalaya combined with decadent bread pudding and flan. We ended the night at Rock ‘n Bowl watching a bygone era with swing music and crashing bowling pins in the same room. http://www.rocknbowl.com/
The next day found us heading over the Causeway, 24 miles of bridge across Lake Ponchatrain. We were being totally touristy heading to an alligator farm but stopped in Covington for lunch. Covington looks like a nice little town with a lot of arts stores. Next trip we will definitely explore. Lunch was at a small locals place called Lola’s. You order creatively prepared food from a counter, pay and take your table number back so your server can find you. http://www.lolacovington.com/. I had a tasty bowl of crab soup and half a chicken sandwich (more than enough) and my wife feasted on the LOLA Salad-Mixed greens with blue cheese, candied pecans and house made cranberry vinaigrette. Great food does not have to be pricey and Lola is proof.
Our dinner that night was framed around the question, how much would you pay to have Frank Brigtsen cook a special dinner for you? The answer is $150 at the New Orleans Cooking Experience. We have visited this organization before and had a great time. http://www.neworleanscookingexperience.com/
Over 4 ½ hours, 10 guests were treated to a combination cooking class and conversation with a true NOLA treasure. Frank walked us through his cooking history, style and punctuated it with tips and thoughts on his long storied history. The guests shared their background and knowledge around feely poured wine and beer. Dinner brought out Frank’s upbringing as we dined on pasta and fresh sauce gracing veal parmesan. Some things are hard to price but while an expensive night this truly is a one of a kind experience.
Friday began with our annual pilgrimage to Commander’s Palace for lunch. The adventure began as a deluge descended around 10 am throughout New Orleans. 9 inches of rain fell that day. Roads quickly flooded and our attempt to get to St. Charles was diverted by flood waters. We navigated along Magazine which also had flooding but got there on time. We started with 25 cent martinis (see previous comments- yes they use bottom shelf but hey it is a quarter). http://www.commanderspalace.com/
The Commander’s experience was wonderful as always but if I had any complaint (and it was minor) is that our server was just a bit less than polished. She knew many of the regulars and they knew her but as once a year patrons, her service to us was a bit lacking in the attention that we have often received and expect. The meal began as always with the most buttery garlicky bread around. I had a fabulous pork po’ boy and the gumbo was as remembered.
The rains subsided as we went to another familiar place for dinner- Eat. http://eatnola.com/menus/ a small BYOB. I thoroughly enjoyed their Trio- a cup of gumbo, cup of red beans, one roasted stuffed pepper, and rice served with a side Caesar. My wife’s crayfish pie was also a hit.
Saturday found us along Frenchman Street following a walking tour and we ate at Marigny Brasserie. http://www.marignybrasserie.com/. We had eaten here before and enjoyed it, so all the better when I scored a $3 Restaurant.com coupon worth $25. A pitcher of Mimosa’s , a stellar huge muffaletta , and a shrimp po’boy on a hot day was greatly enjoyed.
Dinner took as to R’evolution. http://www.revolutionnola.com/. I would refer you to the threads going on for this unbelievable one of a kind dining experience. Bring cash but be prepared to be dazzled.
Sunday took us to another new spot- Café Atchafalaya. We thankfully had noon reservations as the wait was 90 minutes when we got there. The air conditioning was strained and great live Jazz music was playing for those inside and at the small bar which was packed with those waiting. We were seated within minutes. I took on a “when in Rome” attitude and ordered a Bloody Mary which is a drink I have never had. The catch here is that they bring you the vodka in a glass and you proceed to a fixin’s bar with pickled veggie’s, 10 or so hot sauces, - lemons, limes, horseradish and other stuff. I know why I don’t like tomato juice but I enjoyed the experience even though it was definitely my last Bloody Mary. I am not a brunch person but added Andouille to my choices. Upon tasting I should have told our good server that it was off and not good. The place was so hectic and crazy and we were totally enjoying the music and the rest of the meal that I just let it go but it was inexcusable on their part. http://www.atchafalayarestaurant.com/
I’m a big baseball fan and we sat front row at the Zephyr’s game that night. We like the guilty pleasure stadium food choices but skipped this time figuring we would pick up a late meal in the Quarter. We ended up at Felix’s and ended up so disappointed as we waded through a meal at what is, for the moment, a dying landmark restaurant. We were (and are) Acme fans but I wanted to give Felix’s a try to evaluate it as we call it in Philly, the Pat’s vs. Geno’s best cheesesteak argument. Suffice it to say it was a disaster.
One day to go and we end up having a late lunch on Canal at Brennan’s Palace Café. Another first time spot and it was quite good. My wife is a hamburger aficionado and she ranked this as one of the best. I took a break and enjoyed a light salad. We did not take advantage of their summer temperature special but for around 9 bucks you could have had what appeared to be a really special lunch.
Our trip is ending and our plans take us to the Bywater area. An amazing local musician- Dana Abbott http://www.reverbnation.com/danaabbot who we have recently befriended sent us to a dive bar BJ’s Lounge http://www.yelp.com/biz/bjs-lounge-new-orleans for some last night music but beforehand we chowed down on superb smoked BBQ at The Joint. http://alwayssmokin.com/ Real smokers churned out superb BBQ which is not a New Orleans staple. Portions were huge and I ended up with my airline lunch as well as more for the trip home.
Tuesday was travel day and we came home exhausted, a bit heavier and still in love with NOLA.

I asked that to the waitress but she clearly said IRS not the state. She seemed to be pretty unhappy as my guess is she figured her witholdings were never sent in but either taken or used to prop up the business.

Sad to say but the answer is in based on our visit Friday. It truly is whatever they can get on the cheap based on our server's reply.

Snapshot review. One of a kind dining experience on many levels. With different dining room "themes" people can get different atmosphere's from more casual to very formal. Food was really, really good. I liked the bread menu choice. The end of meal pastry box was a highlight. The menu is very large and very creative and It will be interesting to see if they can keep it up. Got a great walking tour of entire facility including kitchen after dinner. One item that I can't wrap my hands around is, can a restaurant have to much service. Everyone is always around, cleanig wiping, replacing, checking in. It was like everything, at times a bit overwhelming. Our server was good but was a bit aggressive about constantly trying to add more items to our order. Is this a game changer,? I would say it is certainly one of the the most innovative, creative high end restaurants in the country. A game changer would mean others would follow. I doubt it. There is to much going on at to high a level for more than one or two to even try.
PS. If you don't like eating with a whole pig dry curing in an open fridge next to you, avoid the back dining room.

Pulled into Felix's right before closing last night. We always go to Acme but decided to try it. Should have known there was going to be a problem when I was told they could not sell me an Abita, or any other beer as they lost their license. We ordered a oyster po'Boy which my wife liked and gumbo which was not good. Jambalaya was good as was the red beans and rice on the sampler but etoufee was brutal. Finally asked the waitress how it is possible to lose a license inNOLA. Seems the IRS was a bit unhappy about being stiffed for 400 k. I guess it was good we went since it may be tough to recover.

We have always had a good experience at Muriel's. Beyond well done cuisine, they honor their reservations promptly which my guess is important when dining with a young child. I would not call it fancy but rather upscale. Their interior is really nice and the bar area has a totally different vibe then then the main dining area. A question for you is how does your child hold up over time. Muriel's (and most other nice restaurants) are not time sensitive. We have never been rushed there and have comfortably lingered until they pretty much closed up around us.

We have dined but
once at Cochon and it was just lunch. We were in and out in about an hour.

If you only have a one time chance to set the bar- lunch at Commander's Palace is my vote. There are so many unbelievable options in the summer for lunch but CP is NOLA and you get to compare it to all of your future ventures.

My only thought (in what I hoped was in a humorous way) was that when it's 95-100 degrees outside it's tough to say, it's not the heat but it's the humidity. After totally melting this weekend in New Hope, PA, dealing with NOLA will just be par for the course.

Didn't mean to be snarky but if you have a favorite let'em know. My guess is when you get there they will do their best to accommodate. We are once a year patrons so it's not like they know us, but every visit has been wonderful. Talk to your server or grab any Brennan who is running around. I am sure you will be satisfied.

It ain't the heat- it's the humidity. Totally get that but the weather is so wacky now and I am telling you it's hot enough that no one cares about the humidity argument. Totally tongue in cheek about escaping to NOLA but the difference is not as big as one might think.

Say what you wnat about NOLA in the summer but i cna't wait to get out of the heat and cool down.

Nola- Next 5 Days
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Philadelphia Next 5 Days
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The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.
Mark Twain

http://fainegreenwood.com/2012/05/16/...

I found this article form about 6 weeks ago- is it incorrect?