I've been there a couple of times because 1) it is close to our timeshare and 2) there's always plenty of room. It is decent but I'd go to Mr. B's or the Palace Cafe over Olivier's without hesitation.

Galatoire's is a fine representative of what is the epitome of Creole cuisine, but I think many visitors don't really get it. The food is fairly simple and antiquated.

I would vote for Brigtsen's if you really want the epitome. http://www.brigtsens.com/

Mother's, on the other hand, is simply a tourist trap. You want to go to Bon Ton. No website. Hardly a surprise.

I would strongly consider Rio Mar, Commanders Palace, Bayona. Upperline and Mr B's. You'll have a good time whatever you do.

They are very pricey for New Orleans. Maybe the most expensive in the entire city.

It is a fine restaurant, but one can find a comparable place if one lives in any large metropolitan area of the US.

I tend to spend my money in Haute Creole establishments.

Yes, you ought to have gone back.

Yes, the food is rich (he puts a lot of sugar into most everything)

Yes, a health food place this isn't.

Yes, it is good.

Yes, it is expensive.

Yes, it is worth it.

THE PEARL RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR 119 St. Charles Ave. 525-2901 The mosaic of oysters on the sidewalk outside lets diners know that plenty gulf oysters await them inside. Since the 1920s, Pearl has been serving seafood gumbo of shrimp, crab and okra and crawfish etouffee at this location just beyond the French Quarter. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$

I believe they don't have a website.

I would pick the Bon Ton Cafe or, better still, Mr. B's over Pearl. Both are walking distance from the Courtyard Narriot.

K-Paul's is a great restaurant, the best Cajun restaurant in the world.

He went through a period of extraordinary early success but then had severe health problems and the restaurant floundered in the mid to late 90s. We went there several times during that period and it was uncrowd and inexpensive. No longer. The management of the kitchen has tightened up, the food is more consistent, the crowds are larger and the prices are higher.

You have to understand that this is very unhealthy food with a lot of sugar and fat. And it doesn't look particularly elegant, either. But it is a style you ought to try.

Gosh, this is sweet news. Can't wait to go there on my next visit.

I thought that was pretty weird. I like Herbsaint a lot and frequently recommend it. But I wouldn't put it in the top 5 restaurants in New Orleans. I certainly wouldn't rank it ahead of Bayona, their affiliated restaurant, as an example.

August is a bit over the top, too pricey and not sufficiently Louisiana for me, but that's personal preference. I wouldn't put it in my top 5, but I wouldn't quarrel with those who do.

My mainstay for really late is Coop's.

Here's a link with some pretty good info.

http://www.frenchquarter.com/dining/L...

Verti Mart has wonderful delivery food. It used to be open 24 hours. Post Katrina, I'm not sure.

Prices in New Orleans are quite reasonable. I would suggest that you are well served to not try to eat on the really cheap.

Normally, I would recommend Mr. B's. They aren't open yet but could be by the time you come. I'd check on Bacco's lunch specials. Usually very good and quite reasonable.

And I second the Rio Mar recommendation.

Herbsaint is one of the very best restaurants in New Orleans. I think every time I've been there I see Donald Link on hand in the kitchen. Reasonable prices. Somewhat different approach. Great comfort food. Not touristy. I highly recommend it.