Always have gone to the one Uptown. Great burgers, but they have always allowed us to eat crawfish from the Big Fisherman on their patio. (We were also drinking a great quantity of beer at the time as well..)

Port of Call is great with kids. Also try Mandina's for dinner or Ruby Slipper Cafe for breakfast. They are both a short street car ride away from the Quarter. There are also generally great food booths at the FQF for quick bites. We did this last year for lunch with no complaints or problems from our children.

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Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Port of Call
838 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

Ruby Slipper Cafe
139 S Cortez St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Love mine dressed with a splash of Crystal. With every po-boy type besides sausage. Love creole mustard in lieu of mayonaise on a alligator sausage po-boy. Not sure what wet dressed is......Can only assume roast beef with gravy?

Blue Plate Mayo,Scatchmos Creole Mustard, Camellia Red beans, Hubigs Pies, Crystal or Slap Yo Mama hot sauce, (You can order quite a few of these online) Good luck!

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Blue Plate Cafe
1330 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130

You really got me with this query...Havent posted a lot as of late due to a very full work schedule, but just had to respond. Roman candy at Audubon Park,(Zoo) all summer long! A bag of crawfish from the The Fly at sunset... my first Cream of Nectar snowball with condensed milk at Hansen's....and these are just my childhood favorites over summer/spring. Moving back home this summer and so excited!! My children can enjoy these same experiences on a regular basis!! I absolutely know what it means to Miss New Orleans and Im headed home ASAP!

If you like good burgers, try Beach Corner Lounge on Canal. It is a great neighborhood bar/restaurant. Love Mandinas, Ralphs (And pretty much everything on nomadchowwomans list) For breakfast, I like the Ruby Slipper Cafe. Enjoy your time in NOLA!

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Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Beach Corner Lounge
4905 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Ruby Slipper Cafe
139 S Cortez St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Coming from a mother of 5, I have numerous suggestions NOLA restaurants that are great for children. Of your original suggestions, Jacquest Imos is just fine for children for dinner. CP, Galatoires, and Restaurant August are places I have taken my children for lunch, but never for dinner.(Not to say you shouldnt take your little one, I just have not done so) Try Dick and Jennys or Mandinas for dinner. You will not be dissapointed in either and the little one will be pleased as well. Another one of my favorites (i have seen lots of kids here) is Dante's Kitchen. Wonderful food and atmosphere. Good luck!

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Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Restaurant August
301 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

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

Dante's Kitchen
736 Dante Street, New Orleans, LA 70118

My hubby LOVES Nor Joes

On Saturday, I would grab a po boy, although for time constraints, it may be best not to come all the way into the city if you are heading to plantation country. There is an Acme at the airport, but I cannot vouch for it, as I have nver tried it. On Sunday, would probably try Felixs in lieu of Acme. If you happen to go with Acme at the airport, try Mandinas on Sunday (or this would work for Tuesday lunch as well) Italian-Creole food and one of my favorites. On Sunday night, I would try Muriels for romantic atmosphere. NOLA is very loud and open, but still good. Bon Ton over Dragos, hands down. I agree with Sazerac Bar and Carousel Bar for anniversary cocktails, but also consider The Columns Hotel on St. Charles AVel. If it is a nice day, you can sit outside and enjoy the ambiance. There are a lot of great and casual spots Uptown as well that are an easy cab or streetcar ride away. Will you have a car?

That is a tough call-these two are some of the best, but most underrated restaurants in NOLA IMO. Saras has more of an Indian/Mediterean fell and is a bit more funky in both atmosphere and menu. If you do chose Sara's try the Shrimp Vindaloo. Bistro Daisy has a bit more of a lmited menu, but is still wonderful and the lamb shank in yummy! If you have to pick one-I am going to go with Sara's. It is definetly a very unique restaurant for NOLA, and will give you a new spin on some traditional favorites. Luke v. Le Crepe Nanou? Luke, for me, but you won't go wrong either way. LCN has a great atmosphere and the food is good as well. Hope this helps.

I really doubt they will be affected by a singular posting on CH, but I do plan to post on the NOLA board as well as well as other sites extolling the virtues of the cuisine at DK. In fact, the Chefs email turned my experience into a positive one, simply by acknowledging that there was a problem and that it will never happen again. I still don't understand why they delete-but the best thing about CH boards is the ability to express your opinions as you see them. No worries. Sometimes a good verbal sparring gets the blood flowing. Have a great weekend.

It was the Saturday after New Year. I could reasonably see why he may have been on vacation etc. due to the time of year or simply in house but unaware of the situation.

I RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM CHEF LOUBIER!!!! I truly wish I could cut and paste his response to reference here. He apologized for the events that occurred and as you suspected apparently there was another chef at the helm that evening who displayed the narcisschef tendencies. He stated that there is no such thing as a no sub rule at Dante's Kitchen and apologizes that our dining experience was marred by this thoughtless behavior. Perhaps I reacted prematurely, but am absolutely thrilled that I can, in good conscience, visit DK on my next trip home. He closed by stating, "Thank you for letting me know about your experience in the hopes that we can get better at or professikon and grow from fixing our mistakes" WOW! I will be back!

I sent an email to the address listed on the business card,(Both Chef and GM have the same email listed) so I will absolutely let everyone know what the response is. I hope it was a serious miscommunication, but either way I will have clarification as to exactly what transpired. I have not posted on any other site but CH, and was interested to see what response I get. I respectfully disagree that I had malicious intent to rant or to trash the place, but I suppose the beauty of these boards is the ability of fellow CH to state their honest opinion, no matter how brutal.

Agreed. We had reciprocal benefits from another club, but I never saw more than a handful of people there when it was private. It was always a lot of fun and hopefully they will bring that back.

Looking at my review I transposed a few of the days, but our time was so full of activity, it was hard to review to get it all in and to remember in which order it was done!

Blue Plate Mayo, andouille, boudin,Gumbo crabs, mirlitons, creole tomatos, hubigs pies (VERY PERISHABLE), Crystal Hot Sauce, Camellia Beans, Crawfish Tails, Shrimp, Zapps chips, Abita or Dixie beer, etc. I would check out the Crescent City Farmer's Market for some wonderful local produce and seafood. I just picked up some Uncle Bill's File Powder, which was hand ground and sooo fresh. He is usually at the Saturday Market, up by Tulane. We were home for New Years, and bought all this and more. We drove in, but I usually cram a small cooler full of these items.

We came back home for the holidays and had an absolutely fabulous time. We arrived at around lunchtime on Monday, and headed straight to Parkway. I have never seen that place as crowded as it was on this particular day. We had the oyster, RB, and the kids split a turkey po boy. Barqs rootbeer and sweet potato fries all around, and was all as good as always. We had to sit outside and it was quite chilly, so we scarfed down our food and headed to the Roosevelt to check in. The lobby was absolutely beautiful, although more asthetically pleasing and not as whimsical as I remembered as a child. We had some hot chocolate at Teddy's Cafe, and went to our room to relax. For dinner, we headed to Madina's, where again, there was a serious wait. Luckily we ran into some old friends, and that, paired with sazeracs for us, and shirley temples for the kids (sugar placated them for the hour wait) The veal parm and red beans and rice were simple but as good as always. I can also never say no to the onion rings and that crispy french bread. The dining room was absolutely bustling, so my children who were now on a sugar high, were not out of place with everyone very jovial, relaxed, in a celebratory mood, and most importantly LOUD. After dinner, we enjoyed cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe Du Monde, (more sugar was probably not necessary) and then returned to the hotel to collapse for the evening. On Tuesday, we went to Louisana Pizza Kitchen on Carrolton for lunch. The portabella pizza and fettiucine alfredo with chicken were good. Thus far on the trip, we were keeping it simple, kid-friendly, and close to my parents house. We headed over to the zoo and had Roman Candy for dessert. My 2 year old did not really get the concept of the Roman Candy and tried to bite if off in hunks, but the other kids absolutely love it. I always am taken back to childhood when I see that cart! Later in the evening we headed to Celebration In The Oaks at City Park, and it was FREEZING!! We rode the train, played in Storyland, saw Mr. Bingle, rode a few rides and headed out to dinner at 5 Happiness. The Kung Pao chicken was great and my children managed to deplete their supply of "pin wheel" straws from the bar. All-in all, another simple, but wonderful day in NOLA. We did not eat breakfast, but left the hotel early to get to Port of Call to avoid the wait. Lucky for us, we were the first wave in and managed to get our food within 15 minutes or so. Those burgers were the stuff of dreams that day, as it had been a long while since I have been there. I ordered a monsoon, but after two sips, realized that I was somewhat buzzed and their was NO WAY I could attempt to finish it. We went to the WWII Museum (the 4-D movie was wonderful) The Art Museum to see the Disney Exhibit, and to Audubon Park to let off steam and allow the kids to run around. We brought our sitter with us, so we had a reservation at Brigtsens for a group of friends. We all shared the Shrimp Remoulade, and both my husband and I had the duck. Hands down, I have never had a better duck dish in my life. The duck itself was moist and flavorful and paired with the cornbread stuffing it was heavenly. We headed to the Library Lounge at the Ritz for cocktails and cigars for the gentlemen. We have a membership but were informed that after the first of the year, it will no longer be a private club, but open to the public. Not sure if anyone else remembers, but that place used to pack them in when Chris McMillian was at the helm. I hope they can do it again, because everytime we visited the Lounge, it was damn near deserted. The drinks are always well crafted and strong, and the bartenders very friendly. We ended the night with a nightcap at the Sazerac Bar, which suprisingly was not terribly crowded.
NEW YEARS EVE!!! We rested all day and husband and I had a couples massage at the Guerlin Spa at the Roosevelt. That was an absolutely first class experience with champagne, strawberries, and a decadent room with a rainforrest shower. This was all to prep for the night that I knew was to come. I would highly recommend this spa to absolutely everyone. One of the best Spa experience I have had. After getting room service for the kids (not the best at the Roosevelt unfortunately)and met our friends at the Sazerac Bar. The hotel was absolutely glistening on this night. Everyone looked so stunning in black tie and ball gowns and I was transported back to another time and another place. We headed to a private party where it all became VERY blurry.
On Friday, we had Domenica delivered to our room for lunch. The wood-fired pizza was wonderful, but I was not a huge fan of the pasta. No fault of the restaurant, but to-go is never the same as the dining experience. We will most definetly try Domenica when back in town again. Did more fun child friendly activities all day, and had a dinner reservation at Dante's Kitchen. Was so excited, and have heard so many wonderful things. The food at DK was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!! From the maple and butter drizzled spoon bread, to the beet salad and our entrees of mussel and clam panzetta, and the roasted brick chicken (glazed with a maple sauce that made my mouth tingle) Unfortunately, we had an awkward experience when we requested a dressing change on the wedge salad. (I posted this experience on the NOT ABOUT FOOD BOARD) But the food was one of the best meals of my life, and was dissapointed that the experience not exactly what I had hoped. The Pumpin Spice Cake was a wonderful dessert as well. We went to CURE NOLA for a few cocktails and finished our night off at The Club aka Miss Mae's. On Saturday, we had Guy's Po Boys, which while not as good as PArkway IMO were still good. I was dissapointed that they did not have oyster, but the shrimp was pretty good. The place was packed so we ate in the park and had even more Roman Candy. That night we ate at Grand Isle, which was much improved since my last visit. They have improved their menu and the staff was very friendly. The kids enjoyed the Saints Pep Rally on Fulton Street, as well as Harrahs Gingerbread display and snow covered trees. Overall, a wonderful ,wonderful trip, chock full of friends, family, and fantastic food. Everytime I come home I beg my husband to move back. Posting on this board always keeps me close to home and close to my heart. HappY New Year to all!!

Unequivocally Brigtsens! I am hungry just dreaming about it!

Will do. I hesitated to post this on NOLA board as it is my mother and sister's favorite restaurant and they go there ALOT. Work has been crazy and this is my first post since summer. I miss home so much that it always helps to post on the NOLA board!

I obviously did not make myself clear. The entrees were wonderful. Hands down. I never expect a chef to chat up my table or make me feel at home. At DKThe cuisine is down-home, hand crafted and not an upscale and fussy enviroment. Directly across the street the food is upscale, but the chef is accomodating and makes you feel good about the experience thus creating a first class experience. there are so many factors that go into an experience in a restaurant, and odd comments, server pow-wows that you overhear and a chefs refusal for a miniscule change do not provide this experience. I don't expect a friendly chef, but this is a customer service driven business. Keep the patrons happy and they keep on coming. Again, this was a salad. Nothing else. I appreciate the time that goes into creating a menu and putting together complimentary tastes, but this went too far. Hope this clarifies. I simply will not patronize a restaurant that puts itself out there as down home and friendly and then refuses to change a salad dressing. This is equivalent to asking for margarine in lieu of butter. This sort of change does not effect the integrity of the dish in any way, shape or form.

I have absolute respect for artistic integrity so to speak, but a wedge salad is a wedge salad. I would never request that a chef change a well crafted dish to my specific tastes, as I feel that would be insulting. But a salad dressing? C'mon!

I have shown my husband these posts and had a few more notes of clarification. When the salad arrived, the stilton was on the side. Waiter again stated he could not give us another dressing. My husband stopped the bartender (perhaps a busboy) and requested the rasberry dressing. This person then came back with the beet salad I ordered and no dressing. Finally, I gave the beet salad to my husband and ate the wedge with the stilton myself as I love stilton. By the time they brought out olive oil for the dressing substitution with a miniscule amount of vinegar we were both done with the appetizer course. I will also note this is a very intimate dining spot, and our neighbor received the same beet salad with twice the beets!!! I am assuming we truly pissed this guy off with our requests. The entrees (A mussel and clam panzetta and a chicken under a brick smothered in an amazing pecan maple sauce and served with hash and a farm fried egg) were ABOLUTELY DELECTABLE!! This is why I had such difficulty with my complaints. This restaurant (For those who may be interested) is called Dante's Kitchen. The chef, Emmanuel Loubier is a veteran of Commanders Palace and I believe opened up this spot about 5 or 6 years ago. My experience is so far off base from what I have heard about Dante's Kitchen, so perhaps chef was having a bad night. I will say there is a fabulous restaurant directly across the street (Brigtsens) while at a bit of a higher price point, is warm, accomodating, and a first class experience. Chef Frank visited with all tables while we were there and truly loves his job and wants his clientele to be pleased. Our waiter and the front of the house staff were friendly at DK, minus the odd exchange at the bar (about 2 feet from my table) discussing the dressing issue. and how chef was angry etc. I guess the genteman who eventually came to drop off the oil and virtually no vinegar dressing was being chastised for doing so. Although I absolutely LOVED the cuisine, we will not be back again. Absolutely no excuse for this type of ridiculous behavior. A wedge is a wedge is a wedge is a wedge. Many places I know serve wedges with a vingarette dressing and bleu cheese crumbles, so I still am flabbergasted. If you are in New Orleans and on Dante Street, try Brigtsens. Wonderful food...friendly chef... and a great wine list. It too is very quaint and you will feel like you are being cooked for by a personal friend.

Good to know we are not the only ones. I was tempted to get up and walk out at that point as well as there is a wonderful restaurant two steps away where the Chef is incredible and does not sport the prima donna attitude. I think you are right-I will post. This experience is so off base from anything my friends or family have said but ridiculous nonetheless. I can bet others have been in this same situation. Thanks again

We recently were home in New Orleans for the holidays and decided to try a restaurant that everyone absolutely raves about. I have heard nothing but positive feedback about the excellent food and wonderful dining experience. This restaurant is in the mid-price point and serves local, casual fare. My husband and I are both avid foodies and adventurous eaters and dine in numerous 5 star restaurants throughout the country. We will eat anything-with the exception of his one dislike---Stilton Cheese! When reviewing the menu, we came across 3 salads. A wedge salad with a stilton cheese dressing, a snap pea salad with a rasberry vinagarette, and a beet salad with a balsalmic dressing. I chose the beet salad, and he chose the Wedge, but requested the raspberry vinagarette in lieu of the stilton. The waiter came back to our table a few minutes later and stated that the chef requested that my husband order the snap pea salad if he wished for the rasberry dressing and that he would not put that particular dressing on the wedge. We were both floored and my husband asked them to put the stilton on the side and to send out an oil and vinegar mix. The salads came out, with stilton dressing on side, but no oil and vinegar. Waiter again stated that the chef would only servce the stilton with the wedge salad. What do you say at this point? The waiter apologized about chef's behavior, and a few minutes later all of the waiters had a 10 minute powwow about the fact that my husband would not eat the stilton. I found this very odd and although our entrees were outstanding, (some of the best we have had) Im not sure how to handle this. The chef is the owner of the restaurant, and I thought about dropping an email discussing our experience. I understand the temperment and creativity that goes into a meal of this caliber, but IMO a dressing exchange was certainly not worth this odd and very embarrassing exchange that took place. How would you handle this? Would you contact the GM, the chef directly, or post reviews about this on dining websites? I was at a loss and so dissapointed as we loved the place other than the chef's behavior. Were we out of line here?

I am in the same boat you are-a native living outside of New Orleans. I plan on making a big pot of gumbo and serving a king cake I purchased at Rouses when I was home last week. It is realllly cold where I am so I think gumbo is the answer for us. I looked into it as well, consulting the internet and books but can come up with nothing that constitutes a traditional Twelth Night meal. I know we were always at a party, and so many things were served. Hope this helps! Happy Mardi Gras!

I like the Ritz, Cure NOLA, or Bar Uncommon. You can't go wrong with any of these.

Will this budget include alcohol or will that be a separate tab?

I would recommend Clancy's for a great solo dining experience. Sit at the bar and join in the exuberant and almost "party like" atmosphere. The food is great to boot.

We have 5 children and have taken them to many upscale restaurants in NoLA including Commander's Palace for brunch, Bayona, Emeril's and Brigtsen's. Dick and Jenny's has a children's menu and fabulous "grown-up" food. Many restaurant's are child friendly, especially for a well behaved 4 year old. I have found that either outdoor dining, lunch/brunch times, or an early dinner are best for a little one.